FlyingElvis

Ok, I've spent a good amount of time with CMBO now, and although I'm hardly a veteran wargamer, I'm finding the armor combat frustrating. It seems like a pea shooter can take out my Shermans. But the infantry and support combat I have played has been fantastic! I had a lot of fun with "Keep Nimtz Alive!" scenario which is a Market Garden timeframe defend mission. Awesome.

Heh.. I can guess what this is, but its funny to hear this phrase on this side of the pond.

I think you are talking about the Anthology release. Which is indeed CMBO/CMBB/CMAK.

Ok, I had to report this AAR because its my first victory, and victory is sweet. I played the allies, meeting engagement on a small village map. 25 turns, everything else on default. Axis 65 casualties 9 captured 3 vehicles knocked out men ok: 11 score: 13 Allies 20 casualties 1 vehicle knocked out (halftrack) men ok: 52 score: 87 Axis surrender, Allied Total Victory. I used an alternating overlook approach with infantry, taking turns with each squad providing cover fire as I approached the village, using building and woods for cover. I kept the spotter way back on a hill and pounded the German positions. And slowly brought my one tank up the main road, using the halftrack to provide cover. Not sure this is smart but it worked. Also, I think I got lucky by knocking out the German armor early. Knocking out armor seems to be a crapshot. The Germans surrendered after about the 12th turn.

I have been playing quick battles on small maps with automatically purchased units. So with a squad or two, a few support units, and a couple of armor units. Since I'm new to wargames, I have been reading up on how to use infantry, armor etc. from the articles at combatmission.com. Basically, I am losing most engagements, but slowly getting the hang of things. Its an amazing piece of simulation software. I'm loving it. I feel like I need to earn my stripes with CMBO before going out and getting the CMBB/CMAK bundle.

Thanks for all the good advice. I think I'll stick with small maps and quick battles for awhile.

I picked up the US CDV "special edition" of this game and I can see why it has garnered such positive reviews. I'm still in awe of the detail just reading the manual. Anyway.. I played the tutorial a few times so I think I have the hang of it. However, I'm not really sure where to start. It looks like a list of random scenarios. Is that how everyone plays, randomly jump around? Or is there a suggested order? I don't even see where I can list them in order of when the battles occured. [ September 20, 2004, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: FlyingElvis ]