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The Last Crusade - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

The Last Crusade Image
Campaign Series Ladder

The Last Crusade

By D. Bevard
Allies 48 - 8 - 50 Axis
Rating: 8.03 (75)
Games Played: 106
SM: 1
Turns: 10
Type: Stock
First Side: Allies
Second Side: Axis
Lisets, SW of Stanislav, 120km SE of L'vov: [Best played against Human opponent] By the end of spring, 1944, southern Russia and the Ukraine were back under Soviet control and the Red Armies were pressing against the floodgates of Germany's allies. The northern flank of Eastern Europe was protected by the Hungarian First Army, which launched a pre-emptive strike against the Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front around Stanislav in mid-April. This "Last Crusade" by the Hungarians was intended to convince Stalin that the conquest of Hungary and Rumania would be too expensive. In reality it had the opposite effect for which the future Eastern Block countries would pay a high price in later years. On May 1st elements of the reorganized 2nd Armored Division faced the counterattacking Russian 162nd Tank Brigade at Lisets, SW of Stanislav. Outclassed by the deadly T-34, the Hungarian tankers would have to rely on their determination and cunning to carry the day. But the Russian Bear had tasted blood and had revenge in its heart. It would not be easily stopped!
Player Voting Stats
Member Balance Enjoyment
Rasputitsa's ProfileRasputitsa Slightly Pro Axis 7
Blitz Shadow Player's ProfileBlitz Shadow Player Well Balanced 8
Tanker Mike's ProfileTanker Mike Well Balanced 8
Rustbelt's ProfileRustbelt Well Balanced 7
Mercur's ProfileMercur Well Balanced 9
John Given
Very interesting scenario - in this one, the Hungarian units have to hold off the Russians. Both sides get a fair amount of good quality units to work with. Although the scenario has only 10 turns, it seems to work just fine.
Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

Sun Tzu
Boisforas
Short but vicious!
Askari19
Interesting from the Soviet point of view - there's no time to dither around - but you have a decisive advantage in armor.
Oberst
Hungarian tanks are cannon fodder for Soviet T-34's.
Schwerpunkt75
Allies have the advantage in virtually every category of equipment. Axis player must be bold and use his advantage in numbers to have a chance.
Cole
Well balanced and exciting for both sides. Either side can make a mistake in deployment of forces or game play that will be exploited by the other. Neither side has the luxury to feel comfortable in this game. One of my favorites.
Tiger 88
General of the Army
Tiger 88 Thu Dec 27, 2018 3:51 pm
Reds over-power the axis in this one..and their tanks are no match for Ivan.
Big Ivan
1st Lieutenant
Big Ivan Mon Apr 01, 2019 12:08 pm
Lousy scenario in terms of balance. Didn't like it the first time I played it either.
Schwerpunkt75
Warrant Officer
Schwerpunkt75 Frid Jan 29, 2021 7:12 pm
Quite a challenge for the Axis player. Axis has good defensive ground to hold. Allied player has superior equipment. Lots of objective hexes means a multitude of strategic options for both sides.
LadyTriestel
Private 1st Class
LadyTriestel Sat Aug 28, 2021 12:03 am
Good quick game.
JOKipper
2nd Lieutenant
JOKipper Sat Aug 28, 2021 3:30 am
Good scenario, plenty of options for both sides. The Soviets could use more artillery and less SMG squads, but otherwise well-balanced.