The French Disconnection...A Strategic Command AAR (Pics Included)

[SuperTed]

Previous Installments:

War Is Declared!

The Polish Campaign

Scandanavian Surprise

February 4, 1940

As expected, the loss of Oslo was too much for the remaining Norwegian forces to bear and they decide to surrender. Again, Mussolini continues to speak of joining, but his continued indecision is beginning to an annoyance. The Italians would prove useful in drawing British forces away from Britain, allowing us to launch Sea Lion against a weakened enemy.

March 3, 1940

Preparations for our western offensive must be completed.

Notes

-Our forces continue moving into position around the Low Countries. If we can sweep through those small countries and hit the French hard, the shortest route to Paris will indeed be a straight line.

-U-29 and U-30 continue to avoid contact by staying well north of the shipping lanes.

-Runstedt and 10th Army triumphantly return from Norway and position themselves for the coming attack.

-A third armored unit, I Panzer Tank Group is raised in Frankfurt. These units are expected to play a vital role in the attack, exploiting any breakthrough we are able to achieve.

March 17, 1940

The Industrial Technology research has reached level 1! The 10% decrease is going to come in handy during preparations for Operation Sea Lion.

March 31, 1940

Before launching the offensive to the west, war map shows our growing empire. The bulk of our forces are massed in the north, hoping to force their way around the fortified French positions to the south and march on Paris before the Allies can respond.

War is declared on the Low Countries and there is noticeable uproar from the United States, but the isolationists are still firmly in control. In the USSR, however, things are beginning to heat up a bit. We’ll need to bolster our garrison in Poland just in case the Bolsheviks decide to invade.

Dutch Corps

With the Dutch Corps covering the eastern frontier of the Low Countries, it should be fairly easy to isolate and destroy them, which is precisely what the 14th and 3rd Armies set out to do. From the start, it is apparent the Dutch soldiers’ hearts are not into the fighting and most of them lay down their arms when planes from Luftflotte II Air Fleet appear overhead. No significant losses were suffered by our troops in overrunning the enemy position.

Belgian Corps

The way to Brussels lies open in front of our forces. 8th Army rushes forward to advance on the enemy capital before defensive positions can be prepared. Despite cover from Luftflotte I and IV Air Fleets, the Belgian troops prove to be far more tenacious than their Dutch counterparts. Although our losses are not heavy, they may slow 8th Army’s advance. Making matters worse, planes from Luftflotte I Air Fleet are intercepted by French fighters who down a handful of ours before being chased off. None of these losses are significant, but they can add up over time.

French 1st Army

The infantry and air units have achieved their goal of clearing away the enemy, leaving an avenue of advance open for our panzers to exploit. XVI and XIX Panzer Tank Groups quickly seize the opportunity to slam into the French positions north of the Ardennes area. This leads to the most direct route to Paris, and our forces will be pushing hard before the Allies have a chance to regain their balance. In the highly fluid action, XIX Panzer Tank Group is the first to hit the French 1st Army. It turns out they were expecting our panzers and set a trap that cost us several tanks. However, the enemy was knocked off balance and was nearly annihilated when XVI Panzer Tank Group, after sweeping through Brussels, turned their northern flank.

Notes

-The first step toward victory in the west has been an unqualified success! In less than a week, the Low Countries have been occupied and our forces are on the verge of cracking the French defensive line. Things are proceeding ahead of schedule and it appears there will be a real chance to launch Operation Sea Lion in 1940!

-All available forces continue moving west to aid in the conquest of France.

-U-29 and U-30 move further northwest to hide from the Allied fleets. Assuming France falls soon, they may have the port facilities they so desperately need.

April 14, 1940

After being humiliated on the field of battle, the Low Countries formally surrender. As expected, Italy is still “waiting for the right moment” to enter the war. It seems Il Duce wants us to do all the work…

The French withdraw their units from the border defense north of the Maginot Line, no doubt preparing Paris for our push. The fact that no British units are visible on the continent is very reassuring. The early attack seems to have caught the Allies unprepared.

April 28, 1940

The only objective now is getting to Paris before the enemy has time to establish a defensive line. Considering how quickly they fell back, it is unlikely their forces will be adequate to stop us.

