Rise of the Red Army By William Sariego Being a huge fan of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Russian Civil War, my interest was really peaked when I saw an internet advertisement for this game by a company called the Guild of Blades. I knew it would be only a matter of time before I picked up a copy for my collection. When I first got it I was initially disapointed. The game comes in a very small box, and let me tell you, it’s vaccumed packed with stuff! You get two maps, rulesbook, two scoring pads, a 10-sided die, lots of sheets for the cut out units to put in the 175 plastic stands provided. My copy was short 34 of those plastic stands and GoB said they would rush them right out. I am still waiting after six months for them to arrive. The first impression is; this is a kit, not a game. The rules, while generally clear, abound in typos. The maps are heavy stock and folded repeatedly to fit in the small box. To play the game a plexiglass sheet or another method of holding the maps down is required. A good deal of cutting will be reguired to get the OoB for all the sides ready to play. When you do, give up any idea of storing in the original box. Disapointment over the packaging and production was somewhat offset by actually playing the game. RotRA can accommodate up to eight players, representing various factions that participated in the struggle. Each has its own agenda (read: victory conditions). They are not all balanced, and the Bolsheviks and Siberians are the most fun to play. The result is an A&A clone that will appeal to lovers of the simple, fun game with lots of dice rolling. Units are rated for attack, defense and movement, and the 10 sided die system (make sure you have plenty) is far superior to the six sided used in Axis & Allies (or in Xeno’s Europe at War’s 8-sided system). Is it worth the $34.95 retail? That is a bit steep for what is a well packaged kit. But if you are a fan of Guild of Blades "The War to End All Wars" series it is a must purchase (indeed, in contains an add on scenario to their WWI line). Also, if you like A&A and its ilk, it is a decent addition to your collection. The kicker for me was its subject matter, as games on the Russian Civil War are few and far between. It was a worthwhile purchase for that reason if no other.