Conflict of Heroes: Storms of Steel - Kursk 1943
Anecdote
The second entry in Uwe Eickert's Conflict of Heroes system for Academy Games, Storms of Steel transports players to the heart of the Battle of Kursk during the summer of 1943. The action point allocation system is here enriched with rules specific to heavy armour, incorporating the Tiger, the Panther, the T-34/85, and the IS-2, each with their own characteristics. The scenarios cover the main phases of Citadel, from Ponyri to Prokhorovka, on hexagonal maps representing the Ukrainian steppes. A game lasts approximately two hours, and the asymmetry between German armour and Soviet defensive depth delivers a very rich tactical experience. The learning curve benefits from familiarity with the first game; the title is standalone while remaining compatible. Eickert pushed the modelling of armoured warfare further, drawing on the works of David Glantz and Karl-Heinz Frieser. The components maintain the Academy Games standard with sober illustrations and very clear player aids. Storms of Steel confirmed that Conflict of Heroes was a true modular series and not an isolated publishing venture. Its critical reception was excellent, earning several major nominations including the Charles S. Roberts. The title's influence can be seen in the modern modelling of tactical armoured combat, now standard in several recent games. A French localisation by Asyncron broadened its success in Francophone territory. The community is very active, with some players reconstructing Kursk scenario by scenario across multiple sessions. The historical booklet is well written and its archival iconography is carefully curated. For enthusiasts of armoured warfare in the East, Storms of Steel remains one of the finest treatments ever produced in the modernised hex-and-counter format. Academy Games confirmed with this entry its status as an essential publisher of contemporary wargaming.
Popularity & reception
Distinctions — Charles S. Roberts Award - Best WWII Boardgame nomination (2009) · Golden Geek - Best Wargame nomination (2010)
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