War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922 - 1930

About

War Plan Orange is a turn-based strategy game set in the Pacific between 1922 and 1930. Players control either the United States or Japan across four campaigns split into two eras, focusing on naval dominance through fleet management, resource allocation, and tactical warfare. Unlike later naval conflicts, airpower is absent here, shifting emphasis to battleship strategies, fuel logistics, and territorial control. Victory requires balancing military aggression with economic sustainability as both sides compete for resources. The game’s depth comes from its historical rigor and system-driven challenges. Fuel inefficiency and limited industrial capacity force players to prioritize every move. While no modern ratings track its legacy, longtime strategy fans recognize it as a niche gem for its authenticity and complexity. The lack of airpower creates a distinct gameplay loop centered on surface combat and careful planning. Those who enjoy layered resource management and pre-WWII military history will find it rewarding.

Storyline

The Year is 1922. World War 1 has come and gone and the world has settled into an uneasy peace. The alliance between the United States and the other powers is weak as the powers try to maintain peace in Europe. Fearful of the growing strength of Japan, the United States created a series of plans in case of a pacific war with Japan. Their name: War Plan Orange. Consisting of three different scenarios, War Plan Orange was a comprehensive and real life "What if" scenario for the war in the pacific. In the world of Matrix Games a different story is going to unfold, and Japan, seeking natural resources to grow their power, will turn the full strength of their navy against the industrial giant of the United States.