Petsamo-Kirkenes 1944

[Erik2]

Another public beta [;)]

Drop-box-link:
Petsamo-Kirkenes-beta20b
Put the scenario file in the 'My Documents/Germany At War/Scenarios' folder.

Map: 82x56 2.5km/hex
Russian units: 102 (mostly regiments).
German/Finnish/Norwegian units: 106 + 18 reinforcements (mostly battalions).
Turns: 24-26, the Russians are player-1 and the attacker.
Russian resources: 100/turn, 500 at start
German resources: 200/turn, 500 at start.
Most units have 45/145 experience points. This means they will need just 5 more to reach the next level and be applicable for getting a support unit.
So take a close look at the units after their first battle.
You will probably run out of resources (especially the Russian player), so it may be wise to give units the staff company first.

This is the first rough version. There are a few options I have not managed to work correctly yet.
This beta is mainly to get some feed-back on play-balance.
I have managed a 'brilliant' victory on turn-26, but only just....and I am pretty familiar with this scenario by now.

I will be on vacation for a week and hope to pick up some comments when I get back.

Have fun
Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello Erik,

one question : the Soviets are the attacker - is the scenario build with them in mind in the first place or is it supposed to work for both sides ?

Regards,

[Erik2]

If needed, I hope to adjust the scenario so that the AI gives a reasonable fight playing both sides using just one scenario. .
I have only played one whole game as Russian yet. Managed a brilliant victory on the last turn. But of course I knew what to expect of German reinforcements.
I would like to force the German AI to play more defensively, any rules etc to accomplish that?
Also, the Russians performed a few small-scale amphibious invasions, is this possible to do yet?

Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello Erik,

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard

If needed, I hope to adjust the scenario so that the AI gives a reasonable fight playing both sides using just one scenario.

Thats a tough challenge - if you manage it this map could be a multiplayer candidate.

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard
I would like to force the German AI to play more defensively, any rules etc to accomplish that?

There is a basic adjustment for the AI: ai="defensive" added to the <Player>.
Then it will be more careful about loosing strength points and attacks will be less risky.

Then again all AI moves also heavily depend on the context.

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard
Also, the Russians performed a few small-scale amphibious invasions, is this possible to do yet?

Not yet. Amphibious moves are on our list, but there is a lot to do before this.

First impressions:

What i noticed was a missing description. You can add a small text that appears before loading the scenario to describe it.

You have to add it in the <Scenario> header like this:

description-en="Northern Russia, Leningrad 19 September 1941:& #x0A; & #x0A;The German leaders demand the conquest of Leningrad and strengthen Army Group North for the attack. The Soviets try to defend the city and lift the siege from the East.& #x0A;Length: 20 turns"

" & #x0A; " orders a line break but there is no space between & and #x0A; it was added to avoid the command being interpreted by the browser.

You should add somthing like "Author: Erik Nygaard" thats a nice touch imho.

I also realized there are some units with blinking updates on the German side - i don't know it thats wanted. They are few enough to be not annoying though.

Currently the German player is chosen by default - maybe for testing the Soviet player is the better choice (even though you want both sides tested)?

You can determine a preselection with adding preferred="1" to one of the sides' <Player>.

The map looks great but is also very huge - maybe a bit too big.

Its fun to have those different fronts during a single battle. I did not have time to play far though but i am looking forward to continue my mission when there is a free spot.

Regards,

[Erik2]

ORIGINAL: Ronald Wendt

Hello Erik,

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard

If needed, I hope to adjust the scenario so that the AI gives a reasonable fight playing both sides using just one scenario.

Thats a tough challenge - if you manage it this map could be a multiplayer candidate.

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard
I would like to force the German AI to play more defensively, any rules etc to accomplish that?

.......

First impressions:

What i noticed was a missing description. You can add a small text that appears before loading the scenario to describe it.

You have to add it in the <Scenario> header like this:

description-en="Northern Russia, Leningrad 19 September 1941:& #x0A; & #x0A;The German leaders demand the conquest of Leningrad and strengthen Army Group North for the attack. The Soviets try to defend the city and lift the siege from the East.& #x0A;Length: 20 turns"

" & #x0A; " orders a line break but there is no space between & and #x0A; it was added to avoid the command being interpreted by the browser.

You should add somthing like "Author: Erik Nygaard" thats a nice touch imho.

I also realized there are some units with blinking updates on the German side - i don't know it thats wanted. They are few enough to be not annoying though.

Currently the German player is chosen by default - maybe for testing the Soviet player is the better choice (even though you want both sides tested)?

You can determine a preselection with adding preferred="1" to one of the sides' <Player>.

The map looks great but is also very huge - maybe a bit too big.

Its fun to have those different fronts during a single battle. I did not have time to play far though but i am looking forward to continue my mission when there is a free spot.

Regards,

There should be an intro txt, at least there is a bit of info in the scenario selection list. I cannot check now since I am writing this on a restaurant in Crete[:D]

Yes, I will make the Russian the default player, good point.

I was thinking of reusing the map for a German offensive towards Murmansk to save time. But I think I need to be able to add/remove map rows for this, hint-hint [;)]

As the Russians you need to fight 2-3 separate battles. I think this adds to the various strategies the attacker may choose.

Now, back to my meal.

Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello,

yes, my bad on the description - its empty as i am testing the German translation and there is none in your map, yet.

Regards,

[Erik2]

So this means I should probably remove any 'en' references to make sure the German players will receive the proper messages?

Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello,

ORIGINAL: Erik Nygaard

So this means I should probably remove any 'en' references to make sure the German players will receive the proper messages?

Erik

yes. If you only provide one language leaving out the "-en" (= language command) ensures everyone sees your texts in every version. As soon as you add the command the languages are sorted out and need to be there seperatly for English, German etc.


Regards,

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello Erik,

today i could finish the map, it took me a while because i only played during short breaks and moving 100+ units takes quite some time.

I played as the Russians and finshed in turn 23. The difficulty was set to no bonus and all rules active.

I attached a screenshot with my stats.

[Erik2]

Thank you for playing the scenario.
Looking at the losses stats, did you find it a bit too easy playing as the Russians?

Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello Erik,

was it too easy ? I would say i could solve it 2-3 turns earlier now. The Soviets have a big advantage with all the mortar and artillery units.

First phase of the offensive was overcoming the initial defenses. It took me 6-7 turns.

Second phase was advance to the west to and clearing the area east of the Petsamo-Luostari line from Axis units (which was not completely successful as it turned out later). About 5 turns.

Last stage was the advance to the final cities north and west, dividing the forces into that directions. Still fights in the rear. About 11 turns.

The Germans were stopping me sometimes, but i felt the biggest enemies were the distances and the narrow roads surrounded by hills and mountains.

Con: it was sometimes work to move so many units (and i left some behind for several reasons)
Pro: it felt a lot like one would imagine those fights...endless Soviet columns try to find a way to unleash their potential but are often hindered by the landscape, supply and ambushs.

All in all i think the difficulty was good. Players can still adjust a bonus if they feel one way or the other.

But then again it would be good to have another players opinion to be sure.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

[Rosseau]

Thanks Erik. I will play asap.

[Erik2]

Hi Ronald,
Thanks for the detailed feedback.

Erik

[Ronald Wendt]

Hello Erik,

you are welcome, had some fun anyway [;)]

Regards,