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.''

Kuma-class
A relative predecessor to the Agano-class, the Kuma-class is nowhere near up to standards with many similar US vessels. The class itself is the weakest Japanese cruiser class due to its lack of AA cover, so a good idea is to pair it with vessels which are better suited to fighting off air attacks.

The torpedo tubes are also fairly useful, allowing you to engage ships the Kuma would otherwise be outclassed by. Use this to your advantage and pair it with destroyers to form 'wolf packs' to hunt larger ships by quickly speeding into range and firing large volleys of torpedoes before fleeing.

Official Description: ''These light cruisers are rather long in the tooth now, having joined the IJN in the early 1920s. They are somewhat obsolete, and this is especially noticeable in the small number of AA guns they carry, which makes them particularly vulnerable to air attack. Nevertheless, the 5.5" guns they carry fire a heavier shell than the US 5" guns, and this gives them an edge in a fire fight with other destroyers or light cruisers. They also carry a good number of torpedo launchers for engaging larger ships.''

Mogami-class
Both the Mogami and the Takao are very capable warships and, are for most intents and purposes, nearly interchangeable. The upgrade to the Tone-class remains a matter of what you intend to go for. While the Mogami and the Takao have a lot more cannons, as well as a lack of a blind spot, the Tone has a few additional tricks up its sleeve when dealing with enemy submarines.

In terms of anti-aircraft power, the Mogami has respectable anti-aircraft potential, and can seriously hamper any attempted air attack on its escorts. While not as effective as the dedicated Atlanta-class, it is far more versatile in that it can strike enemy ships with equal effectiveness. The most reliable way to sink a Mogami-class cruiser is underwater.

Official Description: ''These heavy cruisers were built in the mid-1930s, and were in gross violation of the London Naval Treaty, which specified a maximum tonnage of 10,000 for any new heavy cruisers. They have recently been refitted with 8" guns, giving them a hefty broadside that is a threat to any ship smaller than a battleship. They also mount a very respectable AA battery, as well as two torpedo launchers on each side, making them versatile and powerful warships.''

Takao-class
As with the Mogami-class, the Takao-class outguns equivalent US cruisers, and comes with the additional advantage of 8 torpedo tubes which allow them to take on most ship types with ease. Both the Mogami and the Takao are tied in terms of firepower - the only real difference is that the third gun is at deck level, but this ultimately doesn't further detriment its firing arcs. Also, as with the Mogami, the best method of sinking the Takao is underwater.

Official Description: ''These heavy cruisers came into service in the early 1930s, but are still excellent examples of the type. Mounting ten 8" guns, they are more heavily armed than comparable US or British heavy cruisers, and compound this advantage with a large number of torpedo launchers, which give them the firepower to take down any adversary.''

Tone-class
This Japanese cruiser is a black sheep among cruisers. At first glance, it appears to be rather weak, sporting only eight 8" guns. This puts it further behind when compared to Mogami and Takao. Even worse, all of its guns are focused at the front. This gives it a strong frontal and broadside attacks, but it is completely defenceless in the rear quarter. This vulnerability can easily be exploited by a submarine wanting to surface for some air, a PT boat wanting some breathing room, or even a destroyer to sink this ship.

The Tone-class cruiser's redeeming value, however (aside from its slightly thicker armour) is its anti-submarine warfare ability. It completely lacks depth charges, true, but it is the only Japanese cruiser to have an onboard sonar. Its Jake floatplanes are the only kind that can fly with four depth charges at a time. This, combined with Tone's ability to launch three Jakes at a time (versus everyone else's one) makes the Tone-class completely unparalleled in anti-submarine warfare ability. Some players even consider it to be the Japanese version of the ASW Fletcher.

As with all Japanese cruisers, their range has been slightly downgraded from Midway. To compensate for the lack of guns the American cruisers have (as well as torpedo ability), American warships can open fire about 0.1 miles farther than Japanese ships.

The Tone is an unlockable unit, and can be unlocked by completing Mission 3 - Battle of Java Sea with a silver medal.

Official Description: The Tone Class is very unusual amongst heavy cruiser designs in that all eight of their 8" guns are mounted in turrets at the front of the ship. Although this gives them a powerful salvo when attacking head-on or broadside, it does mean they have no weaponry covering their rear, which can give an opponent the opportunity to sit in this blind spot and attack unchallenged. Nevertheless, they are considered a good design, possessing good antiaircraft capability, and like all Japanese heavy cruisers they carry a sizable amount of torpedoes.

Kongō-class
Technically a battlecruiser, the Kongō-class therefore does not pack the punch of larger battleships such as the Yamato-class or Iowa-class. However, it also costs significantly less in unit points than both those classes, meaning numbers make up for less firepower.