Ardennes

Since the French were willing to pull back, our forces need to exploit the opening, but without exposing the southern flank. To that end, 8th Army moves into position in the western end of the Ardennes Forest, securing the shoulder of the thrust. If the French are foolish enough to attempt a counterattack toward Brussels, they will have a very rough go of it. I don’t expect them to try it, but I want to be sure it won’t succeed if they do.

Lead units from 8th Army discovered that the French 2nd Army has taken up positions northeast of Paris.

French 1st Army

When 1st Panzer Tank Group left Brussels, they were given the task of engaging the French corps along the Channel coast to be sure there was no threat to our supply lines. The panzer units had no problems reaching their staging areas and were preparing to launch the attack when the enemy showed a resolve that was never expected.

While our panzers were preoccupied, the remnants of the French 1st Army made a daring charge from covered positions just to the southwest. Initially, our tank crews were amused by the sight of the French soldiers, advancing on our tanks with little more than their side arms. Some of the enemy were even wielding pitchforks, no doubt taken from local farmers. The tank crews slowly mounted their tanks, knowing they would be protected inside. Our commanders assumed the French would break if they came under fire, so it was decided to send a few machine gun bursts into their midst. This did indeed cause great confusion, resulting in a hasty retreat.

While our boys were laughing heartily about the whole affair, the bloody French sprung their trap! The poorly-armed group was just a diversion that allowed the rest of them to move into position behind our tanks. With a blood-curdling scream, at least 200 of them raced across an open field, carrying nothing but bottles that had a piece of cloth stuck in the top. As our tankers turned to see the next episode in this bizarre show, the first group of enemy soldiers came within 25 meters of our tanks and lit the pieces of cloth on fire. They proceeded to throw these homemade bombs at our tanks, setting several alight.

Once our tank crews realized the gravity of the situation, they scrambled to their positions and began returning fire. Our surprise allowed the enemy to get in among the tanks, making it difficult to hit them. Even after they had thrown their bombs, the unarmed soldiers were climbing onto our tanks trying to pry open the hatches. Many of our men still struggle mightily with the images of the crazed faces they saw that day.

Eventually, and at great cost (24 tanks destroyed), the enemy troops were subdued. While inspecting the battlefield, our local commander noted that not one of the members of this group of enemy soldiers fled or was captured. They attacked against hopeless odds, knowing they would die in the process! Yes, they are the enemy, but there seems to be more to them than we thought.

French 2nd Army

Despite taking losses in the ambush, I Panzer Tank Group cleared a path to the northern suburbs of Paris. XIX Panzer Tank Group seizes the moment and moves to within site of the Eiffel Tower. From here, they swing around 90 degrees to attack the French 2nd Army from the northwest while XVI Panzer Tank Group attacks from the northeast. The French defenders are caught off guard by our rapid advance and their line nears the breaking point. With their capital in danger of falling, the French will have to pull back their Maginot Line defenders, allowing us to begin sending troops to the Balkans.

Notes

-France is on the brink of collapse! Their forces are in disarray and the British have not sent any reinforcements. This campaign should be over next month.

-U-29 and U-30 begin moving south to start the perilous journey to Brest. The port will be a welcome site for the crews.

-711 MPPs are available this turn.

-54 MPPs are spent reinforcing Luftflotte I Air Fleet.

-250 MPPs are spent on Rocket research. This will be handy once Britain comes under attack.

-113 MPPs are spent to raise III Corps in Warsaw. This marks the beginning of the process to bolster the eastern line.

-225 MPPs are spent to raise 1st Army in Munich. This unit will wait on the Yugoslavian border, preparing for the coming invasion.

May 12, 1940

-Germany collects 199 MPPs.

-Italy finally declares war on the Allies! Despite their weak ground forces, they will need to occupy the British in North Africa. The enemy units used there will not be available to defend Britain.

-A French army attempts to outflank our spearhead by driving along the coast and attacking XIX Panzer Tank Group. Both sides suffer heavy casualties. What’s worse is that a panzer group has been taken out of action for the next push to Paris. Damned French!

-The French Maginot Line garrison abandons two-thirds of the fortification, leaving only one army in the northernmost section. This will make things easier, freeing units that were assigned to screen the French in this area.

May 26, 1940

Despite the French efforts to strengthen their positions around Paris, we must continue to make headway.

