Lost Battles: Operational Combat in Russia
Lost Battles: Operational Combat in Russia at your next game night?
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- Designer Jim Dunnigan
- Publisher SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)
- Illustration Redmond Aksel Simonsen
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Lost Battles, players command tactical combat on a hex grid map representing Eastern Front terrain. The game emphasizes selected aspects of the conflict with a few scenarios and variable victory conditions, offering strategic challenges through mechanics like Movement Points, Dice Rolling, and Zone of Control. Each turn simulates a day, providing a classic operational wargame experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced players interested in historical two-player wargames, Lost Battles is a medium-complexity game lasting about 120 minutes. It demands patience and understanding of typical wargame mechanics and is less suited for beginners or casual gamers.
How It Works
Players move units on a hexagonal grid using Movement Points, with combat resolved via a Ratio / Combat Results Table influenced by dice rolls. Zones of Control affect unit movement and positioning, adding tactical depth. Each turn represents one day of operational combat, simulating battalion and regiment level engagements.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jim Dunnigan and published by SPI in 1971, Lost Battles is part of the Strategy & Tactics magazine series. Despite having only four scenarios, its variable victory conditions increase replayability. It exemplifies classic two-player wargames focused on Eastern Front battles.
Pro
- Historical simulation at battalion/regiment scale
- High replayability via variable victory conditions
- Classic wargame mechanics like Zone of Control and Combat Results Table
- Focused depiction of Eastern Front combat
Contra
- Only for two players
- Around 120 minutes playing time requires patience
- No solo mode available
Setting & atmosphere
The game simulates hypothetical battles on the WWII Eastern Front, with a map showing typical terrain and turns representing single days. Units are at battalion and regiment scale.
Tips for beginners
Start with the included scenarios and focus on understanding core mechanics like movement and combat before designing your own scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Lost Battles is designed strictly for two players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, making it an extended gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a medium-complexity wargame requiring familiarity with wargame mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Lost Battles focuses on selected aspects of Eastern Front combat with few scenarios and classic combat resolution via a results table.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and two-player limitation, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Movement Points, Zone of Control, and a Ratio / Combat Results Table defines its tactical gameplay.
Fazit
Lost Battles offers a demanding tactical wargame experience for two players interested in WWII Eastern Front combat. It requires strategic thinking and patience, making it suitable for dedicated wargame enthusiasts.
Lost Battles: Operational Combat in Russia at your next game night?
Add Lost Battles: Operational Combat in Russia to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Lost Battles: Operational Combat in Russia to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
