in SPI's standard "flat-pack" box. Although critical reception was favorable, critic Steve List noted that "despite being in the [Panzergruppe Guderian] mold, [Kharkov] has never been as popular." The game failed to crack SPI's Top Ten Bestseller List. Reception In Issue of 50 of Moves, Steve List noted that the game is difficult for the Soviet player, who is forced to "choose between committing units to his offensive or holding them back to screen his flank from the inevitable German attack. Too much force in either area will result in failure in the other." List concluded by giving the game a grade of "A-", saying, "All in all, a worthwhile game on a subject covered, if at all, only as part if a larger situation." In The Guide to Simulations/Games for Education and Training, Richard Rydzel called this "an easy-to-learn game [that] is an excellent example of Russian combat doctrines in World War II." In considering this game as an educational aid in the classroom, Ryzdel commented, "The short preparation and playing time make this a good simulation for school use; however, both players should be prepared to lose lots of units and a Russian player who isn't careful may lose all units." Two retrospective reviews appeared in the October 2000 edition of Simulacrum. In the first, Luc Olivier commented, "This game is interesting to play and challenging for both sides. First the setup of both sides can make or break the game, then the initial push of the Russians has to be carefully planned, and lastly the German counterattack should [collect as many Victory Points] as possible." Olivier concluded, "With 10 turns and not many units, the game plays quickly and the rules are rather clear. So, like a good bottle of Burgundy, this simulation has improved with age." In the second review, Mark Wegierski noted, "One main appealing aspect of Kharkov is that both players are involved in surging offensives and desperate defenses at different points in the game." Wegierski concluded, "While adding some interesting new rules, Kharkov continued the tradition of the essential elegance of [Panzergruppe Guderian]. Other reviews and commentaryFire & Movement #18 & #63The Wargamer Vol.1 #11Phoenix #21 American Wargamer Vol.6 #1 Line of Departure #21 References Board wargames set in Modern history Simulations Publications games Wargames introduced in 1978 World War II board wargames