Cross of Iron (A Squad Leader Gamette, #8221, Boxed Board Wargame)

Cross of Iron was released in 1989 by The Avalon Hill Game Company as a definitive expansion to the Squad Leader system, a landmark series of tactical wargames. It was designed to transition the base game into the Eastern Front of World War II, introducing the German forces and providing the complex rules necessary to simulate infantry and armor combat in the Soviet theater. This release arrived during a period when Avalon Hill was refining its procedural approach to wargaming, moving toward the modular, rules-heavy architecture that would eventually culminate in the Advanced Squad Leader system.

The design of the module focused on historical accuracy and scale, incorporating new unit counters and map boards that captured the distinctive topography of the Russian steppe. As part of the Squad Leader series, it was crafted by the internal Avalon Hill staff, who prioritized rigorous adherence to combat mechanics and unit capabilities. Upon its release, it was received as an essential component for competitive players, lauded for its ability to integrate seamlessly with the original game while significantly expanding the breadth of tactical scenarios available for play.