Baptism By Fire: The Battle of Kasserine

Ready to dive into the heat of World War II? Baptism By Fire: The Battle of Kasserine, February 1943, throws you right into the first significant ground operations of the US Army in the ETO. But hey, don't expect a walk in the park: this battle was a major Allied setback, you know? The game not only recreates this crucial moment but also demystifies some common ideas, showing that, despite confused leadership, Allied troops held their own against the remnants of Rommel's legendary Afrika Korps.

This is the second title in MMP's acclaimed Battalion Combat Series (BCS), which has already captivated players with Last Blitzkrieg. The cool thing here is that Baptism By Fire serves as a more accessible entry point to the system. With an open desert setting, a more limited number of formations, and shorter scenarios, it's perfect for those who want a quick and fun introduction to the series, without the complexity of 'monster games.' It's your chance to hone your BCS skills and better understand this often misunderstood battle. Carl Fung's meticulous research shines, revealing details of the forces involved and dispelling myths about 'hapless' GIs and Afrika Korps supermen.

To simulate the battle's dynamics, the Germans start strong but then must pause while their commanders decide on the ultimate objective. The player randomly chooses this objective mid-game, which defines the victory conditions and prevents the Axis from wasting their combat power. This also keeps the Allies off balance, as they must prepare for two possibilities. With a main campaign of only 10 turns and several smaller scenarios (3 to 5 turns), the game offers high replayability and allows players to explore various strategies for both sides. Components include a full-color BCS rulebook, charts and tables, a BCS Crib Notes Booklet, a game-specific rulebook, two 22”x34” full-color game maps, 560 counters, 6 scenarios (3 one-map, 3 two-map), box, and dice. Each turn represents one day, each hex one mile, and units are battalions (with a few companies).