Mark IV
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Posts posted by Mark IV
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One of the selfish reasons I have for wanting the Pacific scenario is that I thought Bushido Girl might be enticed to play under a Jap flag. She certainly has the temperament for it.
I don't which would be worse- to get beaten by a girl, or to win. Better lock up the cutlery first.
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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>One thing I have noticed in some companies is a willingness to ignore most testers and just focus on the reports of a small group of testers<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now, that is a great truth. I enjoy the psychology of why these things happen. In this case, you usually have a vocal, more technical sub-group who become a sort of "in crowd" with the development team. These guys all talk, out of school, because they all know each other. They reinforce one another's opinions and prejudices, and often will go to the mat for a single feature that a year later is insignificant and forgotten.
The development group is frightened to death of "missing the market" and will overreact to this group. Also, because of greater familiarity with this group, their complaints are given greater credence, and not so readily dimissed as "operator error".
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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>the T-72's abilities seem to have been vastly over-estimated when it was new <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They sure were. I was in 3AD 1977-80, and must be a victim of our own propaganda. The line-up as far as we knew was T-62s, being replaced by the death-dealing T-72. I just pulled down FM 30-40 "Handbook on Soviet Ground Forces" (1975) which doesn't even mention the T-64. We were still taught to identify the T-10 and PT-76. We were also concerned about SCUDs.
The prevalent thinking was that we would face 3 to 1 tank superiority across the front and 5 to 1 at the Schwerpunkts. It was believed that T-72 units would spearhead the main attacks, accompanied by the dread Hinds.
The plan was to make up the difference with airpower, both Cobra and A10. It was my pleasure to observe a joint air attack team test by both on some old M48s or something downrange (range targets become difficult to identify over time). The Cobras did their thing with the rocket pods, then TOWs; but when the A10s sailed in with the gats it was tank part city.
Anyway, no matter how well we did in games the poor Brits in the great, open northern plain always got wiped, and we were flanked and cut off, or fell back to the Rhine. Only once did we play with tac nukes (that I observed) and that was the fastest we ever lost (started a pissin' contest with a skunk).
That was Carter's army, and it's a wonder the Reds didn't go for it. We were told that Soviet troops were usually drunk, but many of our guys were probably too stoned to retain the information. Could have been a hilarious tank battle, if there is such a thing.
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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Yeah, I too am using this thread as advertising for my ability and willingness to test CM2 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Busted. Guilty as charged. Though from the beta selection point of view, I thought mine was better crafted and I should be first
As a somewhat technical long-sighted marketing dweeb (meaning my time-horizon extends beyond the next happy hour, if I'm REALLY focused), who is also often responsible for the original spec, I certify that my above statements are true and so are yours. The whole process is filled with humans and that's the real problem.
The big difference between my experience and beta-testing wargames is the "nobody listens" complaint, though we get that and it's sometimes true. It's just that if our stuff doesn't work, systems die, and BIG cash payers notice.
Most of my biggest sales efforts are done in our own R&D: "honest guys, the users love it. They just don't write C+. Couldn't we maybe just put a button there?" Programmers can be a sulky lot and are often bitter when the stupid, incompetent and underqualified end-users don't quite intuit what they're supposed to.
BTS is obviously exceptional in several of the above regards (and lord, their Kiwi tastes good
). Tomorrow morning I plan to storm into our own Engineering and demand rifle grenades. And I suspect I'll get some.... -
You got me interested, and I found http://www.rainbowvets.org/finalcrisis.htm .
This publisher also had a link to something called "Feuer: The Life of an Artilleryman on the Eastern Front" by Werner Adamczyk.
These both sound pretty interesting, and I wonder if any of our erudite members have informed opinions?
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'Twas in the Philippines where they learned about the rivets in the Stuarts. The Jap 37mm turned the rivets into not-so-little internal made-in-USA bullets. They started welding them right away.
If it wasn't for the Haunted Tank comic the Stuart would be about as popular hereabouts as PzII.
I suppose a "Custer" tank would have been a PR disaster- pity. Like getting crews to man a "Jonas" class sub.
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I still say get a rope. Maximum effective range of an excuse is zero meters. Steve is being way lenient.
kevi [unrelated note]: Are you posting haiku? Or actually blank verse that scans pretty close to iambic pentameter? I see you have a BR at the end of each line and I am still too HTML-deficient to know what that means. Are your posts automatically formatted differently, or are you attempting to find art amid chaos and death?
