DLC 42 #08 Ilovlya
Moderators: Slitherine Core, The Lordz, Panzer Corps Moderators, Panzer Corps Design
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El_Condoro
- Panzer Corps Moderator
- Posts: 2119
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:32 am
DLC 42 #08 Ilovlya
Ilovlya
Ilovlya. General difficulty.
No upgrades, only reinforcements.
If i waited for THE scenario, here it is. It is a full packed action scenario, no question about it. Here you taste the strength of the Red Army. You want planes, tanks? You get them here, and more than expected.
No objectives are just given away, you have to fight for them, use your skill and potential of your army to the fullest. The other objective to investigate B sector yields more surprises, especially if you are unprepared as i was. I lost two units there, a T34 and a StuGIIIB. The T34/40ies in my possession are just obsolete. The newer versions are a little nightmare for my tanks and a piece you shall have on this battlefield. I also had a sneek peek at the outskirts of Stalingrad, i fear the worst...
I think the devs were using a magic wand to create this beauty. I was just sitting at the tip of my chair from round 1 till the end. It is just brilliant this one. It is a good test to find out if your army is balanced enough. The AT units are performing better than i expected and even i have only 2, they are a nice addition.
I got the DV in 16/20 and 5378PP
After next scenario i will post a casualty list... enemy infantry is close to 1000.
No upgrades, only reinforcements.
If i waited for THE scenario, here it is. It is a full packed action scenario, no question about it. Here you taste the strength of the Red Army. You want planes, tanks? You get them here, and more than expected.
No objectives are just given away, you have to fight for them, use your skill and potential of your army to the fullest. The other objective to investigate B sector yields more surprises, especially if you are unprepared as i was. I lost two units there, a T34 and a StuGIIIB. The T34/40ies in my possession are just obsolete. The newer versions are a little nightmare for my tanks and a piece you shall have on this battlefield. I also had a sneek peek at the outskirts of Stalingrad, i fear the worst...
I think the devs were using a magic wand to create this beauty. I was just sitting at the tip of my chair from round 1 till the end. It is just brilliant this one. It is a good test to find out if your army is balanced enough. The AT units are performing better than i expected and even i have only 2, they are a nice addition.
I got the DV in 16/20 and 5378PP
After next scenario i will post a casualty list... enemy infantry is close to 1000.
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monkspider
- Lieutenant Colonel - Panther D
- Posts: 1254
- Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:22 am
Ilovlya. General difficulty.
Starting prestige 10200
After upgrades 8751
Ending prestige 8100
No losses
DV turn 12/20
After a couple easy-peasy scenarios, this one saw a definite jump in difficulty. I would say my casualties in this one were easily double that of the last couple scenarios combined. We saw the debut of the T-34/43, and an impressive debut it was! My Panzer IV Gs were running roughshod over Soviet armor but these new T-34s seem to be a respectable match. Although my casualties were heavy, no units were lost, though a recon unit and some artillery came close. You will be impressed to know that my little recon buggy from the first scenario is still alive and kicking!
Very fun and exciting scenario, and I loved the writing on this one. I enjoyed the reference to an unknown "something" building up. A lovely bit of foreshadowing. Oh, and I got a KV-1C at one point, I think it was a reward for clearing out sector B.
Starting prestige 10200
After upgrades 8751
Ending prestige 8100
No losses
DV turn 12/20
After a couple easy-peasy scenarios, this one saw a definite jump in difficulty. I would say my casualties in this one were easily double that of the last couple scenarios combined. We saw the debut of the T-34/43, and an impressive debut it was! My Panzer IV Gs were running roughshod over Soviet armor but these new T-34s seem to be a respectable match. Although my casualties were heavy, no units were lost, though a recon unit and some artillery came close. You will be impressed to know that my little recon buggy from the first scenario is still alive and kicking!
Very fun and exciting scenario, and I loved the writing on this one. I enjoyed the reference to an unknown "something" building up. A lovely bit of foreshadowing. Oh, and I got a KV-1C at one point, I think it was a reward for clearing out sector B.
Ilovlya first impressions:
Things I like: SMG Infantry, T-34/43 and the 85mm ATG that just shot my StuG IIIF from 10 to 3!
Turn 4 or so, more detailed report later have to do some Christmas related stuff.
Ilovlya
Start PP: 5242
End PP: 1099
Losses: -
Acquired: KV-1C (shows up in the next scenario - a popup or notification for such things would be nice)
Wow! Well the previous testers already described it.
I really liked this armored counter-offensive, backed up by AA and Infantry and really strong airpower.
While I did not lose units in this scenario, I had losses. Especially getting 14 STR Ju87D shot down to 8 or even 3 isn't particularly funny!
I even had to retreat out of I. as so many enemy Infantry and strong T-34/43 and KV tanks attacked.
I really like this map as it is. The KV-1C is a nice extra!
