Product Description
The Frozen Fortress, January - May, 1942
game design by Vance von Borries
Historical Setting - From 22 June 1941 Axis armies attacked the Soviet Union on a broad front. While the northern group of armies (Army Group North) pushed towards Leningrad in a war of rapid maneuver its 16th Army covered the flank in the Lake Ilmen – Valday Hills area. Here, fighting began to settle down in early fall 1941 and by January had become static. Then the Soviets attacked. By late January the Soviet 11th Army had broken the German front in several sectors and threatened to surround perhaps 70,000 Germans around Demyansk. When 3rd Shock Army broke the southern wing of German 16th Army Soviet advances threatened now to destroy 16th Army and open the flank to Leningrad. It is at this stage that game-play begins.
General Introduction - Demyansk Shield recreates the World War II campaign in the Valday Hills region of Russia, from late January 1942 through May 1942. One player will control the Axis forces (Germans), while his opponent controls the Soviet forces (Russians). The playing pieces represent the actual units that participated in the campaign and the map represents the terrain over which those units fought. The players maneuver their units across the map and conduct combat according to the rules of play. One player wins by capturing certain specified objectives while his opponent wins by avoiding those victory conditions.
Product Reviews
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Excellent
Posted by Mike on Jun 17th 2020
Excellent, game has the right amount of chrome. Another great job by Vance.
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Superb Quality
Posted by Steven P Bohlin on May 7th 2020
Amazing component quality; well-written documents and player aids. Another von Borries game that will be highly enjoyable to play. Fantastic value. Thank you Randy and Legion Wargames.
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A pleasure, as usual.
Posted by mark sturdivant on Feb 19th 2018
I always enjoy VvB concepts.
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Demyansk Shield: first impressions
Posted by Unknown on Dec 4th 2017
I discovered this game (and Legion Wargames) by chance while on Board Game Geek. Reading the interview with designer Vance von Borries moved me to immediately purchase it! Out of the box the game is visually stunning. I find it loaded with atmosphere. The map, counters and play aids look great. The minimal use of marker counters is a big plus. I look forward to setting it up and playing it.
Thank you Vance von Borries and Legion Wargames for bringing this subject to my gaming table! -
Demyansk Shield: first impressions
Posted by Unknown on Dec 4th 2017
I discovered this game (and Legion Wargames) by chance while on Board Game Geek. Reading the interview with designer Vance von Borries moved me to immediately purchase it! Out of the box the game is visually stunning. I find it loaded with atmosphere. The map, counters and play aids look great. The minimal use of marker counters is a big plus. I look forward to setting it up and playing it.
Thank you Vance von Borries and Legion Wargames for bringing this subject to my gaming table! -
Demyansk
Posted by william card on Nov 20th 2017
Just reading the rules for the games, but selected due to graphics, size of map and number `of counters.
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Beautifully Done
Posted by Unknown on Aug 24th 2017
My only criticism of this game is the map board: it is beautiful, but like most map boards, too flimsy. I appreciate the glossy finish, but as an old Avalon Hill enthusiast, I much prefer maps placed on a firm board even if that raises the cost. Otherwise the game is top-notch. This is my second purchase from Legion and the company's quality is excellent.
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Small gem!
Posted by Philippe Bruneau on Jul 13th 2017
The battle is not often seen in wargames, but influenced Hitler enough to believe he could hold Stalingrad with air resupply/support. A Vance von Borries one map game with 3 scenarios, plenty of chrome. Nice large counters (.6") a lovely map, short rule book. Very, very pleased to have found and bought this title. Will update with details on play later!