CrossFire: Rules and Organizations for Company Level WW II Gaming (1996) Board Game

CrossFire: Rules and Organizations for Company Level WW II Gaming is a wargame designed for 2-6 players, released in 1996 by On Military Matters and Quantum Printing. It focuses on company-level engagements during World War II, providing players with a detailed and immersive gaming experience. The game is known for its realistic simulation of combat situations and historical accuracy in terms of military organizations and tactics.

Game Components of CrossFire

Figures and Models: Representing infantry squads and heavy infantry weapons, typically on a scale where one stand holds 3-15 figures, depending on the nationality and period.

Terrain: Essential for gameplay, including features like woods, hills, and buildings to block lines of sight (LOS) and enable troop movement.

Dice: Standard six-sided dice (D6) used for resolving actions such as firing and rallying.

Rules Booklet: A 44-page booklet detailing the game mechanics and rules.

How To Setup CrossFire

To set up CrossFire, players need to create a terrain-intensive battlefield. At least one-third of the gaming area should be covered by terrain features to block LOS and allow for tactical movement. Players must ensure there are no clear fire lanes across the table, adjusting terrain as necessary. Each player deploys their units, typically organized into platoons and companies, with each platoon consisting of several squads.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative System: Players take turns holding the initiative, allowing them to perform any actions (movement, fire, rally) in any order until an action fails or is interrupted by the opponent.

Firing Mechanics: Units fire using D6 dice; one hit pins, two hits suppress, and three hits kill a squad. Cover reduces the number of dice rolled.

Command and Control: Commanders coordinate fire and provide morale bonuses to their units. Joint fire can be coordinated to increase the effectiveness of attacks.

Objective: The goal is to outmaneuver and defeat the opposing force, utilizing tactical initiative and coordinated actions effectively.

Player Experience

Playing CrossFire offers a dynamic and immersive experience, focusing on tactical decision-making rather than rigid turn structures. The game encourages players to think logically and historically, simulating the fluid and unpredictable nature of real-world combat. Players must balance initiative, cover, and command to achieve victory, making each game a unique and challenging experience.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Eliminates the need for rulers and fixed turns, enhancing game flow and realism.

Tactical Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and coordination between units.

Historical Accuracy: Designed to reflect the realities of World War II combat.

Simple yet Engaging Rules: Easy to learn but complex in execution, making it accessible yet challenging.

Cons

Terrain Requirements: Requires a significant amount of terrain to set up a suitable battlefield.

Learning Curve: While the basic rules are straightforward, mastering the game takes practice.

Limited Vehicle Inclusion: Official rules focus on infantry combat, with unofficial home rules needed for armored fighting vehicles (AFVs).

Personal Thoughts on CrossFire

CrossFire is ideal for wargamers who appreciate historical accuracy and tactical complexity. It is particularly suited for players looking to move away from traditional turn-based systems and into a more fluid, initiative-driven gameplay. The game’s emphasis on terrain and coordinated actions makes it a great choice for those who enjoy strategic planning and adaptive gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for newcomers to wargaming due to its unique mechanics and the need for extensive terrain setup.

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