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Mental case checkin' in... I call upon BTS to post this joker's entire profile, or pertinent header information.
Get a rope!
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I have lots of experience with beta testing and testers, but (unfortunately) not with wargames.
However, in our little industry our control software is kind of fun, if this is how you make your living. And new software is mostly driven by demand from the field and pressure from competitors.
With that said, I have to point out that very few people have the dedication to stick with testing or give us useful feedback. This includes the people who clamor for the new features in the first place.
We have the fault-finders, who gloat every time they can make something crash but can't document what they were doing at the time and don't take accurate (or any) notes. There is also a sub-category who are unable to understand the meaning of the word "beta test" and are genuinely diappointed and bitter if anything goes wrong (decorum and the high standards of the board prevent me from sharing the name of this category).
We have the ostriches, who give the app to customers and never follow up. When asked how things are going, they say "must be fine or we woulda heard something by now".
We have flakes who boot it up, click around a couple screens, and report no problem found as though they'd run it through its paces. This category is usually field sales people who are afraid that if they report any bugs, it will hold up the release date.
There are also folks who are so in awe of the project that they will accept things which are obviously wrong as gospel because it's on the screen in front of them.
There is no way to write a complex piece of interactive software and hypothesize every possible combination of things a user might try to do with it. Getting someone with the mental discipline to go over and over the same things in detail and DOCUMENT what they are doing is very difficult.
In fact, it is because of these insights that I have placed my spare time at BTS' disposal
though my test version must still be in the mail....By the way, the other truly amazing thing is the pressure from our customers to release new software as soon as they see a beta version- "how bad can it be? You can just fix it later...". And when it takes a dump and a system quits working, O the howling and pain and accusation... "don't you guys test this stuff?"
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Goanna: While I understand and appreciate your sentiments, I solemnly swear NOT to be drawn into an LBH thread in this forum. We might as well cover abortion, gun control, and the Holocaust, which are about equal in the flame-bait category (I'm sure that wasn't your intent, but I know where this one goes).
I am still a PBEM virgin and will have to work my way up to the likes of y'all. You can "soften" up the Pengless One for me.
Andy: Interesting perspectives. I'll let the southerners speak up for Forrest, as I am a damn Yankee bluebelly from the git-go.
Though having said that, may I add that if they take that flag down in South Carolina I will lose every ounce of respect for the sons of the Confederacy and southern man and will smash my Lynyrd Skynyrd album to pieces. Where are you Johnny Rebs?
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Zig: Thanks, my thoughts exactly. The M60A1 was more than a match for the T72, despite a much earlier design platform. It's not the M60's fault (and may be partially to its credit) that no major wars occurred for it to shine in.
Now the A-deuce, on the other hand... I can't imagine anything more embarassing than bouncing a dud Shilleleagh off a Russian turret. Plus a tank can't get more butt-ugly.
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Favorite tank...? Hmmmh, what could that be?
Kiwi note: When I was in Australia, New Zealand was shipping an entire freighter full of sheep to Malaysia or some place. The Aussies called it "The Love Boat".
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It's all coming back, now... but I don't remember getting to choose the mammal....
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While you are loking
, try the prefix "nach" in your searches, as I in desperation called them "Nachverteidigunswhatevers" knowing this was lacking in Teutonic precision. There are probably other "nach"-based permutations about.As "nach" can mean "towards" and shares a root with "nah" (neighborhood, nearby) this is a likely error.
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Well, what a gentleman. I must say I'm a little disappointed you didn't opt to pursue it, as I was saving the big guns for later. I too had created a much lengthier reply, but (believe it or not) edited it down to the mere diatribe above.
I can't believe you find Scottish history boring. It's so much more romantic than US history, and so much more developed over so many more centuries. There are some mighty good reads on the topic.
Re:Custer, I am not blind to his mistakes or weaknesses, and that would make an interesting thread for a more on-topic forum. He was a warrior's warrior and to me that's what counts. He genuinely loved war, but he genuinely loved his men, and that's the stuff success (and legend) is made of. I don't know what might have happened if he had made it to the next level of command.
You've got to admit, the doffed cap salute to Rosser before attacking is a timeless military classic. In fact, the Rosser-Custer rivalry screams mini-series.
