World at War #72: Great Airborne Assaults is a two-player tactical wargame system simulating airborne operations from World War II through the Korean War. The system, known as Paratrooper, recreates the high-risk, high-reward missions of elite airborne and glider units as they drop behind enemy lines to secure vital objectives under extreme pressure. This first release in the series features two detailed historical scenarios that highlight the daring and danger of airborne warfare.

• Palembang – The Air Assault on Sumatra (February 1942): Experience the bold Japanese airborne operation to capture the vital oilfields of the Dutch East Indies. The scenario challenges the Japanese player to achieve rapid objectives before Allied resistance can consolidate.
• Primosole Bridge – Clash of Airborne (Sicily, July 1943): Command the British 1st Airborne Brigade or the German 1st Fallschirmjäger Division in a desperate battle to seize or defend a critical bridge during the Allied invasion of Sicily. This scenario highlights the intensity and uncertainty of airborne combat operations.
• Company and Platoon-Level Combat: Units represent airborne and ground forces at a fine tactical scale, allowing for detailed engagements and realistic combined-arms interactions on the battlefield.
• Command Point System: Central to gameplay is a command activation mechanic in which players spend command points to perform critical actions — from assaults and counterattacks to regrouping scattered units — reflecting the chaos and communication challenges of airborne operations.

Each map hex represents roughly one mile, creating a dense and focused battlefield that rewards tactical planning and precise timing. Combat resolution is quasi-tactical, balancing realism with fast-paced play and decision-driven outcomes. The dual-scenario design ensures excellent replayability and showcases two dramatically different airborne missions across contrasting theatres of war.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour map representing varied airborne battlefields
• 176 die-cut counters representing airborne, glider, and ground units
• Two historical scenarios: Palembang (1942) & Primosole Bridge (1943)
• Command point activation system for dynamic tactical gameplay
• Playable in one to two sessions for two players

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Company / Platoon
Hex: 1 Mile
Period: 1942–1943 (WWII Airborne Operations)

World at War #72: Great Airborne Assaults delivers a detailed and highly engaging recreation of paratrooper warfare, blending historical accuracy with innovative mechanics. From Japan’s tropical oilfield raids to the brutal bridge battles of Sicily, it captures the courage, precision, and unpredictability of airborne combat at its finest.

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

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