Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition (2018) Board Game

Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition is a wargame set during World War II, focusing on the Eastern Front where Germany invaded the Soviet Union. The game allows players to take on the roles of either the Axis powers or the Soviet Union, strategizing and battling it out on a hexagon grid map.

Game Components of Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition

Maps: Two large maps (35”x 47”) covering territory from Berlin to Archangel to Astrakhan and down to Bucharest.

Counters: Three countersheets with 528 counters, each 5/8” in size.

Rulebook: One comprehensive rules book.

Playbook: One playbook book.

Play Aid Charts: Multiple play aid charts, OOB (Order of Battle) and setup cards.

Dice: One 10-sided die.

Box and Lid: A set including the box and lid.

How To Setup Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition

Setting up the game involves placing the large maps, deploying the counters according to the specific scenario or campaign setup, and organizing the various play aid charts and rules. The setup is detailed in the playbook and rules book, ensuring that players can accurately recreate the historical scenarios.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid.

Time Scale: 1 turn equals 2 months, broken down into monthly impulses.

Map Scale: 1 hex equals 32 miles or 52 km approximately.

Unit Scale: Army, Corps, breakdown counters, Volkssturm, and Partisan units.

Objective: Players aim to replicate the historical campaign, with the German player seeking to advance deep into Russian territory and the Russian player striving to defend and eventually counterattack. The game includes Sudden Death Victory conditions that can be met at any time during the struggle.

Player Experience

Playing **Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition** is a deeply immersive experience that challenges players to manage resources, make strategic decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. The German player must navigate the challenges faced by historical German commanders, deciding where to concentrate forces and how to maintain a viable mix of units. The Russian player must husband resources carefully, leveraging the onset of winter and other environmental factors to blunt German advances. The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking, making it a richly detailed and engaging experience.

Pros

Detailed Realism: The game offers a highly realistic portrayal of the Eastern Front campaign, including unit breakdowns, surrounded cities, and weather effects.

Complex Strategy: It provides a complex and challenging strategic experience, suitable for experienced wargamers.

Solitaire Suitability: High solitaire suitability, making it enjoyable for solo players as well.

Historical Accuracy: The game is designed to accurately reflect the historical campaign, offering a genuine historical experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a complexity rating of 6 out of 10, which may be daunting for new wargamers.

Playtime: The game can take from 2 hours for scenarios to up to 20 hours for the full campaign, which is a significant time commitment.

Learning Curve: The extensive rules and complex mechanics require a significant amount of time to learn and master.

Personal Thoughts on Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition

**Russia Besieged: Deluxe Edition** is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who are looking for a deep, strategic, and historically accurate gaming experience. It offers a challenging and rewarding gameplay that simulates the complexities of the Eastern Front during World War II. While it may not be the best fit for new wargamers due to its complexity, it is a must-have for anyone interested in detailed military strategy and historical warfare.

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