Midway Solitaire Travel Game

Midway Solitaire (Travel Game) is a compact solitaire wargame depicting the Battle of Midway in June 1942, the decisive carrier battle that shifted the balance of the Pacific War. Players command the U.S. carrier task forces and Midway-based aircraft in an attempt to locate and destroy the Japanese fleet before its invasion plans succeed.

Game system

The game is designed for solo play and features a card-driven Japanese BOT that automates enemy decisions.

Each turn, the player maneuvers carrier task forces, deploys reconnaissance aircraft, resolves Japanese actions through Action Cards, and conducts carrier air strikes when opposing fleets make contact.

The system emphasizes decision-making, timing, and risk management while remaining fast and easy to learn.

Included scenarios

Battle of Midway

June 4–7, 1942

The main scenario recreates the historical battle, with the player commanding TF-16, TF-17, and Midway-based aircraft against the automated Imperial Japanese Navy.

Optional Cooperative Mode

Two players may cooperate:

• one commands Task Force 16;
• the other commands Task Force 17 and Midway air units.

Objective

Locate the Japanese fleet, launch well-timed carrier strikes, and sink the enemy carriers before Japanese invasion forces achieve their objectives.

The Japanese BOT creates a different operational challenge every game.

Players

1 player

(Optional 2-player cooperative mode)

Playing time

15–30 minutes

Complexity

Low to Medium

Simple rules with meaningful operational decisions.

Game scale

Period: June 1942

Level: Operational

Units: Carrier task forces, carrier air groups, Midway aircraft, invasion convoys

Replayability

Card-driven Japanese BOT

Variable enemy behavior

Fog-of-war mechanics

Meaningful carrier deployment decisions

Excellent travel-game format

Components (indicative)

Compact game board

BOT Action Cards

Mission cards

Counters

Player aids

Dice