CMBO- 3MIF Round 3! [Archive]

Palantir

23 Dec 04, 11:41

Weeelllll.... its pretty big, lots of hedges & stuff, and more seriously looks like a lot of ground to cover in 35 turns..?
Yes, it is big with a lot of ground: but would the Allied Regimental Commander really want to be fighting out of those river bottoms & then uphill into the teeth of the Pz Lehr Div when it arrives in force (if the scenario lasted 40+ turns)?

If the Allies can't claim a "victory" through attrition or terrain by games end this offensive fails. :skull:

Like the AL briefing states- move FAST & don't hesitate!!:nofear:
Just expect a bloody & costly affair. :whlchr:

{ :eek: But as always a mirrored game can screw-up the best design intentions. :halo: }

ps- I did extend the time limit due to the holidays & almost certain individual delays in starting, but if everyone finishes sooner so does RD4!

airBiscuit

23 Dec 04, 12:31

Recieved the email posting with the scenario file. However, I will be unable to look at it until next week. Merry Christmas everyone!

Palantir

23 Dec 04, 16:15

See, what did I say about some personal delays! :)

Family always comes before any game!!!! :love:

Which is why I made it 21 weeks so players won't feel pressured during the hoildays. :D

I sent it out before Christmas so those players who have extra free time can ponder the Allied setup to their hearts content. :hmmm:

And, where those devious Germans may be hiding! :devil:

Mephisto

23 Dec 04, 16:37

Ditto for me too regarding the holidays. I sent out an email to the other pod members and they concur ... we aren't going to start until next week.

Mephisto

29 Dec 04, 06:46

Ok, whilst working upon my Allied setup, I was wondering about the units with the grey bases. All bunched up and no place to ... well, "Place" ;)

Is there supposed to be a third setup zone for those guys or are they a "setup on the fly" situation?

airBiscuit

29 Dec 04, 13:09

Hi Mephisto-

The grey units are awesome. Truly your most flexible units on the board. You can place them in either the Red or Blue Deployment Zones, so you have a lot of flexibility with your initial attack disposition.

I think this layout was in response to player feedback on how to keep the tournament play unpredictable even as the other player might have seen the opposing units and their placement zones already. This way, it's not such a big deal if one player 'waits' on giving out their Allied placement until they receive their opponent's placement so they can see what the Axis have. If you can never be sure where your opponent has placed that tank platoon, then you can't set up a fixed defense in response and get predictable results.

Think flexibility...think mix-and-match with your grey units. Surprise your enemy. :salute:

Palantir

29 Dec 04, 22:59

The "grey" based units are the "wild cards" here and can be placed in any setup zone color. :devious:

How many & where they go is determined by each player not by your humble designers. This (as mentioned) adds some uncertainty into the mix. A good portion of success or failure in this mission is placed on each players shoulders even before the game begins. :skull:

It's a big map that allows for many offensive & defensive strategies with pleanty of opportunity for skilled tacticians.
However, that same huge map must still be crossed by Americans in the time allowed and that may mean little time for "Niceties." :hmmm:
And for the Germans well, they have to defend that big map! :devil:

The mission briefings should give the soldiers all the information they need to know for what is expected of them.
:salute:

KG_Norad

30 Dec 04, 15:22

The "grey" based units are the "wild cards" here and can be placed in any setup zone color. :devious:

A most excellent idea! My hats off to the design team for keeping it "fresh!" :salute:

Cougar_DK

30 Dec 04, 16:52

The "grey" based units are the "wild cards" here and can be placed in any setup zone color. :devious:

And those gray based units costed me about 2 hours of setup work as Germans.... :D

Palantir

30 Dec 04, 21:03

And those gray based units costed me about 2 hours of setup work as Germans.... :D

Then I must truthfully say that you are getting your money's worth from your purchase of CM if you can happily enjoy & ponder just one aspect of the game (setup) for hours! :D

The options allowed for bothsides can lead to some interesting setups and great tactical challenges.

However, I will admit that on the flip side if you guess / plan wrong (or right depending on which side you are) it can lead to disaster (or swift victory).

As the designer I hope I "created" correctly to allow both players a balanced chance for victory.

Palantir

04 Jan 05, 12:16

Let's welcome aboard our newest West Front replacement- Full Monty!! :clap:

He will be taking over for Mephisto & playing against Cougar_DK & Herroberst.

I'm sure Monty will be in his element in the Normandy hedgerows.

:salute:

Mephisto

04 Jan 05, 12:35

Let's welcome aboard our newest West Front replacement- Full Monty!!
Good Luck!! Do me proud!! :salute:

Full Monty

04 Jan 05, 13:59

I shall do what I can to uphold the honour of my new unit :smoke:

Palantir

13 Jan 05, 17:09

So how goes "Elle Ridge" gentlemen, any initial comments now that you've seen it for a while?

All the matches have started I hope!

Boff

13 Jan 05, 17:29

So far so good as Axis, however my other opponent Gary Owen hasn't been heard from at all since reporting computer trouble on Dec 29th.. :o

Palantir

13 Jan 05, 19:24

Checking into his continued absence.

Full Monty

13 Jan 05, 20:03

So how goes "Elle Ridge" gentlemen, any initial comments now that you've seen it for a while?

All the matches have started I hope!

Both of mine have! I have to say that I'm finding the large size of the map rather intimidating. Even solo I rarely play anything bigger than medium size scenarios. Starting to come to terms with it now I guess :cool:

Palantir

13 Jan 05, 23:01

Bogdan and I are trying hard to make each round unique in itself and not feel like just "another" map to fight on.

Rd1 was on a small map, small village & few units.
Rd2 was a medium map, with several small "hamlets" with a combination of terrain & units.
Rd3 is a huge map with river crossings in hedgerow country and few buildings until you reach the town. Plus the unit count will get VERY high before it's over. (Speed is everything for the Americans and Delay for the Germans.)

Rd4 looks to be just as unique.

We hope everyone finds them challenging and fun.

GunnerC

17 Jan 05, 11:06

Turns are taking a seriously long time to plan - so it must be fun :D

Or did I mean masochism :hmmm:

I have no idea how either of my matches will go yet (still in the early turns as we didn't start until last week).

The Purist

17 Jan 05, 12:51

Boff

17 Jan 05, 13:04

I'm all ears. I will have to wait until I get home and check my email for the files from Palantir. I should be able to swap between one to three files per evening,...but with a 5 hour difference in time zones that might be tough on you.

I'm usually home by 2130-2200 GMT and retire for the evening around 0330-0400 GMT. Full Monty and I average at least one sometimes two files a night if we watch our emails closely. FM is currently bullying my Yanks at Kasserine in Feb 43,..."Mah boys kain't hit the broadside of a bulls butt with a base fiddle, gosh darnit" (that's my Georgie Patoon imitation) :D

BTW,...CMBO still using v1.12?

The time difference isn't too much of a problem for me as I work shifts and am never in bed very early.. :whist: I have sent you my allied setup file, you should have received a saved game from Palantir that will become your allied setup file to send to Osvold (an even greater time difference for him btw..). Osvold and I are on turn 6/7, as usual it is the setup that takes the most time, and that is one enormous map.. Oh and yes, it is v1.12.

The Purist

17 Jan 05, 13:10

So,...I'm playing two people? Not sure I've caught on to exactly what is going on ,...previous threads not really all that specific.

Boff

17 Jan 05, 13:17

That's the pod principle, yes. You play against me as the defending Germans, and against Osvold as the attacking Americans, using the same map. The allied player gets the saved game and sets up first in each case. Clear as mud! :nuts:

The Purist

17 Jan 05, 13:23

Aha! Got it,...so #1 get an idea what #2 is trying to do to #3 while #3 tries to do it to #1. #2 then has to try and hold #3 while attacking #1. Yep,...I got it. :cheeky:

The Purist

17 Jan 05, 17:31

I am assuming that all I need do is open the txt file and do my set up and return the file to you. Problem at the moment is that the Axis password as supplied by Palantir is not working.

Please stand by, in the unlikely event of a water landing, your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device. :laugh:

Boff

17 Jan 05, 18:14

I am assuming that all I need do is open the txt file and do my set up and return the file to you. Problem at the moment is that the Axis password as supplied by Palantir is not working.

That's all you should need to do as axis..

Palantir

17 Jan 05, 18:48

Should be corrected by now.

The Purist

17 Jan 05, 20:28

Ok,...ya bunch,...erm,...better make that a pair...

Alright ya pair of holligans,...files sent to the both of ya,...come and get me,... I dare ya,... I triple dare ya! :horse:

Bogdan

18 Jan 05, 06:45

Hello Gentlemen,

Nice to see that you're discovering the "Elle Ridge" scenario ! I hope that, after some turns, its huge size won't intimidate some of you anymore. During playtesting, Kerry and I spent some very nice moment with this battle, a very challenging fight !

This map, is based on topographic datas : heights, roads, rivers, including also the bocage pattern sometimes (the bocage and hedges are showed on map sometimes, as green lines...). As you know, I always enjoy to play CM on "real" maps, it tastes different, no ? Then, apart from round one, all the other battles are/will be based on real places and (if possible) designed with historical datas. Of course, in order to make the all the battles well balanced, we have to modify some details here and there, to give a fair chance to win for both sides.

