Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive

Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is the fourth wargame in the Decisive Campaigns series. It covers the battles in the Ardennes from December 1944 to January 1945, with the scale set just above tactical level: battalions are the main units of manoeuvre. You command battalion-sized units across a map where each hex represents 1 km.

Campaign and turns

The game includes a full campaign lasting over 16 days, as well as smaller scenarios covering several days of fighting in specific parts of the front, including St. Vith and Bastogne. Each day is divided into four turns, including one night turn.

Terrain and visibility

Weather is represented through more than five hex states showing combinations of precipitation, snow cover and frost. Small villages and hamlets, along with elevation levels, are visible on the map. For the first time in the series, hills block line of sight, making reconnaissance more important. Hexes are no longer owned, so enemy troops can infiltrate your lines without you noticing.

Supply and combat

The overhauled supply system includes traffic congestion rules that can affect fuel deliveries to your units. Intercept Fire lets enemy units act while you move; moving through open terrain is hazardous, and units need to retain Action Points if they are to react to enemy moves on the following turn. You can switch units between March Mode, which doubles their movement but leaves them very vulnerable to Intercept Fire, and Combat Mode. Attacks range from Probe Attacks to All-Out-Attacks.

An optional Uncertainty Rule gives each unit a hidden combat modifier that you discover as it gains combat experience. You can also form Kampfgruppes during play, scrap equipment and use on-map Truck Units to transport other units.

Maps and tools

The game features revised hex and unit graphics, including new map and counter designs and matching troop and landscape illustrations. It also has accessible, easy-to-use editors, and a reworked AI designed to provide a challenge in regular mode.