Wild Bill Wilder

Good point on maps. Initially they seem very easy, but getting all that terrain lined up according to proper height requires both patience and practice. Often one is so into the scenario itself that it is easy to overlook details on the map. But most gamers will notice and it takes something away from the battle itself. Good point...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks Fred. You answered well. Yes, and it will make a difference. I'm delighted it was a good gaming exercise for you, fellas. Thanks for the update ...Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com [This message has been edited by Wild Bill Wilder (edited 08-14-2000).]

Hey Fred! Wow, what a report! Definitely motivating for another play! I had let it slip my mind how much fun I had playing it. Paid? Nope, not yet , but I keep hope alive Your letter and those of others are my paychecks for my efforts and I do feel well rewarded. The recognition and appreciation of your peers in the hobby make it very much worthwhile for me. Thanks a lot. Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Where were you trying to download it from, Sniper?...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Looking forward to that report, Chris. Thanks for taking on that job. I agree Paez, I think a disk of scenarios and operations would be a top seller. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thank you gentlemen. The concensus is indeed mixed with two camps. The same is true with scenarios. Some like 'em long; some, short. And that is fine. I appreciate you offering your opinions. Looks like we'll continue to do both in the future. WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Whoever it is, it won't be me! Its hard to imagine how MUCH work goes into an operation. Many, many hours...many! And so much testing by you the designer till you almost weary of it. Its a good idea but on the scale of CM, it would take dozens of operations and hundreds of scenarios to do the Bulge justice. And a public thanks for your help. WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Yeah, a little bit of operation will do you for a loooooong time. Now a short two or three turn one is pretty cool, but after that, you begin to yearn for some new ground, new people to kill , etc. And some battles lend themselves well to an operation, more than others. - WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Operations...I have a question. What is your thinking about the length of operations? I'm beginning to think that Operations tend to begin to drag after four or five battles. Even a well-done operation can become dull after so many fights. What are your thoughts, fellas? WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks Kevin. It would make a great series of battles. I've found of late that some folks tire of operations after 4 or 5 battles. I think I'll ask about that. Appreciate the suggestion. Now send me those two extra hours a day you don't need And that is a joke, isn't it? Who has two extra hours anymore?.....WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I had a rough go of it. I was pounded by the Stugs until they collapsed two of the buildings near the bridge. I have no idea why this happened to you...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Very nice tactics. You were prepared. I admire you. I tend to rush ahead. You didn't. Always the same of a good commander! You played it well. The Rangers will need a little help sooner or later (ammo), but there is time to approach cautiously...I'll say no more. Glad you enjoyed it, Kevin...Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Very succinct and thorough Masstrictian...did I get that right? This helps folks in picking and choosing. Nice idea...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Guilty! I'm glad I did. Loki gave me a great little AAR on the battle, which was much appreciated. ...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Save it first, then try it. If it does not work, pick up your save and go with it, Kingfish. Let us know. I don't know either WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Just like you do the other units, my friend. Click on it, type P and click where you want it...WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks so much Ghost. That is what it was intended to be, and a memory jogger of one of the finest war films ever to be produced. Every time I play it (and I still do) I want to pull out the video cassette and watch it again. Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

That is a good idea about the tanks. I hate that I can't program the tanks to stay in place. The limits of the game often dictate the limits of what you can include. I am sure there were more tanks than what I have, infantry too. This often happens when you try to represent an engagement larger than what a game is supposed to allow. And just showing a piece of the action was not what I wanted to do. In reality a couple of para battalions, plus the Brits, plus all the Germans makes for a LOT of units, more than what I can include. Here again, the limits of the game itself limit what can be portrayed. Perhaps I went beyond the reach of what was intended. But I wanted to fight that battle with this game. Such is life. No excuses, just stating facts And yes, this one is mine....WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks, Tobruk. I had aggression on both sides turned up to the max, so not much I can do about that. The appearance of the armor in your rear probably means they got by you somehow. They are not set up that way at all. I had no problem either with satchel charges. Check out our Raider CM page, Boots N' Tracks for the screen shots of satchel charges being used liberally by engineers. http://wbr.thegamers.net/boots_tracks/index.asp Thanks for the kind words. It was my pleasure too....Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Did you try Nijmegen? How did you do with it? How was the crossing of the Waal? ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Where is this Eindhoven scenario? I have not seen it...WB ================ ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks Tobruk! I appreciate that. How did you do...which side did you take? No spoilers of course, just curious. I appreciate the note. More are coming. Did you try the new Operation,"Herrlisheim, Cut Off"? It seems quite playable and is relatively short (3 battles). Take care, ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I understand Henri. Our site is designed for helping with editor problems and scenario design. Naturally, since we are already known as a source for scenarios, I feel that I should offer new scenarios whenever I can so that folks will not be disappointed. Now as to why I'm pointing and the other one is not, only the head of that site can answer that one for you. You have a valid point...Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Head on back to CMHQ. You'll find three or four operations in the list, including my first post CD-Operation, Herrlisheim - Cut Off. And others. There is enough to keep you busy. Just look in the right hand category column and they will be listed as operations. Good hunting. And more are coming. Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I'll definitely check it out. Sounds like some good stuff. Your AARs are quite interesting. I enjoy reading them....WB ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester Scenario Design Team Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com