I’ve played a couple of games of A&A Stalingrad and found it to be a stimulating and changing game. However, agree with the sentiment that the Axis player must execute with near perfection AND enjoy favorable die rolls.
Was thinking about how to balance the game without compromising the vision of the designer. Landed on the penalty that the Russians suffer in the first two rounds. In addition to “Not stepping back”, Russian units must attack as if unsupplied during the first two rounds. Note that the penalty would not apply during the German turn (Russians on defense) but only on the Russian turn when their counterattacks might be stymied by draconian orders from above.
I suspect that, on average, about 15 to 20 counterattacking Russian units would be so penalized during these first two turns. That might leave the Axis player with 3 more units to engage in the City by turn 3.
Also interested to know if there is a 2nd edition to the rules coming.
