Pacific Theater of Operations on SNES is one of those deep-cut strategy games that feels like a history lesson in the best way. You start off staring at a map of the Pacific, moving fleets and air units around like pieces on a chessboard—except here, the stakes feel real. The first time I played, I lost half my carriers because I underestimated how far Japanese bombers could reach. Lesson learned.

It’s not flashy by today’s standards, but there’s something satisfying about plotting supply routes and timing invasions just right. The AI actually puts up a fight, especially if you crank up the difficulty. And yeah, it’s slow-paced—this isn’t an arcade shooter—but that’s the point. You’re meant to think three moves ahead, not just react.

If you’re into WWII history or old-school war games, this one’s got a weird charm. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand.