John Kelly

I'm glad this thread was started. I am working on a new operation and I thought it would be nice to allow the Germans some "daisy-chain" anti-tank devices for later on during the operation. Since these are considered hastily laid defenses, I thought it would simulate an ordered withdrawal. Unfortunately, the setup menu would not allow any fortification devices to be placed other than "on map" at the beginning of the operation. Why not permit something like daisy-chain anti-tank placement in later battles? John

This is an interesting question. I have worked on a number of operations since I bought the game. It is possible to create continuity and quite an interesting campaign. I would say the operations in CM are similar to the operations in Close Combat. A true campaign would entail linking several operations. Actually, the folks at Advanced Squad Leader have a great idea. They created a dozen or so related scenarios. Market Garden has been designed as such. Of course, Combat Mission will only declare a winner for each scenario, not the series. I would like to see the addition of air fields on the map editor. Perhaps some planes...destroyed or otherwise. At any rate, it is an interesting concept. Cheers, John

One of the fascinating aspects of this game is user made scenarios. I am having trouble building bridges that fit flush with the terrain. Is there a secret here? Mine appear to have huge gaps on either bank, rendering passage a daunting task. Any help on the topic will be appreciated. Cheers, John

This game, as is, will never reach obsolesence if, for no other reason, the scenario editor and the graphics mod potential. Hey, I would be happy with Russian tanks and soldiers on the existing frame. Bring it on whenever...I'm still having fun with the first one. Cheers, John

The PzIV still commands respect from the TacI as witnessed by me in a recent test of an operation I'm creating. The Sherman tanks (all M4A3's) encountered the German medium tank in question and immediately went into reverse. One of the hapless Shermans was knocked out before he could escape. The range was just under 2,000 meters. I would leave it alone. Cheers, John

Tom, Ihre Arbeit ist toll. Vielen Dank mein freund. Es tut mir leid...mein Deutsch is nicht sehr gut. (it's the grammar that stumps me). John

I believe I got mine right here on the forum. I don't recall the thread, but it's here mate. Just look around for anything to do with the beta patch. Cheers, John

The bug that I agonized over more than anything else was the figher-bomber not appearing during user made operations. It was finally fixed, and thanks to MadMatt's determination, I am now preparing to finish an operation I had given up on months ago. Three cheers for the CM team. Yahoo! John

Ich bin sieben und vierzig. Keep the faith. My wife doesn't understand either. Cheers, John

Thanks gentlemen! Cheers, John

I have performed the obligatory search, but have not found the answer to my problem. If I have an anti-tank gun in place, but I want to move it, what command do I issue to the transporting vehicle? Most scenarios start with the guns already in tow. Is it possible to reconnect to the transport after drop-off? John

JaJa: I feel your pain mate. Our comrades are insensitve to your plight. However, I must say, I have experienced a great deal of success with direct fire mortars as of late. I simply attach them to a platoon and establish a concealed position. I am amazed a the line of sight they are able to establish, and they bring deadly fire to bear on the enemy. It works for me! Cheers, John

Major Tom: I hope your vision is correct. Even Close Combat doesn't permit individual manipulation of troops; unless, of course, it's a sniper. I hope for squad control and troop orders to remain the same in CM, but individual animation and representation would be sublime. Someday perhaps. Cheers, John

Combat mission represents a paradigm shift in the gaming genre. Three years ago, I was transfixed by Close combat: A Bridge Too Far. I never could have imagined that war gaming would be what it is with CM. BTS has taught us to think beyond the present. How many of you have played back the movie using the "1" key and thrilled at the sight of a first person assault? You smile as your squad hurls grenades at the enemy position. I believe that same assault would be so much sweeter if we could watch individual soldiers, moving idenpendently with but one click of the mouse. Instead of watching an indicator toll the casulaties, we would actually watch them fall. Why is it blasphemous to challenge the creative genious of Charles and company by suggesting individual 3D soldiers. Forgive me if I used the word "sprite." I intended it to mean a generic representation. I didn't realize it implied something 2D. "My bad." I hope to see these 3D figures on the CM battle field at some point. I have always favored one to one ratios, even in the days of miniatures and Tractics rules. I know BTS can do it. My question is simply, what would I need to run it?

