The Russian game company Zvezda (means Star) has started producing two new lines of games and supporting accessories.
Zvezda is a widely known model
manufacturer with an extensive line of models for Russian and Soviet aircraft and armor. This has placed them in a great position to produce a complete historical miniature gaming product.
The first series of games are the Hexostrategy Series. These hex-based games are centered around a specific battle from history. Everything you need to play is included in the game.
The Battle of Lake Peipus in 1242 was a significant victory for the Russian Knights over the Teutonic Knights of the Livonian Order. This battle is also called the Ice Carnage as it was the bloodiest battle of that era.
The game includes the following:
- 76 playing pieces (1:72nd scale plastic figures)
- Rules (in Russian, but with a complete translation into English, along with other editorial notes for play, in English)
- Hex-based gameboard of 26" x 39"
- Six-sided die
- Regiment/Unit tracking cards (in Russian, with English versions provided)
- Population center tracking cards
- Coin chits
- Unit Detachment chits
- Russian Notes chart - this is provided in English to assist the gamer in understanding what is on the game board
This game is a historically accurate approach to the strategy (building reinforced cities and units) and tactics of the time. Using 1:72nd scale (20mm by the Barrett scale) plastic figures to represent units, the players take the side of the Russians or the Germans. Each side will build upon the
cities already in possession, seeking to expand influence and wealth in order to build a bigger and stronger army with which to defeat the foe.
All rules and game aids have been translated into English. Preview the rules below.
http://members.nbci.com/gauntlet2/LakePeipusRulesComplete.htm
In the line of Hexostrategy Games, only The Battle of Lake Peipus is on the market. The second release will be 300 Spartans. These games are
reminiscent of good Avalon Hill games from the past. These games will cost $45.00 USD each, plus shipping.
The second type of game is completely free-flowing miniature based (no game board). The Age of Battles system is a full miniatures game. It allows for expansion of units used, additional scenarios, and an infinite number of same-era games. The first in this series is the Battle of Kulikov, 1380 - Russian Knights against the Golden Horde of Tatar-Mongols. The second is the Battle of Marathon - Ancient Greeks against the Persians in 490 B.C.
Both of these have been published and the rules are finally in a releasable form. As soon as the game aids have been readied, both games will be made available to the general public.
The Age of Battles
Miniature Wargaming System
Complete Rules, Scenario, Figures & Terrain
by Zvezda, Moscow, Russia
Rules & Information translated by Nikolai Semibratov & Craig Martelle
Zvezda offers you an absolutely new game in the field of military strategy board games.
In these games, players always represent generals, command armies, and lead them on strategic and tactical levels. Figures of warriors are represented by plastic miniatures, whose appearance and military characteristics are based on their historical counterparts. The aim of each player is to
complete his army, lead it to war, and defeat the enemy!
The Age of Battles gaming system uses one base-set of rules, then expands with scenarios and figures. Each set provides new packs of figures, cardboard terrain, era-specific game aids, era-specific rules, and a complete scenario.
The base rules, being the foundation of the game, will not be available over the internet, but will only be available in hard-copy form. The rules are predicated on Zvezda's 20mm figures, but these can be modified for other-size figures. In this regard, the rules can be made available separately from the complete game.
The base rules set are also very well suited for castle storming and siege operations. Very convenient as Zvezda produces a Middle Ages wooden fort,
with extra wall sections and towers available. Planned for release in 2001 are two more castles - both stone, one with round towers and one with square towers. I already have the middle-ages wood fort accessories (walls, towers, and gates) available and will be adding the stone accessories as
soon as they are available.
Pricing on these games is not yet confirmed, should be around $40.00 USD for the complete set, approximately $25.00 USD for just the rules. Accessories will be
approximately $3.50 USD a pack (one wall or one tower or one gate). Extra boxes of 20mm plastic figures should be $7.50 USD each, but the figures will only be sold to individuals already owning or purchasing one of these game sets - I don't have enough in stock to supply others so I have to limit sales, but want to keep prices down.
Look for a confirmation that all are available for immediate sale along with a confirmation on pricing right here on The Miniatures Page - Your best source for historical miniature gaming news and products.
For more information, contact me at gauntlet2@hotmail.com. Also, be advised that Gauntlet International is relocating from Moscow, Russia to Fairfax, Virginia in July 2001. My new mailing address will be posted on TMP and on my own web site as soon as it is available. | 
