White Death: Velikiye Luki, The Stalingrad of the North (1979) Board Game

White Death: Velikiye Luki, The Stalingrad of the North is a board game that was released in in 1979. It is a wargame that focuses on the World War II battle known as the Siege of Velikiye Luki, which took place between November 1942 and January 1943. The game is designed by Rodger B. MacGowan and features artwork by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games) and Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd.

Game Components of White Death: Velikiye Luki, The Stalingrad of the North

22″ x 28″ paper hex grid map scaled at 1 mi (1.6 km) per hex

Rulebook

480 double-sided die-cut counters (550 in the Command Japan version)

Various player aids

6-sided die (not included in the Command Japan version).

How To Setup White Death: Velikiye Luki, The Stalingrad of the North

To set up the game, players need to unbox and lay out the map, which represents the area around Velikiye Luki. Each player then sorts and places their respective counters on the map according to the scenario being played. The rulebook provides detailed setup instructions for each of the six scenarios available. Players also need to prepare the player aids and ensure they have the necessary dice for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each game turn represents five days, divided into Soviet and German turns. Each turn is broken down into impulses, further subdivided into five phases: Movement, Barrage, Defensive Fire, Assault, and Terminal.

Movement Points: Players start each turn with ten movement points, which can be used to move units, conduct barrage fire, or launch assaults.

Impulses: Players alternate spending movement points and conducting impulses until all points are used.

Victory Conditions: Based on enemy units destroyed and geographical objectives reached. Different scenarios have varying victory conditions.

Player Experience

Playing White Death involves a deep dive into historical strategy, with players needing to manage resources carefully and make tactical decisions to outmaneuver their opponent. The game is praised for its clean system of rules and historical accuracy, making it a satisfying experience for wargame enthusiasts. The alternating impulses and phased turns create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is highly regarded for its historical fidelity.

Clean Rules: The game mechanics are straightforward and easy to follow.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and tactical execution.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios offer varying gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complexity: May be daunting for new wargame players due to the detailed rules and historical context.

Length: Some scenarios can be quite long, especially the full campaign scenario.

Component Intensity: Managing a large number of counters can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on White Death: Velikiye Luki, The Stalingrad of the North

This game is ideal for seasoned wargamers and history buffs who appreciate the intricate details of military strategy. It offers a challenging and rewarding experience, especially for those interested in World War II and the Eastern Front. However, it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity and the need for a significant time commitment to fully appreciate the game.

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