This topic has been discussed before and BTS even addressed it in the original instruction manual that accompanied the game, but I am posing a different question to the readership. What kind of machine would it take to run CM if soldiers were represented by individual sprites. I have noticed that a number of players are sporting machines in the neighborhood of 700 to 900 MHz with geForce video cards. In my opinion, CM has, for all practical purposes, rendered most other WWII simulations obsolete. The close combat series was excellent for its day, but sadly, it has not changed with the times. However, there were aspects of the game that may merit a closer look by BTS. CM developers lament their inability to portray individual soldier sprites because of pc limitations. How so and what would one need to optimally run the game under the aforementioned circumstances? I have a PIII 750 with a geforce graphics card...would that cut it? John

I based an entire user made scenario on several sharp-shooters disrupting the progress of an American squad. The results were so disappointing that I abandoned the concept. I agree that sharpshooters are somewhat ineffective. John

It has been my experience that a veteran pilot is worth the price. The weather should ultimately be the determining factor. If the weather is clear, buy the fighter bomber. In my two most recent quick battles, the fighter bombers accounted for one PzIV and one Puma. Several houses also suffered collateral damage. John

Echo, I have searched the forum and been unable to find a thread that addresses this issue. Where is it mate? I believe this would enhance the overall experience of the quick battle, not to mention level off any advantage to the player who creates the setup. I was not aware of my opponent's unit force until well into the game, but he knew my selection and could easily estimate the type of force he would face. John

As I play this great game, I am impressed by the level of detail and realism incorporated by its designers. They seem to have thought of everything, and they are willing to make logical changes. I am playing a quick battle now with a very wiley opponent. I had heard that he enjoyed playing with large German tanks in meeting engagements. Furthermore, he is highly ranked in the ladder system. I, on the other hand, am near the bottom. Perhaps, one could say, I'm not a very good player. Nevertheless, I have fun. It struck me that, I might have a chance to beat this monster player who challenged me if I requested an attack defend scenario and choose infantry to face his big tanks. My logic was simple. If he selects this type of force, I will select anti-tank guns and veteran infantry. Without overwhelming infantry support, I might have a chance to knock out his tanks and hold on to the victory locations. Unfortunately, he set up the game and was privy to my "type of force" selection. Damn if he didn't abandon his proven tactics and instead, selected a mechanized force. Alas, he is winning. I would like to see a way of concealing your opponents type of force. Then perhaps, he would have fallen into my trap. One can argue that intelligence reports would reveal my type of force, but I still don't like it. What do you think mates? Cheers, John

I haven't noticed that the pilots are all that terrific. Unless, of course, they are veteran or above. In a quick battle, one is lucky to have even a regular. In the scenario, "Schijndel Road" the plane is fairly inept. As the American commander, I watched in disgust as my plane bombed a house and strafed a deserted vehicle...all while ignoring a lethal Panther tank. I say leave them alone. I'm quite sure the pilot of the plane in question was regular or less. Cheers, John [This message has been edited by John Kelly (edited 12-08-2000).]

Sir Wamers Kahlenberg: I must say, it is this kind of venomous, blatantly rude sarcasm that makes people reluctant to post their thoughts. This fellow, Seanachai, obviously has some issues that don't concern you. Post your thoughts pal, and pay no attention to those, who would bash you. As a teacher, I know there are no stupid questions. Cheers, John

Terence, try my user made "operation goodwood." You'll get all the British tanks you want. Cheers, John

I have searched the forum in an attempt not to duplicate a previous thread. In spite of my anxiety, I have decided to post this suggestion. The simulated foxhole is a nice touch, but I would like to suggest a "slit trench" network as a new terrain feature...say perhaps CM2. Is it possible to create that mod? I imagine the defense factors would change, however. John

Matt...I have tried many times to utilize planes in my "user made" operations. I even sought the assistance of Wild Bill, but he was also baffled. No matter the weather...sunshine, dry...whatever, I can't make the planes appear. I set up a test scenario with a dozen planes, and I placed German tanks on hills in the open...but the planes would not appear. Is there a trick to this thing. Scenarios work like a charm, but not the operations. BTS suggested it might be a bug and they were looking into it. Now what? It's nothing? It's not a bug? This is very frustrating. John

Will the new patch address the problem with planes not appearing during an operation?