NATO: The Cold War Goes Hot – Designer Signature Edition is a modern warfare wargame that simulates a hypothetical conflict between NATO and the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War era. Designed by Bruce Yearian and published in 2021 by Compass Games, this game puts players in command of military forces as they engage in strategic battles on a hexagon grid.
Game Components of NATO: The Cold War Goes Hot – Designer Signature Edition
Maps: Two 22″ x 34″ maps with updated satellite geography and new map artworkCounters: Four Counter Sheets featuring 9/16” countersPlayer Aids: Eight Player Aid Cards, including WP and NATO Sequence of Play Cards and Reinforcement Schedule CardsRules and Playbooks: One Rules Booklet, one Play Booklet with Scenarios & Designer’s NotesDice: Two 6-Sided DiceOther: WP Player Charts & Tables Card, NATO Player Charts & Tables Card, and enhanced ergonomics for Scenario setup and Reinforcement charts
How To Setup NATO: The Cold War Goes Hot – Designer Signature Edition
Setting up the game involves several steps:
Lay out the two maps, which depict the area from Denmark to the Swiss Alps and from France to Poland.Each scenario has specific setup instructions, including the placement of units based on the chosen Order of Battle (1983 or 1988).Players need to organize their respective forces, air and naval units, and other resources according to the scenario.Use the provided Player Aid Cards for quick reference during setup and gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Objective: The objective is to simulate a Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe and determine which side can emerge victorious within the first 14 days of conflict.Scenarios: Four different scenarios, including a surprise attack, quiet preparation, extended buildup, and an introductory scenario covering the invasion of Denmark.Turn Structure: Each turn represents 24 hours, with players managing unit movements, combat operations, air strikes, and strategic decisions.Combat System: Based on the concept that the best defense is a good offense, featuring artillery, tactical and operational air strikes, reserves, counterattacks, and deep exploitation.Additional Mechanics: Players can employ air power, chemical weapons, and nuclear weapons as last resorts.
Player Experience
This game offers a rich and immersive experience for players interested in modern warfare and Cold War history. The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, with the best experience typically for two players. The playing time ranges from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the scenario. The complexity is rated at 7 out of 10, making it accessible yet challenging for experienced wargamers.
Pros
Historical Accuracy: The game incorporates highly accurate information on the forces and plans of the Warsaw Pact and NATO, using de-classified reports.Enhanced Components: Super-sized counters, updated map artwork, and new player aid cards improve gameplay and aesthetics.Revised Game System: The game mechanics have been reworked to reflect the fluid and deadly nature of modern warfare while maintaining simple and intuitive play.Scenarios and Variability: Multiple scenarios and the option to use Orders of Battle from 1983 or 1988 add significant replayability.
Cons
Complexity: While the game is designed to be simple and intuitive, it still has a complexity rating of 7 out of 10, which may deter new wargamers.Playing Time: The game can take several hours to complete, which may not be suitable for all players.Cost: The game is relatively expensive, with prices ranging from $69.95 to $100.36.
Personal Thoughts on NATO: The Cold War Goes Hot – Designer Signature Edition
This game is ideal for wargamers and history enthusiasts interested in the Cold War era. It offers a deep and engaging experience with its detailed scenarios, historical accuracy, and enhanced game mechanics. The game’s complexity and playing time make it more suitable for experienced players or those willing to invest time in understanding the game’s nuances. For anyone looking for a comprehensive and immersive Cold War simulation, **NATO: The Cold War Goes Hot – Designer Signature Edition** is an excellent choice.
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