Ok guys, we hope you will enjoy this new scenario ! What about some screenshots here, from time to time, to show us your exploits ?

Cougar_DK

18 Jan 05, 07:54

I'm not sure that showing killed US boys is the way to go here..... :p

I have serious trouble crossing those bridges....

Palantir

22 Jan 05, 13:13

Very quiet on the Western Front, too quiet...

Boff

22 Jan 05, 19:13

First impressions of the first few turns.. it seems hard as the Americans to avoid heavy losses taking the bridges, although I have managed to break through on one, while the Germans seem to have a relatively easy job in delaying/pinning down the Allies. Early days yet though..

GunnerC

25 Jan 05, 15:50

Boff

25 Jan 05, 16:10

Quick competition - how many vehicles can the Allies lose in one turn ?

My record currently stands at 7 :mad: :mad: :mad:

Germans now have a pretty easy time of it in my game I think ... and still not even got near seeing a Panther (on turn 7 I think) :OHNO:
Four - two Stuarts and 2 M3s.

Panthers btw? We get to play with/against Panthers? When do they arrive? :devious:

airBiscuit

25 Jan 05, 17:09

Quick competition - how many vehicles can the Allies lose in one turn ?

My record currently stands at 7 :mad: :mad: :mad:

Germans now have a pretty easy time of it in my game I think ... and still not even got near seeing a Panther (on turn 7 I think) :OHNO:

Well, at least I am not the only one meeting tearful tragedy. In my game as Allies vs Bazooka Bill, I lost 2/3rds of a company of troops in a single turn as they attempted to cross a ford in the river. I was utterly shocked. The lesson I took away from this is to not advance en masse until you have *scouted* with a small force. Your troops can be so badly ambushed that you do not have safety in numbers when running into a defense.

I learn my lessons the hard way. :shock:

This is a very fun but intimidating scenario, BTW.

Palantir

25 Jan 05, 17:41

A bridge(s) assualt is never easy and high losses are to be expected. :skull:

That said the Americans have to use every unit in the kit to their best advantage to increase their chances for a quick breakthrough.

And yes, Bogdan and I know from our tests- hasty or bad Allied planning (the crossings) and they will take heavy losses. But done with a well thought-out tactical plan and you can greatly reduce them.

Same goes for the Germans: a poor defensive setup will make things way too easy for the Americans, but do it with some clever planning/tactics and they can make the Americans pay a high price before they even cross the brdiges. But the battle continues well past the bridges, both sides should plan for that aspect.

We try many different strategies in our play-tests from: "well what if a player tries everything evenly balanced?" to "what if a player only does "X" and tries nothing else?" outcomes. We usually end up making comments like, "well that sucked," to "now that was cool!"

Also- Panthers? The Germans have Panthers? I think that was Bogdans comment when his went up in flames in one turn! They are not the invincibile monsters one would believe they are. But dang scary when you know they are hiding somewhere up ahead as your Shermans are creeping along! :devious:

I think the common thoughts in this scenario are:

Americans- dang that map is huge, no matter what I do I'll never make it all the way up the ridge in time.
Germans- This map is huge look at that terrain, the Americans will never make it to the town in time.

However, both thoughts have been proven wrong. :nofear:

Good Hunting! :salute:

PS- I hope everyone is finding the options to be many in this scenario (for bothsides), with more than one seemingly to be the "right" one. And I'm sure many have proven to be not quite the "right" one. :halo:

Mephisto

25 Jan 05, 23:10

Sounds like you guys are having fun! Makes me wish I hadn't dropped out of the tournament ... especially since I was going to be careful in crossing the bridges ... :smoke:

Cougar_DK

26 Jan 05, 07:18

Sounds like you guys are having fun! Makes me wish I hadn't dropped out of the tournament ... especially since I was going to be careful in crossing the bridges ... :smoke:

Yes it was sad you left, not that I don't enjoy playing my new opponent... :devil:

Malm

26 Jan 05, 07:47

Yeah that was a damn shame Mephisto :OHNO:

-----------

Tripps and I had just started on our first turn and with no word from Gonzo yet I can only speak for the allied point of view.

It has already come to my attention that the river-crossing will become a nightmare. However we got plenty of cannon fodder to scout ahead so when it matters I think that the setup of our spotters will become decisive. However I fear a little that my expirence with that kind of maneuvering is insufficient :nervous:

The Purist

26 Jan 05, 08:10

Boff has punctured my left flank but he has paid a stiff price in breaking some light armour (Stuarts and Greyhounds) into my rear areas. Elsewhere I am managing to hold for now but the game is definitely showing the firepower advantage of the US infantry.

Osvold is my German opponent (now turn 4 or 5) and my Yanks have puntured the left hand and right hand flanks (just happening now) I have lost a couple of halftracks a Stuart and a pair of armoured cars but am happy with the assault so far.

The Purist

26 Jan 05, 11:21

I have a question about this here 'Bow-Cage' country we be fight'in. How in thuh heck do ya git a tank tuh drive thru the bow-cage anyhow?

Boff dun did do that with'in uh Stuart tank, reeeeeaall slow lyke mind ya, and ah dun did kill thuh sucker, but how is it dun. When I try to move thru the green hej things ah just bounce of an' flop a-round lyke a gaffed dawgfish landed on shores uv'in thuh Missisip. Whut iz thuh trik?
_____

On a more serious note, I have noticed a large number of objective flags on the map. Should the yanks take all 5 bridges and the nearby flags while inflicting losses on the Germans, is it still necessary to push all the way to the other side of the map? Is victory determined by points or is terrain imporatant as well?

Palantir

26 Jan 05, 13:14

FYI- Only Allied all track vehicles can cross the hedgerows, Axis can not.

The Purist

26 Jan 05, 13:37

Ah-Haaaaaaah. You gave them "Cullin Cutters"?... or does the game assume that all US armour gets them as of July, '44?

airBiscuit

26 Jan 05, 13:54

Ah-Haaaaaaah. You gave them "Cullin Cutters"?... or does the game assume that all US armour gets them as of July, '44?

The latter. In fact the CMBO manual explicitly lists Allied armor as capable of cutting through hedgerows as of July '44. This might only apply to tracked vehicles, though. I can't remember if there was exact wording on this. Also, I have not experimented with this to know where the limitations are. It does give the Allies an avenue to victory, though.

Bogdan

27 Jan 05, 06:46

And yes, Bogdan and I know from our tests- hasty or bad Allied planning (the crossings) and they will take heavy losses. But done with a well thought-out tactical plan and you can greatly reduce them.

I agree. And be carefull : the scenario is more than 30 turns long, remember that ! You have, as a german or as an US commander, to take this parameter in mind. The american have to "punch" a hole into enemy lines and exploit the terrain... ...then, it would be dangerous for a german player to not even think about the possibility of a breakthrough. :whist:

Also- Panthers? The Germans have Panthers? I think that was Bogdans comment when his went up in flames in one turn! They are not the invincibile monsters one would believe they are.

Err... ...well, I don't remember if it was Panthers, Panzers or other StuG... he he ! By the way, be carefull with the bocage ! :devious:

Good hunting !

PS : any screenshot to share with us here ? Mmmh ? :halo:

Cougar_DK

28 Jan 05, 03:24

PS : any screenshot to share with us here ? Mmmh ? :halo:

Here is two taken from my game vs. Full Monty (I'm playing as Axis)...

War!
http://www.twins4ever.dk/pictures/CMBB/3MiFRound3vsFullMontyHeavyfightning.jpg

GI's not wanted here
http://www.twins4ever.dk/pictures/CMBB/3MiFRound3vsFullMontyUSnotwanted.jpg

Full Monty

28 Jan 05, 13:13

Mark, stop embarassing me in front of my mates :laugh:

Cougar_DK

28 Jan 05, 14:41

You should see my battleline in my game against HrOberst. Its much worse..... :halo:

(And the first picture shows dead Germans too... ;) )

airBiscuit

28 Jan 05, 15:10

You should see my battleline in my game against HrOberst. Its much worse..... :halo:

(And the first picture shows dead Germans too... ;) )

...and here I thought that was you lying down making mud angels in the foxhole...

:p

The Purist

28 Jan 05, 19:44

Stills from the front in Normandy. As you can see, the Wehrmacht, despite allied attrocities is advancing and will soon drive the enemy into the sea

Palantir

28 Jan 05, 23:07

Nice, very nice!
Thanks for the updates!

Boff

29 Jan 05, 16:59

Wish I had time to post screen shots, too busy advancing deep into enemy territory at the moment though.... :p

Bogdan

30 Jan 05, 06:39

Hey, nice pictures !

