An gamette for the Squad Leader series, concentrating on early WWII (1939-1941) and the units and countries most involved during that time (Poland, Belgium, France, etc).

The thirty-six page rulebook is presented in programmed instruction format (as introduced in Squad Leader) to introduce its twelve new scenarios. There are two new 8" X 22" mapboards, and over 1200 counters.

Avalon Hill Complexity rating - 10

Mapboards: 6, 7
Scenarios: 21 to 32

(From the back of the box:)

From the Nazi invasion of Poland, through the heroic defense of tiny Finland against the Russian behemoth, the blitzkrieg conquests of Norway and the Low Countries, the Battle of France, and the seizure of Greece, the player is struck by the despair of men and nations alike, as seen by the soldiers who vainly sacrificed their lives against a more powerful aggressor. This is Crescendo of Doom... a gripping game of tactical combat set against the seemingly invincible juggernauts of war-torn Europe. Setting the scene for the colossal struggle of the titans which will follow, Crescendo is, nonetheless, far more than a simple prelude to Barbarossa. While further refining the innovations brought forth in its highly successful predecessors Squad Leader and Cross of Iron: A Squad Leader Gamette, Crescendo breaks yet even more ground in the realm of realistic tactical combat without disturbing the underlying basic simplicity of a universally acclaimed game system. Crescendo is a welcome extension for the Squad Leader enthusiast even before he [or she] contemplates a single new counter.

But Crescendo of Doom offers far more than that. Complete armor, ordnance, and infantry units are provided for Poland, Belgium, Finland and a host of other minor neutrals, including Elite, Line, and Reservist formations for all nationalities. In graphic detail, far superior to any narrative account, you will see for yourself how the outnumbered German panzers defeated the superior armor of the French tanks. Experience personally the French frustrations brought on by radioless AFVs and one man turrets. There are no Panthers or T-34s... here it is the Mk III vs. the Char B, Somua, or Matilda.

And Crescendo of Doom need not end in 1942 with our 32nd scenario. The entire British Order of Battle is presented for the whole of WWII, enabling fans of the Western Desert, Italian, or Normandy campaigns to design their own scenarios for those periods. Crescendo of Doom is more than just a game. When combined with Squad Leader and Cross of Iron: A Squad Leader Gamette, it provides the ultimate in a tactical gaming system which can be used to portray any company or battalion level action. Be forewarned! Crescendo is not an easy game. Do not attempt it unless you have first mastered Squad Leader and Cross of Iron: A Squad Leader Gamette.

In each game you get:

520 double-printed 1/2" die-cut counters representing the men and weapons that comprised the combatants of the Western Front; 1939·1942.
704 double-printed 5/8" die-cut counters representing the complete vehicular and ordnance Order of Battle for the British. French. Polish, and Belgian Armies.
Two additional 8" x 22" geomorphic map board sections Increasing the possible terrain configurations and adding several new terrain types (maps 6 & 7)
Comprehensive, Illustrated, 36 page, Programmed instruction rule book.
Illustrated scenario cards for situations 21-32.
Two expanded Quick Reference Data Cards.

Crescendo of Doom: A Squad Leader Gamette