Turning Point: Stalingrad (1989)

Turning Point: Stalingrad

“Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad” is a two-player board wargame published by Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1972. The game simulates the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II and the factors that led to the German retreat back to Berlin. The game has been described as “fairly complex” and “moderately difficult”.

Why is Turning Point: Stalingrad Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it:
– Simulates a historically significant event: The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the European theater of World War II.
– Provides an educational experience: The game can be used as an educational aid in the classroom to show the importance of the irrational German dispositions at the beginning of the Russian attack and the hopelessness of the German situation.
– Is part of a series: “Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad” is the 20th game in Turning Point Simulations’ Decisive Battles of History Series, which adds to its popularity among history enthusiasts and board game collectors.

Game Components of Turning Point: Stalingrad

Game board featuring the Stalingrad area

Counters representing German and Soviet units

Player aid cards

Rulebook

Victory Point track

Map Areas for control and scoring.

How To Setup Turning Point: Stalingrad

Setting up the game involves placing the game board, deploying the German and Soviet units according to the initial setup rules, and distributing the necessary player aid cards. Each player must ensure their units are correctly positioned on the board to reflect the historical starting positions of the Battle of Stalingrad.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Wargame

Mechanics: Area movement, semi-simultaneous movement

Designer: Not specified in available sources

Objective:
– German player: Capture Soviet-controlled Map Areas to gain Victory Points.
– Soviet player: Defend and maintain control of Map Areas to prevent German victory.

Player Experience

**Turning Point: Stalingrad** offers a dynamic and varied gameplay experience, with each game being unique due to the semi-simultaneous movement mechanics. Players need to strategize carefully, as the outcome of each turn can significantly impact the overall game. The game is praised for its replayability, with no two games ever being the same.

Pros

High replayability

Detailed and realistic simulation of the Battle of Stalingrad

Semi-simultaneous movement adds a layer of complexity and realism

Received high praise, including a 5-star review from *Games International*.

Cons

Mid-complexity level may be daunting for new players

Requires a significant amount of time to play and set up

Limited detail on some historical aspects beyond the core battle period.

Personal Thoughts on Turning Point: Stalingrad

**Turning Point: Stalingrad** is ideal for experienced wargamers and those with a deep interest in World War II history, particularly the Battle of Stalingrad. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it a compelling choice for those looking for a challenging and immersive experience. However, new players may find the game’s rules and setup daunting, so it is not recommended as a starting point for beginners in the wargaming genre.

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