As the battle progresses, both operational and political factors influence the outcome. NATO may lose or win back cities and territory; according to the scenario chosen the player had the option to decide to stave off the Warsaw Pact onslaught by countercharging head-on, buying time for space awaiting a diplomatic solution, or mounting a counteroffensive.
Throughout the conflict, operational and political factors determine the battle's result. NATO may win or lose control of cities and regions; according to the selected scenario, players can decide to stop Warsaw Pact attacks by directly confronting them, delaying further action until diplomacy is considered, or launching a counteroffensive.