Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad (1972) Board Game

Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad is a wargame that was released in 1972 by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.). It was designed by Jim Dunnigan and John Young, and features artwork by Redmond A. Simonsen. The game is set during World War II and focuses on the pivotal battle of Stalingrad, which took place between 1942 and 1943.

Game Components of Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad

Hexagon grid map of the Stalingrad area

Counters representing military units

Rulebook

Dice

How To Setup Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad

Place the hexagon grid map on the table.

Each player chooses a side (Axis or Soviet) and places their military units on the map according to the setup instructions.

Read through the rulebook to familiarize yourself with the gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad, players take turns moving their military units across the map and engaging in combat with the opposing forces. The objective of the game is to strategically outmaneuver your opponent and either capture key locations on the map or eliminate their units.

Player Experience

Pros:

Historical accuracy in representing the Battle of Stalingrad

Engaging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and planning

Hexagon grid adds a tactical element to movement and combat

Cons:

Long runtime of 150-180 minutes may not be suitable for casual players

Limited replay value once players are familiar with the strategies

Personal Thoughts on Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad

Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad offers a deep dive into the historical battle and provides a challenging gameplay experience for wargame enthusiasts. The build quality of the components is solid, and the artwork adds to the immersive experience.

However, the game may not appeal to casual gamers due to its lengthy runtime and steep learning curve. In terms of pricing and availability, finding a new copy of the game may be difficult, but there are alternatives and similar games in the wargame category that offer a similar experience.

Overall, Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad is worth checking out for fans of historical wargames who are looking for a strategic challenge. It may not be suitable for everyone, but for those interested in World War II simulations, this game is a worthwhile investment.

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