Drang Nach Osten! — archived product artwork
Original product artwork supplied with Battleward’s review archive. Artwork belongs to its respective rights holder; shown for identification and review. Copyright & Trademarks

Review commentary

"Drang Nach Osten!" by GDW and published in 1973 is an operational simulation of the first nine and a half months of the Russo-German War starting in 1941. As part of the Europa series, it offers a detailed operational experience. The game covers a vast range of military aspects, including air and naval operations. It's designed for experienced players due to its complexity and extensive scenario options. The game's scale primarily involves division, brigade, regiment, and battalion levels, providing a comprehensive view of the Eastern Front during WWII. There are nearly 1800 counters played on 5 detailed maps representing the Eastern Front. It's been referred to as the ultimate monster game. A friend and I, while we were in high school, actually set the game up on a plywood table and played it out. It took months, maybe a year. I still have nightmares of the stacks and stacks of counters we had to move each turn. It's a daunting task to play this game of gargantuan proportions for months on end.

Sources and review basis

From the original Battleward Games page, with spelling and presentation edits. Firsthand memories are retained where supplied. These are short editorial impressions, not claims that every game received a personal playtest. Edition details, availability, and links may have changed since the original review; consult the linked publisher or product information before purchasing.