EAST FRONT
==========

Written by R. Neilson 

East Front models the German/Russian 2nd World War Campaign and has been well researched by 
a wargamer - the forces and their equipment are therefore accurately represented. The terrain 
varies with each game and players can choose the type of visibility and ground conditions and 
have up to 26 units each. The game uses complex algorithms to simulate the accurate outcome 
of each fracas. Success depends on the commander's tactics, not on luck! The game is for two 
players.


LOADING INSTRUCTIONS

The procedure  for loading a program into your Spectrum is given in your manual. Please 
follow these steps for loading the program.

1. Connect the ear socket of the Computer to the ear socket of your tape recorder.
2. Set the volume control as per Sinclair manual.
3. Adjust the tone control to maximum.
4. Type LOAD "".
5. Start the tape recorder.


1. INTRODUCTION

This program simulates the interaction of forces, designs, tactics, terrain that makes the 
Russian Campaign so fascinating to a wargamer. It sets out to provide the framework for a 
'meeting' engagement between the Wermacht and Red Army at any time in the conflict. It will 
allow the control of anything between a smali patrol on a recce to a full scale thrust of 
a Division. During selection of forces only one player should be at the keyboard to allow 
for the element of secrecy the game is based upon.

The game is based upon a map that represents approx. four square miles of terrain typical 
of one of four main types found in Russia. These vary from the wide expansive steppe lands 
to the wooded clutter of the North and include a townscape, in which so much bloody hand 
to hand fighting took plače. Each game allows the players to select the type of terrain and 
the map is then created afresh within those specifications. The players can also set weather
conditions to be anything between a sunny day to dark night, clear skies to snow or mud. 
Obviously the conditions will effect the performance of the troops in their movement and 
firing.


2. THE FORCES

Each player is able to select from a menu of between 30 and 40 different unit types that 
represent all the major tanks, vehicles and troops that fought in the campaign. Each player 
is allowed up to 26 units and each unit can have up to 9 individual tanks, guns or groups 
of men in it. Thus you can command anything between one and two hundred plus tanks, guns and 
infantry on each side. It is suggested initially you go for just a few, and limit the types 
until you get the hang of it. Each player chooses his own forces and positions them on the 
map, unaware of the opposing force.

Units are shown on the map as code letters, the player keeps a record of what they actually 
are (if a printer is attached then you will get a printout of them). To win the game you need 
to have a good, balanced force (a lot of tanks is useless by itself, especially if he has 
infantry in cover); good intelligence work to discover as soon as possible what he has and 
where; judgement as to when to move or fire; use of terrain to sneak closer without being 
sighted; keeping some of your units hidden to worry him as to their identity. The game is 
about knowing your uniťs capabilities (try some solitaire play to discover this) and using 
bluff and counter bluff to lure him into making the errors that will allow you to hit his 
forces and destroy them. Do not be deceived by the simplicity of the messages you will be 
given, the fact that you have just hit a unit of his 'Tigers' seven times is not because 
the random number came right for you. The process of both command and combat is as accurate 
as can be achieved within 48K. The algorithms are very complex and often involve 20 factors.


3. COMMAND DECISIONS 

Movement

In a varying random sequence you are asked for 'orders' for each unit that you command. The 
unit requiring the orders flashes on the map to signify this. You first have to decide the 
type of movement you wish it to execute. The options are as follows:

R = Rapid Movement. It will move as fast as the terrain, conditions and maximum speed will 
permit in whatever direction you 'drive' it. Because of the speed you move at it is 
impossible to fire armour piercing shot and stand a chance of hitting the target. Anti 
personnel fire is allowed but is likely to be fairly ineffective.

M = Cautious Movement. It will move a smali amount only in the direction you specify. Almost 
all units are able to fire both Anti-Personnel and Armour Piercing in this condition, though
their fire will still not be as accurate as possible. An exception is the fixed gun of a Tank 
hunter or Šelf Propelled Gun. In order to hit targets they need to remain stationary and 
rotate the whole of the vehicle to aim at a target; they only can fire at Halt or in Cover.

H = Halt. It will remain stationary for the move but fully ready to move when the next orders 
period occurs. Towed Anti-tank guns and Motorised Infantry remain in their vehicles/limbered. 
Anti-tank guns cannot fire, Motorised Infantry can but at reduced effect. All other units can 
fire as accurately as they are able.