French 2nd Army

XVI Panzer Tank Group, with support from Luftflotte I and II Air Fleets, moves forward to clear the northeastern suburbs of Paris. The surviving French air force intercepts our planes, bringing down a handful of them while taking significant casualties of their own. In the end, our planes and panzers are far too strong for the French infantry units to stop. There are only small pockets of resistance, but they are quickly reduced and Paris lies within our reach.

French Army

The enemy army that attempted to outflank us by moving along the Channel coast remains as something of a threat and must be eliminated. 3rd Army and Luftflotte IV Air Fleet are sent to do just that. Again, it appears the fighting spirit of the enemy troops is waning. Their anti-aircraft fire is accurate, accounting for nine planes shot down, but the other ground forces seem all too willing to lay down their arms. As a result, another enemy army is eliminated.

French Corps

With the French western flank nearing collapse, tanks from I Panzer Tank Group move into position to the north of an enemy corps in order to strike a knockout blow. Once again, the enemy shows a resolve that reminds us that they are not beaten yet. Our tanks meet fierce resistance almost immediately after making contact. Many of the enemy positions are destroyed, but the cost is too high for the gain. The enemy has succeeded in forcing another of our armored formations to withdraw from the battle in order to rest and take reinforcements. If Paris does not fall in June, our timetable will be in danger of falling apart.

French 4th Army

The Paris garrison, despite being only a corps, is heavily entrenched and will require a large assault force to dislodge. In order to assure success, our forces will need to clear the areas from the northwest to the southeast of the city and all points between. This will allow us enough room to deploy the four units that will likely be needed to take Paris. We are well on our way to clearing the right flank and need to do the same on the left. The task of starting to reduce the French 4th Army falls to our 8th Army. Things go essentially as planned, with our light losses being offset the French moderate losses. What is important here is that they have been weakened somewhat and will be easier to dislodge when reinforcements arrive.

French 5th Army

With only one enemy army defending the northernmost fortifications in the Maginot Line, it should not be too difficult to isolate them and roll up the enemy’s left flank. The French 5th Army is positioned to cover this flank and try to keep the local mines out of our hands. 14th Army makes a dash behind the now-deserted French fortification line and proceeds to assault the enemy positions. Things go poorly right from the start. It appears the enemy has decided to stand and fight, catching our lead elements by surprise. After clearing the first few strongholds, we are able to make better progress, forcing the enemy to fall back into less defensible areas. Losses are not heavy on either side, but what is troubling is that they are nearly equal.

Batagne

With the addition of Italy comes two armies in the north of the country. The French are likely pouring everything they have into defending Paris and it is unlikely they will have much in the south. So, the Italian force should be able to apply pressure to Marseilles and its port. 4th Italian Army moves to the Mediterranean coast, hoping to catch the French battleship Batagne by surprise. They are able to move their guns into position in the hills overlooking the port and launch a devastating barrage. At the same time, 1st Italian Army quickly captures Marseilles and launches its own attack, nearly sinking the helpless enemy ship.

Navy

The greatest contribution the Italians will make is with their powerful navy. Only hours after the formal declaration of war has been delivered, the fleet swings into action. Their first job is to cut off the Batagne from escaping. The cruiser Fiume, the battleship Ciao Duilio, and the sub Liuzzi sail from Taranto and take up positions north of Sicily in anticipation of the French ship’s dash for the Atlantic. The remainder of the fleet (the battleships Andrea Doria and Vittorio Veneto) move into position to cover Taranto and the entrance to the Adriatic Sea.

Notes

-Again, it appears there is little left to the French. They seem to have drawn everything they have into the defense of their capital, leaving outlying areas essentially undefended.

-U-29 and U-30 continue their journey south through the Allied shipping lanes. Once they clear the area they should have no trouble reaching Brest.

-10th Army destroys the center section of the Maginot Line and moves into position to cut off French 3rd Army.

-1st Army moves to the Yugoslavian border, awaiting the remainder of the army group.

-268 MPPs are available this turn.

-87 MPPs are spent reinforcing XIX Panzer Tank Group.

June 2, 1940

-Germany collects 202 MPPs and Italy collects 125 MPPs.

-German U-Boats in the Atlantic and the Italian submarine in the Mediterranean disrupt Allied shipping, reducing the British MPP total by 8. U-29 is sunk for its efforts.

-French 4th Army moves back into the Maginot and hits 4th Army from the southeast, causing light damage.

