July | 2017 | Pour Morale Gaming

When I was first approached about playing a scenario involving the battle of Stalingrad, I was skeptical. I have always preferred the genres of melee and fantasy for table top gaming. The idea of using mechanized warfare and reenacting such a massive conflict seemed daunting, to say the least. However, throughout the course of building, play testing, and play testing some more, I learned to become dedicated to both the scenario and the rule set. In this brief blog, I will discuss the battle of Stalingrad as it relates to the scenario, the development process, and overall game play.

The Battle of Stalingrad, July 17, 1942- February 2, 1943, is a fascinating case

study in Hitler’s military strategy and a pivotal moment for the Allied forces in World War II. Stalingrad and the Volga river were viewed as important capital centers for the Soviet Union. The summer campaign of 1942 was expanded to destroy the industrial capabilities of Stalingrad and halt commercial traffic via the Persian Corridor in the Volga. The German 6th army supported by parts of the 4th Panzer army and the Luftwaffe reduced the majority of the city to ruins. The lack of viable travel routes and decreased visibility led to a great deal of building to building combat. In November 1942, the German offensive had forced the Soviets back to the western side of the Volga. This is where the

scenario designed by Pour Morale Gamers takes place. 1234

“The men in my unit already suspect the truth, but they aren’t so exactly informed as I am. No, we are not going to be captured. When Stalingrad falls you will hear and read about it. Then you will know that I shall not return.”Anonymous German soldier The idea to build a replica of the battle of Stalingrad was inspired by Joe and Jay Richards. The suggestion was to not only build a large portion of the massive city but to do so in a historically accurate fashion. Due to aerial photographs and written accounts the task seemed feasible yet intricate. We used terrain by “Terrain4Games” and “Impudent Mortal” to recreate the utter destruction Stalingrad endured. Visually the game board

conveys the devastation and ruin that war leaves in its wake. The bleak colors of gray and black allow the player to envision the bleak realities of the situation.

Upon completion of construction, the task of play testing the game was assigned

to a rowdy group of gamers. Hell bent on creating a scenario that could be completed in the course of a few nights and would recreate the combat situation of the actual battle we played on. And on. The “Rapid Fire” rule set was decided upon because of its quick pace and straightforwardness of use. We then determined troop allotment, victory conditions, and reinforcement options. Though this process was extensive, it allowed us to all to play both sides repeatedly. This extensive playtesting helped discover the flaws of our campaign so we could make a competitive, but fun and playable campaign.

The Battle of Stalingrad campaign turned out to be a fun foray into the world of 15 mm World War II miniatures. The Germans are tasked with fulfilling Hitler’s orders and furthering the offensive. The Soviets are desperately trying to hold on for the city, nationalism, and ultimately their lives. The premises of over-watch, fog of war, and such a large battle area allowed for intense and suspenseful game play. Casualties along with enemies often appeared quickly and unexpectedly. What I personally enjoyed about the scenario was there is plentiful setup, combat, and points scoring strategies. The fact the campaign can be two to five days forces you to consider both long and short term goals. I can still hear screams of fellow players and I while losing or destroying vital armored and elite units. That camaraderie along with an adult beverage allowed for one fun ride. I encourage all gamers to get out of their comfort zones and of course keep on gaming!

Thomas Coffren

Pour Morale Gamers

1 https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Stalingrad

2 http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/famous-battles-of-world-war-two/the-battle-of-stalingrad/

3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stalingrad

4http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/hitler_russia_invasion_01.shtml

That’s the feedback from one of the Russian commanders on the first day. I’m thinking “Didn’t you see any of the movies?” –“Comrade here are your bullets. Pick up a rifle after someone holding one is killed.” The Russians still managed to slow the Germans somewhat on the first day, and cause some casualties while doing so, but the Germans got a first day win. The second Russian commander spent more time playing and less complaining and was able to get a Russian victory the second day, while still being slaughtered. Doug, the German commander still won an overall wehrmacht victory.

This 2 day Stalingrad campaign game was put on at HMGS 2017. Both sessions were about three hours each, with new players. So the campaign was sized right and the rules weren’t too complicated. I emphasize this because my main complaint about convention games is that the Russians got slaug… no my complaint is that too many gamemasters don’t pay enough attention to getting games up and running quickly and moving along smartly.