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We are starting this DAR again after some significant changes to the game.

Due to all the discussion about what the Soviet heavies can and can't do in various game systems and their capabilities here I've put together another test scenario. There are limited numbers of tanks on each side. Two varieties for each side. Some start on map others enter later.

The first change is to the options selections. The gamer that sets up the PBM will also select the options. In this case I have selected all the options except to force the 60 second turn.

As you can see the options available for play cover most of the game styles that we all use.



Good Hunting.

MR

This is a 2km map. There is plenty of room to maneuver. You will immediately notice this is a different map the the I used in the first DAR. No reason not to test out different maps as well as units. We saw how the other map played out now to see how this one does.

After doing the options we set up the PBM. First I enter our passwords and select New Game and hit enter. Takes about 15 seconds.

Good Hunting.

MR

Then I select the scenario and the side I'm to play.

Good Hunting.

MR

Next I buy my units and in this case I have more than enough points to buy everything. It comes onto the map at different times which may make life interesting for both sides.

Each unit that you highlight in the equipment side shows that units specs. In this case it is showing the specs of the IS-2m (JS-2m). It also shows the unit costs 90 points to buy and that I have 5000 points to spend.

When looking at the Tac map in the lower left corner you will see that there is a single Victory Location on the map and that unit currently selected would enter on the far right if I buy it.

Good Hunting.

MR

Next up is the ISU-122S (JSU-122S). This is a major Soviet tank killer.

Good Hunting.

MR

Following along in order is an ISU-152(JSU-152). This too can be a major tank killer. It's rounds are usually used vs German infantry but they have HEAT rounds so are capable of killing tanks too.

Good Hunting.

MR

Then we are at the main element of the Soviet tank forces. The T-34/85. This tank equipped most Soviet tank combat elements late in the war.

Good Hunting.

MR

Then we are at the recon element of the Soviet force. The T-34/76 model 1943. This tank equipped most Soviet recon elements late in the war.

Good Hunting.

MR

Last of the AFV's I can buy in this test are the IS-2m (JS-2m) model 1945. Once these have been bought and are a part of our battle group we are ready to go to war.

Good Hunting.

MR

The hamlet of Daken, Prussia with 3 German controlled Victory locations on the road and 1 contested location in front of the hamlet.

Good Hunting.

MR

A close up of the hamlet of Daken.

The Victory Location on the hill in the background is contested.

Good Hunting.

MR

The Soviet tank column moving in from the east.

Good Hunting.

MR

Soviet movement orders for turn 1.

Where are the Germans? Are there even any Germans in this area?

Good Hunting.

MR

As soon as the column crosses over the ridge and into the valley Major Sotenski, commander of 1st Battalion, 36th Guards Tank Brigade, comes under fire from a German King Tiger at a range of 1145 meters. His driver takes immediate evasive action.

Notice that the Major's name is in yellow. That means he's an elite crew. His level of tolerance is already much higher than a green crew. Still he doesn't care to let King Tigers use him for target practice.

Good Hunting.

MR

The Major's tank takes a hit but the armour plating holds. That shot struck the armour plate right next to the drivers head. He'll have a headache from that for a bit.

Time to get out of LOS of that big cat.

Good Hunting.

MR

Okay then, so the Germans want a long range shoot out. Sorry, we can't make that work for us. We have to get closer. That means I will have to put the SOP to aggressive to allow the Soviet tanks to close the range without as much regard for their own safety.

Here you can see where the SOP button is. All the gold selection buttons can be selected at any time. No matter what else is happening or what phase it is.

That takes us through turn 1.

Good Hunting.

MR

Here is the selection menu for the Major's tank. He is a 1 tank unit. Soviet heavy tank/TD units were 2 AFV elements, except for the commander which was a 1 AFV element.

Good Hunting.

MR

Now it's time to move the Major and the rest of the column out of harms way.

The moment the German Tiger opened fire I sent elements to both the left and right to try to flank him. You can see the left flank units to the front and left of the Major.

Good Hunting.

MR

Senior Lieutenant Lakeyev is also an elite crew. He is the commander of the recon element that is equipped with T-34/76 model 1943 tanks. These are very vulnerable to the heavy German armor.

The good thing for Soviet tankers at this time period of the war is that there are fewer and fewer German AFV's to have to deal with. The bad thing is that when you do it gets expensive in lives and equipment.

Good Hunting.

MR

I'm wanting those 2 T-34/85's on the north road to come to my aid and be quick about it. BUT I can't have them run into an ambush so we'll take this nice and slow.

There are 4 speeds in PCO.

Defend which allows you move a small distance forward.

Advance which is a cautious approach with full attention to your surroundings.

Engage/Move which is the normal driving speed.

Rush which is to move as fast as you possibly can.



The 2 T-34/85's on the north road are using advance.

Good Hunting.

MR