-French 3rd Army continues using the northern end of the Maginot Line to launch probing attacks. This time they did more than probe and 10th Army was caught unprepared, leading to moderate losses.

-French XXI Corps launches a probe of its own from Paris. Fortunately 8th Army was better prepared and repels the enemy troops, causing light casualties in the process.

-As expected, the heavily-damaged French battleship Batagne fled Marseilles, likely heading for the Atlantic and a friendly port.

-I Panzer Tank Group was occupying the point position along the Channel coast. Apparently the enemy wanted to blunt our advance and sent a flight of heavy bombers. Fortunately Luftflotte IV Air Fleet scrambled its planes immediately and moved to intercept the enemy bombers. When our planes arrived, they found the bombers had already begun attacking our ground units, causing them to disperse the best they could. Making matters worse, the British bombers were being escorted by French fighter planes. Our ME 109s struck swift and hard, bringing down many of the enemy planes and forcing them to withdraw. While our planes were dealing with the enemy in the sky, the French cruiser Strausbourg fired on I Panzer Tank Group’s position, causing more damage. All told, our armored unit suffered only light casualties and the enemy air units were sent on their way with moderate losses. So, it wasn’t a bad tradeoff.

-In the Mediterranean, things got a little heated. As the Italian sub Liuzzi was navigating through the Strait of Messina between Sicily and mainland Italy, British fighter-bombers from Malt struck! After several near-misses, the sub was able to dive to the safety of deep waters and the British planes left without doing any damage.

June 16, 1940

We are still hoping to capture Paris very soon, but the French are not making things easy.

French 5th Army

The French are running low on units and we need to clear the approaches to the enemy capital city. The southern approach is covered by the French 5th Army, which will be tough to dislodge. XIX and XVI Panzer Tank Groups set about starting the process, capturing the valuable mines to the southeast of Paris on the way. The armored formations hit the enemy from the south and southeast, catching the bulk of the enemy troops still trying to find defensive positions. This confusion on the part of the enemy allows our panzers to overrun the initial line of resistance and roll forward. The slight delay this first group caused seems to have allowed the enemy to establish a firmer line behind the first one. Our forces are still able to make excellent progress, but suffer light casualties from the resolute defenders.

French XXI Corps

The assault on Paris begins! Three armies (3rd, 8th, and 10th) are supported by two air units (Luftflotte II and IV Air Fleets) and begin the process of digging out the well-prepared defenders. In the early going, it is best to allow the artillery and air units to do most of the work, leaving the infantry free to move in after the defenders have been thoroughly pounded. The artillery does impressive work, leveling much of the city. The air units also do well, inflicting enemy casualties along with taking out several fortified blockhouses. Now that the enemy has been properly softened, the next assault should spell doom for the French.

Notes from Germany

-U-30 races north again to stay clear of the shipping lanes until after the French navy is neutralized.

-383 MPPs are available this turn.

-87 MPPs are spent reinforcing I Panzer Tank Group.

-45 MPPs are spent reinforcing 14th Army.

-250 MPPs are spent on Jet Aircraft research. Once France falls, the key to the success of Operation Sea Lion will be air supremecy.

Notes from Italy

-As the cruiser Fiume was moving toward the Spanish coast to cut off the fleeing French battleship Batagne, they were brought under fierce enemy naval fire. As it turns out, the crippled enemy ship had turned to face her pursuer and unleashed a terrible volley on the surprised Italian cruiser. Once the crew of the Fiume was able to regain its composure, it made short work of the doomed French vessel. Despite suffering significant loss of life, the Italians took the time to rescue 87 enemy sailors that survived the ordeal.

-125 MPPs are available this turn.

I upgraded to beta version 1.30.

June 23, 1940

-Germany collects 225 MPPs and Italy collects 129 MPPs.

-The remaining French units launch several spoiling attacks, but their complete lack of cohesion leads to numerous casualties on their side for the cost of very few losses for us.

-The garrison in Paris is reinforced with residents that decided to stay and fight instead of fleeing to a safer area.

June 30, 1940

Now that Paris is almost completely surrounded, we have several powerful units available, and the enemy has been pounded for several weeks, we should have no problems finally taking the enemy capital city.

