Matrix Games Forums

Hi,

I finally spent some more time with CO:BftB and love every minute of it (I also made me reinstall CotA again, so I have more than enough to do ... [:D])

I think I'm getting better in the macro-management aspect of the game but have one question: In traditional wargames one of the things you always try to prevent is to run your units in move/column mode into an encounter with the enemy. How would CO handle this (and I'm not talking about ambushes where the hidden enemy is unknown/unseen). If I give a unit a move order over a longer distance to cover as much ground as possible, what would the local commander do when an enemy unit moves into the path - would the local commander, upon "seeing" the enemy, change the formation/approach in a safe distance of the enemy and stop (probably defending) and will I get a notification, or would the commander move to contact and if so, would that happen in column mode? I assume any recon unit being point guard should make contact first and the rest of the unit would stop but it would be great to better understand how the system will generally react.

Thanks!

I too find this an awkward problem.But I usually, when battle is likely, tend to take command at a battalion level. If you send a battalion column forward on a move and an unexpected contact with enemy occurs there is a problem in giving the whole column/battalion a fresh order because the game simulates the delays which occur in changing an order down the chain of command and chaos and losses can result.(you can of course give direct orders to specific companies involved which speeds up their responses but is still difficult in dealing really effectively with an unexpected problem
I have made 2 different approaches to this problem
a) Give your battalion on a move order a subordinate Attack order (there is a box at side of orders to click this sub option so they will individually attack any enemy unit they unexpectedly meet.)
This can be effective if the enemy contact is light but not if organized enemy in strength is encountered.

b) The most sensible approach I think, where you are uncertain of the enemys positions, is to send a single independent recce unit or unit acting as a recce, ahead of your main force by a long enough distance so that if the enemy are encountered you have time to reorganize your main battalion force and its response appropriatlely and not have them all involved in the chaos.

But I am also grappling with many of the tactical demands of this game and would recommend collecting advice also from more seasoned players

Chuck,

All of the options you describe could happen depending on the circumstances. Every minute each unit will undertake its own threat assessment and decide whether to react, reassess or continue on. Reaction options include halting where they are and if possible returning fire or enaging the enemy, taking cover, calling for fire support. Reassessments are done periodically - ie not every minute. The amount of time between the different assessments varies but these include changing formation, re-routing around the threat, initiating an attack ( if authorised within its task SOPs ) or conducting a full replan of the mission. It gets quite complex with many different paramaters impacting on the decisions. I recommend you experiment a bit and see what happens.

BTW remember that much depends on what the unit or force knows. Line of sight comes into play here.

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm currently reading through MarkShot's different AARs on CotA and interestingly, he also speaks about my question. From reading this, it seems that a unit SHOULD do something reasonable, i.e. at least change the formation instead of running full-speed in column formation into the enemy. But then again, I understand that it depends on a number of factors.

I'll play some more and see what I can observe.