The screenshot named "War" that Cougar posted is a complete scene of desolation :surprise:

Please continue ! :hurray:

The Purist

30 Jan 05, 20:37

Wish I had time to post screen shots, too busy advancing deep into enemy territory at the moment though.... :p

Your absolutely right, reporting of all aspects of the battle is only fair. In the interest of this same fairness the Reich's Ministy of Truth has released the follwing photo's of the so-called allied "Breakthrough" on the left. Note we have also included casualties suffered by the Reich Defense Forces to ensure a balanced view. :smoke:

Palantir

31 Jan 05, 12:24

Ah, more news from the front! :)

KG_Norad

01 Feb 05, 11:49

Great updates guy! The visuals are fun. Hope you guys are enjoying rd 3! Thank you Palantir and Bogdan for all of your hard work! :hurray: :clap:

The Purist

01 Feb 05, 11:59

Gawd I hate that little cheerleader smilie,...grrrrrr :angry:

KG_Norad

01 Feb 05, 12:08

Someones got to cheer on the troops my friend! I guess I could have chosin the rockin banana but I definitely think the puke one was out of order!!! :laugh:

Bogdan

02 Feb 05, 09:47

Thank you Palantir and Bogdan for all of your hard work!

You're welcome !

But I tend to think that the players are working harder than us :
- Fight a huge and fierce battle with hundreds of units, on an immense map.
- Take and select some nice screenshots of the fight.
- Take enough time to post these pictures and share them with us
- Have a life outside CM...:halo:

Of course, playtesting and editing a battle is sometime long and difficult... ...but 4th round is scheduled for 20th of May, so we have some free time :whist:

PS to The Purist : well, I find this smilie funny :hurray: LOL

The Purist

02 Feb 05, 20:00

Far on the American left, above the Pont de la Marie stands a hill with no name. A battle rages on and around that hill today as men and their machines of war hurl themselves at each other. The cries of the wounded are lost amongst the explosions of artillery, the rattle of machine guns and metallic clang of high velocity shot piercing armour plate. The dead make no sound at all.

The German army has lost eight halftracks, an anti-tank gun and an armoured car. The American army has matched the deadly bid with seven of their own halftracks, two mortar carriers, 3 light tanks and two mediums. Innumerable bodies are strewn throughout the trees, in the grain, among the hedgerows. Both sides gamble much,...for the stakes are high - life or death.

Look, if you dare, but be forwarned,...tis a gruesome sight.

Bogdan

03 Feb 05, 03:16

Berkut37

03 Feb 05, 16:46

Incredible scenes of devastation ! :surprise: :dead:

Can the players describe a bit their overall fellings about the scenario, or is it a bit too early ?

@ The Purist : by the way, I like the location you've mentionned in your profile !

As attacker, go down to the mark 1 eyeball view, look up to your ultimate objectives and think...bugger

As defender, look at the frontage you have to defend and think s**t

Have I missed anything...feel free to pitch in

The Purist

03 Feb 05, 21:57

Anybody out there have paintshop 8.

Up until last night I was using the trial version of piantshop 7 and it had a drop down that allowed one to reduce the 'colour' from 24 bit to 16 bit. That and some cropping easily made the .png file fit the limits of the forum.

The trial period ended yesterday evening so I downloaded (and paid for) the upgrade to paintshop 8. Lo and behold I cannot find the same function to reduce the colour. I did find the drop down for 'increasing' the coulour above 24 bit but that is hardly the solution needed. I have sent of an email to the PS folks but was wondering if any one else knows of a solution.

Palantir

03 Feb 05, 22:08

As attacker, go down to the mark 1 eyeball view, look up to your ultimate objectives and think...bugger
As defender, look at the frontage you have to defend and think s**t

YES! YES! :devil:

That sounds just like we designed it to be! :D
Damned if you do, damned if you don't! :devious:

airBiscuit

04 Feb 05, 16:34

Can the players describe a bit their overall fellings about the scenario, or is it a bit too early ?

Still a bit early to critique. Great scenario, though! Requires large-scale deployment thinking and preparedness. Lots of avenues of advance will keep the Axis guessing and can force their defense out of position. The road across the map is long, though, and the sense of haste at the start of the game can result in costly mistakes. Even with an apparent lack of time for the Allies, patience and preparedness on the advance is worth consideration.

Palantir

04 Feb 05, 16:46

New recruit !

Unfortunately "Arakis" was forced to withdrawal from the Tourney: John "Bark" will be his replacement. :salute:

So lets welcome our newest warrior to the Western Front. :clap:

And we all know about not wanting to get to know the "new guy" on the frontline, but I'm sure his POD (Berkut37 & Mompariglia) will give him a warm reception when he arrives. :devil:

Welcome aboard John! :D

The Purist

04 Feb 05, 17:47

Lest ye think that all be lost when fate casts thee into the depths of hell,...even the damned can call upon a demon or two to fight the angels on high. These I have summoned forth from every corner of the pit as they roll forth in their hundreds

Mephisto

04 Feb 05, 19:28

Heh, heh.

I had "Ride of the Valkyries" going through my head while perusing those ponderous pictures.

The Purist

05 Feb 05, 01:03

Lest Boff think I'm picking on him, here are some shots of my poorly planned and executed assault on Pont Marie. Osvold must have been salivating.

Three turns, three German guns, a couple of platoons with 'shrecks' and machine guns. Throw in 81mm and 105mm artillery.

A really big ambush.

The Purist

07 Feb 05, 09:31

Incredible scenes of devastation ! :surprise: :dead:
Can the players describe a bit their overall fellings about the scenario, or is it a bit too early ?

This scenario is 'beaucoup amusant', I love the size and depth. The only criticism,...and it is minor, is that if your second game lags behind the first there is potential for players to gain intel they should not know. In my game with Boff we are on Turn 21 and we are having great fun surprising each other. At the same time Osvold and I are only on turn 12 and I could have easily sent my light armour (maybe a Sherman or two) to set up an ambush at the reinforcement points for his grenadiers and Mk IVs that arrive around turns 10-12. I know what to expect for my US reinforcements and know where and when Osvold will get his own additions.

If not already done (I do not know for sure), the second game should have reinforcements change location and entry times to a minor degree to prevent unfair advantage being taken of a slow game.

Just a thought.

Bogdan

07 Feb 05, 12:07

if your second game lags behind the first there is potential for players to gain intel they should not know.

Yes, you're right. That is the main problem with mirrored games in tournament : if you don't/can't start your two battles at the same time and play them at a regular pace, you may soon discover informations that you should not have to know :hush:

The other drawback of that system is that you know the order of battle of your enemy even before playing the first turn of the scenario...

If I remember correctly, we talked a lot about that during the first two rounds, here at the forum. Of course, if you want to play a nice and fair game, we strongly encourage the players to start their games simultaneously and send their files at the same pace. I find this way of playing fair and nice, which is, I'm almost sure, representative of your sense of fair-play, gentlemen ! :halo:

Good hunting !

The Warrior

07 Feb 05, 12:44

Panthers!! :OHNO: Oh great. Then on the other hand, Great. :devil:

Quick competition - how many vehicles can the Allies lose in one turn ?

My record currently stands at 7 :mad: :mad: :mad:

Germans now have a pretty easy time of it in my game I think ... and still not even got near seeing a Panther (on turn 7 I think) :OHNO:

Boff

07 Feb 05, 16:26

airBiscuit

07 Feb 05, 16:36

The Purist

07 Feb 05, 18:28

Hundreds eh? A couple less now.

Bait.

On this weeks episode of National Geographic we examine the unique hunting style of the 'Pantherus Germanicus' seen in its natural habitat. This predator, equally at home on the plains of the Russia, the mountains of Italy or in the dark, boreal forests of Belgium, has a fierce reputation and it takes a brave group to trail these cats while they hunt. We are joined by Spanish naturalists, Doctors Miguel and Sonna Fuentes, in this facinating journey into the dark jungles of Normandy in northwest Europe. Let's see how our courageous scientists are doing, shall we...

Bogdan

08 Feb 05, 08:47

'Pantherus Germanicus'

Nice one ! :D

Just curious, did you ever think about modding your CMBO game ? It seems that you actually play with the stock textures, don't you ?

Boff

08 Feb 05, 12:13

Bait.

On this weeks episode of National Geographic we examine the unique hunting style of the 'Pantherus Germanicus' seen in its natural habitat. This predator, equally at home on the plains of the Russia, the mountains of Italy or in the dark, boreal forests of Belgium, has a fierce reputation and it takes a brave group to trail these cats while they hunt. We are joined by Spanish naturalists, Doctors Miguel and Sonna Fuentes, in this facinating journey into the dark jungles of Normandy in northwest Europe. Let's see how our courageous scientists are doing, shall we...

And here we see how easily this once-proud predator falls victim to modern weapons, in this case Mr Sherman's 76mm hunting rifle.. :whist:

The Purist

08 Feb 05, 15:21

And here we see how easily this once-proud predator falls victim to modern weapons, in this case Mr Sherman's 76mm hunting rifle.. :whist:

Vicious and uncalled for masasacre of one of natures finest creatures!! Such a vile and villainous act! Cruel, cruel purveyor of democracy!

See! See! See what evil comes shambling forth o'er the hill!!

Vicious, vile villany!!! Fie, Fie, for shame!!!

We shall smite thee thrice for such wanton mayhem, oh perfidious pultroon!!!

I wish to lodge an official complaint with the games masters. I think it grossly unfair that the US player have such massive calibre advantage in guns as seen in their use of 76mm. How are we poor, poor, outnumbered Germans to compete against such obvious bias as well as being limited to puny 75mm pumpkin launchers!!

