Historic Gaming #2

No Retreat! 1 is a two-player wargame that retells the story of the titanic struggle between the invading armies of Nazi Germany versus Communist Russia during WW2 at a player-friendly and manageable level in scope and difficulty. Each turn is alight with intriguing on-board challenges plus the surprise of card hand Events as players vie to win in one of three different ways.

In a skillfully blended collation of classic hex-based wargaming and modern card-driven simulations, No Retreat! 1 stays truly story-centric, providing the proper feel of sweeping maneuvers, exploitation and encirclements across the vast steppes and forests of Russia. With a simple-yet-innovative economic model, players will also feel the growing might and sophistication of the Russian’s Red Army, and the degradation of the once-invincible German Wehrmacht, over the epic four year sweep of time that this merciless campaign was fought.

Neither side can afford the disgrace of yielding an inch of ground to their hated foe, so your orders are: “No Retreat!”

Now shipping in its 2nd edition, with two new mini-games added! (These are also available a free downloads in the Game Resources section, below.)

Important: GMT is now taking pre-orders for their edition of this game and its expansion kits combined in one boxed package. Click on the banner below to pre-order.

Number of Players: 2
Ages: 14 and up
Playing Time: approximately 45 minutes for each scenario; 3 to 4 hours for a campaign game
Complexity: 4.5 on a 9 scale
Solitaire Suitability: 3 on a 9 scale
Scale: Each unit is 1 army or front, each hex is 100 kilometers, and each turn is 2 months.

•    8 page color Rules booklet
•    4 page Reference booklet
•    4 page Scenarios booklet
•    One 11” x 17” color map
•    Three Player Aid Sheets
•    40 color, die-cut two-sided 5/8” mounted game pieces
•    28 round game markers
•    24 Event cards
•    Polybag packaging and component storage

This review is based off the GMT Deluxe Edition of No Retreat! 1.


This review is based off the VPG collectible edition of No Retreat! 1.

"This game could take a life time to master, no kidding... very cool game."

"Superb game. Manages to represent the entire war in an elegant and logical fashion. The card system is brilliant, enhancing the game rather than detracting, an all too common flaw. The gradual improvement of the Soviets is shown in a unique and interesting way, and the rules are coherent and concise. Amazingly, the game avoids "gamey" situations and is a joy to play each and every time. Highly recommended."

"Eastern Front '41 to '44 in 4-5 hours. Plays like a dream, keeps you fully engaged. Lots of great evolution of classic wargaming concepts. A tour de force."

"C'mon, who needs another WWII East Front game? I do - this is accessible, engaging, has wonderful depth of play, lots of decision-making, plays better solo than I anticipated (cards), and really captures the campaign in a small game format. Winner!"
 
"I've played this game more in the past 4 months than any other game. It is a blast to play."

"This game could take a life time to master, no kidding... very cool game."

"The designer in my opinion has created a masterpiece. He strived to make a game where "more is less", and I have not found any "quirks" in game play or any weird notions in the rules, i.e., there are no "patches" . I found that the rules are so clean I can enjoy the game play. I have been able to teach the "basics" to a new-comer in 25 minutes of play."

"Everyone who has tried it says it is an outstanding piece of work. Some scenarios can be played in as short as 50 minutes while the campaign game is a devoted affair. Also Carl Paradis, the designer, has put in extra effort to support this game!"

"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: VERY HISTORICAL, EXCELLENT PLAY."

Game System Design: Carl Paradis
Documentation and Game System Development: Alan Emrich
Art & Graphic Design: Alan Emrich
Playtesting: Tim Allen, Jack Beckman, Richard Carley, Vince DeNardo, Joel Langenfeld,
Jon Matthews (Lead Proofreader), Joe Miranda

Regular Price: $32.95