The Kongō is a semi-reliable battleship that can cause critical damage to smaller enemy ships before going under, particularly other cruisers. It is essentially a Fusō-class, but without the two centre turrets, making the Kongō the weakest Japanese battleship in the game. Despite this, it can seriously outrange lesser ships, particularly heavy cruisers, giving it a huge advantage. Its armour, while not considerable when compared to battleships, is very thick compared to cruisers and virtually invincible to destroyers. As with all battleships, however, it is extremely vulnerable to torpedoes.

Official Description: ''Designed by Britain's Sir George Thurston, and entering service during the First World War, these were the first modern battlecruisers in the Imperial Navy. They are well armed, with large main and secondary batteries, and have recently received upgrades to their armour and engines. However, they are still not a match for modern battleships, though smaller surface ships have much to fear from them.''

Fusō-class
With 12 guns arranged into six double-barrelled turrets, other ships will have extreme difficulty in disabling the Fusō's artillery. It has, by far, the most number of turrets in the game - this means that even with one or two turrets destroyed, the Fusō still has most of its attacking power.

Due to the large number of guns it carries, it serves very well as a coastal bombardment role, and can neutralize an enemy headquarters quickly with cannonade. Its air defences, while present, are not sufficient enough to have the Fusō be able to act on its own if there is a threat of an aerial attack. In this event, it should be kept under constant protection, especially against air and submarine attack.

The Fusō has a relatively slow speed, necessitating its defence, particularly against torpedoes. While most aircraft will have problems causing damage due to Fusō's heavy deck armour, several planes can disable - or at least critically damage - Fusōs enough to allow other ships to deal the finishing blow. Carpet bombers like the B-17 have had a sharp increase in effectiveness against battleships.

Official Description: "Fusō" ''is an archaic name for Japan, and these venerable battleships were the first IJN vessels to be built completely with Japanese technology and armament. Laid down in 1912, they are somewhat outdated now but have been modified with improved armour and engines. They are very well armed, carrying twelve 14" guns alongside a very large battery of secondary 5" guns in casemates along either side, making them a powerful adversary for any opponent. However, despite modernization, their armour is still relatively thin, making engaging other battleships a risky proposition. Their AA armament is also quite light, leaving them vulnerable to air attacks.''

Yamato-class
The Yamato-class is the most powerful ship class on the game, with incredibly thick armour and the largest diameter guns ever put on a ship. This makes it a formidable force on the battlefield, sporting three 18.1" inch guns as its main armament. Its anti air capabilities are also fairly strong, with several dual purpose and armoured 25mm AA guns. However, as is the case with all ships, it is vulnerable when singled out on its own. Tiny Tim rockets, carpet bombers, and torpedo bombers can damage this ship before it can close in to cannon range. When compared to Iowa, Iowa seems to possess better AA guns than the Yamato-class, which goes some way to compensate for its weaker structure and less powerful guns.

The Yamato is especially vulnerable against enemy submarines, although it does possess the ability to launch a single floatplane equipped with depth charges to help combat this threat. This helps a little bit, but it is recommended to have destroyer escort to spot submarines further out. Due to the high unit price in island capture (300 pts), it is an expensive investment. That said, a concentrated and sustained attack from multiple opponents can put this battleship under, as can submarines and massed aircraft.

The Yamato is an unlockable unit, and can be unlocked by completing Mission 7 - Invasion of Midway with a gold medal.

Official Description: The Yamato'' is, quite simply, the biggest, best armoured and most powerfully armed ship ever built. Weighing almost twice as much as any other battleship afloat (with the exception of her sister ship the Musashi), she is the pride of the Imperial Fleet. Her 18.1" main guns can smash through the armour of any opponent, and will destroy smaller ships with a single shot, while the huge secondary batteries she carries give her excellent defence against air attack. Only a sustained and concerted attack by a much larger force has any chance at all of successfully engaging this titan. The Yamato is currently the flagship of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander of the Combined Fleet.''

Shōhō-class
Although the Shōhō-class is not a playable unit at all during the game, it plays a critical role in Mission 4 - Saving the Shōhō, so it is good to know how it performs. As a light carrier unit, it lacks the armament and hangar capacity of the larger Japanese carriers, and as such relies heavily on its escorts to provide AA, artillery and anti-submarine cover for it. In the game it features just 4 25mm AA guns and 2 5 in artillery guns, making it an easy target for enemy attacks. As such, CAP cover is a big help during the mission.

Both dive bombers and torpedo bombers can easily damage the ship, and just a few hits can spell the end for it. It carries Zero fighters, or, if equipped, J7W Shindens, both of which prove useful in defending the carrier against enemy air attack. Furthermore, it is especially vulnerable against enemy submarines.

Official Description: ''Originally designed with the adaptability to be completed as a high-speed oiler, submarine tender or a smaller aircraft carrier. The Shōhō, along with her sister ship, the Zuiho were both completed as aircraft carriers, and they immediately joined the Combined Fleet. Armed with only a few guns and minor anti-air armament, they rely on their air wings and escorts as defense. Not completely designed as frontline warships, they are vulnerable and could be easily taken out by air or naval power.''