Woe, woe unto we who but attempt to defend hearth and home and scratch a living from our humble yet hallowed ground!! Woe! Woe, I say!!

The Purist

09 Feb 05, 18:05

Sorry Boff,...this one is too good to pass up. :D

Who needs a monster gun like the US 76mm L/54 when I have a 20mm on a halftrack! :smoke:

Palantir

13 Feb 05, 13:01

Hey!

A lot of games are going on, whats happening in them?

Are the Germans holding firm and making the Americans pay for every foot?
Or are the Allies swarming across the river and racing up the ridge already?
:hmmm:

airBiscuit

14 Feb 05, 15:16

Here's my update:

In the Allied game, the Germans have been holding firm on their side of the river, with some pesky infantry positions in the thick woods in the center just across the river. These dig in forces initially ambushed an Allied recon platoon with rifles and a field gun position, decimating them to a man. In response, an allied force approached through the woods on their rear flank and began driving them from their defensive positions. The Allied troops are now closing on the final remnants that guard the bridge in preparation for the next phase of the assault.

With the help of copius amounts of 155 and 81mm artillery, the primary objective bridge in the center and the nearby township has been softened greatly, scattering the Axis defense there and silencing long-range return fire. A German halftrack now sits on the bridge knocked out, which will prevent the crossing of vehicles there. More than one field gun position has been encountered and eliminated.

The town on the Allied right flank has seen heavy fighting and Allied casualties have been mounting as troops have attempted to extricate themselves from the Axis seige. Encountering a constant barrage of rifle and machine gun fire, as well as some field gun fire, the Allied troops have managed to overrun an Axis wooded position even as they have endured heavy mortar shelling all around them. Their numbers, dwindling, an attempt to assault directly on the Axis position by the road has been of little effect. The current aim is to get the troops out of the incessant rain of artillery, but coordination is difficult due to the large number of panicking squads that refuse to follow commands.

Further back and inward on the right, Allied forces have two bridges to cross, and both are guarded by watchful Axis field guns and troops. This has served to stall a vehicular assault and sporadic shooting across the river has broken out. Using smoke on the bridge holdout to the right of center, some brave dashes have been attempted by light armor. First was an M8 Greyhound which managed to dart across and into cover before the AT gun could sight on it. It is now engaging infantry dug into a thick stand of trees. The second vehicle, a Stuart, made it all the way across the bridge, through a plume of smoke, and almost made it off the road before the AT gun lit it up. The third vehicle, also a Stuart, cut off the road much sooner and managed to get a flanking position on the Axis troop positions. A Sherman, still on the other side of the river, is offering indirect fire support on the infantry with its 75mm HE rounds. The Allied foothold on this objective bridge is tenuous and further actions will be necessary to allow a full-on assault across this objective.

Onto the game as Axis:

The center is amazingly quiet. Both flanks has seen fierce fighting, however.

On the Allied right, Axis left flank, the troops are being kept bottled in the township from
Axis positions surrounding it. Rifle and machine gun fire has erupted from the buildings, only to have the Axis return the fire in kind. An Axis field gun and some artillery have begun demolishing the buildings bit by bit to remove the cover that the Allied troops have enjoyed. The Allies do have a strong presence on the right of the Axis flank, with at least a platoon of troops engaging the Axis positions from light woods.

On the Axis right, Allied left flank, the game started with a sizable Allied push with troops and light armor to grab the two heavy buildings and advance on the bridge. This has been halted by Axis positions which managed to arrive and set up just moments before. Allied infantry face artillery barrages and MG42 fire from elevated positions, which has stalled their advance. A handful of Allied vehicles are advancing cautiously along the road to try to surround the Axis defense, cutting through infantry as they encounter them. The Axis will need to consider what to do if their flank is overrun.

Palantir

14 Feb 05, 16:58

Great report AB!

The games sound intense with a lot of close combat and long range support.

American attempts to cross those bridges can be harrowing or swift depending on effort put up to defend each crossing point and the overall strategy determined by the German player.

Bogdan's various German defenses made me pay quite heavily trying to cross those bridges, until I applied some "intensive" counterfire.

GunnerC

14 Feb 05, 18:37

OK, here are my opinions on how my two games are going. We are progressing sedately, and are on about turns 15 and 17 I think.

Attached screenshots are labelled according to my troops in the relevant games.

As Axis :

Allied attacks on their left flank appear to have been largely feints, and whilst some pressure continues the bridge is not under immediate threat. A defensive gun has been knocked out, but there have been corresponding Allied infantry losses, together with a couple of minor armoured units.

Allied attacks on the right flank suffered an early knock-back through the heroic actions of a 'shrek' unit who took out a halftrack and a greyhound. Intense infantry action has been seen in the area, with the Allies having cleared the forest area and moved up into the houses. A Sherman attempting to cross the bridge was taken out by a very speculative long shot ( >750 m ?)from a halftrack, and the rest of the cavalry unit has been seen making their way to the centre crossing. There are plenty of burnt-out Axis halftracks on this flank, though the action now appears to have turned into a slow Allied advance or a stalemate. Troops of both sides have been seen scouring the battlefield for unspent cartridges. Rumours of Axis armoured reinforcements abound ...

The centre bridge has seen sheer carnage ... Following slow but steady preparation the Allies laid down a superb smoke screen, but failed to take best advantage of it. A combination of suppressing fire from Axis infantry hiding in the trees North of the bridge with fortunately timed artillery strikes covering the bridge approaches ensured Allied confusion until the smoke started to lift. Some shrek activity combined with field guns then start to wreak havoc on the assembled vehicles. The vehicles and infantry proceeded to do the same with the field guns and defending Axis infantry. Axis reinforcements have been drafted in from neighbouring areas, but the current situation looks very tenuous. It may prove to be a pyrrhic crossing for the Allies however.

Elsewhere a limited attempt to access a ford by an infantry platoon met with surprise MG and infantry resistance - and the discovery that wheat is not a good defence against high velocity lead.

As Allies :

An eary recon failure on the left flank resulted in the 'all clear' being given for the bridge far too early. Net result was seven armoured units destroyed in one turn immediately after crossing, when two guns opened up on them. The guns have now been silenced by artillery and massed MG fire, and Allied infantry are advancing through the trees along the riverbank. They are engaged in operations to clear out the hilltop infantry defences. Axis reinforcements have recently been seen arriving in this area, so action may increase here. If (when) the Allies break through it will leave open the option of advancing rapidly down to the towns in the South.

The right flank has seen a steady operation to clear the Axis defenders, and establish the presence on the South of the river. Allies were hampered for some time by a gun and then the Puma, but both have now been successfully overcome. Last dregs of Axis infantry resistance are being cleared from the houses and trees behind them, though further half-track activity has been noticed recently. Allied armour and infantry units continue to pour over the crossing in force.

The centre has seen a fierce but long-range battle for dominance. At least two Axis guns still hold sway, and whilst they have lost some halftracks and a lot of infantry the bridge is still in Axis hands. Some vehicles have been lost on the approach, but with progress on both flanks this is seen as a less urgent conquest (as supporting attacks may materialise from both flanks at any time soon). The Axis debate must soon be to hold and die, or conduct a fighting retreat.

Further bad intelligence contributed to a second Allied disaster when over 30 infantry died in a ford in less than 5 seconds.

The game seems closely poised ...

Apologies to my opponents for what may appear to be one-sided screen shots, but the battle continues and I can't give too much away. I'm sure you will respond :)

Palantir

15 Feb 05, 00:13

I'm pleased to see that completely different offensive tactics / options are being undertaken by the Americas in the scenario so far. (Of course the defenders don't want to reveal their differing tactics out of necessity!)

The amount and types of firepower that can be thrown into these "small" assault areas by both sides can be devastating when on target & especially when done at the SAME time by both sides! :scream:
So much so that sometimes you don't know whose round just flattened that house! :crosseye:

The "worry" of Germans hunched behind their hidden ATG's and P-fausts zeroing in on a section of road somewhere up ahead can slow down the most aggressive attack. :devious:
While the speed of American armor racing around a vulnerable position can force a full scale withdrawal back to the next tree & hedgerow line. :eek:

The massive amount of carnage going on at one "key" point and then having the relative quiet at another "key" point just a few hundred meters away I think makes for a great game. Because without warning it can swing on you just like that!

Of course the fun for me right now is reading the reports and saying- "yep I tried that, yep I did that, that happened to me to, Bogdan tried that as well, :blab:

Been there, tried that, did it & loved it!!!! :D

I hope you guys are enjoying the action as much as we did in creating it! :salute:

Good Hunting

Bogdan

16 Feb 05, 05:03

Of course the fun for me right now is reading the reports and saying- "yep I tried that, yep I did that, that happened to me to, Bogdan tried that as well, :blab:

That's right ! :devil:

I remember, when I was testing "Elle Ridge" against Kerry, as the german defender : I drawn the map several times, at work, on small pieces of paper. American axis of advance were in red, german defensive positions in black, with a big red line as the "frontline". The situation, turn after turn, get worse, as the red line was approaching the southern edge of the map, isolating some small "bubbles" of german defenders ! I was starring at those drawings, trying to imagine what to do against the insolent allied supremacy... ...it was a good time, thanks to Kerry ! :)

A German halftrack now sits on the bridge knocked out, which will prevent the crossing of vehicles there.