For the record I would never shy away from a legitimate controversy merely to preserve the peace, and it doesn't sound as though you would, either (I've seen a few of your other posts). Thanks for maintaining the high standard of the board and sorry if I was a tad gruff.
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I'll not quibble about the scale issue, though Custer's exploits might be illustrative of maneuver and combat at various levels.
Let's move right to it (Quibble Mode ON): <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Custer was a reckless man who led without result<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now Andy, I know you're a Scot, and you may not follow the ACW as closely as Bannockburn or Culloden. Plenty of Americans with some interest in history know precious little, other than some Hollywood disinfo and street legend, about Custer's Civil War record.
I apologize in advance if you've actually done some Custer ACW research and merely drawn a wrong conclusion as indicated by the quote above. Otherwise, I would urge you to read up on Custer's ACW record rather than accepting any popular myths.
Custer was at every major engagement in which the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac and the Shenandoah participated, except Fredericksburg, and most of the minor ones. He was in the midst of planning another impromptu charge with another commander when the flag of truce rode out from the Appomattox Court House. I don't know what it is you want from a soldier to qualify as effective, but by any reasonable measure George Custer had it.
Custer was a cadet at West Point with a so-so record and entered regular service just when the Civl War broke out. As a lieutenant his first battle was the First Battle of Bull Run, fought the day after he reached his new unit. His company was one of the last to leave the battlefield, and one of the few blue-coated ones to leave the field in good order. He was cited for bravery and noticed by Federal officers in need of cool heads under fire.
Appointed first to Gen. Kearny's staff, then to an Engineer unit during the Union Army rebuilding, he was a pioneer balloonist-observer. He tried everything to get into action, and was an "unofficial aide" to Gen. Hancock at Williamsburg. During the rebel counterattack, when Hancock ordered the decisive counter-charge, Custer leapt ahead of all others and personally captured the first Rebel battle-standard (along with a captain and five men) taken by the Army of the Potomac.
At the Chickahominy River he led the engineer survey across to the Confederate side (wading), sketched the Reb positions, returned to his company and led a raid back to cut off an enemy picket post. This feat ultimately got him appointed a temporary Captain on Gen. McClellan's staff- when McClellan was relieved he was technically "busted" back to lieutenant.
He became an aide to Gen. Pleasanton, and ultimately Pleasonton's right hand. Though an aide, he led an amphibious raid behind enemy lines which burned two schooners and a bridge a captured 12 men, which earned him the notice and commendation of Gen. Hooker. He was promoted to captain.
He was to plague J.E.B. Stuart all his career and ultimately led the charge that killed him. At Brandy Station when the 8th NY Cavalry's commander was killed, Custer (though only an aide attached to the unit) took command of the 8th and 2 other regiments and led the saber charge that got them out of a Confederate encirclement.
Based on this and numerous other actions where personal bravery and intiative were his trademark, Custer was recommended for promotion to Brigadier along with Wesley Merritt and another member of Pleasanton's command. Best of all, he was assigned to command the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Cavalry, which included the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry. His commander was Gen. H. J. Kilpatrick, also know as "Kill-cavalry" for his bloody battles and high body counts, and more closely resembles the portrait you have mistakenly ascribed to Custer.
As commander of the "Michigan Men" he was idolized by his men, feared by the Rebels, and lionized by the press (there is abundant source material for all of these facts, BTW).
When reassigned to command the 3rd Cavalry Division (by Phil Sheridan, who at 33 was making a pretty good name for "youngsters" in command), almost 500 of the Michigan Wolverines signed petitions to be transferred along with him.
He personally chased a man named Jubal Early back to Richmond. He was critical to turning the tide at Five Forks. His exploits at Crooked Run and Winchester are the stuff of legend, but true. A company of Confederates was reported to have been assigned the task of identifying and killing him in the Shenandoah valley.
Sorry if this was a bit much, but Michigan men gotta stick together
. There is so much wrong with the popular view of Custer (that such a little reading could fix) that I had to speak up. -
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Isn't anyone else disturbed about yellow wheat fields in early April? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
No.