French 5th Army

The severely weakened French 5th Army is the only thing standing between our units and the southern approaches to Paris. Since it is very likely they are in no condition to put up much of a fight, Luftflotte I Air Fleet has been assigned the task of convincing the enemy that the fight for them is over. It is fortunate our best air unit was sent because the remaining elements of the French air force was waiting for our attack and met our planes head on. After several tense encounters where the desperate enemy pilots were throwing caution to the wind, our edge in skill, experience, and technology won the day. The enemy was able to bring down several of our planes despite suffering moderate losses of their own. In the end, our units got through to their targets and eliminated or routed the remnants of the French 5th Army, opening the southern route to Paris.

French XXI Corps

The moment has finally come to avenge the humiliation of 1919! Our forces are poised to storm Paris and yet the enemy wishes to fight on. It is a shame such a grand city will be destroyed because the French leaders are too foolish to see the end has come. Well, no matter, it will all be the same in the end.

The weeks preceding the final coming assault have been filled with nearly continuous bombardment of the city by our artillery and air units, causing extensive damage. So, by the time the attack comes, there are few recognizable landmarks and the French have decided to take up positions in the rubble and fight it out. The defenders have been pounded for so long, their efforts, albeit heroic, should only slow our forces briefly. We are throwing three armies and an air fleet into the fray and the enemy is only defending with a corps.

Our initial attack comes from the north and northeast of the city. It is hoped that the enemy will send his reserves to the area, thereby weakening the southern approach. 3rd Army approaches from the north and only meets token resistance. It appears the enemy has fallen back to a perimeter closer to the center of the city, no doubt anticipating our plans. Our forces do find several strongholds, but have no problems neutralizing them with overwhelming firepower.

8th Army advances on 3rd Army’s left flank, moving into the city from the northeast. Their path to the city center is intersected by the enemy’s main defensive line. After being turned back in their first assault, 8th Army’s engineer troops are called forward to provide some extra punch. Their employment of flamethrowers and demolition charges proves very effective at driving a wedge into the enemy line. Again, casualties are well within acceptable limits. But, more importantly, the enemy is suffering significant losses and throwing their reserves into the action in an attempt to prevent our breakthrough.

Well, that is exactly what wanted and our trap is sprung! 14th Army, our most powerful unit available, has raced around to the southern end of the city and hit the thin line of enemy defenders with overwhelming force. For the better part of an afternoon, our troops are locked in mortal hand-to-hand combat with the desperate enemy defenders. Once this action subsides, the going is much easier because the exhausted enemy troops are reluctant to fight. In the areas where they do stand their ground, fighter-bombers from Luftflotte IV Air Fleet swing into action with devastating effects. On more than one occasion, entire buildings are reduced to nothing more than rubble and ashes with the enemy soldiers still refusing to surrender.

When it is over, the enemy corps is wiped out and the only recognizable landmark is the Eiffel Tower, piercing the smoke-filled sky. It is this image that is seen by the surviving enemy soldiers as they are led away to prisoner camps to the east. It’s a pity, really, but the bloody paper that was signed in Versailles, selling out the German people, had to be put right. Justice has been served.

1st French Air Force

It is very unlikely the enemy will choose to continue fighting, but we would like to be sure they have little to use if they do. With their remaining air force exposing its location in Bordeaux, we have the chance to eliminate a powerful unit with little risk. Our panzers will take the opportunity to gain valuable experience for the coming campaigns. All three panzer tank groups (XIX, I, and XVI) race at full speed across the plains of western France, hoping to catch the enemy planes on the ground. Their efforts are rewarded when they arrive at the air bases simultaneously, only minutes after the planes landed. The surprise is complete and they are all wiped out without us losing as much as a single tank!

Notes from Germany

-10th Army marches triumphantly into Paris after hostilities have ceased. This should be the end of the French involvement in the war. Now we can concentrate our efforts on Britain.

-226 MPPs are available this turn.

-54 MPPs are spent reinforcing Luftflotte IV Air Fleet.

-5 MPPs are spent reinforcing II Corps in Warsaw. Now that France is eliminated, the Soviets must be convinced not to attack before Britain can be conquered.

-16 MPPs are spent reinforcing U-47, stationed in Keil.

Notes from Italy

-The cruiser Fiume sails to Marseilles to undergo much-needed repairs.