I think you can ram this SPW with a tank. As soon as the halftrack will be put out of the bridge, in the river, it will simply disappear ;)

The Purist

21 Feb 05, 11:22

Good morning, Forumites,

Boff and I wrapped our highly exciting game late last night and I am happy to report a 50/48 split decision in favour of the Germans (that would be me :D ). It was a heluva game, never a dull moment as we hurled our troops at each other in a titanic battle north of the river between Pont de la Pierre and Pont de la Marie. I should have the final notes added to the AAR this evening (in the AAR forum/thread thingy).

Cheers to all and a hearty well done to my opponent, Boff.

GunnerC

21 Feb 05, 17:24

One for the Axis players this I suspect ...

My entry is attached (apologies to Bruce who already knows all about this little number!).

Palantir

21 Feb 05, 18:22

WOW!
I'm glad to see an ATG was finally allowed more than one shot (obviously) before being blown to bits by everybody & their brother!

I'd like to know where you had (have) him hiding.

GunnerC

22 Feb 05, 00:54

Overlooking Le pont de la Pierre. Here he is just before the end (there is a halftrack right behind him who managed to get past and hit him from the back - I ran out of covering infantry).

I think all but one of the vehicles you can see here is knocked out.

Cougar_DK

22 Feb 05, 06:00

LOL Gunner I have one like yours....

And the crew has been reduced to 2.... but they still fight!

I will take a shot showing the location later.

GunnerC

22 Feb 05, 07:33

:clap: :clap:

Cougar,

Yours wins so far - due to the number of armoured cars it took out. Mine mainly concentrated on halftracks.

:thumup:

Palantir

22 Feb 05, 16:21

GunnerC & Cougar-DK
:hail:

Well done! :clap: I love seeing great ATG action! :devil:

But for some reason I have terribile luck using them. :cry:

Ah well, theres always the next game... :nofear:

Full Monty

22 Feb 05, 16:52

LOL Gunner I have one like yours....

And the crew has been reduced to 2.... but they still fight!

I will take a shot showing the location later.

That AT gun ....... :mad: :laugh:

Cougar_DK

23 Feb 05, 10:19

Damn Monty your where not supposed to see that.... :laugh:

Full Monty

23 Feb 05, 14:15

Careless posting costs (pixellated) lives :laugh:

Palantir

25 Feb 05, 15:43

:hmmm:

From the notes I've been reading here & getting it seems the American side is having a rough time of it.
Anyone out there doing well as the Allies? :(

I hope the Allied players didn't just see the number of units they got and assumed it would be a "simple" charge across the bridges, then roll up the ridge.

Or is it that the Germans are "correctly" guessing where the main Allied thrusts will be and putting up heroic resistance?

Play-tests showed that the initial Allied casualties would indeed be very high in "simple" charges.

But a well thought out assault plan & good execution using ALL the Allied assets the casualties dropped and the crossings while hard were accomplished within 12-15 turns.

Obviously the numbers and points of attack are with the Allies, while time is with the Germans.
In fact the numbers are greatly in favor of the Americans, but it's the details of what unit is where that will make or break this one. :skull:

GunnerC

25 Feb 05, 16:10

I agree that numbers seem to be heavily in favour of the Allies ! :devil:

In my game as Allies we're about on turn 18 or 19 I think (might be 20). I've crossed on left and right flanks, with the only bridge left contested at all being the one in the centre. There I've knocked out 2 of 3 guns (I think) and have hopes of quelling a large Axis infantry presence in the next few turns ;) .

On the left flank I have advanced over the bridge to the top of the first hill, and am just starting to explore further South down the road. No sign of any Axis resistance left at the moment (but I haven't seen any of the Panthers/Panzers yet :eek: - suspect they're defending deep).

On the right flank I've advanced down the road to be just about at the 'Y' shaped junction, and I have both armour and infantry there :hush: . I expect to meet Axis resistance very soon.

Biggest problem now is the sheer number of orders I end up giving each turn :nuts: . Units are all over the place, and it's hard to keep a semblance of organisation as I start moving South.

Palantir

25 Feb 05, 17:58

Biggest problem now is the sheer number of orders I end up giving each turn. Units are all over the place, and it's hard to keep a semblance of organisation as I start moving South.

:laugh: :laugh:

You aren't kidding about a mess of units being everywhere and trying to keep things under control! :devious:

But oh, if you take your time and have fun with this. :love:
So many unit types and units moving everywhere going on who knows what missions you want on the map!

This scenario was great fun to play-test: sending small combat groups off on recon, hedgerow assaults, bridge "rushes," fire-support missions and all out attacks! :devil:

Which is why I enjoy reading the AAR's and seeing what surprises players are coming up with! :D

PS- good luck!!!

Bogdan

28 Feb 05, 03:07

This scenario was great fun to play-test: sending small combat groups off on recon, hedgerow assaults, bridge "rushes," fire-support missions and all out attacks! :devil:

Oh yes, it was a nice test... ...and on the german side too :whist:

Ambushes, retreats, counter-attacks (well, I tried to...) : the defensive side has also some good challenges to win and problems to solve !

Good hunting :smoke:

Palantir

06 Mar 05, 13:28

How are your games going, anyone having any problems? :)

Are the Germans holding or are the Americans advancing? :hmmm:

Full Monty

06 Mar 05, 14:21

Lots of dead pixels strewn over the virtual battlefields :devil:

GunnerC

06 Mar 05, 17:03

As Axis I am on turn 31. Allies hold all the river crossings (not surprisingly) but have not got too far South yet in any strength. There are 4 Shermans which got through the defences, and are storming the bocage en-route to the South map flags. The level of defence at the flags is currently <** censored **>, and to supplement that the remaining two Panthers have been seen heading South - one after single handedly stopping a combined force of a Sherman, a Priest, and a Stuart. The Stuart escaped, and is the fifth armour unit known to be at large in Axis territory, somewhere near the central E-W road bridge.

Sporadic Axis infantry raids on the river crossings have shown some Allied armour defending them, but a weak infantry presence. Rumours of a counter-offensive in force are growing ...

As Allies I am on turn 21/22. There is still a large Axis infantry presence in the woods near the central river crossing, but they appear to have all but lost their anti-armour weapons. A fierce assault group of Shermans and Greyhounds is shelling them repeatedly from fairly close range, and more Allied infantry is arriving. One gun is known to exist near to the site, but is under flank attack from halftracks, and troops are closing in from the other side. It does have some Axis infantry support though.

Both flanks are entirely Allied held. On the Allied right the advance forces are now half way to the South map edge. They may have just encountered PanzerLehr, a halftrack was taken out and armour noises have been heard. If so a fierce battle is in the offing with Allied armour in that sector. On the Allied left halftracks and infantry are advancing down the road over the summit of the hill, and a heavy tank force is forcing its way through the hedgerows past the hill, target is <** censored **>. There appears to be ample time for the Allies to make a good assault on the main Axis strongholds in the South, but there will inevitably be strong Axis forces there.

Palantir

09 Mar 05, 12:27

Gentlemen, lets welcome the newest replacements onto the front lines. :toast:

Jhass & Mephisto (just back from his leave)!! :clap:

They will have to get moving very quickly to catch up to the rest of the advance.
:horse: :horse:

Thanks for steping up gentlemen!! :thumup:

Mephisto

09 Mar 05, 12:53

Well, seems I won't be missing much. Stepped out at the beginning of Round Three but now I'm back to fight in Round Three anyway.

Can't wait!! :nofear:

GunnerC

09 Mar 05, 13:14

Well, seems I won't be missing much. Stepped out at the beginning of Round Three but now I'm back to fight in Round Three anyway.

Can't wait!! :nofear:

Welcome back. You'll enjoy this one.

I'm just waiting for the end of the final turn to come back to me then I can post my first result. At least 4 flags under active contention this turn.

GunnerC

09 Mar 05, 15:09

At the end of a close fought and very enjoyable game, playing as Axis I gained a minor victory over Bruce by 53-42.

In flag terms, Allied had 4 small ones, Axis had 1 large 1 small, and 3 large were contested.

One more turn, and Bruce would have creamed me. He'd have gained probably 2-3 more flags.

Palantir

10 Mar 05, 17:03

How many games have you played that have had 88 vehicles destroyed! :devil:

Casualty rates look roughly at about 66% for bothsides, a good hard fought battle. :salute:

Timing is everything in this one.
:OHNO: Sounds like the Yank's took one too many coffee breaks.

Bogdan

11 Mar 05, 09:46

How many games have you played that have had 88 vehicles destroyed!

Casualty rates look roughly at about 66% for bothsides, a good hard fought battle.

Woot ! Impressive statistics :surprise:

Escoville was a "big" battle too, in term of map size and number of units, but "Elle ridge" is way much bigger and more complex. It's all the more challenging, isn't it ? It may be the first time I see so much destructions and KO'ed vehicles in one scenario : it's a long way for the US to reach the southern edge of the map...