And in the first release it would be OK if the Pak crews are smoking Lucky Strikes (maybe they're captured).Spring wheat is green and shorter, so it would be hard to tell the field apart from other vegetation, for one thing. I want to know where the wheat is because it's an LOS obstruction and theoretically a movement hindrance. Coding the gradual change of vegetation for each successive season would be a bit much, nicht wahr? Though we've seen beautiful fall tree foliage in some of the scenarios.
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I've heard reference in BTS/insider posts to snow, and "deep snow". Cosmetic issues aside, I would think one of these might already have attributes similar to sand. Slowing and tiring of foot soldiers would already be factored in. Snow and sand are also close enough for gubmint work regarding vehicles. Tint and texture the .bmps, and you're there.
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Forrest is a heckuva good choice, but Custer's example is (echoing BTS) more in line with CM's scale.
It seems some battlefield leaders are born, not made. This wouldn't be the norm, and may be the result of natural instincts combined with quick study ability. But throughout recorded history, from Thucydides to Hannibal through Nappie to Lee/Grant through Manstein and Ike, you will read of the frustration with commanders who will not M-O-V-E.
Impetuousity can be grown out of, but ossification is grown into.
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One word: Damare!
It's never worked yet but it's fun to say. This is a very educated board, BTW, I'm impressed. Were you ever denounced as either "nambanjin", or (shudder) "trabanjin"?
Near as I can tell: "hairy barbarian western caveman-devil humanoid". And they say it like it's a bad thing.
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Wargamers are already to blame for school massacres and I don't think the less-than-marginal tactical value of scurrying civilians would do much for the genre.
Next thing you know this will be an "assault game" and you will have to register it with your local PD.
Another sign of pre-release stress disorder, I fear. Dont't know how much longer we can hold... BTS, do you copy?
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HEY! Do I have to pull this bulletin board over?
This is like one of the scenes where the shelling just won't stop (and you know when it does, things are gonna get worse quickly) and the troops start bickering and fighting among themselves 'cause they Just Can't TAKE ANYMORE!!! Or when the guy throws the kid's good luck charm out the window of the B17.
Just be calm and we'll make it together, as a unit, OK? Nobody's gonna die....
[sorry, just finished "When Trumpet's Fade", rented on recommendations gotten right here- go get it and chill.]
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I don't think you target them independently yourself, though, if that was Teutonic's question?
I've seen it too, but it was the TacAI doing the targeting in mid-turn. I think (at least in the demo) that you can only pick one target for the whole tank. If the turret is swivelled to one target and the bow gunner has an opportunity, the AI will engage both targets.
If I'm wrong I'm missing a significant capability!
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With 108 results, the average has moved back up to 36.93366. Thanks to Tom Manning in the other thread who, at 66 years, may be the Field Marshall of the board. Mode and median remain unchanged.
scurlock second-of-two: I can't wait to see the Oprah segment on how Combat Mission brings families back together...
maxm2: That would be Mark IV as in "Panzerkampfwagen", duh. Thank you for the kind words, but how could you pay such good attention in Statistics yet sleep through History and German? My name isn't Mark, BTW, but terrestrials are not able to pronounce my real name.
MrPeng: Sound contact is sufficient to establish presence of family. At least they leave you alone. If my little Chrysanthemum (She is native Japanese) catches me playing the "G*D**M wargamez", which is intended to be singular, life is shrill hell. Despite the accent She has a command of the idiom. We compromise, in that I give Her money to go away (shopping). If the phone rings, I first kill the PC speakers because I can't plausibly deny the inevitable question with MGs chattering in the background. It would be better for me if the game were never released.
rwcanuck: I too loved model building and the accidental contact high. I preferred tanks to planes. However, I never had the patience to paint the things, and did not consider the modeling experience complete until the obligatory firecrackers had been planted in "cool" spots (after a few days) and lit.
I must go now, for She is nigh....
[This message has been edited by Mark IV (edited 01-15-2000).]
Recent prankster
in Combat Mission Archive #2 (2000)
Posted
kevi: I'm a little disappointed. The unintentional versification gave your posts a wistful quality. You should have said: "This is my art. If you do not understand it, back off, Philistine".
Lee: The Proper format for readability is screen width with margins, left justified, right edge ragged. UBB handles all of this nicely without a second thought, though the Arial font is boring (but universal). The trick is to let the wrap format it for you. Otherwise, the net result is more vertical scrolling for the Reading Public.
The "art" defense was the tack to take...