Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue

Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue is an operational strategy game set on the Eastern Front in 1942. You command German or Soviet forces through historical campaigns, from the German drive toward Stalingrad and the Caucasus to the Soviet winter counter-offensive. Your performance can change the order of battle and the campaign’s direction.

Campaigns and scenarios

The game includes four campaign scenarios: Case Blue (Long and Short), Operation Uranus, and 2nd Kharkov-Trappenjagd. It also has a linked 1st Panzer Army scenario campaign and two smaller scenarios, 2nd Kharkov and Drive on Voronezh. The campaigns cover historical options and allow for different outcomes, including starting in summer 1942 or taking command as Operation Uranus begins.

Command and logistics

An optional High Command order system puts you in the role of the historical commander, who may receive difficult or unrealistic objectives from superiors. Success can let you influence the campaign’s future strategy; failure can lead to dismissal or a firing squad. High Command rules include “no step back” and dismissal options.

You can request replacement and reinforcement units, create divisions and HQs, rebuild lost regiments and change divisional types. Logistical Centers can strengthen your supply network, while air supply missions and artillery stockpiles add further supply considerations. Oil reserves can run down, affecting mechanized and air operations as well as readiness.

Forces and battlefield

The game models historical and dynamic orders of battle, with detailed troop, equipment and vehicle types for both sides. It includes an historical officer pool, the ability to change field commanders and more than 25 Officer Actions. Axis Minors have separate national morale and command rules, while Guards, partisans, worker militias and Cossacks have special rules.

Weather includes mud and winter seasons, with frozen rivers and differing river effects on supply. Rail repair, airfield overcrowding, interception, naval transport loading and unloading, and zones of control also affect operations. Maps range from 22×22 to 160×125 hexes.

Tools and play

The game features a rewritten AI and a full scenario editor. You can also play battles online through the PBEM++ system.