-A screen of naval units maintains position to prevent a British incursion into the Adriatic Sea or southern Italy. Also, the sub Liuzzi patrols in range of Malta, hoping to lure British ships into a confrontation.

-254 MPPs are available this turn. The most pressing need is an HQ unit to lead the planned offensive aimed at capturing Alexandria.

July 7, 1940

-Germany collects 281 MPPs and Italy collects 115 MPPs.

-As expected, France surrendered. The day has come for our people to finally rejoice after suffering years of humiliation. As retribution, we have collected 875 MPPs as a down payment on an old debt. Also, the Vichy French government is established and new borders are drawn.

[ May 12, 2002, 10:06 PM: Message edited by: SuperTed ]

[Teutonicc]

Excellent Keep Them Coming!!!!

Teutonicc

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by Teutonicc:

Excellent Keep Them Coming!!!!

Teutonicc

Teutonicc,

Thanks. You make it sound so easy.

[StugIII]

Outstanding writing Ted. You've made my day at work a bit better. I have to admit that the simplicity of this game, which was at first concerning, is now becoming very attractive.

I know it's still early but I would appreciate your views so far on a couple of things:

1. How is the AI performing? You seem to be rolling right along but I guess that's historically accurate.

2. How much replay value do you see so far and what aspects of the game are/could be randomized to increase the replay incentive?

Again, great job and thanks for taking the time to write these AAR's. I'm looking even more forward to this.

[GWDWD]

Wow, great AAR, Ted! The length and detail certainly explains why I've been impatiently waiting so long. (Ingrate that I am...)

Some of the enemy were even wielding pitchforks, no doubt taken from local farmers.

What?? If pitchforks are modeled, I don’t see why butcher’s cleavers and really pointy corkscrews aren’t. It is France, after all...

Dem-O! Dem-O! Dem-O!

Guy

[BloodyBucket]

Why engage the French fleet? Doesn't it go neutral when France surrenders?

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by StugIII:

Outstanding writing Ted. You've made my day at work a bit better. I have to admit that the simplicity of this game, which was at first concerning, is now becoming very attractive.

I know it's still early but I would appreciate your views so far on a couple of things:

1. How is the AI performing? You seem to be rolling right along but I guess that's historically accurate.

2. How much replay value do you see so far and what aspects of the game are/could be randomized to increase the replay incentive?

Again, great job and thanks for taking the time to write these AAR's. I'm looking even more forward to this.

Really Cheap but Effective SP Gun,

Happy to help.

I am playing on the third of five difficulty settings, so I am sure things would be a lot tougher on the upper two. Also, the AI can be given an experience bonus, making things even tougher. Having said that, the AI is actually doing a pretty good job. A fine example of that would be the defense of Paris, which forced me to waste two more turns than I wanted to use in France.

For a complete list of the options, go to the "War Is Declared" thread. I posted a screenshot that shows what options I am using.

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by BloodyBucket:

Why engage the French fleet? Doesn't it go neutral when France surrenders?

BB,

That was a brain fart. :eek: I was hoping to set up an ambush to give the Italian navy some experience. I paid for it, though.

[Straha]

I love this AAR!

We saw the AI in action for the first time, and it put up a credible defense. E.g. falling back from the Maginot line after being bypassed was a good idea, and also the French battleship in the channel.

You seemed to have been somewhat late with drawing your HQs nearer to the front.

One question:

The subs reduced the MPPs, but one of it was reported sunk. Did this happen "automatically"? If yes, then this feature is probably not a good idea for two reasons:

a) It´s a bad tradeoff (8MPPs vs 1 Sub)

there should be only one way of combat: unit vs. unit. So to counter the threat of subs, the Allied player really should be forced to commit destroyers to the problem.

Anyway: thanks again, Superted, you make the wait for SC much more enjoyable for us!

Straha

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by Straha:

I love this AAR!

We saw the AI in action for the first time, and it put up a credible defense. E.g. falling back from the Maginot line after being bypassed was a good idea, and also the French battleship in the channel.

You seemed to have been somewhat late with drawing your HQs nearer to the front.

One question:

The subs reduced the MPPs, but one of it was reported sunk. Did this happen "automatically"? If yes, then this feature is probably not a good idea for two reasons:

a) It´s a bad tradeoff (8MPPs vs 1 Sub)

there should be only one way of combat: unit vs. unit. So to counter the threat of subs, the Allied player really should be forced to commit destroyers to the problem.

