Matrix Games Forums

On the 2nd turn of scenario 1 of the West German Campaign, "Leading the Way," the game crashed when I selected the hex for the engineers to build a bridge to over the Main from 1328 to 1527. Because of the crash I was unable to save the turn in progress, so I have attached the save files for the start of the turn. I have also included a copy of the crash report. The crash was not a complete freeze-up. Though I can't save or select a unit I can still get tool tips for a unit or hex. Have I not understood the mechanics for building a bridge or is this something the West German engineers shouldn't be doing or are not able to do in this scenario?

On another matter, when setting up the scenario and planning the first turn no East German units are visible. As soon as the scenarion is started, there are units visible to and close to some West German recon units. If fact, one is next to the W.G. IV/1/Brig recon unit in hex 1319. It seems like a penalty for a player to set up and plan orders for a scenario with no knowledge of the existing situation on the map before the scenario begins when the map situation will be shown as soon as the scenario starts. The opposing force appears on to the map the instant the scenario starts as if they were "beamed down" from the Enterprise on Star Trek. I have noticed this before in many scenarios but this example is glaring in the proximity of the East German units to some of the West German recon units. Is this done purposefully or is it just a result of game mechanics?

Thanks for reporting the problem, and sharing the game save.

DeckelT wrote: Fri Jan 09, 2026 6:43 pm It seems like a penalty for a player to set up and plan orders for a scenario with no knowledge of the existing situation on the map before the scenario begins when the map situation will be shown as soon as the scenario starts.

I understand the bad surprise this gives. Just want to comment that this problem is not penalizing the player; the computer player suffers the exact same surprise, not being aware of your units until the scenario starts.

It is a problem though, in the scenario, with either set-up zones being too close or a briefing not indicating the possibility of hostile forces in those locations. Also thanks for bring this up.

In the OTS FM03 guide and tutorial, unfortunately it says that you can’t bridge full hex water obstacles. Given the scope of an operation like that, it doesn’t really fit the time scale represented in the game.

Thanks Hub6Actual, I had a feeling I was missing something with the bridge building process. I actually did somehow get a bridge started when I played with the scenario for a while but it was never getting close to being finished either.

WildCatNL your explanation makes me feel better but it also means one needs to be cautious in how you plan your opening movements or your can send units into real ambush situations. Some guidence in the Misson Briefing would help make it less jarring and allow planning to match the actual situation.

Thanks again for the responses.