In the main portion of Kharkov, a scenario or campaign, a side (either German or Russian) and a difficulty level (easy, normal or hard) are selected, and the game moves to the setup screen. Here, the default list of units available for the selected conflict is displayed, and the player is given points to spend on upgrading his forces. The screen also includes a picture of the selected unit, a chart showing its assigned hit points and likelihood of hitting a target from various ranges, and a minimap of the scenario. Clicking the start button locks in the player’s choices and begins the battle.

The main gameplay screen is dominated by a 3D representation of the battlefield. The camera begins high above the action, but the view can be zoomed in to a very tight close-up using the mouse wheel. Pressing and holding the mouse-wheel button and moving the mouse rotates the camera a full 360 degrees on the horizontal axis and 90 degrees on the vertical. At the bottom is a display of icons representing all of the player’s units. Clicking on an icon highlights the unit on the main map and displays its description and status on a smaller screen to the left of the unit icons.

Gameplay is turn-based, with each turn divided into two phases: the Orders phase and the Reactions phase. Units are grouped into platoons, with one unit designated as the commander for that platoon; all instructions for the platoon are assigned to this unit, which saves the player from having to repeat instructions for all of his troops. In the Orders phase, the player issues instructions to his platoon commanders by clicking on the unit, then right-clicking to bring up a submenu that displays the available orders for that platoon. Movement commands also generate a colored line on the main map; the player moves the mouse to place the end of the line where he wants the unit to travel. If the destination is blocked by obstructions such as buildings or trees, the game plots a path around the obstacles.

When orders are issued to all units, the computer makes its decisions concerning its own forces, and the results of the orders are displayed in a 40-second animation on the main map. Once completed, the Reactions phase begins, in which the player and the AI can make limited changes to the instructions issued in the Orders phase. Another 40-second animation completes the turn. Play continues until the player achieves his objectives or the computer defeats him.

Kharkov offers a deep and detailed wargaming experience for all levels of players. But do the statistical depth and historical accuracy add up to a fun game? On to the numbers…