Mega Campaign #4 - The Theme

SPWaW is a tactical squad-level World War II game on single platoon or up to an entire battalion through Europe and the Pacific (1939 to 1945).

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Wild Bill
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Mega Campaign #4 - The Theme

Post by Wild Bill »

It is Time

Its time that you know. The fourth Mega Campaign will very shortly be available for purchase. Look for the promotion page on the Matrix site for games.

The theme of this Mega-Campaign is "Screaming Eagles." Yes, at last the Mega Campaign goes to Western Europe in 1944-45.

This will be perhaps the best mega-campaign to date in many ways. We have learned from the other two that we have done: Mega Campaign-Desert Fox, and Mega Campaign-Watchtower. Much has been learned from Brent "Grenadier" Richards and his Mega-Campaign-Lost Victories.

Screaming Eagles offers you a new approach to the Mega Campaign. You will have four threads of action, each taken from one of the infantry regiments of the 101st. You will be able to play through each thread without repeating a single scenario. This adds a great deal of replay ability to the MC.

You will know and become Captain Nathan H. Miller, Atlanta Georgia, company commander in the 101st Airborne.

You will fight your way into Normandy and Carentan. You will be a vital part of Operation Market Garden. You will suffer the privations, cold and horror of the defense of Bastogne and beyond till V-E Day.

The Mega Campaign includes 130 scenarios, hundreds of articles and pictures, great music and a smooth procession through the battles. Every type of battle you can imagine, historical and hypothetical, can be found here. It will be a great experience for you, hopefully the best yet in the Mega-Campaign series.

My personal thanks to the team Captains, Bernie Behling, Mark Ezra and Rory Gallagher. I am very grateful to Derek Boain for his efforts in picture conversions, music composition and the special artwork. Thanks to Marc Schwanebeck for his help with the voice files.

Over 30 of the best gamers out there collaborated with scenario design, testing, proof reading and every other little detail involved in this huge effort.

The maps were superbly done by Orzel Ken Bailey and David Boutwell.

I thank you all. You made it happen.

So ... Stand up! Hook up! Ready? Go...Go...Go!

Wild Bill and the Mega Campaign Screaming Eagles Team

CREDITS:

Wild Bill Wilder: Mega Campaign Designer and Coordinator

Team Leaders: Mark Ezra, Rory Gallagher, and B.W. Behling

Map Work: Ken Baran, David Boutwell, and Wild Bill Wilder

Battle Designers: Wild Bill Wilder, Stuart Millis, Steve Avery, Neil Stalker, Bryan Melvin, Jess Housley, Fredrick Ohman, Rory Gallagher, Ken Baran and Russ Neer

Battle Testers:

The Warlord Team: Mark Ezra, Yki Hakkarainen, Mark Withers, Jim Sodano, Neil Stalker, Jim Holland, Fredrik Ohman, Federico Doveri

The Steeler Team: Rory Gallagher, Ken Baran, Leslie Baines, William Rusco, Don Doom, Massimo Rocca, Russ Neer, Stuart Millis, Harry Zahn

Art and Sound Director: Derek Boain

Graphics: Derek Boain, Neil Stalker, and Wild Bill Wilder

Voice files: Wild Bill Wilder, Marc Schwanebeck

Writing Team: B.W. "Bernie" Behling - Editor in Chief, Neil Stalker, Rory Gallagher, Glenn Higginbotham, Marc Bellizzi, Wild Bill Wilder, Jim Faletti, Mike Russo, Eric DiNicola, Tim McCool
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Post by M4Jess »

WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO

Bill!

this was the best Wargaming experience of my life! I am honored to have been a part of it!

Wild Bill has/is the CHIT!!!

Way to go Wild Bill!

Jess~scenario designer
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Im making war, not trouble~

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Post by Bernie »

Dang it Bill... After three months of keeping it all secret I can't think of anything to say. :D


Well, anything except what we all said in our tribute letter, which I'll now attach here. :)

(Folks, what follows is the tribute letter the entire team contributed to and insisted on including in the final version of the MC)

_________________________________________________________________

"Wild Bill" Wilder
By B.W. Behling

Say the name "Wild Bill" in an average room, filled with average people, and the person that springs to mind will usually be the legendary showman and gunfighter, "Wild Bill" Hickok.

Say that same name in a room filled with wargamers and the only person that springs to mind is the one-and-only, "Wild Bill" Wilder.

