Pearl Harbor (wargame)

Pearl Harbor (wargame) refers to a number of wargames, both board and computer-based, that simulate the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941. These games typically focus on strategic and tactical aspects of the battle, allowing players to explore alternative outcomes and strategies for both the attackers and defenders.

The scale of these wargames varies widely. Some are strategic-level games, focusing on the overall planning and execution of the attack, including resource management, naval deployments, and intelligence gathering. These games often incorporate elements of grand strategy, allowing players to influence the broader Pacific Theater of World War II.

Other wargames are tactical-level, focusing on the specific actions of individual ships, aircraft, and units during the attack itself. These games emphasize the maneuvering of combat assets, the accuracy of weapons systems, and the effectiveness of defensive measures like anti-aircraft fire and damage control. Tactical games might simulate individual dogfights, bombing runs, or the sinking of specific ships.

Common features found in Pearl Harbor wargames include:

• Historical Accuracy: Many games strive for historical accuracy in representing the forces involved, their capabilities, and the overall context of the attack. This includes details like the types of aircraft and ships used, the number of planes in each wave of the attack, and the layout of Pearl Harbor.
• Asymmetrical Gameplay: The Japanese and American forces possess significantly different strengths and weaknesses. The Japanese player typically focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of their surprise attack, while the American player must react to the attack and attempt to minimize damage and mount a defense.
• "What If?" Scenarios: Some wargames allow players to explore alternative scenarios, such as what might have happened if the US Pacific Fleet had been at sea, if the American defenses had been more alert, or if the Japanese attack had included a land invasion.
• Turn-Based or Real-Time Gameplay: Depending on the game, gameplay may be turn-based, where players alternate making moves, or real-time, where actions unfold continuously. Strategic-level games are often turn-based, while tactical-level games can be either turn-based or real-time.

The subject of the attack on Pearl Harbor is a sensitive one, and wargames depicting it often emphasize the historical context and the human cost of the conflict. The goal is typically to provide an engaging and informative gaming experience that also encourages reflection on the events of that day.