Anyway: thanks again, Superted, you make the wait for SC much more enjoyable for us!

Straha

Straha,

Now I hope you (and everybody else) understands why it takes me so long to get these things done. :cool:

Yup, I was being a little too cautious with my HQs, but I wanted to be sure things didn't get too crowded. The corridor I was using for the advance was only three-hexes wide and I wanted to push my infantry and armor forward.

The sub was destroyed by surface ships. I should have been more specific.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. I am trying to make it interesting, but the only way to do the game justice is to play it.

[BloodyBucket]

I played Clash of Steel! tonight with every option set the Allies way...The Poles took Berlin in June of 1940, but the Germans only surrender when another major power occupies Berlin, so it took another turn to replace the Polish garrison with a French one.

Difficulty settings that make things that easy should be avoided. I would rather the scale tend more toward the "more challenging" end, as games get easier the more you play them.

[Straha]

Originally posted by BloodyBucket:

I played Clash of Steel! tonight with every option set the Allies way...The Poles took Berlin in June of 1940, but the Germans only surrender when another major power occupies Berlin, so it took another turn to replace the Polish garrison with a French one.

Difficulty settings that make things that easy should be avoided. I would rather the scale tend more toward the "more challenging" end, as games get easier the more you play them.

But, BB, the intention of the designer in adding these options (especially IMPROVE ALLIED UNITS) was to make the game more difficult in case you play the GERMANS!

Straha

[BloodyBucket]

Why would I want to play the Germans?

Point taken, but there is no corresponding setting for the opposite side. Just hoping that if SuperTed has only two difficulty settings left to go in his AAR, that there is a signifigant increase in difficulty for each.

When France fell so quickly, it was a shock to the world. With hindsight, we understand why that happened, but in a game like SC, it would be disapointing if you could count on conquering France quickly every game. IMHO, competent play by the Germans against the AI should result in France falling around the historical date most of the time, but not every time. As the French against the German AI, you should know that you are doomed, but you should have a shot at upsetting the timetable of the Germans. The default difficulty should tend towards these results, and if you have to crank up the difficulty all the way to get there, then the median should be reset.

Of course, SuperTed might be a strategic genius, or simply have gotten good luck in his attack on France. I'm just hoping that the AI is capable of giving the opposition a headache at the default level of difficulty.

[Straha]

BB, didn´t you notice that SuperTed needed full three month for the conquest of Benelux and France?

(... sorry, SuperTed, not doubting your military genius, but I have to defend the difficulty setting here... )

And how long did the Germans need in reality? 9.5-25.6, but this was the "official" armistice,

the real fighting ended a week before that

I´d say that "case yellow" as displayed by the AAR was adequately difficult, especially in comparison to "case white". And remember that the "real thing" is still to come yet! It would make not much sense if the early German successes would be made too hard to achieve for them, for then the AI would probably not be able at all to put up a good fight in case you control the Allies as player yourself.

With respect to design, I think the German AI should generally be able to reach the state of balance with the Allies which is achieved with the near success of Barbarossa. From this time, until the end of the Summer 42, Germany had a chance to break the balance and win. If we don´t let the AI come that far, we will have no fun playing against it (I myself play the Allies most often, that´s why I so relentlessly campaign for separating Russia and the Allies btw.)

Straha

And the whole

[ May 12, 2002, 03:34 AM: Message edited by: Straha ]

[Straha]

Back to COS: if you want to make play somewhat more difficult for the Allies (without making the computer cheat on probabilities), then you have to choose the settings WAR IN SIBERIA and AXIS LIBERATION POLITICS, while not choosing RUSSIAN PARTISANS.

Straha

[Hubert Cater]

Just to clarify the difficulty settings chosen by SuperTed in this game and perhaps some of the concerns. He stated that he was playing the third of five settings, which means he was actually playing the default setting. The two new settings that were added were two sub settings, i.e.

Green - 100%

Novice - 50%

Beginner - 0% (default)

Intermediate +50%

Expert + 100%

Edit: Adding a computer experience bonus to AI units will also make a big difference, and would be the equivalent somewhat for the COS 'Improve Allied Units', but in this case can be done to increase the experience bonus for either the Axis or the Allied controlled AI side, depending upon which side you choose to play of course. Other options that can be used to affect game play and balancing are the 'Partisan' options for Yugoslavia and the USSR, 'Free French Forces', 'Scorched Earth', and the 'War in Siberia' option.

