Matrix Games Forums

So um...hey you guys, I'm just about burned out on Barbarosa scenarios and I want to try something new and different. I'm leaning toward maybe a NATO vs. Warsaw Pact scenario. I'm wondering which one is the best one to play and which one packs the most fun, etc. And I'm posting this to ask you guys for your opinions. I want to do an AAR of the game as well to spread the cheer. Which game would you guys like to see an AAR about?

good hunting,
larry

ps. I'm posting a picture of the scenario's I have on hand to choose from. Also, I wouldn't mind playing a human instead of the AI. Anybody interested?

As an owner and player of the original SPI boardgame Next War back in the early eighties I am a great fan of that - the tension scenario adds multiple ways to play - I also adopt some house rules which randomise actions on both sides
ie extent of French and Danish involvement possible delays to reforger reinforcements and ditto for WP - the options are endless.

ORIGINAL: mstorey
As an owner and player of the original SPI boardgame Next War back in the early eighties I am a great fan of that - the tension scenario adds multiple ways to play - I also adopt some house rules which randomise actions on both sides
ie extent of French and Danish involvement, possible delays to reforger reinforcements, and ditto for WP - the options are endless.

Hey Miles: Thanks for answering so quickly by the way. That Tension Scenario of The Next War sounds good. Which side is the most fun to play? I'm leaning toward the Soviet side but I'm open to opinions because I've never played either side yet. I'd be interested to know which house rules you like(d) and why. And thanks for the suggestion.

re: Red Thunder II 1988. Yes, that is the most recent version (a more recent version corrects a NATO airbase location, and corrects a Theater Option that allows Warsaw Pact invasion of Austria)

It retains most of the features of Red Thunder 1988 but updated to TOAW IV and several TOE and .eqp modifications and Warsaw Pact objectives reflect recent post-Soviet Union sources, and the time scale (30 full-day turns vs 60 half-day turns) adds to playability. Discussed in the accompanying Document.

After reviewing all of the NATO-Warsaw Pact scenarios in TOAW, I felt Erik Rutins Red Thunder 1988 was the sweet spot of playability- historical accuracy. But could use some updating.

FYI Erik's original scenario uses Deus Machina to reflect the Atlantic war, Norway war, Pact uprisings, NATO collapse. Some players may object to arbitrary events but I think it adds flavor. Red Thunder II uses these events in their entirety. Watch out for the Soviet Airborne drops on the first turn!

As a Cold Warrior in Baumholder, I can relate to the flavor of this scenario.

Larry,
if you are willing to test a new version of my 1998 Global Conflict 1988 scenario I'd be happy to send it to you. It's a Division/Brigade/Regiment level NATO-Warsaw Pact scenario in Western and South-Western Theater of operations. 10 km/hex, one day turns.

ORIGINAL: LOK32MK
Larry,
if you are willing to test a new version of my 1998 Global Conflict 1988 scenario I'd be happy to send it to you. It's a Division/Brigade/Regiment level NATO-Warsaw Pact scenario in Western and South-Western Theater of operations. 10 km/hex, one day turns.

I'd love to test your new scenario. Please send it to: larryfulkerson2(at)gmail(dot)com.
And thank you. I'll give you guys a full report on it.

Haris tells me that he is going to be the WP player and I'll be NATO and it all starts tomorrow. We're going to do an AAR about the game. This should be fun.

Larry, could I ask you to watch for a couple of things, since it will be large, and a modern game:

-- the crash to desktop bug;

-- any combat results that look suspect. One thing I've seen before are stand off attacks taking losses from AA guns in the target hex. May be more odd things like that in TOAW's representation of modern combat.

Cheers

ORIGINAL: cathar1244
Larry, could I ask you to watch for a couple of things, since it will be large, and a modern game:
-- the crash to desktop bug;
-- any combat results that look suspect.

One thing I've seen before are stand off attacks taking losses from AA guns in the target hex. May be more odd things like that in TOAW's representation of modern combat.

Cheers

Yeah, sure. You betcha'. Now that I know to watch for it, it shouldn't be a problemo.

Next War should be interesting as this week the Russians have just shown that blowing up every one's satellites will be a first mover advantage of some sort.
---

Ps what happened to the pretty girl in the Christmas jumper ?

You mean this pretty girl?

I prefer the Soviets tbh always had a weakness for them.

I have drawn up a range of House Rules and options which were devised to help when solo playing in the boardgame days. Happy to share but they are in excel so will email them. Hope it makes sense and helps - the WP options are not fully developed - feel free to use or not as you wish.

Hey Haris: are we still a go for lift off?