Every bit the showman that the famed buffalo hunter was, "Wild Bill" Wilder is also famed for his electronic gun-slinging abilities, not to mention his complete mastery of the art of minefields.

Although he never served in any branch of the military, young Bill watched as his father and uncle marched off to war, and still recalls the stories they returned with. For a time, Bill and his mother followed his father from base to base. In an auto-biography written a few years ago, Bill recalls how, as a boy he would hear the sound of military convoys passing his home under cover of darkness, and how he would rush to the front porch to watch them pass.

This early exposure to modern warfare sparked an interest within Bill that has now spanned six decades, and unleashed upon the wargaming community a scenario and campaign designer of uncommon skill and commitment. Indeed, the name "Wild Bill" Wilder has become synonymous with carefully crafted, superbly researched, and precisely choreographed scenarios and campaigns, to the point that just having his name on a product will guarantee immediate interest in it.

Bill's talents do not end there though. Although he rarely mentions it, Bill holds a bachelor's degree in Education and Religion, and spent nine years in Central America, teaching and ministering in seven different countries. He is also a superb author and historian, as one would expect of a former teacher, meticulous in his research, and graced with the ability to capture the reader with his first sentence, and hold him spellbound to the final period. Invariably, his articles are both informative and thought provoking, and they always convey his deep and abiding respect for the veterans of the conflicts he writes about.

Bill is also a retired bus operator for MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta (Georgia) Rapid Transit Authority, as well as being a grandfather nine times over, courtesy of his own six children.

Being so good, at so many things, would be more than enough for the average man, but Bill is not an average man. In addition to everything else, he is also a leader. Under his guidance and administration fans of Steel Panthers: World at War have been blessed now with three distinctly different Mega Campaigns, including his latest masterpiece, "Screaming Eagles 1944-45," which is his most ambitious project so far. He is also the founder and namesake of "Wild Bill's Raiders," one of the Internet's premier wargaming support groups. Since his first attempt at scenario design, in July of 1994, Bill has authored literally thousands of scenarios and campaigns for a variety of computer wargames, but especially the Steel Panthers series. He is also always willing to give advice and help to new scenario designers, encouraging and prodding them to greater heights, forever the teacher and mentor.

For all this, and so much more, that he has done to further our overall enjoyment of this hobby of wargaming, we, the team of designers, testers, and writers who came together under his leadership to create Mega Campaign "Screaming Eagles 1944-45," would like to thank him with our own dedications of this combined effort:

"Wild Bill, if there were such a thing as a 'Wargame Medal of Honor' I have no doubt you would be its first recipient. We salute you!" - B.W. Behling (Editor-in-Chief)

"Thanks Bill, for all you have done for me." - Marc Bayonet Bellizzi

"Wild Bill, it has been my pleasure and privilege to work with you on this project. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute." - Stuart Millis (play tester and OOB guy)

"Thank you so much WB. You have made so many long nights pure fun, and have made so many of us feel like brothers. - Eric 'Goblin' DiNicola (Writer)

"Thanks to Bill, who's been a mentor, a guru, a scholar, a gentleman, a father figure, a leader and above all a true friend to each and every one of us. It's been an honor and a blessing to have had the opportunity to work with him." - Glenn E. Higginbotham (Writer)

"Always, my thoughts of wonderful memories of my Wargaming history include two people, my best friend Don, and Wild Bill. Whether Wild Bill knows it or not he 'schooled' me in how to play and design wargames. He also showed me teamwork and forgiveness. Thank you Wild Bill! For everything you have shown me, and for the friendship you have given me. You will always be a huge part of my life!" - Jess "M4" Housley (Scenario Designer)

"If I were ever in combat, Wild Bill is the kind of man I would want commanding." - Steve Avery (Designer)

"If you read between the lines of "Wild Bill's" bio, you'll find volumes... all of them deserved. Thank you, Kunel, for making a boy's dream come true." - Mark "Irinami" Withers

"I wish to salute here a great historical writer, a superb Team Leader and an unmatched scenario/campaign designer, but above all I want to publicly thank this fine gentleman, for the precious friendship he has offered to each and all of us during these years. Kudos!" - Federico "Resisti" Doveri

"If Wild Bill didn't exist in Computer Wargaming it would be necessary to invent him." - Mark "Warlord" Ezra

