Strike First - 4th Armd Brigade

[MikeJ19]

Mad Russian,

You certainly caught me off guard - but that can add to the fun!!!

Between my tanks and M109s the Soviets lost close to two companies of T-72s outside Bad Benthiem.

[MikeJ19]

It was time to think ...

[Jagger2002]

There are only a few roads into that northern area. If you can get some eyes and some firepower covering those roads, also maybe some fascams, ambushes might take a heavy toll on any enemy forces hurrying to reinforce and in the open. So isolation sure sounds tempting.

Many people think there aren't many variations to attack, defend and meeting engagements.

My hats off to you on the standalone and campaign scenarios. In particular, I have been impressed by the campaign games. I have played the entire Russian campaign one and a half times, 3 games of the German campaign and half way through the first American campaign game. I have really enjoyed the variety of situations and interesting maps. Lot of fun. So if it takes a bit of devilish inspiration to produce such absorbing scenarios, I say give the devil credit. [;)]

[MikeJ19]

Jagger2002,

Good ideas. This is one of the first scenarios that after 150 minutes the battle is not in full swing. It is an interesting affair so far - with some cool (okay frustrating) surprises.

I think I may try a campaign next...

Have a good day,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

The battle continues in the North

[Jagger2002]

I think I may try a campaign next...

If you do, a couple quick points to consider in choosing a campaign. The core American and Russian forces in their respective campaigns are much larger than the core forces in the West German campaign. So significantly larger scenarios for the American and Russian campaigns vs the German campaign. I haven't tried the Brit campaign yet, so no comment there.

Also I really enjoyed the Russian campaign but the Russians are always on offense. Unfortunately, the AI is weaker on defense than offense and often the AI attacks when they should be defending. It is one reason I have been converting the Rus campaign to PBEM playable. I think human play would really bring out the full potential of the scenarios.

[MikeJ19]

Jagger2002,

Thanks for the information on the campaigns - that will be helpful.

It has been a busy week, therefore not much gaming. Just had time for another cycle - here is the result...

[MikeJ19]

Frustration builds...

[MikeJ19]

Time to move North

[MikeJ19]

That was better!

[MikeJ19]

Things are going well...

[MikeJ19]

Damn, more T-72s are on their way ...

[MikeJ19]

This is going to get interesting...

[MikeJ19]

Decision time....

[Stimpak]

He who dares, wins.

[MikeJ19]

Stimpak,

Agreed, I think that is what I'm going to do.

I'm also going to need to move the Gren Guards Bn HQ closer to the action. That is one thing that I have struggled with throughout this game - keeping HQ units close enough to their sub-units.

Have a good day,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

So far, so good...

[MikeJ19]

The Soviets are moving toward Bad Bentheim.

[MikeJ19]

One change on the plan on the previous slide. I'm only going to mine the approach to the Southern bridge. I want to give myself an opening for a counter attack toward the 900 VP location.

[Jagger2002]

Do you have any decent AA assets to deal with those Soviet Helicopters? Helicopters can change the game fast.