The map was already over after 10 turns, after that it was 3 StuG IIIF doing target practice on a river boat. You may add this to the list of German Eastern Front atrocities during WW2.
What map should I play next? Stalingrad Advance or Buzinovska (sp?) Depot?
Regardless what I do, the Matilda will get disbanded, and several T-34/41 as well. I can make good use of the Prestige.
Things I like: SMG Infantry, T-34/43 and the 85mm ATG that just shot my StuG IIIF from 10 to 3!
Turn 4 or so, more detailed report later have to do some Christmas related stuff.
Ilovlya
Start PP: 5242
End PP: 1099
Losses: -
Acquired: KV-1C (shows up in the next scenario - a popup or notification for such things would be nice)
Wow! Well the previous testers already described it.
I really liked this armored counter-offensive, backed up by AA and Infantry and really strong airpower.
While I did not lose units in this scenario, I had losses. Especially getting 14 STR Ju87D shot down to 8 or even 3 isn't particularly funny!
I even had to retreat out of I. as so many enemy Infantry and strong T-34/43 and KV tanks attacked.
I really like this map as it is. The KV-1C is a nice extra!
The map was already over after 10 turns, after that it was 3 StuG IIIF doing target practice on a river boat. You may add this to the list of German Eastern Front atrocities during WW2.
What map should I play next? Stalingrad Advance or Buzinovska (sp?) Depot?
Regardless what I do, the Matilda will get disbanded, and several T-34/41 as well. I can make good use of the Prestige.
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monkspider
- Lieutenant Colonel - Panther D
- Posts: 1254
- Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:22 am
Thank you!
I already started Buzinovka Depot (only a few turns) and just had an interesting Fight, Messerschmitt Bf 110 vs Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (eh, that's now Curtiss instead of Curtis?). I wonder if an http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airacobra will show up as well, it was probably the most appreciated fighter of the Lend-Lease agreement. I just read that about 2/3 of the Soviet trucks were of American origin. Thankfully the trucks, not the tanks, hehe.
I already started Buzinovka Depot (only a few turns) and just had an interesting Fight, Messerschmitt Bf 110 vs Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (eh, that's now Curtiss instead of Curtis?). I wonder if an http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airacobra will show up as well, it was probably the most appreciated fighter of the Lend-Lease agreement. I just read that about 2/3 of the Soviet trucks were of American origin. Thankfully the trucks, not the tanks, hehe.
Illovyla:
After what were two “brain-dead” scenarios, finally we have a real fight! The AI was actually given significant forces for this scenario. The first little T-34/43 counterattack up in the northeast was nice, a chance to face some real Russian tanks, although my veteran PzIVG were still massively favored 1-4.
I had split my force up into two groups, with a smaller force headed towards sector B. The resistance initially seemed weak, but I was delighted when the AI counterattacked with 5 T-34/43, in addition to the massive attack near Ilolyva itself. There were also swarms of infantry to back up the T34s, which makes the tanks much more dangerous. I was actually hard-pressed to deal with all fronts simultaneously, making for an exciting battle. This is what I felt the previous two scenarios should have been. Still, the 14 strength StuG IIIB provided such overwhelming cover fire and my units were still vastly superior to the Russians, so victory was easy. Perhaps on Manstein I might lose an additional unit or two, but DV is clearly still trivial. I don’t know whether these scenarios are actually meant to be challenging or not, because at this point, I still think surviving all 19 turns of Vitebsk is harder! It is clear that the designers CAN make hard scenarios, but there seems to be a tendency to shy away from truly challenging the player. Perhaps the developers got cold feet after Spoils of War?
I received a range 2 StuG IIIB, which is freaking awesome. This is such a fantastic unit, I cannot possibly praise it enough.
I lost one of my captured T-34/41 here, an excellent job by the AI. Still, I could've stood to lose more units. Maybe overstrength the Russian tanks.
DV 14/20.
After what were two “brain-dead” scenarios, finally we have a real fight! The AI was actually given significant forces for this scenario. The first little T-34/43 counterattack up in the northeast was nice, a chance to face some real Russian tanks, although my veteran PzIVG were still massively favored 1-4.
I had split my force up into two groups, with a smaller force headed towards sector B. The resistance initially seemed weak, but I was delighted when the AI counterattacked with 5 T-34/43, in addition to the massive attack near Ilolyva itself. There were also swarms of infantry to back up the T34s, which makes the tanks much more dangerous. I was actually hard-pressed to deal with all fronts simultaneously, making for an exciting battle. This is what I felt the previous two scenarios should have been. Still, the 14 strength StuG IIIB provided such overwhelming cover fire and my units were still vastly superior to the Russians, so victory was easy. Perhaps on Manstein I might lose an additional unit or two, but DV is clearly still trivial. I don’t know whether these scenarios are actually meant to be challenging or not, because at this point, I still think surviving all 19 turns of Vitebsk is harder! It is clear that the designers CAN make hard scenarios, but there seems to be a tendency to shy away from truly challenging the player. Perhaps the developers got cold feet after Spoils of War?
