A Victory Lost: Crisis in Ukraine 1942-1943
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 360 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.5 / 5
- Year
- 2006
About the game
A Victory Lost is a two-player hex-and-counter wargame simulating the brutal winter fighting between Axis and Soviet forces in the southwestern USSR from December 1942 through von Manstein's counterattack. Soviet forces aim to encircle the retreating Axis, while the Axis must stabilize the front with a desperate counterattack. Using chit-pull activation, a combat results table, and zone-of-control rules, it recreates the operational chaos of the Eastern Front. Games typically run 3-5 hours for serious wargamers.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editors see this as a solid, historically grounded operational wargame from the well-regarded International Game Series. The chit-pull activation system adds fog-of-war uncertainty that keeps both sides on their toes throughout a long session. It's a demanding but rewarding game for players deeply interested in the Eastern Front campaigns of WWII.
What we like
- Detailed, historically grounded simulation of a pivotal Eastern Front campaign.
- Chit-pull activation adds tension and unpredictability.
- High-quality components typical of the International Game Series.
- Rewarding depth for serious wargame enthusiasts.
Keep in mind
- Long 3-5 hour playtime and high complexity limit accessibility.
- Strictly two-player, limiting group flexibility.
- Steep learning curve for players new to hex wargames.
Who it's for
Best for dedicated wargamers, ages 14+, playing head-to-head in sessions of 3-5 hours.
