Reduced Retreat Attrition

[RKhan]

Can someone please point me towards the definition of this game option and why it was added? It appears to have been added after the manual was written.

Thanks!

[Nikel]

JB explained it in this thread.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 2#p5139662


It was added in v1.03.09 beta.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 6&t=401114

[Light4bettor]

Trying to understand JB's brief exposition on the "reduced" option in that link posted (in reference to multiplayer games).

From what I read this is what I think he means: case 1) if both players are skilled (expert), then the Axis player has an inherent advantage (with JB's implication that the Axis usually wins those games). Therefore, in that case the conclusion would be that the "reduced" option is irrelevant either way (i.e., doesn't matter if its on or off);
and case 2) both players are average (don't have a deep understanding of the game) and since in those games the Axis usually does not reach historical 41 limits of advance (against a competent Soviet)- and therefore it is highly likely the Soviet will build enough strength to start a relatively unimpeded grind toward Berlin in the next few years. In that case a "reduced" option may help the Germans survive longer (to counteract somewhat ahistorical Soviet advance to Berlin mechanics that are inherent in the game)? -also referencing Beethoven and Zemkes comments.

As an aside note too, in what circumstances is bidding by using morale levels warranted for choosing a side pre-game? Like if there are slightly differing skill levels between the players?

Thanks for anyone who puts some clarification in. Rkhan, not trying to hijack this post, just want to get a clearer answer o the option for myself too.

[RKhan]

Thank you for the replies.

On the one hand, I like to study this time period and the retreat losses I suffer don't seem historical.

On the other, its a game, and despite the designer's attempt to model all this in exquisite detail, I think it is impossible to do so. I say that as a recent software developer in computer simulation for the defense department.

So as long as the macro results are good I won't worry about the details. But I was curioius about the game option.

RKhan

[tyronec]

It reduces the losses a loser suffers during a battle. So in general this is going to help the defenders; Soviets early war and Axis late war.
In particular it is going to make a difference to units that are hit again after they have been forced to retreat and even more so if they have low morale. In '41/'42 you can easily get Soviet units wiped out by well planned sequential attacks; push them out of fortifications and than attack again with Armored units.
If you read some of the threads about 'Grinding' this can lead to an Axis strategy that focuses more on frontal assaulting rather than going for pockets.

So the overall effect of Reduced Retreat Attrition should be to make mobile warfare more important and improve the overall flow of the game.
I am up to the winter in my first game playing with it and it looks to be a good improvement.