Lethaface

Seems unlikely I'd say. I have all CM as BFC installs but have CMCW also on Steam. I use that one for the PBEM++ system and I remembered all the saves etc go into the /steam folder so I thought that could be an explanation. But without having inside knowledge of the process that calculates the turn and saves it to disk, I'd say the bulk of the workload is into crunching the numbers and not saving a technically small file to disk or upload it to internet. In my anecdotal experience there is no difference between steam/non-steam CM installs, nor with the PBEM++ system. The only time I experienced something like you mention is when I played an insane large game and all the pieces where moving and shooting at eachother.

Another reason why the USSR forces must move out with speed, although I'm not particularly fan of battles where forces start within LOS of eachother. However one thing some people might have missed is that you could switch troops between deployment zones. I think my opponent didn't realize this either.

Don't forget about the MCLOS ATGMs (AT-3). You better not look because they'll miss most of the time.

I think the USSR force should do a move in force, although if there would have been enough good cover around the map I would probably also setup ATGMs and artillery fires / smoke before moving. But imo there wasn't good cover around the map to hide all my forces in good spots to move out from. So I went for the zerg rush too, but not with everything. My RU plan was to rush the 3x infantry platoons to the objectives to the valley, spread out between the middle and right objectives. Some empty BTRs mixed in to give weight (or rather act as decoys and drive in front of the BTR with the SPG-9 RRs ;-)). All AT-4s to be setup in the treeline over the whole breath of the map, along with the grenade launchers. I did puss out on the tanks because I expected enemy TOWS and tanks on the enemy ridgeline turn 1. I did lose 2/3 of a platoon and some empty BTRs in the rush, but the rest of the infantry made it to the valley / cover after the first turn and went on to secure 2 of the 3 objectives. While the AT-4s did a big number on enemy tanks and TOW launchers. My tanks joined the duel from covered position but lost one T-55 against a M-48, so I let the AT-4s finish the job and they did (all enemy tanks and either all or 4/5 of the TOW launchers). Quite a number of m113 laden with infantry have also been brewed up by AT-4s. Now moving on last objective with tanks, BTRs and some infantry, while calling in arty on enemy positions. I think my oppo has ~2 platoons of infantry left. But if they want to move to any objective they will have to expose to the AT front that already did a number on their bro's. So my USSR rush worked fine. I have to add that my opponent is probably quite a bit less experienced playing CM/PBEMs.

Thanks for the explanation! The art of implementing new features with stuff that wasn't designed with those in mind Also I have finally learned what .ema stands for

Sure is strange! Could it be your steam CM is on non-SSD disk while your other CMs have the save files on \documents which is on an SSD? Just thinking of an explanation.

Dragons aren't failing that much for me ingame, not noticeably more than the AT-4s do. While they struggle frontally against T-64/T-72/T-80, I'd definitely not underestimate it in CM at least. Especially when you're thinking you're safe behind that smoke screen ;-).

At least that way it won't incentivize not-finishing the game. But there will still be a different ballpark scorewise for finished vs non-finished games, to stay with the basketball analogies ;-). Edit: and could produce similar issues for scenarios with relative high objective scores. If somehow a game (with turns left) could be forced to end with a ceasefire, producing final ingame CM score like any game, it would eliminate the need for fiddling with scoring and the running score would be nice way to see how people are doing casualty wise only. I imagined something like that could be the reason for the blank password requirement.

TOWs and Dragons can work wonders

Hope all went well and wish you a speedy recovery!

Ok I was about to ask what happens when we can't get to the end of the time, but seems that we're good :D. Both battles have been played mostly but we most probably won't get till 0:00 before the end of the round. Automated ceasefire would be interesting solution if feasible I guess?

I'm not seeing that behavior here, as in that it isn't slower compared to non PBEM++ PBEMS. Maybe it's just a larger battle compared to what you normally play in PBEM? The worst I had was playing a huge CMFB battle (with ~2 brigades for the US side alone), that one could take minutes to save (and load). The time also goes up if you put in a lot of orders. Although one thing is that with PBEM++ the game is saved and then uploaded in one transaction, while with the dropbox/CMH the upload is taking place outside of CM application so that will always be faster.

so how are you going to enforce the blockade?

I have learned just to be patient and that works for me. I think I always give a face command because the facing is quite an important aspect of an MG position, but I haven't had MGs not deploying IIRC.

My zerg rush also had two full laden BTRs going down with all hands. But that's to be expected I guess, also the AT-4B have been working since and with good results.

IIRC most of the losses where from the Turks using their Leo2A4s as 'static weapon systems' which were stalked/flanked by ATGM teams. Paper Tigers campaigns for CMSF Nato module already taught that isn't a good way to use tanks (insofar CM can show that). Whether they be Leo2A6, M1A2SEP, etc

To be honest I'm having quite some fun with the battle, getting to the point where my gambling tactics have paid off My opponent in his USSR game didn't bet on the zergling rush and is now facing my hulldown TOW front.

I guess he has a quite the hate-able face But indeed he seems like a great example of the plenty of spineless professional politicians around in the EU/democratic world. My own countries politicians are unfortunately not much better, perhaps at spinning stuff to look good internationally.

but.. your explanation doesn't allow continued bashing of Germans Great post though. Although I suspect the yeast infection will keep lingering and show it's head again in a few pages. Anyway, happy new year all around the globe, wish Ukraine can finish (win) the war at terms acceptable to Ukraine in 2023!

I'd hope so

FWIW I saw pictures of AFVs arriving through ports in Rotterdam but I didn't see pics about AFVs moving from some area's in the very south of the Netherlands (where there are pre-positioned things).

Most probably, yes.

You wuz faster than my edit, funnily I didn't see your post before.

I guess it's safe to assume USA won't be fighting many NATO opponents around 2030 Edit: wrt China, I'd say 'vertical lift' will be very important in a potential war against China.

Great video, thanks. If anything the West can learn from Ukraine it is about leadership and 'mission command'.