Combat Mission Cold War - British Army of the Rhine is a strategy simulation game for PC that expands the Cold War gone hot setting with new forces and locations from the late 1970s and early 1980s in Northern Europe.
Gameplay
Players take command of detailed NATO and Warsaw Pact units recreated with historical accuracy. The British Army of the Rhine features vehicles such as the FV432 series, Swingfire and Striker missile systems, Scorpion and Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles, and the Chieftain main battle tank. These units support a range of tactical options in armored and infantry operations across varied terrain.
The Canadian 4th Mechanized Brigade Group brings a distinct equipment mix that includes Centurion and Leopard C1 tanks along with Lynx vehicles armed with 25mm cannons. This force also incorporates flamethrowers, which represent one of the final uses of such weapons by any NATO unit in Europe during the period. Command decisions involve coordinating these elements in combined arms actions that emphasize positioning, line of sight, and unit capabilities.
Soviet VDV airborne forces add specialized threats through BMD infantry fighting vehicles and supporting equipment suited to rapid insertion and defensive stands. The overall system rewards careful planning of movements and engagements in both open fields and more confined areas.
Game Modes
The module includes three complete campaigns that cover operations from the British, Canadian, and Soviet Airborne perspectives, with the latter centered on a Lost Company scenario. These campaigns guide players through sequences of linked missions that build on prior outcomes and require adaptation to changing battlefield conditions.
Dozens of standalone scenarios provide additional opportunities to explore the full range of tactical combat situations. These range from smaller engagements to larger confrontations and allow direct testing of different force compositions without campaign progression.
A new playable region based on the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada introduces rugged terrain that suits extended maneuvers and custom battles. This area supports both standard matches and scenarios involving forces from the same side.
Setting and Content
The action unfolds in a late Cold War environment where conventional forces from opposing alliances clash in Northern Europe. Emphasis falls on realistic representation of equipment and doctrine from the era rather than abstract mechanics. The addition of the Suffield training area expands the available map variety beyond European locales and creates space for prolonged engagements that test endurance and resource management.
Content focuses on ground-based combined arms warfare with opportunities for infantry maneuvers supported by armored vehicles and anti-tank systems. Players manage unit orders across multiple turns while accounting for factors such as morale, ammunition, and terrain effects.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players who seek detailed tactical command in a strategy simulation format. The campaigns and scenarios deliver structured singleplayer experiences that highlight the strengths of each featured force. Those drawn to methodical planning and historical equipment will find substantial depth in the unit interactions and mission design. The module stands as a self-contained expansion that adds new campaigns, forces, and a distinct training area without requiring prior ownership of other entries. Availability on PC makes it accessible for extended play sessions focused on mastering the tactical systems.