"Thank you Bill, for all of the patience you have shown to this once newbie, now veteran tester. It is through the efforts of people like you that allow men like us, to be boys again, if only for a little while. The 'kid' in all of us, salutes you, sir." - Jim1954 Holland (Tester)

"My salute to Wild Bill, Grand Master of Mega Campaigns, Scenarios and AT-mines." - Yki 'Voriax' Hakkarainen

"Bill's accomplishments and contributions to our community surpassed 'legend' status long ago, and yet he continues with the same enthusiasm. More importantly, he inspires this drive in others: the mark of a true teacher and leader. A world of thanks Bill; you do us all proud." - Jim "tracer" Sodano

"What is there to say about Herr Wild Bill? I have had the pleasure of learning under him for two Mega Campaigns now! He has been a great teacher, and I would say, a great friend for the last two years. I hope he gets to live to a ripe old age and see his great-great grand children, so he can pass on his vast knowledge of this great wargaming community." - Don Doom

"Bill, you are an inspiration to us all. Your talent and commitment, along with your mentoring and personality, make this hobby so much better. When grognards discuss the greats of wargaming, Wild Bill Wilder and his Raiders will be mentioned alongside the others like Jim Dunnigan, Gary Grigsby, and Sid Meier. Thanks for all the enjoyment over the years." - Tim McCool (writer)

"Wild Bill, wargaming wouldn't be what it is today without you. You alone have given me, and many people worldwide, more fun than many institutions. Your selfless willingness to give of yourself is only part of what makes you the great person you are. It's been great working with you on this, and other projects, and I look forward to more in the future." - Jim 'Figmo' Faletti

"In the past 7 years that I have had the privilege of knowing him, Wild Bill Wilder has been to the wargaming community, and to me especially, an inspiration, a challenger, an achiever, an educator, and a loyal friend. Wargaming, as we know it, would be extinct without the efforts and accomplishments of Wild Bill. Geronimo!" - Rory 'Steeler' Gallagher

"Thank you Bill for all the wonderful work you brought to the world of war-gaming over the years. From the numerous articles and the terrific scenarios & campaigns, you brought to life for our enjoyment, to the gracious sharing of your wisdom and insight, you have been a class act since day one sir. I am grateful to have made your acquaintance and honored to be able to say that I know you as a person." - Ken "Orzel" Baran

"Thanks Bill, for allowing me to be part of the team. Your kind words have been worth more to me than any form of pay could have been for my particiption in the creation of this MC. It has been a privilege just to be part of the team. I consider myself lucky to be associated with something bearing your name." - Leslie "Les the Sarge" Baines (tester)

"Bill thank you for giving me the chance to work with you over the years. It been a lot of hard work but a lot of fun as well. I've gotten to know Bill and what makes him tick. Bill's got a real love for the games, and for its fans, and each and every article, scenario and mega campaign shows us this. Bill's work never shines so bright as when he does a Mega Campaign, and I expect this one will be no different. Bill has given so much time to this hobby that I can see no better way to honor him." - David "Sgt Rock" Heath
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Post by Goblin »

THANK GOODNESS!!! *expels huge sigh*

I could barely keep myself from spouting it all out, lol!

Wild Bill is the CHIT, as Jesster so eloquently put it, but so is this Mega Campaign TEAM.

Even more so, the Campaign itself is the King Chit!

Eric 'Goblin' DiNicola
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Number 4

Post by mogami »

Hi, OK when do we start on number 5? (did we decide on the theme yet?)

Thanks for letting me help.
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Post by Fallschirmjager »

now....most important

When can we buy this little gem?
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Post by tracer »

See Bill: finished ahead of schedule and you didn't even have to 'go to the whip'! :eek: Does this mean I can put my clipboard and 'Inspector #12' badge away? ;) :D
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Post by Les_the_Sarge_9_1 »

God glad I can finally say something :)

Now we need to stop posting guys, and let the fans get a word in hehe.
I LIKE that my life bothers them,
Why should I be the only one bothered by it eh.
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Beer Bash

Post by mogami »

Hi, I forgot to ask when the beer bash was. The only thing I remember is all of us voting to have the writers buy the beer, and it is to be held in Goblins back yard.
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The Cat is out of the Bag...

Post by Orzel Bialy »

Well...now that The Kunel has broken radio silence...all I can say is that it was an honor to have worked under Bill's leadership and along side a very talented and dedicated bunch of guys...and that the community has a real treat in store for it! :eek:

Get ready for a wild fight and a new kind of campaign.

