DerKommissar

Well, it's been a lot more work than I'd anticipated. This is a rework of my old USMC campaign, a six mission campaign I put together shortly after the British Forces module for CMSF 1 was released. I spent SO much time making 'The Road to Dinas' that I missed playing with the USMC, which has turned out to be my favourite US formation to work with. 
 
I thought I was just going to have to make up a new core unit file, sub in the new units and tweak a few bits and pieces to take advantage of the new systems but I ended up pretty much redoing it all from scratch. Anyway, let me show you the old maps and the new versions. Each picture is taken a 6 am in the morning from the same position so that you can see main differences.
 
The first mission is Meet the Flintstones. This is a NIGHT Missions and this is the old map...

And this is the new map...

As you can see, it's pretty much doubled in size. If you've played the original, it will probably feel reasonably familiar with the old version.
The next mission is The High Chaparall and the map for this one has changed very little. it's a DAWN mission.

And here's the new...

It hasn't changed much although there was a LOT of deforestation which took place to the new. Apart from the map, it's been reworked very substantially and the AI improved.
 
The third mission was a real problem for me. It was originally called CAAT Fight and it took place on this map...

The problem wasn't with the map but the battle itself. It was rubbish! It was an interesting idea and was inspired by the first episode of Generation Kill but it wasn't anywhere near as much fun as that episode. So this one got a new map and new forces with the same concept:

I really enjoy playing this one. It's a NIGHT mission and, like the original, you only have the CAAT units to work with. But it feels completely different and I find it a lot of fun to play.
Now we come to the HUGE reworks. These took over a week each to fit up and the missions needed to be redone entirely, new AI forces, new objectives etc...
the first of these is Watching the Detectives. here's the old map...

And here's the new...

It's more than doubled in size and there has been very substantial enhancement of buildings complexes etc. This is a DAWN mission and has gone through several iterations before the right battle was found for it. it's a tough mission with the player attacking down a slope in full view of the defender with little cover to work with. it took many attempts to make this feasible and I'm happy with the end result. You need to take this one slowly.
 
Then Mission 5, Bridges. Once again, the old map has been massively expanded.

And the new one is almost entirely different...

There are some similarities but as you can see, it's almost entirely new with new, more realistic villages added. Again, finding the right battle for this map has taken a lot of time and this is the mission I'm currently playtesting.  it'll probably change a little before I finish with it but I've finally whittled down the forces on both sides so that i can carry out the mission without having too much at my disposal.
Al Qusayr
The map for the last mission is almost the same. there are some significant improvements for it but you won't see these from such a wide angle. the mission has also been redone with new forces added and all-new AI.

And there it is. I'll go into each mission in a little more detail later. This is very close to finishing now. I expect to have finalised it by the end of this month.
 

Images found in an old backpack.  Marked: Syria 2007.

A few from @George MC Five Days One Summer, in progress...

Tactical reload.


 

Overwatch.

Canucks are in it? I'm sold. A prequel to the Princess Patricia Regiment campaign in Shock Force is a dream come true.
Highly approve of turning back the clock. Every wargame is doing 80s right now, but the 70s need love too.
We'll need a new music thread for all our classic rock and disco.

Cold Warriors.
  Well it looks like Steve has already dropped the mic over on the annual update thread, so let myself, Bil H and Cpt Miller (along with a small team of unwashed heathens - two of whom are actually from the UK), be the second to announce the first CMCW Module - CMCW - British Army On the Rhine (BAOR).

