Monty's Double

Another thing to remember is that some of the terrain isn't strictly representational. Buildings look like hollow boxes but the game engine assumes there are internal walls and furniture in there. Two squads in a building only a few metres apart could spend ages trading blows because they are actually firing blind. On the whole, CM simulates larger conflicts than CC, so it's best not to focus on the micro level. While I enjoyed the CC series, they don't come anywhere near CM's level of accurate simulation. I for one could never go back.

Half my family lives in Australia. I was worried enough after the Bali bombing, but now I have to face the facts that they are sharing a continent with this guy. Rough times mes amigos.

Doomed, fancy an email game at the weekend? I'd try a TCP/IP but my wife's due to give birth any day. Drop me a startup QB at the address on my profile if you are interested. Jim

I think he's gone...

Just phoned the Nottingham branch of GAME and they are convinced they'll have it tomorrow. Actually the guy sounded a bit weary, maybe I should get down there early in case they run out.

Isn't there a distinction between foxholes, which are dug by the troops occupying them, often just before a battle, and trenches, which are usully develped over time, and would likely be part of an attacking force's intel? Therefore, the attacking commander would be aware of the trenches before his troops had spotted them. Which is what I'm gueesing the game is representing. Or a meringue? (say it with a Glasgow accent)

I'm with Vanir. You can effectively do it simply by randomly generating a map in the scenario editor, saving it and importing it in a QB. Similarly, you can wear your underpants on your head, they just don't perform any useful function, and you'll get funny looks from passers-by.

Isn't the problem that you are using your observations of what happens to infantry when they panic to colour your expectations of vehicles? Think about how the scenarios differ. When infantry take fire, especially HE or MG, they will tend to hit the ground and stay in cover, and that's what happens in CM. In the vehicle example above, the crucial reaction is that of the gunner, so put yourself in his place: there's an immediate threat to front and your vehicle is hit in the hull. Now you may or may not be aware that the driver has just been pasted all over the inside of the car, and the commander might even be screaming "reverse, reverse!", but you have the enemy in your sights and you've just seen your shot penetrate. Even if you panic along with the boss, you are still likely to keep firing, you're just more likely to fumble or fire wildly (though at that range, with the gun already laid, how can you miss?). Now all of that is a rationalisation, and the real reason is to do with how the game engine works, but in answer to your question, no I don't think it's odd. Or at least no more odd than many other things that happen in war. PS Maybe I'm just feeling fractious because I live in the UK and HAVEN'T GOT THE GAME YET. BWAHAHAHAHA!!! I WANT THE GAME. PUHLEEZ CAN I HAVE THE GAME?!?!? I HATE YOU ALL!!!

This subject has already been raised, but I can't remember what the thread was called so I can't do a search. Based on my readings of a fairly catholic mix of regimental histories and personal accounts, the new handling of tank crew "feels" pretty spot on. I've read plenty of accounts where crews were hit several times without even noticing (tank engines are LOUD), and even when they were aware of penetrations, the idea of leaving their vehicle didn't seem that attractive (most crews would be aware that the area would likely be covered by machine guns and the like. From a gaming point of view, I love the fact that armour battles are decided less by single shots, as this rewards good tactics more than in CMBO, where one lucky shot often seemed to frustrate lots of hard work. What will be interesting to see is whether multiple penetrations are the norm with bigger calibre guns.

Posting just so I can be on the same thread as Monty. Which one will Michael Caine try and kill?

I thought it was still called the Leningrad Oblast. Isn't it twinned with Maryland? Mmm, crabcakes...sorry, lost in seafood for a moment there.

And for a bonus point, where's Stalingrad? You won't find it on modern maps, so what's it called now? My wife's recipe for wild mushroom risotto to the first with the right answer.

I've been cellaring a '95 Allendale Shiraz ready for the birth of my daughter. However, she's due to arrive a week after CMBB, so it looks like she'll have to make do with the Rutherglen Cabernet.

And remember, to err is human, to Alt-A is unforgivable. Live with the guilt and you'll be a better person for it.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship? (and a lengthy divorce)

The 7 hour transatlantic flight is now too short (can't finish that second hotseat game!), especially now World Traveller Plus have laptop plugs.

That's better, I feel properly insulted now. Time to sod off...........

Last post before the rules arrive and his becomes a proper Peng thread. I've heard they shoot trespassers round these parts.

Gifted amateurs I'll grant you, but there's no substitute for a professional. My rates are reasonable and I guarantee customer satisfaction. Discounts available if you supply your own stoat.

Oops, wrong door. Sorry.

I pretty much agree with the last post. Most humans defending a town will put the bulk of their infantry in the buildings of the town (with the bulk of them behind the first layer of buildings), with their AT/HE elements in the open country either side. Usually that will take the form of either a single mobile group (tank destroyers) or two static groups (guns), with perhaps a mix of the two if he can't decide. I would try and work out the basis of his defence with light recon forces before committing, but that would depend on how much time you have, and the visibility conditions. The town, if it's situated centrally, can help you concentrate forces against one part of his defence, as it will block line of site. Sometimes it's worth picking a building or two and just knocking them down with lots of HE assets (a couple of Priests or 3-4 Shermans firing together). You might get lucky and take out a spotter, but even if you don't it can be unsettling for a defender, and it might make him spring an ambush too soon.

Bulletproofest, I don't think a letter to Santa actually counts as a preorder. Get in line please.

Hmm, maybe I'm just grouchy because my PBM opponent is dragging his heels with the next turn. Anyone would think I'd just killed two of his Panthers. With Chaffees (I love this game). Time to go home I think. Apologies Ag, just buy the game OK?

More of a "calling" actually.

You guys must be in unusually forgiving mood, I can't believe you let him suggest CMBO is flawed. Those aren't flaws sir, they are features. At most I'll give you quirks, but flaws is franly libellous. Buy the game and lose your soul to it like these fine gentlemen, then tell me whether they are flaws.