Wild Bill Wilder

Working on a new one, "A Second Job," US Combat Engineers and Panzer Grenadiers having a go at it with attacks from either end of the town at the same time. Vossenack is in the Hurtgen Forest area, near the Kall Gorge. This was quite a fight and so it is in the scenario. Of particular interest was the reinforcing German armor that charged down the street. With all US Armor creamed, it looked grim. It just so happened, however, in the fortunes of war, that the German armor went in without infantry support. They suddenly found themselves in a nest of American engineers. Guys, you gotta believe that satchel charges began flying. Boom! Panther knocked out, crew never had a chance. A StugIII slammed into reverse and began looking for a way out! The SdKfz 7 Flak gun quickly crossed the street to avoid the satchels. Hiding in a doorway was another squad of engineers, with even another in the building in front of the vehicle. The gun carriage began to rotate frantically, uncertain as to its target. Ah, another satchel charge...slides under the AFV. Another "BOOM" The engineers, like old CE, smile and say, C'mon, make my day" Gotta love this game! I sent old Madmatt some screen shots of this little encounter. Its pretty cool. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

On that theme, I have a new one I am working on that deals with a little town near Kommerscheidt. The town of Vossenack where US engineers and Panzer Grenadiers attacked from each end of the town at the same time. Now that one is bloody beyond words. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Hey Dale! Kommer... is the work of old Martin "Moon," the author of the manual. Moon is a top notch designer and knows the game as well as anyone. Any scenario or operation from him will be a treat! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

That feature you describe certainly would have my backing, P! I guess maybe my brain is a little slow, but I would like a more specific type of objective too. Don't get me wrong. This is not a rebellious mutiny on my part, just a plea for a clearer understanding of the process and a way to do some of the things P has mentioned. Multiple entry areas is vital to making an operation more exciting. Sorry about the panzershrecks. After 300 E-mails and posts, it all starts to blur..Piats! Yes I guess they were sorrier than I was . ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Jimmy, I wish I had an explanation as to why the operations do that. I don't. To be very honest, I am not quite confident of how those conditions work anyway. I've been of the view as you, that the starting points for battle 2, 3 or whatever should pick up exactly where the previous battle ended. From what you describe unless your friend had infiltrated and you did not know it, I have no explanation as to why it did this. Better to sound dumb and be honest that try to snowball you with some answer that makes no sense. I'm not a politician, I'll try to answer as honestly as I can. And my honest answer is I don't know. I never had this happen. I played the operation 8 time personally (but always against the AI) and I along with you and others had the frustration of seeing my front line pushed back. Outside or reducing the map perimeters on top and bottom, I don't know how to remedy this. In fact, I am going to try that and see what happens. I enjoy this operation very much, and I am sorry you have had this disappointment. I'm looking at it again. In the meantime, all I can say is do what I do, keep those flanks covered on both sides by a small contingent to see the enemy coming and don't let them past you. Small comfort for you. I honestly wish I had a clearer answer. Wild Bill ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks DB. I've been trying to find those pictures I used originally. Glad you found 'em. Probably the same ones. I appreciate the vote of confidence here. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Better believe it, Dalem. This is one game where you gotta give it before you get it. No second chances here

You're getting good at this ... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I have a report on your Point du Hoc scenario but I can't find your E-Mail address. May I make a plea to all of you? Please include your E-Mail address in your scenario text files with your name as the author? It is very difficult sometimes to communicate with you. To do this effectively, I (we) need a real name and an E-Mail address that can be found easily. Anyway, I have a report from you but I can't find your E-mail address to send it to you. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I would tend to agree to a point. Some operations, but perhaps smaller would work better. As to the buildings, when I play tested the scenario, the STU-42s pulverized those buildings. It brought one down and I lost nearly an entire platoon of Red Devils, plus two badly needed Pzschrecks! Argh! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

On the way, Jeff Raider. Get ready for some serious fighting ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Damn fellas, we have more in common than one might think ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

And you really feel the pain sometimes, don't you?...I know that feeling Now THAT, my friends, is wargaming with an attitude! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

I know, Dan. That one is a real "gut gripper" and that famous aforementioned, "Yes, yes, yes" comes out loud and clear when they hit the map Thanks, buddy! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Great. I look forward to it. Let us know when its ready... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Our pleasure, gentlemen. ...ER, what were we talking about? Where am I? Seriously, (which is rare for me), I hope they prove to be of help. Thanks, Madmatt... ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks DB. I would not want to tackle one like that again anytime soon. Kind of a humorous incident. During testing of the game, I had just spent three days on that map. Steve and Charles had written that they were going to change the bridges, with some differences in elevation and wanted a vote on it. Well, I am not the best at voting about things. I didn't vote. I learned a hard lesson! . When the next beta update came out, I looked at my bridges. It was a disaster! The whole center section of the map I had to do over. Only the outer perimeter escaped. As you mention, terrain often affects adjacent terrain, so in changing, it had a domino effect, catastrophic, on my work. I'll vote next time....twice! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Hey, you know it. Captain Miller knows it. And soon General of the Army George C. Marshall will know it. Congrats! Well done, Pillar! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

How well I know! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

- I know! ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Yeah, I use those too, but a little quieter, kind of a mutter, the quiet wind after the hurricane ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thank, Havermeyer. I am glad it was fun for you. It is one that I still play when I'm in the mood for a quickie . This is a good learning scenario. It is one to get familiar with movement, small unit tactics, covering fire and the working together of armor and infantry. Plus its fun. No, it does not rank in the "epic" class of scenarios, but for those getting into the game it is a good experience. Short-simple-sound. A good place to get a feel for CM. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Thanks Pillar! I'm glad you found it, played it and enjoyed it. That was my intent. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

As Kenny Rogers says...(SPOILER BELOW) - - - - - - - - - - - - "You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" There is a time to run in this scenario, about turn 9 or so. Take Captain Miller and his group and go to the Alamo. Hold out there and wait for the Angels on your Shoulders to put in an appearance. You'll lose the flag in the square but you should get at least a tac victory and you'll save Private Ryan. ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com

Okay you two Jeffs, I tried to be gentle,designing an operation you could win from either side without too much difficulty, but no, you would have none of it! I'm gonna put the hurt on you. You send me a note when you are ready, and I'll give you one to try that will make up for these "easy" victories Any takers ------------------ Wild Bill Lead Tester/Designer Combat Mission-Beyond Overlord billw@matrixgames.com [This message has been edited by Wild Bill Wilder (edited 07-07-2000).]