The Russian Campaign, Original 1974 Edition

On June 22, 1941, one of the most decisive phases of World War II began when Adolf Hitler said: “When Barbarossa begins, the whole world will hold its breath.” With “Führer Directive No. 21,” codename Barbarossa, Hitler ordered the German army to crush the Soviet Union in a swift campaign before the war with England concluded. The German leadership was convinced that victory in Russia would be achieved quickly and that the risk of a prolonged two-front war would be short-lived.

However, Hitler lost a valuable month of good weather while his forces invaded the Balkans, and on June 22, 1941, Operation Barbarossa commenced. Over 3 million German soldiers, mostly veterans from the successful campaigns in Poland, France, and the Balkans, launched a blitzkrieg-like invasion against 2 million Russian defenders.

The initial advance was astounding; hundreds of thousands of prisoners were taken, and soon motorized columns outpaced the rest of the army. As Army Group Center sped towards Moscow, Hitler decided to change the plan. He moved Guderian’s Second Panzer Army from the center and ordered it to link up with Army Group South behind Kiev. This encirclement operation captured over 600,000 prisoners but delayed the attack on Moscow by 5 weeks. These 5 weeks of good weather could not be recovered, and the Germans reached the gates of Moscow just as winter set in. The German army was not equipped for winter conditions or a prolonged campaign.

Meanwhile, the Russians had called up more than 2 million trained reservists, and on December 6, they launched a counterattack against the weakened Germans, which in the coming month drove them back from Moscow. The Germans’ real chance for victory, the short and intense campaign, was over, and the fortunes of war would, in time, turn more and more against them.

This game focuses on the more mobile German army, which must act quickly. If the attack fails, a mobile defense must be carried out, as the Russian player can lose the game while attacking. The nature of the campaign is captured with simple rules covering weather effects, rail movement, sea movement, HQ units, Stuka units, Russian paratroopers, combat supply and isolation, Russian partisan activity, replacements, and automatic victory conditions to recreate an exciting and action-packed game experience that can be completed in a single sitting.

Key features:

• Original 1974 edition - one of the finest wargames ever published.
• Winner of the 1976 CSR Awards.
• A remake of the classic game covering the Eastern Front during World War II.
• Low complexity level, ideal for beginners and experienced players.
• Fast-paced with short playing time, perfect for an intense experience.
• Easy to learn but allows for strategic considerations.
• Time scale: 1 turn = 2 months.
• Map scale: 32 miles/hex.
• Offers an experience of realistic warfare with depth and strategy.

To preserve the game, keep it in a dry and cool place, protected from direct sunlight. To assemble and prepare the game, ensure all components are complete before starting to play. This game is perfect for both new players looking to start and veterans seeking a quick and intense challenge.

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