Decision at Kasserine – Designer Signature Edition

On the morning of February 19, the Germans launched their attack through the Kasserine Pass. Heavy damage was inflicted on the Allied forces, causing the Allies to retreat 50 miles. Despite these losses and setbacks, Allied forces and reserves managed to regroup and hold on February 22, launching a massive artillery attack to halt the German advances. Faced with his own overextended supply lines and an Allied force that was now being reinforced, Rommel withdrew and ordered all Axis units to concentrate on defending the German-held coastal areas. Had the German-Italian army succeeded, the war in North Africa would have been lengthened, thus possibly delaying the Allied invasion of Europe.This offensive was the last major Axis effort which offered a realistic chance to reverse their fortunes in North Africa.

This Designer Signature edition of the classic Vance von Borries game goes beyond a mere culmination of the forward strides made with subsequent games published in the series; it now features a major update to the game system that will be implemented in future game releases of the popular Battles for North Africa series. In terms of superior physical presentation, all aspects have been upgraded, including super-sized components; larger game map and 5/8" counters. Some of the enhancements made in this edition include:

• Super-sized components feature 5/8” counters and two game maps with large hexes

• Game map information is updated and includes all-new map artwork

• Supporting charts convey more information at a glance for ease of play

• Enhanced ergonomics are built into the set up and reinforcement charts

• Updated the Order of Battle based on new information and analysis

• Fixed the original deployment and OoB based on archival information

• The rules treatment is all-new with a full re-write backed by many illustrations, an index, and clarifications and examples of play to reduce potential questions. Some rules were simplified, others enhanced.

• Redesigned treatment on air units, armor bonus, and strongpoints in combat and a clarified treatment on the artillery rules

• New rules cover infiltration movement, combat evasion and retreat options

• New optional rules cover mountain units, certain reinforcements, Allied artillery concentrations, and considerable Allied command problems

• Many all-new historical notes can be found throughout the rules presentation

• Three new scenarios have been added

Product Information:

Complexity: 6 out of 10

Solitaire Suitability: 6 out of 10 (no hidden units; variable German victory conditions)

Time Scale: 12 hours per turn

Map Scale: two miles per hex

Unit Scale: companies and battalions, artillery batteries or groups

Players: one to two, best with two

Playing Time: 3-8 hours depending upon scenario

Components:

Two map sheets

Three countersheets (5/8" size)

Rules booklet with updated Historical Notes

Three player aid cards

Three order of appearance display cards (Axis & Allied)

One six-sided die

Box and Lid

Game Credits:

Designer: Vance von Borries

Artist: Ilya Kudriashov

Project Director: John Kranz