American campaign - start with the '79 or the '82?

[SDG]

Dear Gents,

As the name of the topic entails, I'd like to give the American campaign a go, but unsure whether I should start with the one set in '79 or '82.

The campaign description says that the campaign was designed with the 1982 start date in mind, and the earlier version was added later as an "interesting extra alternative".

In 1982 the Americans have access to a much more high tech gear, and the balance of power has clearly shifted towards NATO (Abrams and the like), but I would presume - based on the fact that this should be "the original" campaign - the missions are balanced in a manner to accomodate the aformentioned circumstance.

Thanks in advance for your kind feedback.

[Erwin]

The answer may be in your analysis.  If you want an easier campaign start with 82 to learn the system.  

[SDG]

12 minutes ago, Erwin said:

The answer may be in your analysis.  If you want an easier campaign start with 82 to learn the system.  

Thanks for the quick reply Erwin!

My question still stands though. I know, that the Americans should have easier in '82, but as this was meant to be *the original* campaign, I assume the scenarios are designed in a way that the Soviets are not complete pushovers.

If someone played through the 1982 campaign, please do let me know how "easy" did you find it.

I would really want to avoid sinking into too much time into a "tutorial difficulty" campaign (as you yourself mentioned that it is suitable "to learn the systems").

Edited May 14, 2021 by SDG

[ng cavscout]

I'm playing the 79 campaign, and, it's not overwhelmingly difficult. It can be frustrating to see your A10s shot down for no return, but, all in all, it's a rewarding play through.

[The_Capt]

43 minutes ago, SDG said:

Thanks for the quick reply Erwin!

My question still stands though. I know, that the Americans should have easier in '82, but as this was meant to be *the original* campaign, I assume the scenarios are designed in a way that the Soviets are not complete pushovers.

If someone played through the 1982 campaign, please do let me know how "easy" did you find it.

I would really want to avoid sinking into too much time into a "tutorial difficulty" campaign (as you yourself mentioned that it is suitable "to learn the systems").

I would not characterize the 1982 version as a "tutorial difficulty", it probably "normal" difficulty.  The equipment is better for the US but not overwhelming.  For example the core troops tank is the M60A1 Passive which is pretty much right in the middle of the road.  It can stand up to T64Bs if it is played right but do not get reckless.  The 1979 Campaign is a bit more challenging with the M48, which is a good little tank but T62s will definitely give it a tougher run.

My recommendation would be to try the first scenario in the '82.  IF you get a Total Victory with zero losses (careful as they stack up for later fights), maybe switch to '79.

[FogForever]

I was looking at the 79 troops vs the 82 troops and notice a far large complement of dragons per platoon in 82.  3 per platoon in 82 vs 1 per platoon in 79.  Those dragons are a significant anti-tank force.  Although I was only looking at Mech battalions.

[Vergeltungswaffe]

You're only going to get one first time through, so I would highly advise playing 79.

M48's are so much fun.

 

[Halmbarte]

I've been playing the Soviet battles starting in '79. It's a switch from SF2 to see America tank shells and ATGM no selling hits on my tanks while my 125mm tanks and ATGMs get 1 round = 1 kill him on the Americans. 

 

H