I have reached a point now where I have read the rules. I have also pushed some pieces around. Additionally, I completed the extensive example of play. Am I a master? Definitely not. Am I still flipping back to the rulebook like it’s a security blanket? Absolutely. But I feel way more comfortable than when I started this journey.

You may recall my earlier ramblings. Yes, the ones where I admitted my old eyes and counters were not on speaking terms. If so, you know this game doesn’t exactly hold your hand. It politely hands you a stack of cards, points toward the Pacific, and says, “Good luck, Admiral.”

But here’s the thing: something clicked.

Somewhere between “Wait… can I react here?” and “Ohhhhh, THAT’S how operations points actually work,” I stopped feeling overwhelmed and started feeling curious. That’s a big shift. And if you’ve wrestled with this beast, you know exactly what I mean.

So the obvious solution is to Buy more. Sounds about right!

The C3i Chase: Smaller Maps, Bigger Price Tags

I’ve been told that the scenarios in C3i #31 and C3i #35 are excellent for learning more of Empire of the Sun. They provide a great on-ramp. Smaller maps. More focused theaters. Less “entire Pacific Ocean staring back at you.”

I have been poking around on BGG. I also did my usual YouTube rabbit hole research. It seems like a lot of folks really like those contained scenarios.

They’re more manageable. That sounds exactly like what I need right now.

The problem? C3i South Pacific is sold out. The Burma issue is floating around $50. I checked Noble Knight Games and South Pacific has jumped to $75 or more. So now I’m scrambling like a logistics officer in 1942 trying to figure out how to secure a copy without taking out a second mortgage.

When Research Turns Into “Well… I Guess I’m Buying It”

During my research rabbit hole, I discovered that Empire of the Sun was being printed again… for the fifth time. That alone tells you something. Games don’t hit a 5th edition because they’re average. They get there because they stick. Because they’re good. Because people keep coming back.

Now, I hadn’t even considered upgrading since I was already a proud owner of the 3rd edition. I mean, how different could it really be, right?

So naturally, I bounced over to GMT Games just to “look.” And then…BAM…it hit me. For the P500 price of $56 plus shipping, I could get the updated rules. Shipping will probably cost an arm, a leg, and maybe a destroyer escort. Additionally, the offer includes cleaned-up errata and those magazine scenarios folded in.

At that point, what was I supposed to do? Close the tab and act responsible?

Nope.

I pushed the button.

Now I wait…

Back to the Shelf… For Now

So for now, Empire of the Sun gets carefully boxed up and returned to the shelf. Not in defeat. Not in frustration. Just… in anticipation.

We’ll crack it open when the 5th Edition arrives. We will punch what needs punching. Then, we’ll get it back on the table the right way. This time, I plan to create more content around it. These will include playthrough thoughts, learning moments, and mistakes. There will be plenty. Maybe there will even be a few victories if the cardboard gods are kind.

The fleet isn’t retiring.

It’s just waiting for reinforcements.