Barbarossa : Army Group Center 1941 - 2nd edition

This is the long-awaited second edition of this fascinating game. It stands as the first in its series to benefit from a full system overhaul. All first edition game rules were rewritten for clarity and simplification and then reorganized it for readability. Some old rules details were dropped, others added. The orders of battle were thoroughly reviewed in light of considerable information that has come to light in the years since the first edition was published. Likewise, the charts and tables have benefitted from some small adjustments. Overall, the whole game system is greatly improved for your enjoyment.

This is one of a very popular series of games from GMT covering the first months of the invasion of the USSR; units are battalions through divisions, hexes are about 5 miles, and turns are two days. The system encompasses five other games: Barbarossa: Army Group North (2000), Barbarossa: Army Group South (1996), Barbarossa: Kiev to Rostov, and Barbarossa: Crimea, with Typhoon! (1995) as the progenitor of these games.

While not simple, these games are also not overly complex and present an excellent simulation of the early war. Most of the details of the campaigns are covered in a playable manner. Perhaps the most obviously interesting detail is the sequence of play, which is asymmetrical to account for the difficulties the Soviets labored under. Make no mistake, the Soviets are going to take a lot of abuse, but this is no walkover for the Germans and both sides are interesting to play.

Components:

•     Four 22x34 inch full-color maps (Series Maps C, D, H, and I)
•     One 22x8.5 inch map (Map WA)
•     1120 multi-colored die-cut ½ inch counters
•     One 48 page Rule Book
•     One 40-page Play Book
•     Three 11 x 17 Scenario Cards with map and set up
•     Player Aid Cards: five two-sided Set-Up cards, Soviet and Axis Air Status cards, two 11x17 two-sided game chart cards, six cards with additional charts and tables.