1985: Under an Iron Sky

1985: Under an Iron Sky is the spiritual successor of "The Next War" by SPI: an operational, highly detailed simulation of a NATO — Warsaw Pact conflict in Central Europe. Rules include every aspect of modern warfare, leaving little or nothing on an abstract level: air war, helicopters, electronic warfare, SAM networks, AWACS, special forces, revolts, nuclear and chemical warfare... you name it. In order to survive, both sides must keep a constant eye on the front line, the rear areas and on the sky above.

• No Fixed Reinforcements: The reinforcements schedule will depend on the strategic decisions, and by the allocation of limited airlift, sealift, and rail transport capacity. As in the previous echelons, the enemy has a vote too, and the outcome of the battle of North Atlantic will be a key factor.
• Mobilization and Tension Phase: Using the Event Cards and the same system as 1985: Sacred Oil, the Warsaw Pact must decide how much time to allocate for mobilizing and preparing its forces—potentially giving NATO the opportunity to respond in kind. The length of the build-up period, along with the unfolding political and military events during the crisis, will shape the final readiness levels of both sides.
• Lines of Communication Map: Reinforcements appear at their historical location, no matter how far or impractical, and must be moved or transported to the operational theater using any available method.
• Geolocated Air Bases Map: New, big Geolocated Air Bases Map for NATO and Warsaw Pact, allowing a better control over the air war.
• Updated Graphics: The graphics for the map, counters, and charts have been updated to the style used in 1985: Sacred Oil.
• Updated Rules: Rules updated with latest changes from 1985: Deadly Northern Lights and errata.
• Updated OOBs: The French Armed Forces and People’s Polish Air Force OOBs have been updated using the latest discoveries made during the development of the C3 series. Several minor changes to other OOBs.

• Three 95 x 65 cm and two smaller matte laminated maps, depicting Central Europe from Denmark to Northern Italy
• 8 matte plasticized counter sheets
• 2 Air Bases maps
• 42 Cards covering forces mobilization, special operations and political events
• 2 Charts & Tables booklets
• 4 Players Aid Charts
• War Room Poster
• Rules Booklet
• Scenarios & Designer’s Notes Booklet
• Field Manual
• Two 20-sided dice