Von Manstein’s Last Stand: Russia 1943-44, What If? (VMLS) is an low-complexity, two-player war game simulating the events that could have unfolded during the year following a major switch in east front strategy by Hitler made just prior to the launch of the Kursk offensive. That is, he cancels that ill-fated attack and instead transfers approximately two armies from the east to the west, there to use them against the Anglo-Allies, while leaving von Manstein in charge in Russia. Von Manstein rationalizes the situation by pulling back to the narrowest front possible, the Riga-Odessa line, and there prepares to make a final stand against the Red Army.
A complete game generally takes three to four hours to complete, and it is suitable for solitaire play.