Although it is not GRD's usual policy to review products, Brian Moore's East Front Play Aids Kit (EFPAK) is such an exceptional value I simply must describe it to you. If you are a fan of Fire in the East/Scorched Earth (and I would wager most folks reading this are), then you really should avail yourself of this product while you can.

"But," you say, "I already own both the Fire in the East and Scorched Earth Play Aids Kits offered for sale some time ago by GRD, and even have the extra game charts contained in The Urals. Why should I spend $16 for more of the same?" My purpose here is to dispel any reluctance of this sort you might have. Many of Brian's play aids are totally new, and although his product contains some inevitable duplication, he's done such a superb job you will happily replace your old charts with his new, improved versions.

Take, for example, corps/army marker charts. FitE had two of these which displayed all the Axis corps and Soviet army markers in that game. SE introduced numerous new corps and army markers, and provided only a generic sheet which had to be photocopied. The IDs of the corps or armies were then written on the copy. In team play, each team member was given his own copy.

To enhance this aspect of the game, EFPAK has three marker sheets per side printed on quality colored card stock (Axis in green and Soviet in tan). The Axis charts have corps for Army Groups North, Center, and South while the Soviet charts have armies for the Northwestern, Western, and Southwestern Fronts. The corps and armies are assigned 20 to a sheet using a balanced mix of unit types and numerical sequencing; that is, no attempt is made to sort the corps or armies in a "historical" manner.

Upon reflection, given the amount of swapping that went on, this is probably the best way to handle things--it works very well in actual play. Neat stuff, adding a little extra spice and allowing each team member to have a chart for his command.

At the heart of EFPAK is the tables card, containing 29 different tables. One 8 1/2" x11" sheet (front and back) has most of the information you will need to play FitE/SE; you will rarely have to dive into the rule book. For example, the card contains a Soviet Baltic Restrictions Table. Yes, you heard right. Brian has extrapolated the rule into a simple four column table; no more need to consult the rule- just roll the die. The card lists Soviet border garrisons, intrinsic AA and defenses, winterized units, airdrop modifiers, and on and on.

This is in addition to the CRTs, Terrain Effects Chart, Weather Table, Unit Identification Chart, Bombing Table and the rest. Just to fit all this data on one card is an amazing achievement. There have been commendable attempts at this before, both professional and homebrewed, but Brian's card would seem to be the final word on the subject. To fit this wealth of information, the print is of necessity rather small; however, it is formatted using shading techniques so that even my tired eyes have no difficulty reading it. In conclusion, one of the two cards provided will be at my elbow in any future game.

In those cases where Brian's charts are almost identical to existing charts, there are subtle features which recommend the EFPAK treatment. For example, the air charts, except for the bright coloring, appear at first glance to be the same as those in FitE. Closer examination, however, reveals the EFPAK charts are much more userfriendly than the originals. There is explanatory text in each box (Available, EFT, EET, and Remnants), telling how and when to cull, group, and select air units in the boxes, and reminding players of the replacement sequence. Even the turn record card is superior, containing a detailed sequence of play along with other goodies, such as a reminder to the German player to increase his RE limit in southern Finland each April.

One of the most innovative charts contained in EFPAK is the TransCaucasus MD display. As you know, this part of the map juts further south than the rest of the playing area and can present a problem. Using this display allows players to dispense with map 9A until it is actually needed for play. The chart contains rail distances, Turkish and Iranian garrison requirements, and more.

Checkoff sheets that summarize all Axis OB conversions, upgrades, and withdrawals provide an interesting adjunct to the Axis order of battle. These are useful tools for forward-looking players, scenario designers, and history buffs in general.

Perhaps the highest compliment I can pay this product is to note that it contains legal information. It is obvious to this career rules lawyer that Brian Moore is a savant of the Europa system in general and FitE/SE in particular. Although I did spot a few typos while checking the kit, all are rather inconsequential--see the errata in this issue's "Rules Court".

I have only scratched the surface in this brief expose; there are numerous other charts in the kit that I have not even mentioned. I hope I have communicated some small sense of the immense source of pleasure this product can brine, to the dedicated East Front fan. If I have been successful, you will be filling out your order request--NOW!