I hope the players will enjoy the following battles with the same intensity : it's always great to read some good AAR, ponctuated by immersive screenshots of the fight. That's really nice and interesting as a scenario designer. Thanks :love:

For my information, when did the Tourney actually started ? It seems that we're next to a YEAR of playing ! Is there a present scheduled for the playtesters/designers ? :halo:

Palantir

11 Mar 05, 12:33

I believe Rd 1 started June 20, 2004 so we are 9 months into the battle.

airBiscuit

11 Mar 05, 17:07

As Allies, (turn 17), I am making some tentative forays across two bridges on the western side of the map and making a massed approach on the center. The eastern flank has seen sporadic contact, with MG fire between building positions. Some light armor is moving in the background. The far western town has been besieged from the get-go, with the Axis effectively bottling the US forces in, which have taken heavy casualties and are now in a last-stand mode.

As Axis, (turn 8, I think), the far west town is also seeing heavy action, with the seigecraft coming from my forces, attempting to contain and eliminate the US forces there. The Allies are beginning to appear close to the bridge west of center, bringing light armor to the road and infantry to the nearby river ford. The next few turns will be quite telling. The center is currently silent, save for a crumbling two story building on the US side of the river, all thanks to accurate Axis artillery. The eastern side is seing ever escalating action as recon and mechanized units attempt to push through the Axis defensive positions. US vehicles are being immobilized or destroyed, and their infantry is being raked by MG fire and pummeled by mortar rounds. An allied AT gun is being moved into position, ostensibly to counter the MG positions in one of the buildings.

GunnerC

12 Mar 05, 18:34

The following mini-saga happened today on my game as Allies (turn 24). The words are as spoken by the Stuart commander.

I'm not skilled neough to include the pictures as links, just pictures - so I'll do it in the next 4 posts.

GunnerC

12 Mar 05, 18:41

Alright men, there's a halftrack round the corner we need to flush out. The Sherman in the field will get him if he runs. Advance slowly until we're under that tree ...

GunnerC

12 Mar 05, 18:42

Careful - there's a deep shell hole there! Must have been the bombing run last night.

GunnerC

12 Mar 05, 18:44

INFANTRY !!! Where on earth did they come from ??

GunnerC

12 Mar 05, 18:46

Heck - what's that crunching sound ? I need a volunteer to go out and take a look.

Palantir

12 Mar 05, 20:40

Cool!

So, what was the deal with the ATG?
Did the M5 flush the "crew" by running over it or were they already "broken" from previous fire?

GunnerC

13 Mar 05, 03:19

The crew was flushed by running over it - they scarpered a few seconds before the tracks hit.

I never knew the gun was there ! :o :o

Palantir

13 Mar 05, 11:59

That must have been a surprised but welcome sight
.
I've never heard of that happening before and I'm glad the AI didn't just have you drive "over it" and then get shot in the back.

I like it!!!

GunnerC

17 Mar 05, 16:39

Sheesh - this thread has gone quiet !

Where is everyone in their games ? I just sent the orders for turn 29 in the one game I have left running.

Full Monty

17 Mar 05, 17:20

Myself and Cougar are nearly finished - what a sorry tale of woe that has been for my poor Americans :) My game with Herroberst has slipped behind a little, just when it was getting interesting :devil:

Bogdan

18 Mar 05, 10:55

Heck - what's that crunching sound ? I need a volunteer to go out and take a look.

Nice one ! Did you know that german tankers were instructed to systematically crush the destroyed/abandonned ATG ? By rolling over them, the panzers made the gun definitly unable to be remaned...

So did your US tankers :D

Mephisto

18 Mar 05, 12:48

Sheesh - this thread has gone quiet !

Where is everyone in their games ? I just sent the orders for turn 29 in the one game I have left running.

I'm just starting up with NiG. Penalties for being a sub ... :(

Palantir

18 Mar 05, 18:26

I'm just starting up with NiG.

Into the FIRE- literally. :nofear:

:toast: Heres to good hunting & fast turn arounds

Penalties for being a sub ... :(

Hmmm, weren't you a starter? :nuts:

:laugh: :laugh:

Mephisto

18 Mar 05, 18:53

Through every fault of my own I got demoted! :p

:laugh:

Full Monty

18 Mar 05, 22:47

I was Mephisto's Sub!

Cougar_DK

19 Mar 05, 03:39

And what a sub :p

I think we had a great game.

Looking forward to meet Mephisto again in another round :devil:

Best of luck against NiG.

Btw when are we supposed to be finished with this round?

Malm

21 Mar 05, 03:37

Round 3 has been sent as of this time. :surprise:
Via "Blind CC" so it shouldn't get stopped for spam.

If you don't receive it let me know ASAP.

The end date is set for May 21st 2005. (2005!!! :eek: )

:nofear:

Palantir :salute: & Bogdan :salute:

:hush: Waiting for the first reactions to the beast. :hmmm:

Your are not the only one asking this question Cougar ;)

The Purist

21 Mar 05, 17:31

Turn 26 of 35. The Germans have slowed the allied advance but the intrepid Yanks make use of the allied secret weapon...mobility. Once there were three hungry cats now two are dead and the third has had it fangs drawn and sits helpless on Pont la Lande.

The American commander contemplates exploiting to the Rhine,...

Jon@lbc

21 Mar 05, 19:46

How do you post your screenshots? Where are they in the endless pit of menus?

Palantir

21 Mar 05, 23:28

Yanks make use of the allied secret weapon...mobility. Once there were three hungry cats now two are dead and the third has had it fangs drawn and sits helpless on Pont la Lande./QUOTE]

Mobility vs firepower! Wow, looks like the Allies cornered those cats in a hedgerow surrounded field- nice move. :D

[QUOTE]The American commander contemplates exploiting to the Rhine,...

Not so fast my friend, there's still a lot of the Normandy countryside to battle over headed your way... :devil:

Palantir

21 Mar 05, 23:35

How do you post your screenshots? Where are they in the endless pit of menus?

No endless list of menus are needed.

When you make a post scroll down the page and see the
"manage attachments" button. You can then "browse" to where you have your screenshots saved.

To so a screen shot- during the playback pause the game where you want it (taking off any "extra" stuff like labels bases etc you don't want in the pict) and then hit the "printscrn" button on your keyboard.

Go to your paint program and under EDIT hit "paste."
Then modify the shot to focus on what you want, change the size etc.

Then save as a .JPE/JPEG!! NEVER AS A .BMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (way to large of a file.)

Then follow the manage attachments info & upload.

The Warrior

22 Mar 05, 16:01

Here is my update.

As the Americans, looking at the map from the U.S. Army side, a break through has been made on the right flack crossing both bridges with men and armor and a bridge head has been established with moderate losses. Now I got to drive hard before the Germans can set up a defense. Put the Blitz on them. The left flack is a different story. The Germans have pushed hard and managed to cross the bridge and have inflicted heavy losses on my troops but they still hold firm with arty support.

As the Germans, looking from the German side, the Americans have crossed the bridges on the left and right flanks with heavy losses and have forced me pull back in some sections. The center remains quit which is pretty scary and I think this may be the calm before the storm.

Berkut37

28 Mar 05, 09:18

:hmmm:

From the notes I've been reading here & getting it seems the American side is having a rough time of it.
Anyone out there doing well as the Allies? :(

QUICK SITREP

My battle with Mompalriglia has to come to an end. US forces breached german defences whilst suffering relatively light casualties. German commander offered a ceasefire shortly afterwards.

The main tactic was to keep my opponent guessing about which bridge i would cross in force and to this end the plan worked.
By turn 15 the main assault force had crossed the bridge at la Planche, followed by the second force at Le Pont de La marie.
the bridge at la Moon fell to US forces within the first 5 mins of the battle starting, but decided against going across it.
The infantry there were able to keep german units busy and inflicted heavy losses on the germans for very little US casualties.

My thoughts at that point, were when these three bridges fell and the main forces pushed on beyond the bridgeheads, my opponent would be force to abandon the others and try to redeploy his defence.

I would have liked to see how the link up of the two assault forces cutting deep through the bocage would have fared, but my opponent felt that he had no more to give and resigned from the battle.

There now follows some declassifed photographs of the action to take Elle Ridge :)

The Purist

28 Mar 05, 18:52

Sadly, for Osvold, the German situation continues to deteriorate.

Palantir

30 Mar 05, 21:05

News from the West Front:

Score:

3- Ax Minor
1- AX Tac
1- Ax Draw
1- AL Minor

Mephisto

31 Mar 05, 04:34

News from the West Front:

Score:

3- Ax Minor
1- AX Tac
1- Ax Draw
1- AL Minor

Looks like the Allies are having a tough time of it.

GunnerC

31 Mar 05, 04:52

I think I've seen one Allied overwhelming victory as well. (Not mine :( )

Palantir

31 Mar 05, 12:42

I think I've seen one Allied overwhelming victory as well. (Not mine :( )
That was an inadvertent "surrender" which is not allowed by tourney rules- the required "Ceasefire" resulted in the "AL Minor."

I think it would be hard for either side here to get a Total Victory against a good player, a MAJOR can be acomplished I believe.

