Matrix Games Forums

I want to commend Matrix Games and Mr. Vebber on a great upgrade and game. I have always liked SPWAW, especially when you started receiving info on the results of a tank hit, like the radio mast was destroyed.
In 5.3, I feel that infantry combat is as realistic as a turn based computer game can get. Terrain gives the proper defense and .30 caliber MG is now deadly against troops in the open.
I played the scenario with the US assaulting the Germans in the bocage country around St. Lo. MG was deadly against infantry in fields so I used smoke to cover my advance. Similarly, my .30 MG mowed down counter-attacking Germans moving in the field. The bocages provided great cover against even MG fire from all put 1-2 range. Even at close range rifles were only effective against troops in the open, not in bocage. However, 1 or 2 range the thompson submachinegun was effective. By covering my advance with smoke and suppressing infantry with mortar fire, I took the objectives in 17 turns. I increased the scenario from 15 to 20 turns before starting.
I think that in 5.3 the scenarios do need to be lengthened if they mostly involve infantry v. infantry.
Great game.

[ June 26, 2001: Message edited by: JimY ]

I have been able to download 5.2 and 5.3, but havn't had time to play with either update. My question is, does moving only one hex or at the most two per turn in the open, draw fire? I ask this as one hex movement might be enough to simulate moving under cover of the the terrain in the hex. I might not be able to play for a day or two and curiosity is is getting the best of me.

I am currently testing scens with V3. They are going great. The bit of changes made from V2 to V3 have created a fine balance. I seriously doubt games will run longer or anything else. While I defer to the Grog desire for as much accuracy as possible it is always important (to me)that the game is fun. V3 strikes that kind of balance.

Thanks Guys - kudos go to Tom Proudfoot for putting up with my Columbo impression..."ah, Sir...just one more thing..."

and of course David Heath...


moving only one hex is considered "cautious movement and is 3 times less vulnerable than moving 2 or more. You often have to balance pressing ahead quickly against the casualties you will take. Overwatching fires are key to minimizing those casualties.

[ June 27, 2001: Message edited by: Paul Vebber ]

Originally posted by Warrior:


I don't think it's sound military doctrine to leave a lot of enemy troops behind you as you advance.

Oh I don't know, against the AI you can set up MGs to cover the bypassed troops then when you take a victory square in the rear they come running to take it back, right into your MGs.