Eastern Front Operational Battles use the same basic rule set in all four games as one would expect in a quad game. The rules are accessible and straight forward for playability, and at the same time, all aspects, such as movement rates, combat outcomes, and so on, are based on historical analysis. All of the games play at the operational level. Units are mostly regiments/brigades and divisions in the 1942 games, and divisions and corps in the 1943 games.

There are also a few interesting small units in the mix. In the 1943 games, the Germans have a small number of the “animal” units available: Hornisse, Tiger, Brummbar, as well as Ferdinands (later called Elefants). There are a few Hungarian, Romanian, and Italian units that take part in the action. Both sides have a number of armored, motorized, and cavalry units in their orders of battle, so that movement and breakthroughs are frequent possibilities. Headquarters allow units within range to benefit from a number of characteristics. Airpower is represented with players able to give CRT column shifts and to attack various ground targets. Some randomized special events affect play. The system isn’t complex, and there are a few optional rules that are available if players want to add some chrome.

Gamers should find that ease of play and realistic modeling coexist in this system. All four games in Eastern Front Operational Battles can be for two players, and they are also readily accessible for solitaire play.

Product Information:

Complexity: Low/Medium

Time Scale: 1 day per turn for 1942 games, 2 days per turn for 1943 games

Map Scale: 4 miles or 6.4 km/hex for 1942 games, 6 miles per hex for 1943 games

Unit Scale: mostly regiments and divisions for 1942 games, mostly divisions and corps for 1943 games

Players: 1 or 2 (best with 2)

Solitaire: High

Playing Time: 2 hours

Game Components:

4 Maps (17×22″ each)

2.5 Countersheets

4 Player Aid Cards

1 Rulebook

1 Playbook

Game Credits:

Designer: John Theissen

Artist: Bruce Yearian

Project Director: John Kranz