Notes for 2nd Edition: This 2022 second edition includes all known errata (including counters) as well as an updated Russian ground Order of Battle, additional Russian air units, an 11 x 34 Expansion Map (and rules that go with it), and updates to the NATO Orders of Battle. The Series Rules and Player Aid Cards are brought up to the latest standards, and, of course, the Game Specific Rules will have to be changed to incorporate all of the above.
A large portion of Poland is represented by the Operational (hex) map, while the Baltics are represented by a Strategic Display (similar to Next War: Taiwan’s). The Russians are not the behemoth of the Cold War, but they possess good material and a much better trained army than before. The Baltics, using new rules and mechanics, may fall quickly, although their forces may put up some resistance and make an appearance as reinforcements, while the front quickly establishes itself in eastern Poland as the Russian 6th and 20th Armies push forward to seal the Suwalki Gap while NATO rushes forces into the area spearheaded by the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and followed up by whatever nation’s troops respond to the Article 5 declaration. The question is, can NATO stop the Russians or will Poland be overrun while Russia presents the world with a fait accompli?
Note: the Next War series is not an Introductory wargame. Rather, we have intended herein to create a system (and a series) that will allow detailed study of modern warfare in various venues as well as engaging gameplay. That said, the Standard Game rules encompass a fairly straightforward ruleset that will, we think, be considered pretty "easy to learn" by experienced wargamers. So players who choose to play Standard Game scenarios can have a relatively quick game when that's what suits them. The real flavor of a war in the theatre, though, comes through in the Advanced Game, where you get much more control over airpower and can more clearly see each side's strengths and weaknesses. For players who want a "mini-monster game" experience, playing the Advanced Game Campaign Scenarios with some or all of the optional rules will definitely "deliver."
Ownership of any previous Next War Series game will NOT be required to play.
Components
One 22x34" map
One 22x24" strategic display
Four 9/16" counter sheets
Two rulebooks (Series Rules and Game Specific Rules)
Six 8.5x11" Player Aids
Two 11x17" Player Aids
One 10-sided die
11 x 34 Expansion Map
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