Absolute War! The Russian Front 1941-45 (2021) Board Game

Absolute War! The Russian Front 1941-45 is a board game that focuses on the Eastern Front of World War II, specifically the conflict between Germany and the Soviet Union from 1941 to

The game allows players to take on the roles of military commanders, making strategic decisions and engaging in tactical combat in order to achieve victory.

Game Components of Absolute War The Russian Front 1941-45

Map: Divided into areas, each approximately 200 kilometers from side to side.

Units: Representing Armies/Fronts.

Cards: Two decks, one German and one Soviet, for combat resolution, events, and special abilities.

Counters: Low total count and density for streamlined gameplay.

Scenarios: Four quick-playing scenarios and a full campaign game.

How To Setup Absolute War The Russian Front 1941-45

Setting up the game is swift, taking less than 10-15 minutes. Players need to place the units and counters on the map according to the scenario or campaign being played. The area-movement system and streamlined rules make the setup process efficient and straightforward.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Movement: Allows for sweeping maneuvers, exploitation, and encirclements.

Card-Based Combat: No combat tables or dice; combat is resolved using the German and Soviet card decks.

Event and Special Abilities Cards: Generate events like Major Offensives, Partisan Raids, and Increased Replacements.

Economic Model: Simulates the growing might of the Soviet Red Army and the degradation of the German Wehrmacht.

Victory Conditions: Capture as many of the ten map objectives as possible to force a campaign decision.

Short-Term Goals: Event cards provide additional objectives for special game advantages.

Player Experience

**Absolute War** is designed to be accessible to new gamers while still offering deep strategy for experienced players. The game emphasizes strategic planning over tedious calculations, allowing players to focus on their generalship skills. The quick-playing scenarios and the full campaign game offer a high degree of re-playability, rewarding players with increased skill and experience.

Pros

Player-Friendly: Easy to learn and play, making it perfect for introducing new gamers to the hobby.

Streamlined Gameplay: Fast setup and playtime, with a full campaign game lasting approximately 3-4 hours.

Deep Strategy: Offers complex strategic decisions without the need for extensive calculations.

High Re-playability: Multiple scenarios and a campaign game provide varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Simplified Unit Representation: Units represent entire Armies/Fronts, which may lack the granularity some players prefer.

Personal Thoughts on Absolute War The Russian Front 1941-45

**Absolute War** is an excellent choice for anyone interested in World War II strategy and the Eastern Front specifically. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy card-based mechanics and area movement, and are looking for a game that balances complexity with ease of play. New gamers will appreciate the straightforward rules, while experienced wargamers will enjoy the strategic depth and historical accuracy.

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