World at War #83: Operation Causeway – Formosa 1944 is a two-player operational-level wargame exploring one of the most ambitious Allied invasion plans of World War II — the invasion of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan). Though never executed, Operation Causeway was envisioned as a massive amphibious assault designed to secure a strategic base for the eventual invasion of Japan. This game allows players to explore what might have happened had the Allies decided to carry out this audacious plan.

• Alternate History Campaign: The Allied player leads an overwhelming naval and ground force in an attempt to capture Formosa, a heavily fortified Japanese island base guarding the approaches to China and the Philippines. The Japanese player must defend the island, inflicting heavy losses and delaying the Allied advance to make the invasion too costly to continue.
• Operational-Level Simulation: Each hex on the map represents key coastal, jungle, and urban terrain across the island, with ground units representing regiments, brigades, and divisions. The gameplay captures the complexity of amphibious operations, logistics, and the brutal combat that would have defined a full-scale Pacific island invasion.
• Massive Amphibious Assault: Operation Causeway would have been the largest amphibious invasion of the Pacific War, surpassing even Okinawa in scope. Players must coordinate land, sea, and air forces under immense logistical pressure while anticipating enemy countermeasures.
• Strategic Objectives: The Allied player wins by securing Formosa quickly and efficiently, minimizing casualties and conserving strength for future campaigns. The Japanese player wins by delaying progress and inflicting enough attrition to make the invasion politically and militarily unsustainable.

Operation Causeway – Formosa 1944 offers a rich operational experience filled with “what if” potential. Players will test their ability to plan large-scale amphibious assaults, manage supply and coordination, and adapt to ever-changing battlefield conditions — all while facing a determined and resourceful opponent.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour map depicting Formosa (Taiwan) and surrounding waters
• 176 die-cut counters representing Allied and Japanese ground, air, and naval forces
• Rules for amphibious landings, fortifications, and attritional combat
• Dynamic objectives encouraging aggressive yet calculated strategies
• Playable in one to two sessions for two players

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Regiment / Brigade / Division
Hex: Operational (approx. 10–20 km per hex)
Turn: Variable (Operational Time Scale)

World at War #83: Operation Causeway – Formosa 1944 provides a compelling alternate history look at the Pacific War’s “invasion that never was.” Combining historical authenticity with speculative strategy, it challenges both players to balance bold offensives and tenacious defence in one of the most ambitious campaigns that could have been fought in World War II.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted source for wargames, strategy titles, and historical simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

Help other Milsims Games users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.