Blood and Bridges

Played the new game "Blood and Bridges", part of the World at War series by Lock 'n Load. It's set in 1985 and simulates a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. This particular game focuses on the Brits and West Germans. I solitaired the first scenario, in which West German and Soviets become intermixed while each side seeks to rejoin their main lines. The game began well for the Soviets as the German mechanized infantry battalion moved into firing positions on top of a hill overlooking the Soviet avenue of approach. Soviet T80s shot the hell out of the infantry. Meanwhile, Soviet BRDM-ATs beat up some of the German Panzers maneuvering against them in the south. But as the game progressed, the Germans--especially the infantry firing MILANs--started to tear up the Soviets that were trying to advance off the map. When the HINDs came in, the German Redeyes killed one immediately. The other eventually maneuvered against the Redeye position and killed it. By the end of the game, however, the Germans had attrited the Soviets pretty badly and advanced a couple of units off the board, thus winning.

I like the game system. It borders on "too simple", as the combat system is very dicey. But it plays fast and solitaires well. I will continue to play it.