Strategy & Tactics #335: Malta Invasion 1942 – Descent on Malta is a solitaire operational-level wargame that simulates one of the most daring “what if” operations of World War II — the planned but never launched Axis invasion of Malta. As the Axis commander, you will plan and execute an airborne and amphibious assault on the heavily fortified British island fortress, balancing ambition, logistics, and risk to achieve victory at the lowest possible cost.

• Historical Background: By 1942, the island of Malta had become a critical Allied base, disrupting Axis supply lines to North Africa and threatening Rommel’s campaign. Hitler and Mussolini devised Operation Herkules — a massive combined assault by German Fallschirmjäger, Italian paratroopers, and amphibious forces supported by the Luftwaffe and Regia Marina. Although never executed, the plan would have been one of the largest airborne invasions of the war. Descent on Malta lets players explore how the operation might have unfolded had it been launched in mid-1942.
• Gameplay & Objectives: The player commands the Axis invasion force, directing both airborne assaults and amphibious landings against entrenched British defences. The game system controls the Allied response, deploying defenders, counterattacks, and air raids. Victory is achieved by capturing Malta’s key objectives—airfields, ports, and strongpoints—before your own forces are bled dry. Optional rules allow for two or more players to divide command between the German and Italian commands, introducing team coordination and competition.
• Game System & Scale: Descent on Malta uses an area-movement system based on the acclaimed Crete ’41 engine (from World at War #47). Each inch on the map represents 2.5 miles, and each turn represents 4 hours to two days depending on combat intensity. The map covers Malta and its surrounding islands (Gozo, Comino) along with off-map displays for Axis staging areas in Sicily and southern Italy. Ground units represent regiments, battalions, and companies, while Axis air units represent three to six squadrons. The combination of ground, air, and logistical elements provides a rich operational challenge.
• Strategic Depth: Success depends on coordinating air drops, landings, and follow-up assaults while managing casualties and air losses. The British defenders—controlled by the AI system—will respond dynamically, reinforcing key positions and launching counterstrikes. Players must weigh whether to push rapidly inland or consolidate gains before Allied reinforcements arrive. Every decision impacts the pace and cost of the invasion, testing both your tactical insight and resource management.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting Malta, Gozo, Comino, and nearby Mediterranean waters
• 228 die-cut counters representing Axis and British ground and air units
• Complete solitaire rulebook, plus optional multiplayer rules for cooperative or competitive play
• Scenario setup guides and historical background notes

Scale:
Players: 1 (solitaire, with optional 2+ player mode)
Level: Operational
Map Scale: 1 inch = 2.5 miles
Turn: 4 hours to 2 days
Units: Regiments, Battalions, Companies, and Air Squadrons

Gameplay Focus: Descent on Malta delivers an immersive alternate-history experience exploring one of World War II’s most ambitious unexecuted operations. With its combination of airborne, naval, and defensive warfare systems, it challenges players to replicate or rewrite the fate of the Mediterranean theatre.

Strategy & Tactics #335: Malta Invasion 1942 – Descent on Malta is ideal for wargamers interested in WWII what-if scenarios, operational command, and solitaire campaign play.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s home of historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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