The Purist

01 Apr 05, 18:54

...singly,...then in pairs, then by entire squads, the POWs march to the rear and thoughts of friendly French girls fill the heads of the victorious American army. :D

Palantir

01 Apr 05, 21:49

Now that is cruel & unusual punishment! :devil:

Not for the POW's, for your opponent! :o

Great stuff! :laugh:

Boff

06 Apr 05, 18:12

My strategy was to allow the allied commander to take the river crossings at his leisure, I felt that to dispute them early on would lead to me being overrun. I then set up ambushes to punish any attempt to progress up the map any further. This worked well and the map is littered with pockets of allied armour caught in these ambushes. Although the allies held 3 small flags at the end I held the remainder and the heavy losses he suffered trying to break out (and the relatively light losses I suffered) counted heavily against him in the final reckoning.

GunnerC

07 Apr 05, 02:44

Good result Boff !

In my game as Allies I lost to Aston 53-47 (I think - Aston should report the final result).

I was doing well up to turn 20, but then lost the plot for 10 turns. I was over the bridges with very light Axis resistance being met, but slowed down too much.

Aston had set up a lot of forces, guns, infantry and all the Panthers, guarding the flags. By the time I got there my forces were strung out, and I had a lot of infantry left in the North of the map which were effectively useless to me. In the end I had all the flags except those on the South, of which one was contested and two were Aston's.

The results make this scenario look a little in the Axis favour, but that may be balanced out if it's replayed in the knowledge of what's to come.

GunnerC

07 Apr 05, 02:47

Any chance of an update of the scores so far on the tournament page please ? :)

Palantir

07 Apr 05, 19:46

Should be coming up soon.

Berkut37

11 Apr 05, 18:12

Well my battle with jhass came to a close with a sigh of relief as I gain a tactical victory as the axis defender.

It was a tough battle, involving some brutal gutter fighting for the woods at La Moon bridge, and the crossing near La Planche.
It was looking really dodgy for me near turn 28, when suddenly Jhass made the decision to try and take the remaining bridges in the axis centre.

It took pressure off me and lost him a large number of vehicles, with one AT-gun accounting for 10! He ran out of time before reaching the centre and failed to achieve control of these two bridges. I think this and not pushing cross country for the main objectives cost him the game.

Not that I'm complaining mind :laugh:

I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to seeing what the next round brings.

Mephisto

11 Apr 05, 20:23

Help! Help!I can't through to my opponent, NiG!

I've sent my file to him 7 times.

It appears that I can receive from him but he can't get anything from me.

Can anyone contact him and let him know I've been trying to get through?

NiG

13 Apr 05, 17:26

Hello! :)

NiG

13 Apr 05, 17:27

Mephisto... do you have a file size limit for sending files?

I've seen the file reaching 2.5mb in my other game! Just a thought :confused:

Full Monty

13 Apr 05, 18:08

I've finished the game with Herroberst, it ended in a draw. However, I've forgotten the score and I don't know who to send the file to :o :)

Fill me in someone :D

Palantir

13 Apr 05, 21:40

You need to get the score (replay the last turn)so you can report the end game as normal Scenario name is "KM-Elle Ridge."
Then send the final score Axis % Allies % (Draw) to me. Or you can send the final turn my way as well, I always like seeing how they ended.

The Purist

18 Apr 05, 18:03

I just sent the last 'movie file' to Osvold as turn 35 is played out. At last glimpse the score was about 58/42 in favour of the allies :D

The allies hold all flags except for the one over bridge in town (St Claire). Vehicle losses were fairly extensive on both sides with plenty of tanks and carriers wrecked on both sides. When Ondrej sends the 'results file' I'll post it here.

Cheers to Ondrej, he put up a spirited fight and kept bleeding me to the end.

I think I can see the Seine River from here... :whist:

airBiscuit

19 Apr 05, 15:47

Nice job, Purist! It's a herculean task to just get across the river, to say nothing of making it across the board. You might be the only Ally to come out on top with a game finishing victory over the Axis. I guess we'll see when the numbers come in.

I still have 9 turns to go as Allies and 15 turns to go as Axis.

The Purist

19 Apr 05, 17:23

It's a herculean task to just get across the river, to say nothing of making it across the board. You might be the only Ally to come out on top with a game finishing victory over the Axis.

About the time that I had secured three of the four main bridges I realized that the biggest mistake I could make was simply rushing off into the bocage and trying to steamroller the Bosche. My advance was primarily at infantry pace with the armour swinging through the hedgerows and the halftracks running shuttle missions or forming a fire base. They could be seen runing up and down on the right side of the road helping the PBIs forward. Still, many became casualties in the late game push into town. My heavier casualties came when I tried dashing forward without an infantry screen. Where I used the screen I was able to destroy blocking forces with relatively light casualties with HE, smoke and area fire.

I think the secret for a US victory was to forget 'exploiting' and to use their armour to support the infantry advance. Looks like the French were right,...tanks are infantry support weapons. :D :halo:

Palantir

19 Apr 05, 17:45

Well done Commander Purist! :salute:

I'll be waiting to see your endturn file.

The Allied Inf simply can not walk & fight all the way to Saint Claire and be in any shape to fight. They have to have transports to get there in a timely & rested manner.

An Allied commander that sacrifices his 1/2T's early as scouts will find his men foot-sore & worn-out long before they get to the ridge.

A combination of attack and out flanking the defensive lines via the bocage then load up the INF & move to the next defensive line works well.

BTW- in case anyone is interested:
The Allied side is MAXED out in the number of units allowed per side in a scenario... I tried to sneak in an air unit but at nearly 11,000 points the AI said NO MORE! :laugh:

Purist- if you hold Elle Ridge you should be able to see the spires of St Lo- not the Seine River! :D

Unless you attacked eastward & not southward! :nuts:

NiG

22 Apr 05, 08:43

... please don't foget, I had to start again when Sunderj dissapeared. Mephisto and I are only up to turn 12 at the moment, so there's a long way to go for us... :whist:

at least we're 'speaking' again now :blab:

Palantir

22 Apr 05, 09:52

And if I know you two & your playing styles you're pounding the snot out of each other right now across the river.

NiG

22 Apr 05, 11:57

I'll have you know we are currently having "tea and biccies" in the hedges at the moment :whist:

Mephisto

22 Apr 05, 13:10

Tea and biccies.

Yeah.

:whist:

Palantir

22 Apr 05, 20:12

Well gentlemen the tourney has 30 days to go until everyone breaks for lunch & then marches off eastward to the next battlefield.

I'm interested in reading any comments for "Elle Ridge" if you care to share them.

What do/did you think of the different units & formation mix, terrain, objectives, scenario situation, tactical briefings etc.?

What was your favorite "action" in your game(s) (good or bad)I saw that a M7-Priest in one game claimed a Panther kill!

BTW - Did anyone get in any "good" action with that lone German 75mm Recoiless Rifle? Odd little weapon but it was there so...

So far it appears that most of the Germans decided to put up a stiff defense right at the river crossings and try winning the game there. Several even went on the offensive!

A few successful Americans heavily forced a couple of crossings and then swung round to take the Germans in the flank before driving up the ridge.

I hope you are enjoying or enjoyed the various aspects & options of this huge scenario. Round 4 promises to be smaller but just as intense.

Bogdan

26 Apr 05, 09:31

Round 4 promises to be smaller but just as intense.

Sounds interesting isn't it, dear players ? :devious:

A minor detail here : due to my recent moving (I left the City of lights for a more quiet place), Normandy countryside and battlefields are a bit more accessible to me now. It's now more easy for me to make a "picture trip" on the real CM battlefields that the players will play on in the next coming weeks !

Is there any players here curious to see how the battlefield looks like today ?

Unfortunatelly, it will be more difficult for me to reach the actual "Elle Ridge" location, which is near Saint-Lô (a few kilometers north) : I would spent almost an entire day driving, only to visit one "spot" on the terrain... But, as the 4th scenario will take place more on the east, it should be easier to go and visit the place, in a reasonnable delay of time. :)

Don't forget I have to convince my wife first... ...(cough)... ....so I must find some more good points and advantages before going there :halo: Hopefully, Normandy is full of nice touristic villages, castles and other nice places !

Palantir

04 May 05, 16:51

Hello again,

We will be needing a replacement player for the next round if you know of someone who wants to play have then send me an email!

Thanks.

EDIT- Replacement found! :D
Antoni36

airBiscuit

14 May 05, 01:03

Down to the wire.

I have five turns to go in my game as Allies. Hope to have this one completed on time.

I have something like 9 turns to go as Axis. Don't know if we will get this one finished by the 21st.

Palantir

17 May 05, 21:22

How are the rest of the games going?

I know one POD has fallen off the face of the earth with Mephisto & Donstone both going missing on NIG. :surprise:

Latest results:

AX MAJ- 1
AX TAC- 2
AX MIN - 4

AX DRAW- 2

AL MIN- 3

NiG

18 May 05, 11:50

Not to mention Sunderj going AWOL in the first place.... :OHNO:

...is anybody there... :echo:

Palantir

19 May 05, 19:54

Tourney page updated- please check it out for "correctness." :whist:

I did my best... :halo:

airBiscuit

20 May 05, 16:17

I have one more turn left for the Allied game.

For the other game, do we call a Cease-Fire?