We are still in development so I will only outline the broad strokes of what we are working on, and insert the caveat that we reserve the right to add/subtract - 
 - Time frame of the game is going deeper backwards into the Cold War.  We are setting the clock back to 1976, so CMCW will now encompass 1976-1982 (including some minor tweaks to the existing US orbats).  As has been noted we are less interested in the later Cold War years largely because they really do start to resemble the later CM titles and we are shooting to keep CMCW distinct in its own right.
- UK BOAR - right now we have a pretty comprehensive build planned for the UK units as they transitioned from their 1974 structures - to where they landed in 1980.  As per the picture above players should be able to become deeply engaged within the historical BAOR sector of the ETO.
- And because I just have to represent the home team, we are also doing the Canadians.  That little black box is the planned 4 CMBG AO - you will note this was right at the tail end when the brigade was still part of the BAOR, although for those that really want to play First Clash and park them down in Lahr you are fee to do so because the basic unit structures remained the same.
- We do have plans for the Soviet side, but are going to hold off on details until we zero them fully in...more to follow. 
- I will let you all speculate and discuss what new vehicles and weapon systems we are talking about but there is a not insignificant list of new ones we are planning - more as we start to get some cool screen shots.  
As noted by Steve, we are well on our way and are planning for a release this year - content and full scope remains TBA.
Thank you all very much for your support, the response to CMCW has been well beyond what we were expecting and that is entirely thanks to you guys.

Oh younglings, if you want to dig deep into the lore:
- “Brengun tripod” aka “Doroshing”- basically code for some incredibly niche and boutique feature or item that someone treats like the holy grail of gaming and if it is not included yesterday CM is now a warcrime.
- “This is my dog, I made him show his teeth”, a Ralph Wiggum of posts- sweetly honest but bafflingly obtuse.
- “Fionn me, Fionn me, take a rope and hang me!”  Reference to an imminent banning of a particularly difficult forum member.  In honour of Fionn Kelly, singing with the angels out there in the internet somewhere.
- “Peng Thread” , a nonsensical effort that set back progress of human civilization by about 50 years.  Filled with the worst  refuse and villainy that the CM community has to offer.
- “Kettler”,  Affectionate name for the resident conspiracy nut job in any discussion.  Lovably upside down the guy normally gets about a thousand chances until put down.  Really should have a blog somewhere.
- “Cold War-ing it”. Not something I totally just made up in blatant self-interest.  To finally see and enjoy a version of the game that Steve swore he would never do.  Vietnam and Arab Israeli wars there may be hope for you yet.

Yeah, I hope we'll see some module for CMCW soon.

They grow up so fast... we really need to get off our *** (ahem) and finish up that DLC.   

Two years end-Apr, Bil.  CMCW is a teenager now, demanding a new DLC it can drive around and show its friends.

here's a few recent dispatches- coments, critiques welcome.













cheers,
rob

Who's going first?




 

A few more...
@Mr.X 😁
Sniper vs. 88mm...





Reload!

Out of theater but had to add...

Execution
0841

The Panthers of Task Force Center arrive at the entrance of Verteszoloes. The Hauptsturmführer Schmidt (Bottom-left TC), peers across the snowy slope.
0842

Task Force North takes second place, Weber's HQ riding on-top of the StuG IV. The convoy is here, and the infantry are not far behind.
0843

The Southern Task Force's infantry are almost in position. Oldendahl rides in his staff car, as the panzergrenadiers hold their grumbling.
0844

As Weber's infantry catches up, Sturmbannführer Vogt (Bottom-most Kubelwagen) arrives at the scene.
Hauptsturmführer Wöhler (Left-most Kubelwagen) gives him the situation report.
0845

Obersturmführer Kahl is the last to arrive, he somehow got separated from his Aufklärung Pioneers' Schwimmwagens. 
Wöhler (Kahl's CO) gets chewed out by Vogt, as the offensive is already behind schedule.
0846

The Aufklärung Pioneers carefully probe the north side of town. Unterscharführer Hiller reports no contacts. It's quiet.

The Kampfgruppe's Forward Observers creep towards the south side of town. Obersturmführer Ross reports no contacts. It's too quiet...

Fire & Rubble: Broken Shields

On this cold January morning, Kampfgruppe "Darges" is taking part in the Konrad Offensives. The goal is to break-out friendly forces, out of the Budapest Cauldron.

