JoePrivate

There are a lot of tips and tactics posted on the forum for the Germans in this scenario as it was played extensively by many before release. The main thing to keep in mind is your Stugs operate best from hull down ambush positions and can benefit from the help of the numerous Panzershreck teams. The ShermanW+ is tough from the front but weak on the flanks, try to work into a position where you can engage it there. Patience, as you probably know, is a key ingredient here.

Thanks guys, I had not noticed that at all!

Ataru, may I ask where you found that the pillboxes in CM are 500mm thick? Thanks.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Germanboy wrote: A: It's a conspiracy! B: No it isn't. A: Arrrghhh, you are also a part of it!!! They're everywhere. Everywhere!!!!™ This is actually quite funny. But who knows, even paranoid people can have enemies... ------------------ Andreas<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Lol, yes it is

Or easier yet just go straight here: http://smilecwm.tripod.com/ Happy hunting

I reread the thread in question swamp and am wondering what you are looking for? Here is Charles' response: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>I made a fix to the LOS algorithms in one of the patches and might have introduced a bug with regards to the hull-down status. I'll check into it. Charles<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> It is being looked into, relax, there is no cover-up, really

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Why is the goal maximum "reality?" Why can't the game include features that might enhance play simply because the tradeoff is deviation from strict realism ( space aliens not included )?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> A couple things here, it is a game first and last, talk of realistic this or that is just blowing hot air really. For some, including obviously the designers, what you are asking won't enhance gameplay at all but detract from it. The 'not knowing' makes for a better game for most people, think of it as an overall 'feel'. A lot of people want more FOW in various forms not less. You think otherwise, that's fine, and want something more exact. Since it is BTS's creation, are they under any obligation to cater to, or consider, this or any other 'want' someone has? I don't think so, to expect otherwise would be fanciful thinking. It is a credit to BTS that they do respond to so many ideas and suggestions from the gamers and still keep intact their 'Game'.

aka_tom_w, perhaps this is why, <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>posted 08-30-2000 04:59 PM: That is why I suggested that he read the stuff that has come before. But apparently our words are valuless unless they are freshly posted? Steve<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Elijah, you can be as firm in your convictions as you want but until you make an attempt to read and consider all the well-reasoned replies to your post you end up coming off as a crank.

I hear you Steve, I have read some of the previous discussions. It isn't a big issue for me as CM does so many other things superbly, namely the TacAI which is arguably more important for the WEGO system. I think also most players will eventually gravitate towards play against human opponents. Cheers.

I think the intent of the original poster has some merit. The AI while attacking has some shortcomings, it seems unable to plan, coordinate and execute even a reasonably coherent attack. While attacking I have observed the AI bunch all his infantry, FOs, support weapons etc in narrow avenues of approach and mill around, going forward and backward, for several turns, an obvious and easy target for artillery. Instances also when I have looked at the AI's forces and it has not kept the platoon's command structure intact at all. It doesn't seem to adhere to the principle of laying down suppressing fire before maneuvering. Personally I have yet to see the AI use HE in it's arty missions, I won't debate on whether that's a good thing or bad thing but at some point the suppressive effect of artillery HE should be used. Sometimes it will use it's armor to good effect. In the first battle of the Villers Bocage op I saw it try and flank the German right with two tanks and a HT. Many other times however I have seen it commit it's tanks piecemeal through the same ambush zone, again and again, or the same as the infantry mill around like it is unsure of exactly what to do. On defense or even meeting engagements, the AI is enjoyable and will penalize sloppy play, not a walkover by any means. I'm sure most of us have seen these things. I'm not a progammer so I can't say how much effort is required to code a better attacking AI for how much gain. I'm not even sure I expect it in CM but there is room for improvement and a discussion is a good way to start.

I agree BTS provides support above and beyond. AFAIK the full length movie is something they are looking at doing and is on the List. It hasn't been done yet, the next thing a lot of gamers are waiting for is TCP/IP.

Not necessary to defend Lewis but his post was entirely 'in character' and hardly inflammatory, IMO. Re Fionn being unable to respond, well he brought that on himself and from the comments he has made on usenet one would have a hard time saying his hands are tied.

A sound contact is just an approximation of a unit's location.

Are you sure they weren't just sound contacts?

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Am I anti-German? Good question. In some ways, yes. Yes, I'm anti-Nazi. What is wrong with that? So am I anti-German? As long as they stay on their side of the river, no.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> And you demand decency?? Perhaps a long, hard look in the mirror(with your eyes closed) will reveal something for you.

Panzer Man, The patch is CM105.exe, run it and the 1.05 version of combatmission.exe will be extracted. Now copy combatmission.exe over your previous version and you will be done. Hope that helps.

As an example of German soldiering philosophy, perhaps incomprehensible to our way of thinking, here is a quote from 'Steel Inferno' by a Leibstandarte Captain: "It was those defensive battles in Russia which I shall always remember for the sheer beauty of fighting, rather than the victorious advances. Many of us died horribly, some even as cowards, but for those who lived, even for a short period out there, it was well worth all the dreadful suffering and danger. After a time we reached a point where we were not concerned for ourselves or even for Germany, but lived entirely for the next clash, the next engagement with the enemy. There was a tremendous sense of 'being', an exhilarating feeling that every nerve in the body was alive to the fight." Contrast that with the sentiment of a typical Allied soldier. It's almost larger than life, yet vitally real for this man and the strangeness of it is strongly alluring to many.

No this feature works just fine for me.

Another point here is it takes the TacAI a moment to 'see' the threat and react to it. Manual targeting circumvents that.

Looking forward to it!

Charles and Steve, you have done an admirable job presenting and explaining your position, repeatedly. Even to a layman like me it is crystal clear, I congratulate you for taking the time and energy to do so. I too wonder why the people disputing your conclusions refuse to acknowledge your points. I see no reason to continue with this debate until they do. Helge, no matter how well you insinuate 'something is up' or believe in the art of blowing smoke, it is still smoke to the rest of us.

Thanks jdmorse, yes I understand CM2 will be a standalone product, just couldn't find any basis for an 'expansion pack' for CM:BO.

I keep on reading references for a planned CM:BO expansion pack yet a search(long!) has revealed not one word where BTS has said they are or will be making one. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

IIRC in Panzer Commander there was a reference to a Polish Cavalry Regiment attacking German tanks but they were doing so because they had been told the tanks were wooden dummies. Not sure how reliable that is, takes a bit away from the romanticism!