Fire in the East (1984) – Board Game Guys

Fire in the East

Fire in the East is a monster board wargame published in 1984 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW) that simulates Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The game is part of the Europa series, which is known for its high level of detail and complexity. The game was revised and greatly expanded by Rich Banner, Frank Chadwick, Marc Miller, and John Astell, and GDW published it in 1984 as Fire in the East. In 1987, GDW released a sequel, Scorched Earth, that continued the Eastern Front conflict from May 1942 to 1944.

Why is Fire in the East Popular?

Fire in the East is significant because it is a highly detailed and complex wargame that simulates one of the most important military campaigns of World War II. The game is popular among wargamers who enjoy the challenge of playing a game with a high level of detail and historical accuracy.

Game Components of Fire in the East

Maps: Six 21″ x 27″ maps covering the Eastern Front from Warsaw to Stalingrad and from Murmansk to Sevastopol, with a scale of 25 km per hex.

Counters: More than 2500 die-cut counters.

Rulebook: A 40-page rulebook.

Player Charts: Various charts for gameplay.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

How To Setup Fire in the East

Setting up *Fire in the East* involves assembling the six large maps to form the Eastern Front, placing the numerous counters on their starting positions, and distributing the player charts and rulebook. The game begins on June 22, 1941, with the German invasion, and players must carefully position their units according to the historical deployment. The setup is complex due to the sheer number of components and the need to adhere to the historical context.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Used to determine combat results and other game events.

Hexagon Grid: The game map is divided into hexagons, each representing 25 km.

Simulation: The game simulates military operations, including movement, combat, and supply management.

Zone of Control: Units within an enemy’s zone of control face movement penalties.

Game Objective

Axis: Capture every major Soviet city hex before the end of the 21st turn (April 30, 1942).

Soviet: Prevent the Axis from capturing these major cities.

Player Experience

*Fire in the East* is designed for experienced players due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. Each turn represents two weeks, and the game spans from June 1941 to April 1942, making it a significant time commitment (over 40 hours). The game requires meticulous planning, especially in managing supplies, positioning units, and executing combat strategies. Team play is also an option, given the vast scope of the game and the large number of units involved.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is highly detailed and historically accurate, making it appealing to history buffs and serious wargamers.

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and nuanced gameplay mechanics, including weather, terrain, and supply management.

Team Play: Suitable for team play, which can enhance the experience and share the workload.

Cons

Complexity: Extremely complex, with a steep learning curve, making it challenging for new players.

Time Commitment: Requires a significant amount of time to play through a full campaign (over 40 hours).

Component Management: Managing over 2500 counters can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Fire in the East

*Fire in the East* is tailored for dedicated and experienced wargamers who are eager to dive deep into the strategic and operational aspects of World War II’s Eastern Front. It is not a game for casual gamers or those new to wargaming due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. However, for those who enjoy detailed historical simulations and are willing to invest the time, *Fire in the East* offers an immersive and challenging experience that replicates the intensity and complexity of one of history’s most pivotal military campaigns.

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