Fire in the East
- Designer John Astell , Paul Richard "Rich" Banner , Frank Chadwick
- Publisher Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games) , Hobby Japan
- Illustration Paul Richard "Rich" Banner , Rodger B. MacGowan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Fire in the East, two players control German and Soviet forces from the Barbarossa invasion in 1941 to the Soviet winter counteroffensive in 1942. The game features six large maps and over 2500 units representing divisions, brigades, and air forces. Detailed terrain, logistics, and unit abilities create a deep and complex simulation of WWII combat.
Who Is This Game For?
This game is aimed at experienced hobbyists and wargame enthusiasts prepared for a very long campaign of about 50 hours. It requires patience, strategic thinking, and familiarity with complex simulations. Casual or family players will find it overwhelming.
How It Works
Fire in the East uses mechanics such as Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Zone of Control, and Simulation to recreate the Eastern Front. Players move units on hex maps, resolve combat with dice, and manage logistics and terrain effects to maintain combat effectiveness and achieve strategic goals.
What Makes It Special
Designed by John Astell, Rich Banner, and Frank Chadwick, Fire in the East is part of the Europa series and is known for its extreme detail in simulating Operation Barbarossa. While it has no awards, it stands out through its high realism and depth compared to other wargames.
Pro
- Extensive detail in units and terrain
- High realism in logistics and combat
- Part of the well-known Europa wargame series
- Supports team play with up to four players
Contra
- Very long playtime of approximately 50 hours
- High complexity requires experience
- Not suitable for casual or family players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game covers the WWII Eastern Front, focusing on the German invasion of the Soviet Union from 1941 to the Soviet winter counteroffensive in 1942. The maps span from Warsaw to Stalingrad and Murmansk to Sevastopol.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take your time learning the rules and consider playing with experienced players to better understand the complex mechanics.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Fire in the East is designed for two to four players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes approximately 3000 minutes, or about 50 hours, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with complex wargames and historical simulations.
How does this compare to similar games?
Fire in the East stands out due to its extreme detail and realistic simulation of the Eastern Front.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its high complexity and long duration, it is not suitable for family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, and Zone of Control enables a deep and realistic war simulation.
Fazit
Fire in the East is an epic wargame for seasoned players with time and interest in historical detail. It offers a unique experience but demands significant preparation and patience.
