World At War #15: Soft Underbelly – Italy 1943 puts players in command of the Allied and German forces during one of the most pivotal campaigns of World War II. Designed by Ty Bomba, this intermediate-complexity wargame challenges players to relive — or rewrite — history as the Allies advance through Southern Italy in 1943. Combining meticulous historical research with engaging "what if" scenarios, the game offers both authenticity and replayability for serious wargamers and military history enthusiasts alike.

• Historical and Alternate Scenarios: Experience the historical Allied advance, or explore alternate strategies such as Operation Wacht am Tiber — the German high command’s hypothetical focus on making Italy the key theatre of 1943.
• Detailed Map and Scale: Features a large 34x22” map with extra-large hexes representing 11 miles (18 km) each, and units representing divisions or division-equivalents for an immersive operational experience.
• Deep Tactical Gameplay: The well-regarded system originally developed by Ben Knight for Victory in Normandy is used here, delivering a balance of realism and playability through 14,500 words of refined rules.
• Dynamic Turn System: Each game turn represents between two and fifteen days, evolving with weather, morale, and operational tempo, to simulate real-world conditions affecting military strategy.

Players will manage reinforcements, command points, paratroop operations, Luftwaffe raids, and naval gunfire support, among other key elements of WWII operational warfare. The sequential turn structure includes dedicated phases for both the Allied and German players, maintaining clarity and flow throughout each session.

Gameplay Overview:

Each turn includes two main segments:
I. Allied Player Turn
  A. Allied Reinforcement Phase
  B. Allied Command Point Expenditure Phase

II. German Player Turn
  A. German Reinforcement Phase
  B. German Command Point Expenditure Phase

Game Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Division
Hex Size: 11 Miles (18 km)

With a typical playtime of four to five hours, Soft Underbelly offers a robust yet accessible experience for two players — or for solo commanders keen to test different operational strategies. The game’s system naturally incorporates weather, terrain, and morale effects, keeping every campaign dynamic and historically grounded.

Whether you’re a veteran grognard or a newcomer to World War II strategy gaming, World At War #15: Soft Underbelly – Italy 1943 delivers a compelling mix of authenticity, decision-making, and strategic depth.

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

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