A Time For Trumpets (engl.)

Beschreibung

A Time For Trumpets ist ein Kennerspiel für Personen ab einem nicht angegebenen Alter. Es simuliert die Ardennenoffensive im Zweiten Weltkrieg auf Bataillonsebene. Das Spiel kombiniert taktische Bewegungen, Würfelmechanismen und Kartensteuerung, um ein realistisches und strategisch anspruchsvolles Kriegsspielerlebnis zu bieten.

A Time for Trumpets (ATFT) is a battalion-level wargame focused on the Battle of the Bulge. It incorporates key design elements from two notable games on the same subject: Bitter Woods by Avalon Hill and the classic Wacht am Rhein from SPI (1977). Additionally, command and control concepts from the TAHGC version of The Siege of Jerusalem have been adapted to enhance gameplay. Most ground combat units represent battalion-sized formations, which are homogeneous in mission and function—infantry battalions consist mainly of infantry companies, tank battalions of tank companies, and so on. This battalion-level approach emphasizes differentiation within the system, unlike regimental-level games where integration dominates. For example, Kampfgruppe Peiper includes multiple separate battalions such as panzer, panzer grenadier, anti-aircraft, and artillery units, each represented individually rather than combined into a single counter. Divisional compositions feature headquarters, frontline battalions, and combat support units including reconnaissance, engineers, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and artillery battalions. Each battalion models the battlefield role of its real-world counterpart. Aircraft squadrons include the most prevalent types present in December 1944: P-47 Thunderbolt, B-26 Marauder, ME-109, JU-88, and ME-262. Frontline battalions undertake offensive and defensive territorial control, while armored reconnaissance units serve as cavalry despite the challenges posed by the weapons available. Engineers fulfill specialized roles such as building defensive positions and bridges, demolishing obstacles, and supporting combined arms combat. Anti-tank units strengthen defensive positions yet retain moderate offensive capabilities. Light anti-aircraft units protect against enemy aircraft and complicate infantry attacks unsupported by armor. Heavy anti-aircraft units offer enhanced air defense and stronger resistance against tanks. Conventional field artillery and massed German rocket artillery dominate when local superiority is achieved. To maintain cohesion within Divisions and Brigades, command and control mechanics based on Wacht am Rhein (1977) require combat units to remain within the command range of their headquarters, with higher echelons similarly linked. The system is designed for ease of play, with color-coded formations to ensure immediate visual identification. The game map is scaled at one hex per mile and is derived from 1943–1944 GSGS topographical maps (4040 and 4507). Its terrain reflects the influence of Bitter Woods, offering clear and recognizable features. Key game concepts include HQ activation status (active or resting), fatigue and exhaustion, formation supply including air supply, German fuel shortages, American supply dumps, varying ground and atmospheric conditions, air strafing and interdiction, construction of defensive positions and bridges, demolition, strict formation boundaries, limited winter movement across water obstacles, strategic movement, limited visibility and infiltration, overruns, German night combat advantages, the Kampfgruppe Peiper breakout, Nebelwerfer and German/Allied artillery operations, time on target, terrain and weapons effects in ground combat, post-combat exploitation, and more. Extensive research using modern sources has produced an accurate, complete Order of Battle. Optional random events add further challenges. Scenarios include the full campaign, 6th and 5th Panzer Armies, 7th Army, Patton’s Relief of Bastogne, and the Race to the Meuse.

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