Strategy & Tactics 356 : Gates of Vienna

Publisher: Decision Games / Strategy & Tactics Press
Language: English
Category: Magazine with included historical wargame
Historical Focus: Battle of Vienna, 12 September 1683
Release: Late December 2025 / early 2026

📖 Description

Strategy & Tactics 356 is a military history magazine that includes a complete tactical wargame titled Gates of Vienna 1683. The game simulates the pivotal battle on 12 September 1683, when a coalition army relieved the besieged city of Vienna from Ottoman forces—an event widely regarded as a turning point in European history.

The wargame is based on a refined version of the 30 Years War Battles system, adapted to reflect tactical developments after 1648. The rules balance historical realism with playability, modeling infantry, cavalry and artillery combat, leadership, and morale.

🎲 Game: Gates of Vienna 1683

• System: Derived from 30 Years War Battles, with post-1648 revisions.
• Theme: Tactical simulation of the relief battle at Vienna.
• Scale: Hex map with roughly 500 m per hex; turns represent 45–90 minutes.
• Units: Infantry, cavalry, artillery, historical commanders.
• Components:
  • One large full-color map (22 × 34″)
  • 176 die-cut counters (5/8″)
  • Rules and player aids included in the magazine

📌 Magazine Content (besides the game)

This issue also features several historical articles covering different battles and periods, such as:

• Battle of the Aegates Islands (241 BC)
• The Liberation of Prague: 5–11 May 1945
• The 1970 Cambodian Incursion

👥 Audience & Recommendations

• Players: 2
• Age: 14+
• Good for: Fans of historical tactical wargames and detailed simulations.

🎯 Highlights

• Strong combination of historical accuracy and accessible tactical rules.
• High-quality components with large map and abundant counters.