Kampfgruppe "Darges" is mostly made out of I. Battalion/SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 23 "Norge". Half-tracks are in low supply, so we must ride the 5th SS Panzer Division's tanks.
BLUFOR

Task Force North (SS-Hauptsturmführer Weber): 4 Kompanie (Weapons)
Task Force Center (SS-Hauptsturmführer Schmidt): 1 Kompanie (Tanks)
Task Force South (SS-Hauptsturmführer Oldendahl): 1 Kompanie (Infantry)
Kampfgruppe HQ (SS-Sturmbannführer Vogt)
Supports (SS-Hauptsturmführer Wöhler): 81mm Platoon, Aufklärung Pioneers, Self-Propelled Flak (Light)
OPFOR

232 Guards Rifle Division, 68th Guards Rifle Regiment
The enemy must be made out of infantry, backed by anti-tank guns and possibly vehicles. They have not had time to fortify.
Terrain

Phase A: Town
Soviet ambush elements control the northern and southern woods. We must first secure the town, Objective Vertesszoloes.
Phase B: Hill
This wooded hill controls the central road. It must be taken to get a good view, and to protect our convoy.
Phase C : Exit
This is where the central road leaves the forest. It will give us maneuverability, as well as a base of fire, for taking Objective Tarjan.
Plan

 Clear the central road.
Weber and Oldendahl must cover Schmidt, as the convoy moves through the woods. Vogt will divert supports, where needed.
Once we have a more accurate picture of the enemy, the plan may be altered.

Fire & Rubble: Broken Shields

On this cold January morning, Kampfgruppe "Darges" is taking part in the Konrad Offensives. The goal is to break-out friendly forces, out of the Budapest Cauldron.

Kampfgruppe "Darges" is mostly made out of I. Battalion/SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 23 "Norge". Half-tracks are in low supply, so we must ride the 5th SS Panzer Division's tanks.
BLUFOR

Task Force North (SS-Hauptsturmführer Weber): 4 Kompanie (Weapons)
Task Force Center (SS-Hauptsturmführer Schmidt): 1 Kompanie (Tanks)
Task Force South (SS-Hauptsturmführer Oldendahl): 1 Kompanie (Infantry)
Kampfgruppe HQ (SS-Sturmbannführer Vogt)
Supports (SS-Hauptsturmführer Wöhler): 81mm Platoon, Aufklärung Pioneers, Self-Propelled Flak (Light)
OPFOR

232 Guards Rifle Division, 68th Guards Rifle Regiment
The enemy must be made out of infantry, backed by anti-tank guns and possibly vehicles. They have not had time to fortify.
Terrain

Phase A: Town
Soviet ambush elements control the northern and southern woods. We must first secure the town, Objective Vertesszoloes.
Phase B: Hill
This wooded hill controls the central road. It must be taken to get a good view, and to protect our convoy.
Phase C : Exit
This is where the central road leaves the forest. It will give us maneuverability, as well as a base of fire, for taking Objective Tarjan.
Plan

 Clear the central road.
Weber and Oldendahl must cover Schmidt, as the convoy moves through the woods. Vogt will divert supports, where needed.
Once we have a more accurate picture of the enemy, the plan may be altered.

Execution
0841

The Panthers of Task Force Center arrive at the entrance of Verteszoloes. The Hauptsturmführer Schmidt (Bottom-left TC), peers across the snowy slope.
0842

Task Force North takes second place, Weber's HQ riding on-top of the StuG IV. The convoy is here, and the infantry are not far behind.
0843

The Southern Task Force's infantry are almost in position. Oldendahl rides in his staff car, as the panzergrenadiers hold their grumbling.
0844

As Weber's infantry catches up, Sturmbannführer Vogt (Bottom-most Kubelwagen) arrives at the scene.
Hauptsturmführer Wöhler (Left-most Kubelwagen) gives him the situation report.
0845

Obersturmführer Kahl is the last to arrive, he somehow got separated from his Aufklärung Pioneers' Schwimmwagens. 
Wöhler (Kahl's CO) gets chewed out by Vogt, as the offensive is already behind schedule.
0846

The Aufklärung Pioneers carefully probe the north side of town. Unterscharführer Hiller reports no contacts. It's quiet.

