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Before I proceed, I think a quick history lesson is in order. In 1941, Germany decided to scrap plans for the invasion of Britain and concentrate on a second front against Russia. This turned out to be Hitler's biggest, and most costly, mistake. The Nazi forces were far better equipped and trained than the Russian army who were still using weapons similar to those which they used during the First World War.

At the outset Germany made some phenomenal gains at Russia's expense. It took mere months for a sizeable chunk of the Reich's forces to be fighting deep within Russia right up to Stalingrad itself, where Russian partisans fought pitch battles in the city's shattered streets.

There was one enemy the German war machine had never envisaged fighting: the weather. Blizzards and sub-zero temperatures froze the diesel in the tanks, German troops had no winter clothing, and no experience of the bitter temperatures.

The Red Army had prepared in advance, with special diesel that would not freeze, and thick winter clothing for the troops. By late 1943 Russia's force, no longer defending their cities, now had their sights set on Berlin.

Russia the game concentrates on the period starting when Germany first launched the attack against Russia up until the last desperate attempt to capture Stalingrad. This is broken down into three smaller scenarios with one large full scale campaign which lasts for the full duration. Historically the game is fairly accurate, but then, no game can be truly accurate as all the noticeable points of a battle can obviously not be conveniently worked into the game. However, the game is highly accurate in other respects with everything from Panzer corps to mountain troops. In the first scenario you have twelve weeks in which to capture Leningrad, a bit tricky at first, but ideal to get the novice player underway.

Some of the options are not really essential until you start on the main Russian campaign, which to say the least is a toughie. If you get a little bit bored with the scenarios which come with the game, there is a comprehensive design feature which not only allows for troop re-adjustment but also enables you to change city specifications. As well as change terrain features you can redesign a whole region.

Russia is streaks ahead of the war games I've seen lately, and it looks like SSG are going to challenge for the top slot if their games keep up to this standard. I have not judged the game on sound and graphics as I consider these categories largely inappropriate to war games. Reality of the game and authenticity are what counts.

Russia is interesting, absorbing and playable. And to tell you the truth, I can't wait to get my hands on another SSG title. Packaging is superb with four cards giving a step by step guide through the game menus. You also get two detailed map cards as well, so you can really plan ahead in a complex game.

So you buys your cookie, you takes your crumble. But I'd much rather have a copy of Russia, thank you.