One of the many particularities of the Battle series compared to other SGS games relates to a unit activation system which means that not all units will necessarily be able to move and fight in a turn. This will only be possible for them if they have been activated. And depending on the battles or the episodes during them, the activation limits will be more or less important.

Madrid is emblematic of the Spanish Civil War, one of the tensest battles of this conflict which could have ended the war earlier for the Nationalists if they had won it. In this game, you can play both sides, Nationalist or Republican; against another player in PBEM or in hot seat, against AI.

SGS Battle for Madrid covers the period from 9 October 1936 till february 1937, where the direct assault was active, before the battle turned to a distant siege situation till the later fall of the city in 1939.

At the beginning of the battle, there are few troops on both sides and the quality and power advantage is clearly in favor of the Nationalists. However, time plays for the Republican, as they get more and more unit as days are passing, allowing them to strengthen the defenses and hold the core of the city safe.

The game will contain a grand campaign scenario covering the battle from October until January, as well as other (intermediate or shorter – see below) scenarios based on different starting days or limited to specific areas (Jarama, the University, etc…) of the battle.
We plan to also provide the players with interesting options to explore potential what-if situations.

The player will also find in the game historical events.

Those can be strictly historical or random depending on their nature, and/or depending on the game setting (historical scenario or what if). A more efficient Republican Command? More troops for the Nationalists? Soviet intervention or Axis support is more, or less, present? Leadership on both sides can play a crucial role, as well as the will to fight of the Republican, represented by a “No Pasaran!” (They shall not pass!) index that will boost them when it grows, provided their defense holds long enough.

Most events generate even more immersion, sticking to a historical reality. All are carefully designed, with extensive historical research, to go beyond the game, to bring its playful dimension closer to what could be a highly interactive history book.

Scenarios

• Casa de Campo: a short scenario on the first fight where the Nationalists were repelled in November 1936, 3 turns (November 8 to 17th, 1936).
• The Universitarian City: a short scenario on the fierce battle covering the direct onslaught on the University northwest of the city, 4 turns (November 19th to December 1st, 1936).
• Battle of Jarama: intermediate scenario (not in time but in terms of counters) in the outskirts of the city, January 1937.
• Madrid Intermediate Campaign: the first two months of the battle, from October 1936 to mid December 1936 (16 turns).
• Madrid Grand Campaign: the complete battle, from October 1936 to February 1937 (33 turns).

Favored Side / hardest to play: depending on the scenario played and in the campaign it can alternate, being harder for one side at one point in the game before becoming easier (and harder for the opposing side).