Return to the Western Front

DATELINE: JULY 1985, SOMEWHERE IN THE WEST GERMAN REPUBLIC…
We played another game of Cold War Commander recently. This was a pretty massive battle, with John M. playing his West Germans (4000 pts. – an under-strength battalion) and I was playing my Russians (8000 pts. – an under-strength regiment).

The Russians were tasked with breaking through the German’s defensive positions somewhere west of the Fulda Gap. Initially the rapid Soviet advance was slowed by a surprise ambush in their rear (well played by John) which threatened their anti-air capabilities, but with the threat contained the march continued.



Then it all hit the fan. As the Russians began to push into the main German defenses, the NATO commander started unleashing barrage after barrage of FASCAM – scatterable mines. In response the Soviets played the chemical card and began laying down toxic barrages of their own. Eventually everything bogged down into a morass of free-for-all shooting with both sides hemmed in by minefields and chemicals weapons.



The game was eventually determined to be a draw, although it could be argued the Germans had gained the upper hand by slowing, although not stopping, the Communist advance. I suspect this game will have to be replayed, to lay to rest the question of the rightful winner.

In any event, it was a very fun game with the usual amount of trash talking. We also further refined our knowledge of the rules, and now better understand some of the more specialized aspects of the game for the future. As always I am definitely looking forward to the rematch.

Enjoy the pictures & until next time…

Cheers!

Dan