The Kampfgruppe's Forward Observers creep towards the south side of town. Obersturmführer Ross reports no contacts. It's too quiet...

0847

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry are on their way to secure Vertesszoloes' South flank (Bottom-Center).
0848

Task Force Weber (Top-Center) clears the North woods. Vogt's radio operator (Bottom-Left) transmits the orders for taking the hamlet.

Oldendahl (Left) and Weber (Right) will assault the flanks of Vertezzoloes. Schmidt's panzers (Bottom-Center) will be the base-of-fire.
0849

Aufklärung Pioneers slip into the hamlet's rear. No contacts.
0850

Weber (Bottom-Right) reports that his task force is in position.

Shortly after, Oldendahl's HQ (Bottom-Left) radios that his men are standing-by. Vogt confirms: the assault begins now.
0851

The violent crack of a 14.5mm anti-tank round shatters the silence. Task Force Oldendahl's veterans know that sound, all too well.

Unterscharführer Hamblen's section opens up with the MG, on the brick building. Ricochets fly around, dangerously.

One of Hamblen's men is wounded (Bottom-Center). The assistant squad leader's (Right-most) semi-automatic rifle fire finds their target.
0852

Screams are barely audible over the storm of gunfire. After dispatching a contact, Hamblen's assistant yells "Cease Fire!". The machine gunner got too carried away.
0853

After the gun-fire dies down, reports are transmitted to Vogt. North of Vertesszoloes is clear. Oldendahl suggests at least one anti-tank platoon in the Center.
0854

As Weber's task force probes South-ward, another anti-tank blast comes from the Center. Unterscharführer Hiller and his Aufklärung Pioneers hug the ground.

Obersturmführer Hauer's Panther sends an HE shell at the contact. There's a split second of quiet, and then a cavalcade of PPSH fire.

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry spot the PPSH fire, and answer with their own automatics.

Unterscharführer Gloser's infantry section steals Oldendahl's thunder, as part of Task Force Weber's advance.
0856

Vertesszoloes is clear. Vogt transmits the go-code to continue clearing the road. Towards House A!

0847

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry are on their way to secure Vertesszoloes' South flank (Bottom-Center).
0848

Task Force Weber (Top-Center) clears the North woods. Vogt's radio operator (Bottom-Left) transmits the orders for taking the hamlet.

Oldendahl (Left) and Weber (Right) will assault the flanks of Vertezzoloes. Schmidt's panzers (Bottom-Center) will be the base-of-fire.
0849

Aufklärung Pioneers slip into the hamlet's rear. No contacts.
0850

Weber (Bottom-Right) reports that his task force is in position.

Shortly after, Oldendahl's HQ (Bottom-Left) radios that his men are standing-by. Vogt confirms: the assault begins now.
0851

The violent crack of a 14.5mm anti-tank round shatters the silence. Task Force Oldendahl's veterans know that sound, all too well.

Unterscharführer Hamblen's section opens up with the MG, on the brick building. Ricochets fly around, dangerously.

One of Hamblen's men is wounded (Bottom-Center). The assistant squad leader's (Right-most) semi-automatic rifle fire finds their target.
0852

Screams are barely audible over the storm of gunfire. After dispatching a contact, Hamblen's assistant yells "Cease Fire!". The machine gunner got too carried away.
0853

After the gun-fire dies down, reports are transmitted to Vogt. North of Vertesszoloes is clear. Oldendahl suggests at least one anti-tank platoon in the Center.
0854

As Weber's task force probes South-ward, another anti-tank blast comes from the Center. Unterscharführer Hiller and his Aufklärung Pioneers hug the ground.

Obersturmführer Hauer's Panther sends an HE shell at the contact. There's a split second of quiet, and then a cavalcade of PPSH fire.

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry spot the PPSH fire, and answer with their own automatics.

Unterscharführer Gloser's infantry section steals Oldendahl's thunder, as part of Task Force Weber's advance.
0856

Vertesszoloes is clear. Vogt transmits the go-code to continue clearing the road. Towards House A!

