Battlestations: Pacific/Japanese Warships

Unlike the previous game, nearly all units are playable. The few that are not are units like the Daihatsu LCP. Considering the rarity of completely non-playable units, they are grouped in with the regular units.

The IJN ships have received some facelifts since the previous game, in particular the Minekaze-class and, to a lesser extent, the Kuma-class.

Gyoraitei
The Gyoraitei is the Japanese PT boat, and it has received a lot of love since Midway. The Japanese have apparently decided raw power was still the way to go with the Gyoraitei, but that going with the cannon wasn't worth it. Replacing the forward machine gun and the big cannon with two triple machine guns, the Gyoraitei now has a bigger fighting chance against other Elcos. The accuracy of these weapons isn't the greatest, however, and is most prevalent when it comes to attacking aircraft. As a result its effectiveness against aircraft is somewhat limited. Any competent pilot can handle a Gyoraitei easily.

Its other upgrade has been the addition of two torpedo tubes, bringing its effectiveness, again, closer to that of the Elco. The Gyoraitei also has a reasonable capture rate, and is good for sailing around in Island Capture maps to quickly capture bases. Considering its low command point cost, several of these can be sent around the map to quickly claim bases.

Official Description: ''The Japanese have a variety of small coastal vessels that provide a similar role to the US Elco PT boat. The Japanese versions are not as fast or manoeuvrable as the Elco, but they do mount two 25mm guns that packs a punch against lightly armoured surface targets. In addition they also mount machine guns, depth charges, and torpedoes, meaning they can pose a threat to any target.''

Minekaze-class
The Minekaze, and its American counterpart, the Clemson, have both received some upgrades since Midway. Its primary armament has remained unchanged, but its cannons are now dual-purpose, to make it more effective against aircraft. Needless to say, however, there are other ships that are much better against aircraft, but the Minekaze's effectiveness as an escort has increased considerably.

Against other ships, it is grossly under-armed. It lacks the number of guns of neither the Fletcher nor the Fubuki. However, it still has its six torpedo tubes, arranged in three double-mounts, making it a threat to any ship in close range. Don't even bother using your smaller cannons against battleships. Instead, try to charge into a position to bring torpedoes to bear. This will, at the very least, draw some fire away from the larger warships, and give them a chance against your heavier opponent.

Official Description: ''These ships were among the first to be completely designed and built by the Japanese, who had previously been using foreign designs and manufacturers, Entering the IJN as "first-class destroyers", the Minekaze-class are considerably outdated now and have many shortcomings, including the small number of guns they carry, the fact they are open-mounted and have no armour protection, and very light AA armament. However, they do mount triple torpedo launchers, making them a dangerous proposition for any large ship.''

Fubuki-class
The Fubuki-class destroyer remains virtually unchanged from Midway. Its speed, armour, and weapons remain remarkably similar from Midway. It is a common destroyer and superior to the Minekaze-class in all respects. Its guns are uniquely positioned in that there is only a single bow-mounted cannon and two at the back. This gives it a slight edge when running, especially from other destroyers.

Armed with dual-purpose guns, it is a potent anti-aircraft platform, although the new Akizuki-class destroyer gives it a run for its money. The Akizuki-class notably lacks significant torpedo armament, however, making the Fubuki a better ship when facing off against heavier enemies that would shrug off destroyer fire.

Official Description: ''The Fubuki-class was the first modern destroyer design. Entering service in 1928, her twin 5" mounts located in enclosed turrets and her triple torpedo launchers gave her firepower far greater firepower than any other ship of her size at the time. Since then, other destroyer designs have appeared that can match the Fubuki-class, most notably the American Fletcher-class. Nevertheless, these are still versatile and useful ships, and their dual-purpose 5" guns give them a potent defence against attacking aircraft.''