Geronimo!!!
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Post by Frank W. »

sounds good :)

hope it´s easily and quite unexpensive
available in europe !
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Post by Alby »

WHAT CAN WE ALL SAY.....
YOU GUYS ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!!
:)

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Post by Supervisor »

Well then I guess the cat's out of the bag!
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Post by Grenadier »

Thank goodness that is over. Now I can get back the guys you stole from Combat Leader- ;)

I remember when I first approached the Kunel about doing another MC, his first reaction was "I don't Know if I want to do another one".

He and I both shared our frustrations that much of the work in the MC's were never seen unless a player replays it with the intent of getting different results like a draw instead of a DV. Deliberate branching was not part of the design in the editor so we had to make up ways to create different paths instaed of making it all result based. In Lost victories we had an awards ceremony where the plare could choose Kiev or the Crimea after Uman. In Watchtower we made a choice in the first scenario of Tulagi or Guadacanal. But still something was missing...

Each node in a mega campaign can have up to 8 scenarios with up to 3 options and 2 scenarios for each option, yet most players usually choose the default so they never played. Out of 280 posible battles in lost Victories, for example, the player usually only played 50-60, so many fine scenarios made by volunteers who put many hours of dedicated work was going unseen and unplayed.

David and I encouraged Bill to go once more into the breach and then Bill got the idea of honoring the Screaming Eagles and making the MC replayable by branching from the beginning. The result is the only mega campaign where the player caN CHOOSE HIS PATH THEN START again FROM THE BEGINNING ON A DIFFERENT PATH. MCSE is setting a new standard in value to the player. With about the same number of nodes as scenarios, this MC goes where no MC has gone before.

Congratulation. Kunel. And congatulations to all of your dedicated team members

Oh, and Bernie, You forgot about the Kunel's Spanish classes he teaches in Atlanta :D
Brent Grenadier Richards




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Post by Grimm »

When can I order this? :D
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Post by tracer »

Grenadier wrote: Oh, and Bernie, You forgot about the Kunel's Spanish classes he teaches in Atlanta :D
I remembered (Recordé!) ;) ...notice I included a 'teacher' accolade too. :p :D
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Post by Goblin »

Mogami wrote:Hi, I forgot to ask when the beer bash was. The only thing I remember is all of us voting to have the writers buy the beer, and it is to be held in Goblins back yard.
I would be only too happy to host that shindig! I would don my 'proof reader' hat though, because that is gonna cost the 'writers' a heck of a lot of cash with Jesster around....! :p ;)

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Post by Wild Bill »

So very nice to read these comments. We did have a lot of fun. It was also a huge amount of work.

The finishing touches are being put on the MC even now.

Hopefully the Matrix web folks will put up an official announcement page with screenshots, information and also instructions on how to order it.

That part of it I cannot give a lot of into. I'm sure David and the Matrix folks will give us the details very shortly.

I just did not have the heart to keep the muzzle on my guys any longer. They have been so good about keeping this quiet till we knew it was a done deal.

I thank you all for doing that, and so many other things that honestly I would have a hard time listing here.

You will like this MC. Veteran MC player or a first timer, this is one you won't ever regret. I assure you that you will get your money's worth...WB
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Post by Bernie »

Mogami wrote:Hi, I forgot to ask when the beer bash was. The only thing I remember is all of us voting to have the writers buy the beer, and it is to be held in Goblins back yard.
That's right! I remember it clearly! We voted that the writers would pay for the beer out of their profits from the MC.

Let's see now...

My Amazon.com bill for the research was $549.87

My long-distance phone charges for the research were $164.62

My cell phone charges were $229.45

And my cost for printer ink and paper was $53.21

Oh... Library late fees were $6.00

That makes a total of $1,003.15 in costs

We deduct that from the gross profits of $0.00 (it was an unpaid volunteer effort) which means a total profit of: $-1,003.15

At $2.00 a beer, that means you owe me 501.575 beers when we get to Goblin's house! Cool! :)
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Post by Bernie »

Grenadier wrote:Oh, and Bernie, You forgot about the Kunel's Spanish classes he teaches in Atlanta :D

I didn't forget about them, I just kept getting weird translations of them from my $2.99 English-Spanish Translation software.

It just didn't seem right to put in there that he was teaching people how to say, "I have a kumkwat stuck in my belly button lint." ;)
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