0847

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry are on their way to secure Vertesszoloes' South flank (Bottom-Center).
0848

Task Force Weber (Top-Center) clears the North woods. Vogt's radio operator (Bottom-Left) transmits the orders for taking the hamlet.

Oldendahl (Left) and Weber (Right) will assault the flanks of Vertezzoloes. Schmidt's panzers (Bottom-Center) will be the base-of-fire.
0849

Aufklärung Pioneers slip into the hamlet's rear. No contacts.
0850

Weber (Bottom-Right) reports that his task force is in position.

Shortly after, Oldendahl's HQ (Bottom-Left) radios that his men are standing-by. Vogt confirms: the assault begins now.
0851

The violent crack of a 14.5mm anti-tank round shatters the silence. Task Force Oldendahl's veterans know that sound, all too well.

Unterscharführer Hamblen's section opens up with the MG, on the brick building. Ricochets fly around, dangerously.

One of Hamblen's men is wounded (Bottom-Center). The assistant squad leader's (Right-most) semi-automatic rifle fire finds their target.
0852

Screams are barely audible over the storm of gunfire. After dispatching a contact, Hamblen's assistant yells "Cease Fire!". The machine gunner got too carried away.
0853

After the gun-fire dies down, reports are transmitted to Vogt. North of Vertesszoloes is clear. Oldendahl suggests at least one anti-tank platoon in the Center.
0854

As Weber's task force probes South-ward, another anti-tank blast comes from the Center. Unterscharführer Hiller and his Aufklärung Pioneers hug the ground.

Obersturmführer Hauer's Panther sends an HE shell at the contact. There's a split second of quiet, and then a cavalcade of PPSH fire.

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry spot the PPSH fire, and answer with their own automatics.

Unterscharführer Gloser's infantry section steals Oldendahl's thunder, as part of Task Force Weber's advance.
0856

Vertesszoloes is clear. Vogt transmits the go-code to continue clearing the road. Towards House A!

0847

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry are on their way to secure Vertesszoloes' South flank (Bottom-Center).
0848

Task Force Weber (Top-Center) clears the North woods. Vogt's radio operator (Bottom-Left) transmits the orders for taking the hamlet.

Oldendahl (Left) and Weber (Right) will assault the flanks of Vertezzoloes. Schmidt's panzers (Bottom-Center) will be the base-of-fire.
0849

Aufklärung Pioneers slip into the hamlet's rear. No contacts.
0850

Weber (Bottom-Right) reports that his task force is in position.

Shortly after, Oldendahl's HQ (Bottom-Left) radios that his men are standing-by. Vogt confirms: the assault begins now.
0851

The violent crack of a 14.5mm anti-tank round shatters the silence. Task Force Oldendahl's veterans know that sound, all too well.

Unterscharführer Hamblen's section opens up with the MG, on the brick building. Ricochets fly around, dangerously.

One of Hamblen's men is wounded (Bottom-Center). The assistant squad leader's (Right-most) semi-automatic rifle fire finds their target.
0852

Screams are barely audible over the storm of gunfire. After dispatching a contact, Hamblen's assistant yells "Cease Fire!". The machine gunner got too carried away.
0853

After the gun-fire dies down, reports are transmitted to Vogt. North of Vertesszoloes is clear. Oldendahl suggests at least one anti-tank platoon in the Center.
0854

As Weber's task force probes South-ward, another anti-tank blast comes from the Center. Unterscharführer Hiller and his Aufklärung Pioneers hug the ground.

Obersturmführer Hauer's Panther sends an HE shell at the contact. There's a split second of quiet, and then a cavalcade of PPSH fire.

Task Force Oldendahl's infantry spot the PPSH fire, and answer with their own automatics.

Unterscharführer Gloser's infantry section steals Oldendahl's thunder, as part of Task Force Weber's advance.
0856

Vertesszoloes is clear. Vogt transmits the go-code to continue clearing the road. Towards House A!