Well…yes, but then again no. Let me explain.

My name is Mark H. Walker, and I’ve been writing strategy guides for about eight years. From action games like Shogo: Mobile Armored Division to deeper stuff like Age of Empires II, I’ve seen a lot of games and written a lot of guides, but none of them are like this. Yeah they are similar, but the strategy guide for Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin is the first time I’ve been given time. Time to really learn the game, time to talk with the developers and play testers, and time to put what I’ve learned into words. That makes me feel good about this book, but it should make you feel better.

Better because you benefit from the time I was given. I’ve mixed the wisdom of the play testers and designers, sprinkled it with my own experience, and baked up something that I hope CMBB aficionados will enjoy. Inside I cover everything from reconnaissance to reverse slope defense, flank attacks to foolish moves. If the vast array of tactics inherent to Combat Mission are twisting your brain into knots, this is the book to straighten you out.

Let’s, however, get something else straight. We don’t claim that this book is tactical nirvana. We cover the basics, even way more than the basics, but there are things that the grognards know that you’ll only learn the hard way… by playing them. Let me put it this way, they have taught me everything I know, but not everything that they know.

We do hope the hundreds of lines of unit data, chapter on scenario design, and tactical tips will not only make you a better player but also deepen your enjoyment of the game. And hey, if the book makes you occasionally grin, that’s okay too. Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin –the Official Strategy Guide… it’s not the last word in Combat Mission tactics, but it’s a darn good start.