KHARKOV 1943

Kharkov 1943 is the fourth volume in the Storms in the East (Orages à l'Est) series, dedicated to major operations on the Eastern Front during World War II. Designed by Nicolas Stratigos, this two-player operational wargame takes players to the dramatic winter campaign of 1942-43, when the Red Army attempted to transform its victory at Stalingrad into the complete collapse of the German southern front.

Following their spectacular successes during the winter, the Soviets launched Operations Star and Gallop. Their objectives were ambitious: recapture Kharkov, advance towards the Donbas and cut off the retreating German forces withdrawing from the Caucasus.

However, the Soviet armies were themselves exhausted and increasingly overstretched. Facing them, the German forces under Manstein prepared a powerful counter-offensive that would become one of the most famous operations of the Eastern Front.

The Soviet player must exploit the initial momentum of the offensive while preventing his advancing formations from becoming dangerously overextended. The German player must contain the Soviet advance, concentrate his available forces and carefully choose the right moment to launch a decisive counterattack.

Kharkov 1943 offers a dynamic operational simulation in which mobility, reserves, armoured formations and timing play a central role.

The game includes three scenarios:

• The first twenty days of Operation Gallop;
• Manstein's counter-offensive beginning on February 20th;
• The complete campaign covering February 1st to March 20th, 1943.

As the fourth installment of the Storms in the East series, Kharkov 1943 follows previous titles covering other major Eastern Front operations, including Debrecen 1944 and Kiev 1943. Its position within the series is also confirmed by BoardGameGeek.

Highlights

• A major Eastern Front campaign in 1943;
• Soviet offensives versus Manstein's famous counter-offensive;
• Three scenarios, including a complete campaign;
• Operational gameplay focused on mobility and concentration of forces;
• The fourth volume of the Storms in the East series;
• Designed by Nicolas Stratigos.

Game Components

• 1 61.5 x 59 cm game map;
• 216 double-sided die-cut counters and markers;
• 1 rulebook;
• 1 full-colour player aid.

Game Information

• Publisher: Cérigo Éditions / Vae Victis
• Designer: Nicolas Stratigos
• Illustrator: Pascal Da Silva
• Series: Storms in the East – Volume 4
• Period: World War II
• Theatre: Eastern Front – Ukraine, Winter/Spring 1943
• Players: 2
• Language: French