World At War 85: Storming the Gap First Strike Ultimate Pack
World At War 85: Storming the Gap – First Strike Ultimate Pack
The Ultimate World War III Wargaming Experience
The World At War 85: Storming the Gap – First Strike Ultimate Pack is the definitive bundle for tactical wargamers, combining the core game, expansions, campaign systems, and solo play mechanics into one comprehensive package. Whether you're leading NATO’s desperate defense of Western Europe or commanding the Warsaw Pact’s relentless offensive, this collection provides everything needed for dynamic, large-scale battles in a Cold War gone hot.
What’s Inside the First Strike Pack?
1. World At War 85: Storming the Gap(Core Game)
The foundation of the World At War 85 system, this platoon-level tactical wargame places players in command of NATO and Warsaw Pact forces as the Cold War erupts into World War III in 1985. With a card-driven activation system, unique unit abilities, and immersive combat mechanics, Storming the Gap delivers fast-paced, action-packed engagements across 16 core scenarios.
- Nations Included: U.S., West Germany, Soviet Union, and East Germany
- Units: Tanks, mechanized infantry, artillery, helicopters, and air support
- Gameplay: Card-driven activation, morale-based combat, and fog of war mechanics
2. Storming the Gap Expansion Pack
Expands the core game with eight additional missions⬢ new NATO and Warsaw Pact units, and the option for larger battles using the Battalion/Regimental Activation System. Also included are geomorphic maps of the Fulda Gap, allowing for historically based engagements northwest of Frankfurt.
- New Battlefield Conditions: Urban warfare, river crossings, and supply line control
- Optional Battalion/Regimental Activation System: Enables full battalion and regimental activations for massive engagements
3. Defense of Frankfurt Expansion
⬢ high-stakes battle module depicting the Soviet 79th Guards Tank Division’s final push towards Frankfurt. NATO forces rally to stop the armored onslaught before it reaches the critical Main River bridges. This expansion offers large-scale, objective-driven battles with high replayability.
- Urban Combat & Defensive Operations
- Key Objectives: Bridge Control, Fortifications, and Last-Stand Defenses
- Historically Themed Scenarios based on a Soviet assault into West Germany
4. Storm and Steel: Second Wave Expansion
Inspired by the novel Storm and Steel: Second Wave, this expansion introduces Czech Army forces attacking Southwestern Germany with new West German reinforcements pushing to halt their advance. Includes:
- Two New Counter Sheets featuring Czech and West German units
- Three New Maps depicting the close-quarters combat of Southwestern Germany
- Six New Scenarios based on the battles described in the novel
5. Drive on Giessen Campaign(Operational-Level Gameplay)
A full campaign game where players lead Soviet divisions across West Germany, linking multiple tactical battles into a strategic campaign.
- Operational Map covering Eisenach (East Germany) to Giessen (West Germany)
- Hidden Movement & Air Recon System for strategic maneuvering
- Linked Battles that evolve based on scenario outcomes
6. Solo Assistant(AI-Driven Opponent for Solo Play)
A fully integrated Solo Assistant that provides a challenging AI opponent using a card-driven decision system. Adaptable for use with all expansions, it offers:
- Dynamic AI Behavior that responds to player actions
- Variable Difficulty Levels for custom challenge settings
- Compatible with All World At War 85 Scenarios and Campaigns
7. Storming the Gap Neoprene Player Mat
A premium 24" x 14" neoprene player mat designed to enhance your gaming experience with:
- Double-Stitched Edging for durability
- Smooth Cloth Top & Rubber Base for traction and stability
- Vibrant Printing for enhanced visual immersion
- Rollable & Machine Washable for easy storage and maintenance
The Ultimate Tactical Wargaming Experience
The First Strike Pack delivers the most complete World At War 85 experience with expansive scenarios, enhanced realism, and strategic depth. Whether playing solo, commanding massive forces in linked campaigns, or engaging in close-quarters urban warfare, this collection provides everything needed to wage World War III in 1985.
Are you ready to command the battlefields of a Cold War gone hot?
Requirements
Stats
Solitaire: 7 out of 10
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-2
Time: 1-2 Hours
Components
4 x 13.0 x 19.0 Geomorphic Maps.
7 x Counter Sheets with Over 600+ Counters, Measuring at .75 inch / 3/4ths and 2mm Thick.
130+ x Playing Cards 3.25” x 2.25”
1 x Color Module Book with 20 Scenarios
1 x Core Game System v2.0 Manual
11 x Doubled Sided Player-Aid Cards 11.0” x 17.0”
4 x Double Sided Player-Aid Cards 8.5” x 11”
3 x Single Sided Player-Aid Cards 8.5” x 11”
6 x 1d6 16mm Dice
1 x 3” Deep Game Box
Credits
Associate Producer: Keith Tracton
Lead Game Design & Development: Keith Tracton
Series Lead Developers Team: Jeff Schulte, Phillip Bolger, Matt Lohse
Series Development Team: David Heath, Felix Le Rouzés, Nicolas Michon, Dean Morrissey, Iain Tracton, Mike Wheal, Paul Summers Young.
Box Art & Design: Blackwell Hird
Layout and Design: Blackwell Hird
Manual Editor: Hans Korting
Map and Counter Graphics: Marc von Martial
Strategic Map Design: Keith Tracton
Playing Card Art and Design: Marc von Martial, Nuno Castilho
Order of Battle Layout: Kelly Meissner
Administration: Ava Marie Heath
Customer Support: Darren White
Logistic Manager: Darren White
Quality Assurance: Patrick White
Scenario Designers: Keith Tracton, Matt Lohse, Arrigo Velicogna
Scenario and Writing Support: Keith Tracton, Matt Lohse, Maurice Fitzgerald, Paul Summers Young, Warren Tutwiler, Mike Wheal, Thomas O’Neal
WaW85 Timeline: Phil Bolger, Keith Tracton, David Heath
Playtesting, Special Thanks, Support & Inspiration: Marc Archambault, Phillip Bolger, Nuno Castilho, John Clark, Tony Costa, Jim Day, Sean Druelinger, Ralph Ferrari, Maurice Fitzgerald, Maurice Gaston, David Heath, Shane Heath, Robert Hranek, Wade Hyett, Ken & Mary James, Hans Korting, Felix Le Rouzés, Matt Lohse, Mike McPhail, Kelly Meissner, Nicolas Michon, Dean Morrissey, Thomas O’Neal, Steve Overton, Rob Schoenen, Jeff Schulte, Kev Sharp, Brad Smith, Dr. Robert “Smitty” and Katie Smith, John Staudt, Noah Stoltz, Iain Tracton, Warren Tutwiler, Arrigo Velicogna, Mike Wheal, Brittany Ward, Patrick White, Kindra White, Phil Wohlrab, Paul Summers Young – many, many thanks, all!
Why We Do What We Do: We love playing games, as well as designing and developing them. We give praise and thanks to God for blessing us so we can follow our dreams and passions. We also thank you our fans, friends, and family for making this possible for us.