Shimakaze-class
Your eyes do not deceive you - the Shimakaze-class destroyer has a whopping 15 torpedoes, arranged in three 5-mounts. This, naturally, gives them unparalleled attacking power on the waves, and can saturate an area with torpedoes with extreme ease. This, coupled with their speed (just 5 knots slower than a patrol boat) makes them extremely deadly when not spotted. Some players describe them as a "glass cannon" - capable of dishing out damage with 15 rapid-firing torpedoes, but unable to take damage being a destroyer. In fact, it seems to have a little less armour than the Fubuki-class. However, if you need a ship to deliver the coup de grâce against an enemy battleship, the Shimakaze-class will serve you perfectly. So long as another battleship is present to draw fire away from the vulnerable Shimakazes, the Shimakaze will sink practically any ship with a few well-placed torpedoes.

In terms of fighting other destroyers, its prowess isn't the greatest but it can still hold its own. Its artillery armament is identical to that of the Fubuki, although it seems to lack armour. In a destroyer-vs-destroyer fight, consider it a faster Fubuki-class and treat it as such. Be on the lookout, however, for a gigantic school of torpedoes heading your way. Use your destroyer's agility and small size to rush quickly on the Shimakaze whilst dodging its torpedoes.

Its high speed can also allow it to chase down submarines with ease. In terms of sub-hunting, its attacking power is no greater than that of a Fubuki, although submarine captains must be aware of the large number of torpedoes the Shimakaze has and should avoid at all costs surfacing near one's broadside.

Obtain a silver medal in Mission 9 - Solomons' Skirmish to unlock this swift torpedo destroyer.

Official Description: ''The Shimakaze was one of the largest and most powerful destroyers in the Japanese arsenal. In addition to its heavy weaponry and large number of torpedoes, the ship had a large, high-temperature and high-pressure steam engine, capable of reaching extremly [sic] high speeds. The ship lacks armour, similar to the other destroyers, but it can quickly chase down all other combatants.''

Akizuki-class
The Akizuki-class is a newcomer to the Battlestations series. At first glance, it appears to be an improved Fubuki-class, sporting more powerful dual-purpose guns, and more of them. However, a few fair points need to be made; most notably, Akizuki has done away almost entirely with torpedoes. This means that Akizuki has very little to respond with if engaged by any ship larger than a light cruiser. It also means that it is more effective in the anti-aircraft and anti-destroyer role than other ships of its stature.

When at the helm of an Akizuki-class destroyer, your strength - especially when pitted against other destroyers - will be the sheer number of cannons you can employ against your opponents. Try to fight them at a distance to reduce the effectiveness of your opponents' torpedo attacks.

The Akizuki is an unlockable unit, and can be unlocked by completing Mission 4 - Saving the Shōhō with a silver medal.

Official Description: ''The Akizuki Class is one of the newest inventions of the Japanese Navy, along with the destroyer Shimakaze. The first ship of the class was comissioned in 1942, right in the middle of the war, and is regarded as one of the best destroyers of the Japanese Navy. Akizuki Class destroyers had excellent speed, manoeuvrability, and advanced weapon systems. Uniquely for Japanese destroyers, instead of the standard 5" guns these ships has [sic] 3.9" mounts in four turrets, and the guns had a very fast rate of fire along with extreme fire angles - they are able to fire from +90 to -10 degrees. This makes them a very good anti-air destroyers, capable of defending fleets from aerial attacks. Their only drawback is the inclusion of only four torpedo tubes.''

Agano-class
The second newcomer to the Imperial Japanese navy, the Agano-class is an upgrade to the Kuma. It sports larger guns and is more in line with contemporary cruisers than Kuma, but its weapons system is still behind that of Cleveland and Atlanta.

Compared to Kuma, Agano has several clear advantages, most notably being more effective against aircraft than Kuma. This ship's cannons aren't the strongest, so try instead to close into torpedo range and torpedo the living daylights out of heavier opponents. Use your cannons against ships weaker than yourself.

Official Description: ''The Agano Class was originally descigned to be an agile and lightly armoured destroyer squadron leader. This class was intended to replace the old and obsolete Kuma Class cruisers. The Agano Class wasn't able to match the original specifications in terms of armour and weight, so the final ship had reduced armour protection which was only able to defeat 5" projectiles. One of the turrets was also removed to save costs, and torpedo batteries were installed instead. Compared to their Allied counterparts, these ships are lightly armoured and under-gunned, but their additional torpedo weaponry could turn the tide of a battle against a stronger opponent.''