I finished up
FT266 A Fine Mess on VASL as the defending Germans today with a German sudden death victory in the defenders turn 4. I love French 40 scenarios and there was a Somua 35 on the scenario card.
This one doesn’t give the German a whole lot to do other than survive and not give up >=7 VP. The French score one VP each for building location (there are 4 possible), each 37L (2) or AFV (3) destroyed and each SMC, crew or HS-equivalent captured (yep, dying is ok -- captured is not). French win immediately if they destroy or capture 3 (of the 5 OB-given) French S-35. The bulk of the action occurs on half-board board 33.
Looking at the scenario, I quickly determined that two of the outer VC buildings on the defending hill were indefensible and stuck dummies there and any other troops over there had an ability to infiltrate away to safer locations on turn 1 and 2. Three S-35s led the assault to the top of the hill. My two 37Ls in the woods destroyed one, CH-ed another. Another was immobilized (even with the additional immob dr) . These were amazing results as the Somuas are very tough. The French infantry arrived at the top of the hill and the Germans simply skulked.
The two other tanks assaulted the two remaining building furthest from the French entry. Here I was able to tip-toe my 8-0/DC and place it on an S-35. It turned VCA to fire, but the leader was able to avoid any results. The DC placement was favorable and the result was a burning wreck in the AdFP giving the Germans the victory.
I was pleased with the win, but have to say it didn’t feel like there were lots of options for the Germans other than roll low and avoid taking results. The Germans must avoid having any troops vulnerable to capture if broken or else give the French precious VP. Too, the tanks need to avoid the S-35s. My three 38t focused on staying out of the line of fire in my initial T4 movement phase.
I can see this scenario being a fun game, but I felt the Germans get shoehorned into a pretty limited game plan. Anyway, always great to play ASL -- and S-35s were on the board.