ICE WAR simulates a raid on the Prudhoe Bay oilfields launched from over the polar ice cap. The ESA (Eurasian Socialist Alliance) raiders are equipped with armored hovercraft and sled vehicles. Transports carry infantry and tanks, and missile sleds carry long-range missiles.

The U.S. Army must locate the ESA force, hold it off until reinforcements arrive, and destroy it before the oilfields are burned. The US has infantry tanks, hovercraft, outposts, recon sleds, air transport and satellites. Players select theri own forces.

Game components include: an illustrated rulebook, 135 unit counters, and an 8 1/4" by 14" map of northern Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.