Hope that helps,

Hubert

[ May 12, 2002, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: Hubert Cater ]

[BloodyBucket]

Ahhh, so he was at the middle setting. Sehr gut!

Looks like there is plenty of room to play with on both sides.

[Mr. Clark]

Great AAR SuperTed! I truly understand why it takes you a while to get these puppies out now.

Man, I can't wait to get this game!

[waynef]

Wow, Great job on the AAR! Very well written and very informative. Thank you.

A request:

Is it possible to see a screen shot of combat being determined? :confused:

If I want to assualt 3 armies on 1 army, is the combat handle 1 at a time or are all 3 units forces combined vs the single target?

Thanks again.

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by waynef:

Wow, Great job on the AAR! Very well written and very informative. Thank you.

A request:

Is it possible to see a screen shot of combat being determined? :confused:

If I want to assualt 3 armies on 1 army, is the combat handle 1 at a time or are all 3 units forces combined vs the single target?

Thanks again.

Wayne,

There is really nothing to see for the combat. If a unit takes damage, a little explosion occurs and the unit's strength is reduced. The pitchforks were my idea.

Combat is always 1-on-1.

[Ancient One]

Very interesting SuperTed.

I like how the AI defended France for 3 months, but couldn't a human drag it out for much longer. What if the French put an army in Paris instead of a corps?

It would be great if you could show the war map at the end of every installment, so we can get a better idea of how things ended up.

[Wolfe]

Great AAR, Ted! Well written. You put a lot of work into it, and it shows. One question, though. About half-way through you have the same pic linked twice (French 5th Army). But below the 2nd pic it reads:

With the addition of Italy comes two armies in the north of the country. The French are likely pouring everything they have into defending Paris and it is unlikely they will have much in the south. So, the Italian force should be able to apply pressure to Marseilles and its port. 4th Italian Army moves to the Mediterranean coast, hoping to catch the French battleship Batagne by surprise. They are able to move their guns into position in the hills overlooking the port and launch a devastating barrage. At the same time, 1st Italian Army quickly captures Marseilles and launches its own attack, nearly sinking the helpless enemy ship.

Is this supposed to refer to a different pic (Italians on the Med coast)?

BTW, are you able to show the army group/corps designation on the unit icons? Or does it only show strength? Thanks.

- Chris

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by Ancient One:

Very interesting SuperTed.

I like how the AI defended France for 3 months, but couldn't a human drag it out for much longer. What if the French put an army in Paris instead of a corps?

It would be great if you could show the war map at the end of every installment, so we can get a better idea of how things ended up.

AO,

Thanks,

Yup, a human would likely have done better, especially with an army instead of a corps. However, moving an army to Paris may result in that unit not achieving full entrenchment.

I have been adding the war map at the beginning of each campaign, which should achieve the same effect but with the added bonus if having the units ready to roll.

[SuperTed]

Originally posted by Wolfe:

Great AAR, Ted! Well written. You put a lot of work into it, and it shows. One question, though. About half-way through you have the same pic linked twice (French 5th Army). But below the 2nd pic it reads:

With the addition of Italy comes two armies in the north of the country. The French are likely pouring everything they have into defending Paris and it is unlikely they will have much in the south. So, the Italian force should be able to apply pressure to Marseilles and its port. 4th Italian Army moves to the Mediterranean coast, hoping to catch the French battleship Batagne by surprise. They are able to move their guns into position in the hills overlooking the port and launch a devastating barrage. At the same time, 1st Italian Army quickly captures Marseilles and launches its own attack, nearly sinking the helpless enemy ship.

Is this supposed to refer to a different pic (Italians on the Med coast)?

BTW, are you able to show the army group/corps designation on the unit icons? Or does it only show strength? Thanks.

- Chris

Chris,

Whoops! It shows the Italian attack on the French battleship Batagne. Thanks.

The units only show the strength.

[Ancient One]

The USSR hasn't taken the Baltic states yet, I wonder why that is. Historically they were annexed in late 1939, why doesn't this happen in the game? Is there any compelling gameplay reason why this event needs to be delayed for a year?

Also, are there any border changes involving Finland?