Against the odds 47: Artic Disaster

Publisher: Against the Odds (ATO / LPS Inc.)
Product Type: Wargame magazine with integrated game
Language: English
Designer: Mark E. Stille
Developer: Lembit Tohver
Graphics: Mark Mahaffey
Theme: World War II – Arctic naval battle (Convoy PQ-17)
Complexity: Medium
Playing Time: 12–15 hours
Players: 2
Solitaire Suitability: Low

Contents:

• One full-color hex map (22" x 34")
• 280 die-cut counters representing individual ships, submarines, and air groups
• 16-page rulebook
• 2 pages of charts & tables
• Historical articles and analysis about Convoy PQ-17

Overview:
Arctic Disaster recreates the harrowing 1942 Arctic convoy PQ-17, which suffered devastating losses against German air, surface, and submarine forces. The game emphasizes command uncertainty with a variable activation system, challenging players to balance risk and opportunity. Every naval unit is modeled distinctly, and the Luftwaffe’s air power appears as grouped aviation counters. Special rules handle convoy scatter and reluctance to commit capital ships.

Key Features:

• Detailed operational simulation of a pivotal WWII naval engagement
• High-quality components and extensive playing map
• Strategic choices with historical depth
• Allows exploration of alternative tactical decisions in a complex campaign setting