Wild Bill Wilder

Thanks, Intel. Did you play the full scenario or the Tanks only..Maastricht? Task Force Rose should be a very good operation, Mch.. Nijmegen has always been one of mine. I love the different approach to the battle. It was a mean puppy to design. Thanks Pathfinder! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Operations are the hardest thing you'll tackle in the creation department, in almost any game. Multiple scenarios, most contingent on what went on before and you don't know how well the player will do in battle one in order to set up battle two. They have some very frustrating moments, for sure. But they are a heck of a lot of fun to play when they are done right!... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Great input, gentlemen! These are very nice ideas. I've had many of the same concepts in my own mind as to how operations should be. I think Battlefront has the right idea for this scale of game. I support them. But, like you all have stated, it could be improved. I love operations and campaigns. Like BAR stated, you get attached to certain units, especially those who distinguish themselves. These are great posts and I'll be gleaning ideas and writing them down. Thank you! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Sounds like a great battle, Henri. Never count on intelligence reports in these scenarios to be totally accurate. That is important. In the actual historical battle, the troops were informed that the Germans were only probing in platoon strength with no reports of armor. Some much for "intelligence." That is mirrored in this battle. When you start a battle, rely on your own intelligence. check out the terrain, your forces and think what the enemy might actually do. The thing that impresses me is that even after having taken serious losses and the lack of armor support, you rallied, reorganized and did not give up in frustration. In a real battle, you just don't do that. You improvise and overcome. That is what you did. Nice battle report. My congratulations on a well fought battle. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com [This message has been edited by Wild Bill Wilder (edited 07-20-2000).]

I think that is a superb suggestion, Pat. Currently, I don't think that you can, but it would add a whole new dimension to quick play. I'll put that on a suggestion list I'm making for CM2. Who knows, maybe there will be a patch one day for this one that will allow that. I like the idea very much! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I understand your feelings Kverdon! I designed this scenario with that in mind. Not all are easy. As you say, there is some of the fortunes of war in this one that can drastically affect the battle. If your AT guns are not right on target, you have problems. Los, as he always does, analyzed it beautifully. The Germans have to come to that bridge. That is where you continue to bushwhack them. If you can, hold your AT fire till you see "the dirt on their treads." Even with all the careful planning you can muster, you can still lose this one. I enjoyed doing (and playing) this one because there is plenty of action and some heart pounding moments for either side. It is no real picnic from the German side either Good hunting, my friend. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Good ideas. I took the time to hook up my tape player-recorder to my VCR a few years back. I then recorded sound clips from all my favorite combat movies. The list is long...Opening Hamburger Hill, clips from Red Dawn ("Wolverines!"), Battle of Britain, Zulu, (yes, Zulu!) and dozens more. Enough to fill two tapes with short clips. Leaving it low in the background so as to not drown out the sound of the game create a definite combat ambience. I turn on the music and swivel around to get going. I'm getting my best "warface" ready when Beth hollers from the bedroom, "Playing that game again, huh?" Busted! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com [This message has been edited by Wild Bill Wilder (edited 07-20-2000).]

I was wondering Sniper! I did not want to interrupt you in the heat of battle but I'm glad to know its going well. As a general rule, I too have been impressed with the quality of "outside" scenarios. There is real talent out there. Good luck in the bloody streets of Vossenack! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I'm curious. Has anyone yet played all the scenarios that came with the game? What about operations? And are you visiting the support sites to get the scenarios being offered outside the game? If so, how have you found these to be in terms of playability? ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Gentlemen, a few questions for you. I am interested in hearing your point of view: What do you think of Battlefront's approach to Operations. Like it? Don't like it? Why? Do you have some theme ideas for an operation? What would you like to see done as an operation? ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Gentlemen, a few more questions: What do you think of Battlefront's approach to Operations. Like it? Don't like it? Why? Do you have some theme ideas for an operation? What would you like to see done as an operation? ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I'm curious. Has anyone yet played all the scenarios that came with the game? What about operations? And are you visiting the support sites to get the scenarios being offered outside the game? If so, how have you found these to be in terms of playability? ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I agree with you both, Rienzi, and Juardi, as far as Maastricht and Bruyeres are concerned. With Midnight Madness or Wiltz, it seems to be a toss-up, at least for me. Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I would like to think it is equally challenging from both sides, but I think the US player might have slightly more challenge than the Germans. Others, I am sure, will view it differently. Hard to call to make for me, Thomas, but then I know what is on both sides of the field And thanks for the kind words on Aachen. Good place to get your feet wet for those who out there who just might be getting into the game. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com [This message has been edited by Wild Bill Wilder (edited 07-18-2000).]

You're right, if you keep hammering them, their morale should lower enough that they will surrender. If not, just as Doug has said, keep hitting go and run it out... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I'm quite sure they will Demangel! There are some good movies that could be emulated in this game. Hell is for Heroes Breakthrough Battleground The Bridge at Remagen The Big Red One The Victors And when CM2 comes out on the Eastern Front, there have to be some Cross of Iron scenarios! A lot of scenarios could come from The Longest Day and A Bridge too Far The game has the potential. Good luck with it! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Snow came and went in the Ardennes. At this point in the fighting, the snows were not that heavy. Thus to have the ground covered with snow on this date would have been innacurate. The heaviest snows came later in the year. Or so I have read. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

It would have, Fish, and an alarm would have gone off too. You were a wise man. Cut the old Kunel some slack! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

That is one of the things I love about the game and some of the scenarios, being able to replay, use different tactics and see how they influence the outcome of the battle. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I'll tell you what, old Rommel, anything ...even canteens, entrenching tools...it gets very ugly. Glad you did it. That is a tribute to your gaming skills! Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Well, if you enjoyed them that much, Risc, then my efforts were more than worthwhile. Thanks! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

A worthy accomplishment, Henri. This is not an easy one to win as the Germans, or should I say German...of course he did have a sterling crew, but it was one against many. Good job... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

That will win for you. And that was the German intent in this situation. They were on the run, trying desperately to get back to Germany. For the player as the Germans, setting up a few fights here and there adds to the fun and gives you the best of both worlds. Stand and fight, and get a draw or maybe, maybe a minor victory, or just run for it. Less fun, but more realistic. Of course with another human player on the other end as the Polish, it might be a different story ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Playing the Germans in this one is a bigger challenge. I offer no hints. I will say it can be done. Nice AAR, Demangel. You are on a roll. Glad you are enjoying the game and the scenarios. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks Demangel. Nothing wrong with recreating movies. They bring back some fond memories. I did the Saving Private Ryan battle at Ramelle and have played it myself dozens of times. Have you tried it? It can be found on http://www.combatmissions.co.uk/ Manx is in charge there. I also did a version of the TV series, Combat. You can find that one on the Combat CM website. http://www.geocities.com/lrmcgarvey/combat.html Old Larry McGarvey is holding the fort there. I still have a few more in mind from the flicks. I'll leave that one for you . Do it, by all means. I look forward to it. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com