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between the pair of you this is the most fluid AAR I've read on these forums with back and forth battles in all sorts of places

Yeah, it's a good fight. I think 42 will be interesting.

Blizzard Conclusions

Some numbers and comments.

Axis losses during blizzard

Men: 994.555
Guns: 13.019
AFV: 1955

Russian losses during blizzard

Men: 1.058.662
Guns: 9.022
AFV: 4.216

I do not know how these numbers compare to other games or if they are in any way historical. Maybe someone with more experience and historical knowledge could comment.

The 1=2 rule is an abomination in my opinion. I think that STEF78 and I are equally "talented" players and in our case it would have been better not to play with this rule. In 41 the rule is not needed. However, during the blizzard I had an incredible number of battles that only succeeded because of this rule. These battles were mainly in the north and the center of the front. Without it the offensive in the north and the center would have stalled very early. The south is much more fluid and doesn't require the rule anyway. It probably would make for a better game if the Russians don't advance across the entire front.

I look forward to playing a game without this rule and maybe fortifications reduced to 75% for both sides.

Reduced blizzard is a lot of fun. Encirclement are very difficult because the Germans can counterattack very effectively.

ORIGINAL: loki100

between the pair of you this is the most fluid AAR I've read on these forums with back and forth battles in all sorts of places

I agree, this game is very interesting. Now if only '42 would be more fluid as well... With no 1=2 rule and weakening fort effect this could be possible, but now I'm not sure. We'll see. I keep my fingers crossed. In my own game maneuver warfare returned to existence (in limited form) only in summer'44 (ending in december'41, it was a long wait).

ORIGINAL: Oshawott

The 1=2 rule is an abomination in my opinion. I think that STEF78 and I are equally "talented" players and in our case it would have been better not to play with this rule. In 41 the rule is not needed. However, during the blizzard I had an incredible number of battles that only succeeded because of this rule. These battles were mainly in the north and the center of the front. Without it the offensive in the north and the center would have stalled very early. The south is much more fluid and doesn't require the rule anyway. It probably would make for a better game if the Russians don't advance across the entire front.

I look forward to playing a game without this rule and maybe fortifications reduced to 75% for both sides.

Reduced blizzard is a lot of fun. Encirclement are very difficult because the Germans can counterattack very effectively.

Its taken me a while to realise this, but yes I agree fully 100% morale and the +1 is far too powerful. I've just played a 'Smolensk' PBEM where on T7 I was able to launch an offensive along the entire front as a result of channeling my replacements and making use of this.

Think that adjusting the fort values sounds good, would also experiment with lowering Soviet transport values - that will slow factory evacuation, leading to more 1941 pockets. Also will stop the trick come late 42 of entire Fronts just sitting around on trains.

I've just played a 'Smolensk' PBEM where on T7 I was able to launch an offensive along the entire front as a result of channeling my replacements and making use of this.

Yes, the channeling of replacements can be very effective. The highest I ever got was a 7 CV Rifle Division on T3.

T38 - North

First week of snow and I retreat cautiously to reduce the bulge and take advantage of better terrain.

T38 - Center

Same here. I retreat ever so slightly to better terrain. A good reserve activation of an entire rifle division is very helpful.

T38 - Southwest

Mostly just straightening out the line and flipping hexes. He does the same. No counterattacks. He just builds fortifications.

T38 - South

Here I hold the line thanks to excellent swamp terrain and two big cities. Another nice reserve activation!

T38 - Odessa

The pocket has gotten very small. The remaining units outside the city will all get routed next turn.

T38 - Data

your Odessa campaign certainly showed why its important for the German player to take that in the summer of 1941 (even if it means diverting units).

Must be nice to leisurely pick your optimal defense line, giving up more exposed positions as you choose.

Now I see it! -R- on the blue counters stands for Rumanian [:)]

your Odessa campaign certainly showed why its important for the German player to take that in the summer of 1941 (even if it means diverting units).

Yes, the problem for him was that he had to put good troops there and they were then missing at the main front. This is why I could break out of the Crimea so easily. He sacrificed the Romanians and they took terrible losses and will most likely never recover from this. Even during the snow turns they rout in almost every battle. Not sure how important Romanians are for the 42 campaign. But it sure was a great morale boost for the Russians.

Now I see it! -R- on the blue counters stands for Rumanian

Ha, yes, they are guaranteed to rout. I think you mentioned in another post that the 1.08 version will have an option to increase Romanian morale separately. I think that is a good idea.

T39 - Leningrad Troops

There are no developments in the north, center and southwest so I skip the screenshots. But I would like to show the state of my six divisions in Leningrad. Morale is extremely low and TOE almost non-existent. On the other hand, supply and ammunition are great! [:D]

T39 - South

Minor combat in this sector. The Romanians keep routing.

T39 - Odessa

A number of divisions get routed to the Crimea. I ship the best available units back into Odessa. Combined CV is 57 with level 4 fort.

T39 - Data