A World at War completes the Advanced Third Reich/Empire of the Rising Sun game system, refining and clarifying the rules in every area of the game. Fifteen years of design and relentless play testing have resulted in a polished, proven game, which includes the following innovations:

- named ships, allowing players to sink (or lose!) the Bismarck, Yamato, New Jersey and other famous ships.

- naval construction rules which allow major powers to build the navy they think will suit their strategic requirements.

- mobilization rules which allow major powers to tailor their army and air force pools to meet their needs - provided they anticipate them accurately.

- oil rules which force the Axis to worry about their inadequate oil reserves even when victory is within their grasp

- simplified diplomatic rules which allow minor countries to align themselves with various major powers.