Roads to Leningrad (2004) Board Game

Roads to Leningrad is a board game released in 2004, designed by Vance von Borries and published by Banana Games. The game is set during World War II, specifically focusing on the Eastern Front and the Siege of Leningrad. Players take on the roles of the German and Soviet forces, strategically maneuvering their units to either break the siege or defend the city.

Game Components of Roads to Leningrad

Map: The game includes a map, specifically the Staraya Russa map, which is used for various scenarios.

Units and Counters: Numerous game counters representing German and Soviet units, including infantry, armor, and air support.

Scenario Cards: Cards for setting up different scenarios, such as the Battle of Soltsy and the Battle of Staraya Russa.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

Activation Markers: Markers for determining unit activations and Initiative.

How To Setup Roads to Leningrad

Setting up the game involves placing units according to the specific scenario’s setup cards. For example, in Scenario #3: Battle of Staraya Russa, the Soviet Player places his units first, followed by the German Player. The game uses the entire Staraya Russa map, and weather conditions are initially set to Clear for the first turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Wargame, World War II.

Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid.

Objective: The German Player aims to score enough Victory Points (VPs) to achieve the Victory Level, while the Soviet Player must prevent this. VPs are tallied at specific turns and can change between turns.

Initiative: Determined by a die roll, with the highest roll gaining Initiative. Initiative affects the number of Formation activations each turn.

Unit Actions: Units can move, attack, or pass. Passing units can activate later with other units, and motorized units rely on good roads for supply.

Player Experience

**Roads to Leningrad** offers a deeply strategic and historically rich experience. Players must manage unit activations, supply lines, and tactical initiative to outmaneuver their opponent. The game’s design ensures quick player sequences with minimal downtime, making it engaging for both players.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game is meticulously researched and reflects the historical battles around Leningrad during WWII.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a challenging and immersive experience with intricate game mechanics.

Balanced Scenarios: Both sides experience periods of attacking and defending, adding variety to the gameplay.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players.

Component Dependency: The game relies heavily on its components, such as maps and counters, which can be cumbersome to manage.

Personal Thoughts on Roads to Leningrad

**Roads to Leningrad** is ideal for fans of wargames and World War II history. It requires a significant investment of time and effort to learn and master, but rewards players with a deeply satisfying and realistic gaming experience. This game is particularly suited for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and historically accurate simulation of WWII battles.

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