This review first appeared in IPW, the newsletter for all discount games
club members. Contact colin@allusedgames.demon.co.uk for details.

ARCTIC STORM - GMT

Board Wargame - 2 players

Arctic Storm is GMTs simulation of the Russo-Finnish War of 1939-40, a
subject not touched upon for a good few years. Historically, it was a
David and Goliath struggle. However, the Finns used all their natural
advantages to the full and inflicted damage out of all proportion to
their small military resources. Only by employing substantial forces
were the Russians able to finally defeat the Finns. This game goes some
way to reinforcing the history.

The first two turns go well for the Russian player. His troops roll
forward everywhere. All his attacks gain favourable column shifts and
every thing is set fair. This all ends on turn three!

The initial surprise is over and the Russian's armour superiority ends
when the Finnish State Liquor Board converts its stock of glass vodka
bottles into molotov cocktails! Also, a major part of the Finns forces
convert from leg mobile to skis. They move favourably across country and
get to move in the Finnish reaction phase, sandwiched between the
Russian combat and exploitation phases. Skis are the small Finnish
army's great equaliser. To help even the balance further, the Finns have
leader counters that earn column shifts on both attack and defense.

The Russian player, despite his strength, has an uphill struggle.
Finnish troops on skis can prove quite elusive. His footsloggers are too
slow and his mechanical forces best not leave the roads. The terrain
favours the defender and the CRT is quite bloody for the Attacker,
especially at the lower odds. Add to this diabolical weather and the
threat, however slim, of Western intervention and you get the picture.

The Russians do, however, have HQ's that can lend often considerable
weight to a combat, plus their air support. Also, the weather can
provide some unpleasant surprises for the Finns. Parts of both Lake
Ladoga and the Gulf of Finland freeze over, allowing Russian units to
cross them. In the latter case, a part of the previously unassailable
Finnish coast comes within reach. This stretches Finnish resources
rather thin.

Another trick up the Russian's sleeve is massing troops. This allows
them to double stacking limits in certain hexes and achieve high combat
odds, at a higher cost in casualties. This may be the only way to breech
the Mannerheim line. Both sides will suffer heavy casualties, but the
Russians can afford them far more than the Finns can.

Early in the game, the Russian also has a limited amphibian capability.
I've never used it, but my gut feeling is, it would end in disaster for
the Reds.

This is a players game, where the key to victory is planning. The type
of player who just pushes his units in search of the next combat will
lose badly, so, if that is you, then steer clear of this game. If not,
then treat yourself to Arctic Storm. You won't regret it.

Alan Sharif