New Bolt Action Island Assault! Starter Set Pops You In The Pacific
April 28, 2021 by brennon
Warlord Games has put together a series of new releases and bundles for those diving into Bolt Action. Island Assault! is the new Starter Set that pits the Americans of the USMC against the Japanese across the various islands of the Pacific.
Island Assault! // Bolt Action
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Whilst the Band Of Brothers Starter Set for Bolt Action is focused on the European theatre, the folks at Warlord Games want to give you access to the battles of the Pacific too. Within this set, you'll find all of the components and miniatures that you need to start playing as the United States Marine Corps or Japanese. At the core of this is the full Bolt Action 2nd Edition Rules as well as a scenario booklet that leads you through your first games.
Island Assault! Books & Components // Bolt Action
As well as the books, dice and tokens, you'll also find two full armies which are ready to hit the beach time and time again. Both sides get access to plastic miniatures which can easily be assembled so you can get straight into the fighting.
Island Assault! Miniatures // Bolt Action
Both of the teams of infantry are also supported by armour. The Japanese have the Chi-Ha Tank whilst the Americans can use the M3A1 Half-Track. I really like that we've got the two contrasting elements of these armies on display. On the one hand, are the grizzled and no doubt beleaguered American soldiers and on the other, we have the suicidally brave Japanese.
The set also comes with a few terrain elements too. You'll be able to build a Pillbox and two Spiderholes which are exclusive to this set. Pre-orders of this set also come with the option to pick up the exclusive Cappy The Devil Dog metal miniature.
American Expansion Options
As well as the Island Assault! Starter Set, Warlord Games has also started taking pre-orders for a number of support boxes that can be used to expand upon your armies. The Americans get themselves the USMC Raider Squad for example.
USMC Raider Squad // Bolt Action
The Raiders were assembled to match the Commandos of the British. The idea was that they were going to end up fighting behind enemy lines, disrupting their movements and taking out key objectives. Whilst they did find themselves deployed in that way, the realities of island warfare meant that they were more often than not fighting alongside the main bulk of an army.
If you want to pick up a range of different options for your USMC then you might like the Support Group.
USMC Support Group // Bolt Action
This set comes with an Officer armed with SMG and Pistol and more. You've also got a Corpsman Medic, Medic With Stretcher, Radio Operator/Spotter, Medium Mortar Team and MMG Team. So, you can keep your lads going and support them with some covering fire too.
Japanese Expansion Options
The Japanese are equally outfitted with some specialised options. The first of these is the Teishin Shudan Paratrooper Squad.
Japanese Teishin Shudan Paratrooper Squad // Bolt Action
Because of the success of German paratroopers during 1940, the Japanese decided to give it a go too. They were first deployed at the Battle Of Palambang in 1942 but the casualties were so high during the drop that the air force was discouraged from striking from the air again. Instead, these paratroopers found themselves fighting together as elite infantry deployed in the traditional manner.
They were still possessed of the fanatical will of other Japanese soldiers and this makes them a force to be reckoned with on the tabletop. Maybe keep them away from their parachutes though as it really doesn't seem to have gone well for them!
You can also bring in new commanders and support weapons from their own Japanese Support Group.
Japanese Support Group // Bolt Action
This set comes with two Officers armed with Pistols, a Kempei-tei with Pistol, a Medic, Radio Operator/Spotter, Medium Mortar Team and MMG Team. So, you have a similar setup to the American collection but with a few unique changes to suit their army.
If you're eager to dive into the Pacific theatre of World War II then Island Assault! looks like a good shout. You've got a little bit of time to wait until it's released (July) but that just means that you can practise your painting skills and build a table to suit them!
Are you tempted by the Island Assault! set?
"If you're eager to dive into the Pacific theatre of World War II then Island Assault! looks like a good shout..."
I was convinced Warlord were going to price this at £90 given some of their recent pricing, so really glad the RRP is still £75 only £5 more than the existing starter set, which I think keeps this more accessiable to new players. Hopefully we will see some nice third part discounts too. Pricing aside this looks like a great introduction to Bolt Action for a new player (or existing), having a good mix of infantry squads for both sides in addition to a vehicle each, so numbers wise it looks more balanced to a new player than the existing… Read more »
That’s what I like about band of brothers, you get everything you need.
Great for island hopping games.
Really great jumping off point – if I was getting into the Pacific Theatre for the first time I’d be jumping on this right away. Reasonable price, good mix of units, really impressed!
Couldn’t resist. I love this self contained set, pre-ordered mine this morning! It will make a nice project to do over the summer.
Totally excited about this. Put in my preorder the day they announced it! Can’t wait to expand my Japanese/ Marine forces! All the new box’s look amazing! They have ah bunch of options when it come to what you can get with the core box. I love it! Nice work warlord.
Love this starter set… like the Band of Brothers and other starter sets i think Warlord Games are doing a good job for new comers but also for players who like to try new army forces / conflicts like me