What's the deadline for getting the reports in?

Palantir

20 May 05, 19:23

Try and get in as many turns as you can on- then use the cease-fire button.

Palantir

21 May 05, 17:01

Seven games are still "running:" what's their status?

Entire POD 7- airBiscuit / Bazooka Bill / The Warrior :devious:
Malm vs Tripps
Mompariglia vs v. Kleist
Herroberst vs Full Monty
Mephisto vs Donstone (unheard from for over a month now: emails to Mephisto are bouncing) :nuts:

airBiscuit

23 May 05, 12:11

airBiscuit vs Bazooka Bill has been completed and 'Zook has posted the result to WARS.

I am contacting The Warrior to arrange a cease-fire so we can wrap our game up. Hopefully I will hear from him soon.

Palantir

23 May 05, 19:40

"One" games still need to report in. :shock:
Mompariglia vs v. Kleist. :hmmm: (Anyone in contact with them? :blab: )

Latest results:

AX MAJ- 3
AX TAC- 4
AX MIN- 5

AX DRAW- 2

Draw- 2 (00/00 failed to respond / report: Mephisto & Donstone plus {Mompariglia vs v. Kleist}) :censored:

AL Draw- 1

AL MIN- 3
AL TAC- 1

Palantir

24 May 05, 15:11

Hey Western Front Warriors, :salute:

How about some feed back on "Elle Ridge" or any great action scenes / comments on your games? :nofear:

The round favored the Axis- any balancing ideas? :hmmm:

Thanks

PS. We still need 1 more player or we will have 1 POD of only 2 players which means a mirrored game for them. :horse:

Palantir

25 May 05, 12:20

Notice:
Mompariglia vs v. Kleist.

You will be dropped from the Tournament on 5/27 unless you report in SOONER due to "No Contact." Enact a CEASE-FIRE NOW and send me the file.

Notice:
The Warrior vs Bazooka Bill

I KNOW you are out there!!! Please enact a CEASE-FIRE NOW and send me the file. Failure to do so by 5/27 will result in your being dropped from the tournament.

Notice everyone- due to the above, determining the next POD matchups has been DELAYED. :(
I still hope to get RD 4 going 5/28. :rolleyes:

Cougar_DK

26 May 05, 04:43

The round favored the Axis- any balancing ideas? :hmmm:

Mayby the Axis shouldn't be allowed to setup to close to the bridges? Or more cover for the US forces on thier side of the River?

Palantir

26 May 05, 13:39

FINAL RESULTS :toast: :

AX MAJ- 3
AX TAC- 4
AX MIN- 5

AX DRAW- 2

Draws- 2 (one was 48/48 )and the other
(00/00 failed to report: Mephisto vs Donstone plus :censored: )

AL Draw- 1

AL MIN- 3
AL TAC- 1

With absolutely no contact from them I've decided that the MIA players are just that and we will proceed on to the 4th round.

Thanks to everyone that "reported their games" making for another fun round! :D

Get ready for more & instant excitment this round: sorry no Bocage, ;) only lots of OPEN ground :skull: :whist:
:salute:

The Purist

26 May 05, 15:09

The round favored the Axis- any balancing ideas? :hmmm:

Quite frankly the US should have had a lot (?one or two batteries?) more artillery available to blast German positions. The two batteries given and the time constraints force the US into an old fashioned infantry charge against empalced Germans supported by artillery and direct fire support. The Germans were supported by some 7+ batteries in support of a single reinforced battalion,...seems a bit off.

I think most allied players would have given up some of the infantry for an extra battery of 105s. I left more than a company behind along the river road. The US and Brits had the most effective and efficient artillery doctrine during the war and they solved a lot of 'tactical problems' by being able to rapidly 'bring in the guns'.

An experienced allied player will probably come up short against an equally skilled German player which may explain why the Germans came out ahead in this round.

JMO.

NiG

26 May 05, 16:13

I didn't get to actually finishe any of my games, but my main 'worry' was the lack of an efficeint Panther killing gun. The Sherman76's had to be nursed in order to get 'killing' shots in (but then maybe that's how it should be?)... and I agree... another Allied battery would have been very useful

The Purist

26 May 05, 16:54

I didn't get to actually finishe any of my games, but my main 'worry' was the lack of an efficeint Panther killing gun. The Sherman76's had to be nursed in order to get 'killing' shots in ...

I dunno,...the armour seemed right to me. The best the US had were the 76mm Sherman and it was just arriving in theatre. I bagged all three Panthers by getting around them/flanking them,...but,...you're mileage may vary.

Palantir

27 May 05, 12:11

Play-tests had quite a few Panthers killed via the lethal 37mm gun, both from the M8 & M5. The terrain allows for close combat with many opportunities for flank & rear shots.

The matches had Panthers being killed by M7 Priests, bazooka teams & 75mm Shermans. Being out-numbered and out-flanked has it's disadvantages. :dead:

I am currently tweaking Elle Ridge before posting it. Your further comments & observations are welcome.

After looking over the match results:

1. The expected American Arty support in crossing the river didn't materialize. The motars didn't seem to be "recognized" important as such and the Allies hesitated in their crossings until more support arrived. As The Purist & others mentioned a second 105mm Batt will probably be added with their ammo load being doubled. (as mentioned the Allies are MAX'ed out in units in this scenario already)

2. Turns will be increased by 5+ minutes. Even the successful Allied advances were pressed to charge ahead instead of having a coordinated tactical advance into the town. Most Germans had units waiting & defending the town.

3. Add an INF Plt to directly support the entering PzIV's so they don't enter alone and can operate / move as a tactical formation.

4. Small unit changes for the US RCT.

5. Experience adjustments for the entire US RCT.

6. Looking at the terrain on the Allied side of the river- but I doubt if I will change much if anything.

airBiscuit

27 May 05, 12:39

(As Axis) My mistake was not getting my troops in a more organic arrangement during the setup phase. In attempting to keep the platoon command intact, I kept the mass of support troops together, separated from the infantry. Bad idea. As well, I didn't mount up nearly enough troops to start, instead having them slog across the terrain on foot when early mobility was essential.

Still, I agree with Cougar that an early rush is kind of hampered by the allowed forward deployment of the German forces. I was getting pegged by 75mm shells right from the first turn and spent a good 3 turns or so just trying to suppress them to get anything moving.

I felt forced to play a cautious game (especially with my huge infantry losses during an early half-company rush across a ford) and the loss of mobility prevented me from making a quick advance to the other side of the map. The goals would have seemed more attainable if the rear objectives were half the distance that they were.

This was a very challenging map and I have mixed feelings on whether it's an OK scenario or a really excellent scenario. It really punished me for using cautious advancement tactics.

The Purist

29 May 05, 15:07

3. Add an INF Plt to directly support the entering PzIV's so they don't enter alone and can operate / move as a tactical formation.

I am of the opinion the Germans definitely do not need more infantry, especially if it is to support the PZ IVs. The German begin with and entire company of 'Panzer-Para Infantry', receive two platoons (IIRC) of actual 'Panzer Grenadiers' and then receive a full company of parachute infantry. With these resources the Germans can easily mate a mounted platoon to the Pz IVs if they so desire. If anything they could afford to lose a good percentage of their 'at-start' halftracks and not be hurt too badly. In my game I made good use of the numerous trucks to dash reinforcement laterally behind German lines. They move far more quickly the than halftracks but you do have to pay attention to LOS to avoid exposing them.

The idea of extending the game make sense, as does the increase of one battery of 105s (although 81mm mortars may suffice). The US player lacks the heavy support with his initial troops to make a full blooded assault and is thus compelled to be more deliberate in his approach. There is nothing wrong with this and it is probably far more realistic,...after all, this is bocage country. This terrain is not well suited for exploitation and the defense too strong to just dash off into the blue. The US player must employ their armour in the manner for which it was designed,...infantry support. Otherwise you will simply run into well place ambushes that will quickly leave you without the means to advance. Five extra turns should allow them to make the final assault if they have advanced far enough.

Just a few thoughts

Palantir

29 May 05, 16:07

Duly noted. :)

jrotc_soldier89

29 May 05, 17:31

I need to know how to join games, im looking everywere on how to join, email me to let me know whatsup lilzshorty89@yahoo.com, :confused: so confused.

The Purist

29 May 05, 18:39

I need to know how to join games, im looking everywere on how to join, email me to let me know whatsup lilzshorty89@yahoo.com, :confused: so confused.

Jon,

You need to purchase one of the three 'Combat Mission' games at www.battlefront.com in order to play. The games released thus far are:

"Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord", this is the oldest of the three and covers the the western front from June 1944 through the end of the war in 1945. A bit dated but still very popular.

"Combat Mission: Barbarrosa to Berlin", The second game released which covers the war in Russia from start to finish. Newer engine used that fixed most (but not all) complaints about the CMBO.

"Combat Mission: Afrika Korps", the third game released which covers the war in North Afrika from 1940-43 as well as the Mediterranean Theatre 1943-45. Again the game is improved and bring the allies 'up-to-date' with the tech in CMBB.

Either or all can be played via email or head-to-head.

The same holds true for any of the games supported on these forums,...you need to own a copy before you can play anything.

Cheers.