C = Cover. It will remain stationary but is considered to have taken up the best defensive
position utiiisinq terrain to the full. This mav make the unit harder to sight and harder to
inflict	damage upon, whilst its own fire is at full effect. Anti-tank guns are unlimbered and 
can fire; Motorised Infantry are at their most effective, dismounted from their vehicles. You 
will not be able next move, to move out at speed though, there will be a reduction in your 
movement rate to compensate for reversing, mounting or limbering.

Once the unit has been given its orders you are asked, if the option was either R or M which 
direction you wish to move in. To do this you use the KEYS 0 TO 8. Key 0 stops the unit in 
its new position, the others move the unit one character position in the following compass 
direction:
				8	1	2
				7	*	3
				6	5	4

The distance a unit will move is not fixed, it depends upon its speed, terrain crossed and 
the speed at which orders are reacted to (this is decided by the program). Generally the faster 
the speed a unit could go the further it will travel, but be aware that sometimes it will not 
travel very far, this is designed to simulate the imprecision of orders and co-ordination of 
the period. Thus one may well attempt a dash across a space to some new cover and find you 
reach it with ease, yet another time you are half way across when the unit stops, presenting 
a juicy target for the enemy. Normally the full eight directions are available to you, but if 
a unit is retreating there will only be the option of which generally rearward move you make. 
When the moving is complete the program moves to the sighting phase.

Sighting

First the Russian then the German player gets a chance to sight and possibly fire upon enemy 
forces. The units get a turn according to their alphabetical code. If a unit sights an enemy 
force it makes it more likely that it will be able to do so next move as it is assumed that 
it would keep watch on its movement. Thus, even if you are not going to fire it is advisable
that you try to eight enemy for future action. it also means that you, the commander, know		
what the unit is. Except for Mortars, all units can only sight enemy by direct Line of Sight, 
that is there must be no intervening terrain. You will be advised which unit is attempting to 
sight the enemy.

KEY enemy units' letter (A - Z) or O if you do not wish to sight the enemy.

The program calculates whether a sighting is possible given the size of the target, type of 
terrain, speed, visibility, and whether the target unit has fired (gives its position away 
very often). If you do not sight it the program moves to the next unit. If it is sighted you 
will get a report about its strength (not always accurate), its actual identity, the combined 
movement factor, range in squares, terrain protection and whether it is in cover, and to what 
degree. If you are able to fire it will give you an option to fire.

Firing

With some units firing Armour Piercing the rapidity of fire they could achieve allows you the 
option of firing several shots in one move. If this is the čase you will be advised as to the 
maximum shots you can fire and asked for a decision. This does use up ammunition faster than 
normal, and there is a fall off in accuracy, but at times the weight of fire may be worth the 
effort. The program assesses your success after taking into account all the relevant 
information. The number of hits which are claimed are reported (do not assume this 
information is accurate by the way). Actual hits are not applied until all firing has been 
done, so there is no advantage in firing first in any move. At times your fire may not cause 
any appreciable casualties, rather it will force the enemy unit to stop and take cover 
throughout the next move. This is a very important aspect of anti-personnel fire, to keep 
the enemies' heads down and break up any co-ordinated attacks.

Mortars are the only exception to the Line of Sight rule. It is assumed that any Mortar unit 
will have an observer in a fairly advantageous position to see and direct the fall of their 
fire. Because of the high trajectory of the fire you can hit troops behind terrain blocks to 
sight, but you will not be told the effects of the fire. Thus you can ask your Mortar to fire 
anywhere on the map, though you may find beyond a certain range it will have no effect.

4. RESULTS

When all firing has been completed the information is updated and you are then advised as to 
the reletive victory points accrued by both sides. Tď win you musí reach undisclosed points 
total which the program determines by a comparison of both sides' points totals. Victory 
points are gained by the destruction of the enemy forces. It is possible for one unit to win 
against overwhelming odds because although that unit is almost bound to be wiped out the 
enemy cannot afford to lose much in the process. If the game is heading towards a draw then 
it is ended to avoid the fight to the last man tendency. If neither side has won and there 
are enough forces remaining then you are returned to the map for new orders, it is only then 
that units which have ceased to be effective are not reprinted, your first indication of 
success or failure.



© 1984 World Wide Wargames (UK) Ltd.

Copies of this recording may only be made for the sole use of the purchaser unless written 
permission is obtained from the publisher.

CASES COMPUTER SIMULATIONS LTD., 14 Langton Way, London SE3 7TL