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Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific
Decision Games (I) · 2007
2180 min12+ yrs2.4/5 complexity6.2 BGG#22.146 BGG272CouplesStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific?
The primary objective for the American player is to eliminate all Japanese units from the map by the end of Turn 10. If they succeed, they win. Conversely, the Japanese player wins if they manage to keep at least one unit on the map by the end of Turn 10. There is also a possibility of a sudden death victory for the American player if all Japanese forces are eliminated before a specific early turn.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
The Japanese player sets up all their forces on the map first, with some units designated for specific historical zones and others for fog of war. American forces enter the map division by division from the north and south edges.
The rules, step by step
Setup
The game begins with the Japanese player deploying all their units across the map. Some Japanese units are historically placed in specific zones like Nichols Airfield and Fort McKinley, while others can be freely deployed. For an opposed game, Japanese units are initially placed face down to represent fog of war. American forces then enter the map, with the 11th Airborne Division entering from the south edge and the 1st Cavalry, 37th Infantry, and 14th Corps entering from the north, with the 14th Corps entering last. Stacking limits are two counters per hex, except for the 14th Corps, which can stack with other divisions.
Objective
The primary objective for the American player is to eliminate all Japanese units from the map by the end of Turn 10. If they succeed, they win. Conversely, the Japanese player wins if they manage to keep at least one unit on the map by the end of Turn 10. There is also a possibility of a sudden death victory for the American player if all Japanese forces are eliminated before a specific early turn.
On your turn
Each game turn in 'Manila '45' represents three days of combat. The sequence of play involves phases for reinforcements, movement, and combat. All units, except for fixed Japanese units, have a movement allowance of 16 spaces. Defensive fire is a key mechanic, allowing units to roll for combat when an enemy unit moves adjacent to them.
Scoring
The game does not feature a point-based scoring system. Victory is a clear-cut condition: either the American player eliminates all Japanese units, or the Japanese player successfully holds out with at least one unit remaining on the map until the game's conclusion.
Game end
The game concludes at the end of Turn 10. However, a sudden death victory condition exists for the American player: if they eliminate all Japanese units before a specific early turn (e.g., Turn 5), they win immediately. Historically, the battle was a brutal urban conflict, and the game reflects this by making it challenging for the Americans to clear out entrenched Japanese forces.
Tips
Japanese units benefit significantly from defensive bonuses when occupying urban hexes, heavy structures, or rubble, making them difficult to dislodge. Units with less than 10 firepower may struggle to inflict damage against well-defended targets. American players should prioritize using close assault units and flamethrower DMRs (which provide a -2 modifier to combat rolls) to overcome these defensive advantages. Strategic use of air support and artillery, especially after General MacArthur rescinded his 'no bombing' order, is crucial for breaking Japanese strongholds. Additionally, American forces may need to utilize bridge-laying units to cross rivers like the Pasig, as Japanese forces can demolish bridges to impede advancement.
game anatomy
Complexity2.4 / 5
BGG rating6.2 / 10
Vibe
CouplesStrategy
Language dependence
Moderate text — a crib sheet helps
Play time
180 min
Players
2
Recommended age
12+ yrs
BGG rank
#22.146
from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective for the American player is to eliminate all Japanese units from the map by the end of Turn 10. If they succeed, they win. Conversely, the Japanese player wins if they manage to keep at least one unit on the map by the end of Turn 10. There is also a possibility of a sudden death victory for the American player if all Japanese forces are eliminated before a specific early turn.
Q2How do you set up the game?
The game begins with the Japanese player deploying all their units across the map. Some Japanese units are historically placed in specific zones like Nichols Airfield and Fort McKinley, while others can be freely deployed. For an opposed game, Japanese units are initially placed face down to represent fog of war. American forces then enter the map, with the 11th Airborne Division entering from the south edge and the 1st Cavalry, 37th Infantry, and 14th Corps entering from the north, with the 14th Corps entering last. Stacking limits are two counters per hex, except for the 14th Corps, which can stack with other divisions.
Q3How does a turn work?
Each game turn in 'Manila '45' represents three days of combat. The sequence of play involves phases for reinforcements, movement, and combat. All units, except for fixed Japanese units, have a movement allowance of 16 spaces. Defensive fire is a key mechanic, allowing units to roll for combat when an enemy unit moves adjacent to them.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
The game does not feature a point-based scoring system. Victory is a clear-cut condition: either the American player eliminates all Japanese units, or the Japanese player successfully holds out with at least one unit remaining on the map until the game's conclusion.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes at the end of Turn 10. However, a sudden death victory condition exists for the American player: if they eliminate all Japanese units before a specific early turn (e.g., Turn 5), they win immediately. Historically, the battle was a brutal urban conflict, and the game reflects this by making it challenging for the Americans to clear out entrenched Japanese forces.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Japanese units benefit significantly from defensive bonuses when occupying urban hexes, heavy structures, or rubble, making them difficult to dislodge. Units with less than 10 firepower may struggle to inflict damage against well-defended targets. American players should prioritize using close assault units and flamethrower DMRs (which provide a -2 modifier to combat rolls) to overcome these defensive advantages. Strategic use of air support and artillery, especially after General MacArthur rescinded his 'no bombing' order, is crucial for breaking Japanese strongholds. Additionally, American forces may need to utilize bridge-laying units to cross rivers like the Pasig, as Japanese forces can demolish bridges to impede advancement.
Q7How much does Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific cost?
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Q8Where can I buy Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific cheapest?
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Q9How do you play Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific?
Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific is a wargame game, for 2 players, taking ~180 minutes, featuring hexagon grid. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific support?
Manila '45: Stalingrad of the Pacific is played by 2 players.
Mechanics & categories