Moscow: The Advance of Army Group Center, Autumn 1941 (2019) Board Game

Moscow: The Advance of Army Group Center, Autumn 1941 is a wargame that simulates the pivotal moments of Operation Barbarossa during World War II. Players take on the roles of the German Army Group Center as they advance towards Moscow in the autumn of

The game is designed to capture the strategic decisions and challenges faced by both sides during this critical period of the war.

Game Components of Moscow: The Advance of Army Group Center, Autumn 1941

Map: A 17” x 11” mapboard.

Counters: Over 60 game counters, including units and markers.

Rules: An 8-page rulebook.

Cards: Cards for reinforcements, replacements, rail movement, and other benefits.

How To Setup Moscow: The Advance of Army Group Center, Autumn 1941

To set up the game, players begin by placing the units according to the initial setup instructions. The Soviet units include ‘untried units’ which are set up face down, hiding their true combat values until their first engagement. The Germans and Soviets have specific starting positions and forces based on historical data. The game map is divided into large hexes, accommodating the 1” counters. Players also shuffle and prepare the cards that will be used during the game for various benefits and events.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The German player aims to capture Moscow, while the Soviet player must defend it.

Turn Structure: The game runs from October 2nd to December 1st, with weekly turns, except for mud turns which represent two weeks.

Combat Mechanics: Combat involves rolling dice equal to the unit’s attack value, with successes indicated by rolling sixes.

Weather Mechanics: Historical or random weather charts can be used, affecting gameplay significantly, especially with mud turns hindering German movements.

Unit Mechanics: Soviet ‘untried units’ have hidden strengths revealed during their first combat.

Player Experience

This game offers a fast-paced and strategic experience, particularly appealing to those interested in World War II and the Eastern Front. The game’s design ensures that both sides face unique challenges; the Germans must navigate through challenging weather conditions and surprise Soviet units, while the Soviets must utilize their limited resources effectively to defend Moscow. The simplicity of the rules, combined with the depth of strategy, makes it an engaging and replayable game.

Pros

Fast Paced: The game is designed for quick play, with a simple yet engaging ruleset.

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately reflects the historical conditions and challenges of the campaign.

Replayability: The random weather and ‘untried units’ mechanics add significant replayability.

Strategic Depth: Despite its introductory nature, the game offers a solid strategic challenge.

Cons

Limited Unit Density: The game has low unit density, which might not appeal to players preferring more complex unit interactions.

Weather Variability: While the weather mechanics add realism, they can sometimes lead to unbalanced gameplay if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Moscow: The Advance of Army Group Center, Autumn 1941

This game is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in the historical aspects of World War II, particularly the Eastern Front. It is a great introduction for new players due to its straightforward rules and fast-paced gameplay, while still offering enough depth to keep experienced players engaged. The game’s ability to balance historical accuracy with playability makes it a valuable addition to any wargamer’s collection.

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