About Korsun Pocket

The game consists of a tutorial in which players learn the basics game functions, plus the ability to access either Korsun Pocket or The Ardennes Offensive. Each game is further subdivided into scenarios that focus on smaller parts of the battlefield with variable timeframes, as well as the ability to play 60 turn "Monster" games that will require many hours of playing time.

The game is played on a map overlaid with a hexagonal grid, on which are overlaid square "counters" with symbols representing the identity, type and combat strength of the historical military unit. Each counter usually represents units of regimental size. Players must manoeuvre their units, making best use of the terrain to attack and defend key locations to achieve the overall strategic objective.

In The Ardennes Offensive the strategic objective is for the German player to capture bridges over the Meuse River. The Allies must obviously prevent this and then undertake a counter-offensive to drive the Germans back to their original starting positions.

In the Korsun Pocket, the strategic objective for the Soviet (Russian) player is to eliminate a "bulge" or salient in their frontline caused by German troops occupying a bend in the Dniepr River. The German objective is to prevent this, but once it is obvious that the Soviets are deploying overwhelming forces, the objective is to get as many troops as possible out of harms way and to create a corridor through which the encircled forces can escape.

Both battles took place in winter and were influenced by horrendous weather conditions. Both battles were also influenced by logistics (Supplies), for example the Germans were short of fuel for their tanks, and in the Korsun Pocket they were obviously cut off from supplies and could only be supplied by air.

The computer is used to take into account many different factors that would affect combat in WWII, and is designed to reward players for co-ordinating their forces in the same way the historical generals did. Players are awarded points for the casualties they inflict as well for capturing and holding key objectives. This score will then be compared to historical achievement to determine the level of victory or defeat.

One of the key features of the decisive battles series is the strength of the artificial intelligence (AI) that the computer uses to provide the player with a challenging game

Release May 2003

Minimum Requirements
Windows 95/98/ME/2000 or XP
Minimum: Pentium II 350 or AMD K6-3 400
Recommended: Pentium III 450 or AMD K6-3 500
64 MB RAM
DirectX 8.1
8 MB video card (DirectX 8 compatible)
Sound Card (DirectX 8 compatible)