Command your crew in Boat Crew, a gripping action-strategy experience amidst the Pacific War. Take charge of a PT boat against Imperial Japan, skillfully managing resources and personnel by any means necessary to ensure victory in this high-stakes conflict.
Players must skillfully maneuver their PT boat, coordinating the actions of their crew to effectively engage and defeat enemy ships, aircraft, and shore installations. The game captures the hectic nature of PT boat combat, as players constantly transfer command between different ship systems, recover wounded crew members, and respond to the threats surrounding them.
The game offers substantial strategic depth, allowing players to customize their PT boat's armament with a variety of weapons, from machine guns and mortars to powerful torpedoes and anti-aircraft guns. Choosing the right loadout for each mission is crucial, as certain weapons excel at different tasks like engaging destroyers, strafing landing craft, or neutralizing shore batteries. Careful management of the boat's limited resources, such as ammunition and repair supplies, is also required to sustain operations.
The open-ended campaign allows players to freely navigate the Solomon Islands, choosing which targets to attack and which objectives to pursue. Every raid and engagement carries consequences, as the player's actions can influence the course of the war effort. Players must weigh the risks and potential rewards of each mission, deciding whether to aggressively strike at enemy bases or play it safe by escorting convoys or interdicting supply lines. This dynamic campaign system encourages players to think strategically and adapt their tactics to the evolving situation.
Players must carefully manage their sailors, assigning them to critical roles like helmsman, gunner, medic, and engineer. As the crew gains experience through combat, their skills and abilities improve, allowing the player to further customize and optimize their performance. Caring for the well-being of the crew, both physically and mentally, is essential to ensuring victory in the high-stakes battles of the Pacific War.
The game's stylized visual presentation, coupled with dynamic weather and environmental effects, helps to transport players to the treacherous waters and lush island landscapes of the Solomon Islands. The sense of scale and the threat posed by larger enemy vessels like destroyers and cruisers further enhances the feeling of being an underdog in a high-stakes conflict.