About the Game

The year is 1941. Germany has defeated Poland, Denmark, Norway, and France with ease and turns its gaze further eastward to the USSR. In the morning hours of June 22, over 3 million German soldiers attack Soviet forces along a 1600 kilometer front, heralding the beginning of Operation Barbarossa. With this clever maneuver, the Germans have come by complete surprise, striking deep into Soviet territory. The German high command thinks the Soviets will fold like a house of cards; Stalin has massacred the Soviet officer cadre, training is poor, and their troop morale is low. Bolstering this perception, the Soviets proceed to lose an astonishing 1.75 million men during the first two months of engagement.

The Germans are unstoppable, their Panzers push to the very gates of Moscow. Then, winter hits, and the bitter cold saps the Germans of their resources, strength, and morale. Seeing opportunity, the Soviets strike back and the momentum of the war begins to shift. The Soviet bear has awakened!

Awakening the Bear! is the first game in the Conflict of Heroes series. This series is a squad level combined arms training game used by history fans, universities, and military personnel throughout the world.

Awakening the Bear! has been honored to receive the following awards:
Historical Game of the Year
Charles Roberts Wargame of the Year
Winner of Best New Wargame Design
and many others since

Game Details