Part of the three for of the new Japanese release is the Unit Card pack. This set is the normal supplement to the book release and contains all the units and formations listed in that tomb. This he set copes in the usual cardboard box holding all the cards. It is of the same high quality, as the earlier cards in high gloss, with plenty of nice graphics.
The set starts with the normal force card. This shows all the various companies that are represented in the set. For the army, this includes the Chi Ha, Chi Ro and Ha Go tank companies. The army is filled out with the normal infantry company. In addition to the army, we have the navy units. This these include an armed Ka Mi company (I guess I need to paint mine now) and a Naval Infantry company. You then get the list of support units on the back side.
The full set of cards then covers all the different platoons and support for each company and the support options. Like the book, you get the generic listing for each unit. The set gives you “most” what you to field a mid war Japanese force.
Starting with the tank units, each has a company and platoon card. These are supplemented by light recon assets. Specifically. the TK and Te-Ke. This covers the majority of armored forces one would expect to see. The Chi Ha also includes the Shinato version. This will probably be over represented on the tabletop by competitive players, but it is nice to include them. All these vehicles are support in nature, due to their poor guns and low armor. However, they are cheap, so expect some swarms! There are also the mid war monster options. As mentioned in the book review, I am not a huge fan of these. I think the Ho Ni is OK, as it does see action later in the war and gives listings, should players use this book for that period, while waiting for a late war version of the Japanese lists!
The army infantry cards give you the base troops and support elements. Interestingly, all the units have average morale of, but with a better last stand of three. I think what will make them stand out is the new Banzai rules, as they are not exactly fire heavy in their stats. The poorer save for charges is reflected on the cards, so it is not something that has to be remembered. The gun sections do have the rapid fire rule, which is nice, but only two guns a section is not too hard to silence.
The Naval infantry is similar to the army in organization and stats. The only difference I caught on first glance was the better morale (3+ regular and 2+ last stand). In addition, there are couple of AA option cards. The 20mm is as one would expect (no 14.5mm) and the 75mm AA, which has a little bit of punch (AT 10). I suspect this will make a showing in a number of lists, to help with the anti armor.
The support options include both 75mm and 105mm artillery. Nothing special here, just Japanese versions of the common artillery. There is the normal observer (none in a vehicle) and the Zero for air support. This has pretty basic stats and is not going to scare too many AFVs, but it is a fighter after all!
All in all, a nice set that gives the player what they need to field both Japanese army and navy basic ground forces. If you are into the cards (and don’t want to just use the army builder), it is a nice pick up.
- Manteuffel