Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: miller41

I plan on playing my next game like Stalin is my real boss[&o] and seeing how it plays out. I have seem several comments that make it seem that the German player cannot win vs a defense that doesn't stand and take huge losses.

Redmarkus seems to be doing this type of defense, and IMO its doing a good job of me having to mop up (wasting time too) small pockets here and there. I know killing units is good but I think a Soviet player can achieve a balance and feed the Germans just enough to slow them down in some areas. Plus it keeps the panzer troops more on the front and not in the rear gathering fuel for the next punch. Just my thoughts on the subject. [8D]

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

The problem with running away isn't that it's ahistorical.

The problem is it's not the best way to defend. You can actually hurt and stop the Germans a lot more quickly if you start laying on the panzer spearheads in the right manner.

But thus far not a single Soviet player that I've seen thus far has figured out how to do this. (And when they do, I anticipate a lot of complaints about this from our German players, who will be even less happy about Soviets who fight back than Soviets who run away. So it goes.)

I think there was one where the Soviet defended forward early and got his butt kicked in the middle pretty good, but otherwise, the Soviet players have pretty much pulled back.

I think this game is like most games in that with players of equal experience, it is far easier to play defense. (Especially true with rookies). What is worse is I also agree that I think the Russians will have a faster learning curve as well. It appears that with the way things are now, the Axis player is going to have to be a real operator to have any success against a good Russian. I have heard bits and pieces that this is not the way it is among most of the testers in that the really good Germans can make some serious hay.

This is one of the things that makes games so tough to get a good feel and balance since it is not really a lot of fun to have one side that constantly wins all the time. Do you try to balance for the elite level of play or an average level of play because it could be very different.

ORIGINAL: randallw

Is the main goal of attacking the panzers to damage them, or to help use up their ammo/supply, and cause fatigue?

Yes.

More specifically, the point is to catch them when they are vulnerable, beat them up, and force the German to waste time pulling them out of the line for resting and refitting. If you are very lucky you might even rout them and render them combat incapable for a turn or two. (Tip: if possible cut them off and force them to retreat in combat. That's an automatic rout.)

You won't destroy them or anything like that, but there comes a point when the panzers are just plain tired out and anything you can do to force them to pause can only help your cause.

Judging when and where to do this is the key. I'm quite partial to using the Smolensk area as a killing field in mid summer. But opportunities could arise anywhere.

How exactly is this done?  Does it require a large collection of Soviet divisions, positioned right next to where the panzers will end their turn, after attacking and advancing, then the divisions punch 'em in the face and run away best they can?  It sounds like a lot of guessing/estimating whether the Axis player will launch deliberate or hasty attacks, and how many MPs the panzers have.

They punch and then disperse, yes.

That's one way. I prefer to cut them off and make them have to backtrack, just to slow them down.

Your maps are very good.

Turn 18 and Mud is here, at least for a time.[:D] Thought I would try something new.

The Axis have lost over 5k AFVs?

Due to inactivity I decided to outline my plans in general for December. Of course this is subject to all kinds of problems that could change it.[:'(]

I know this is aggressive but why not think big.

far south

Of Course feel free to chime in on my fantasy

With my recent blizzard experiences vs. the AI I would not dare to call those plans fantasy

CharonJr

Where's your fallback line gonna be come the spring offensive?

Your gonna need high forts to stop any panzer breakthroughs!

Good Question Cookie. From what I am experiencing in my other game, I think I will have reserve units that come in in December-Jan set up defensive lines about 5-6 hexes back from the lines, except for moscow and Leningrad, which will keep garrisons there dug in at all times. Will have to play it by ear depending on how the offensive goes.

What you could try is to look where you are in early March, and start creating the D line based on that.

Turn 19 is another mud turn, looks like he is pulling back in several areas. Will not post losses this turn, instead I am posting strength and disposition screens and any comments I think are relevant.

Please be aware that the boundaries are actually overlapping in several areas

South of the Lake, northwest front.

Moscow Front, Busy map[&o]

Notice 2 Tank Heavy Armies here, they are both commanded by armored commanders.

No Leningrad or Moscow for your opponent this year.