I received a range 2 StuG IIIB, which is freaking awesome. This is such a fantastic unit, I cannot possibly praise it enough.
I lost one of my captured T-34/41 here, an excellent job by the AI. Still, I could've stood to lose more units. Maybe overstrength the Russian tanks.
DV 14/20.
DV Turn 14
Playability- Excellent! No Bugs/issues
Loved the T34/43 as they are almost an even match at 12/15 (Hard Attack/Defense) to the PanzerIVG at 13/14 a good balance. The attack group NE of Solodcha had a T-90 SPAA that didn't rush my Panzers this time to die (not sure if this was programming or circumstance but it worked well).
I did lose a nice 14 Str Panzer IVG at Sector "B" which was unexpected but very challenging. Also loved the U.S. M-3 attacking to save it's Lend-Lease Convoy trains of M3's. The T34/43's with SMG Infantry and Katyyusha here were a good counter-attack addition around turn 6+ or so.
One text note was the train description read as "Lend Lease Convov" Train but that may be the font used. A lot of the "Y"'s seem to get cut-off.
Great Scenario!
Playability- Excellent! No Bugs/issues
Loved the T34/43 as they are almost an even match at 12/15 (Hard Attack/Defense) to the PanzerIVG at 13/14 a good balance. The attack group NE of Solodcha had a T-90 SPAA that didn't rush my Panzers this time to die (not sure if this was programming or circumstance but it worked well).
I did lose a nice 14 Str Panzer IVG at Sector "B" which was unexpected but very challenging. Also loved the U.S. M-3 attacking to save it's Lend-Lease Convoy trains of M3's. The T34/43's with SMG Infantry and Katyyusha here were a good counter-attack addition around turn 6+ or so.
One text note was the train description read as "Lend Lease Convov" Train but that may be the font used. A lot of the "Y"'s seem to get cut-off.
Great Scenario!
Reading all of the feedback for this scenario:
Sounds like there are no serious issues with it, and that people are enjoying it. This scenario ramps up the difficulty as a preview of things ahead. The fairly easy won historical victories that marked the beginning of Operation Fall Blau are at an end, starting with this scenario.
Based on feedback, the points here that need addressing are:
None.
If there's anything else important you feel I missed, let us know!
Sounds like there are no serious issues with it, and that people are enjoying it. This scenario ramps up the difficulty as a preview of things ahead. The fairly easy won historical victories that marked the beginning of Operation Fall Blau are at an end, starting with this scenario.
Based on feedback, the points here that need addressing are:
None.
If there's anything else important you feel I missed, let us know!
Prestige after reinforcement 22,408 (Colonel)
DV 15/20
T34/43s made an appearance and could challenge PzIVs one on one finally.
The strength force defending the 'B' was a bit of a shock as my forces had become a bit strung out by the time my first units reached them. I was lucky not lto loose any units and barely managed to limp away a couple of shot up panzers. The lend lease equipment made a nice change from the soviet units.
I took the SE stalingrad hexes in the search for captured units, found none but instead saw a new KV-1C in the SW of the map at the end of the scenario, which was a nice bonus.
DV 15/20
T34/43s made an appearance and could challenge PzIVs one on one finally.
The strength force defending the 'B' was a bit of a shock as my forces had become a bit strung out by the time my first units reached them. I was lucky not lto loose any units and barely managed to limp away a couple of shot up panzers. The lend lease equipment made a nice change from the soviet units.
I took the SE stalingrad hexes in the search for captured units, found none but instead saw a new KV-1C in the SW of the map at the end of the scenario, which was a nice bonus.
My comments echo what has already been said...certainly a challenge at times. My biggest mistake in this scenario was using only a weak force to sweep down the banks of Don towards the most distant sector objectives. Ended up scrambling to bring armour reinforcements into the fray to stop the Soviet counterattack. After I took care of this crisis, the rest of the Red Army counters were dealt with in a far more orderly fashion. One can definitely sense the ramp up in intensity moving towards Stalin's city. Well done!
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monkspider
- Lieutenant Colonel - Panther D
- Posts: 1254
- Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:22 am
starting 2900
After upgrades 482
Ending prestige 12
losses 6 units
2 panzer IIIs, 1 Wehrmacht infantry, 1 artillery, 1STuG IIIB, 1 T34
Disaster! After being on the edge, prestige-wise for some time, my core finally met it's.., well, Stalingrad. I really wanted to go to the Buzinova Depot level so I made the fateful decision to split up my forces, and what followed was a series of strategic mistakes that led to half my core being nearly overrun.
My plan was to deploy about 40% of my troops to deal with sector B and then the rest to capture the victory hexes. Things starting getting rocky when I left three units to deal with the infantry on the Eastern edge of the mao, the T-34/43 counterattack showed up and cut off one of my Panzer IVs. I had to wheel the majority of my armored forces back north to deal with this. I managed to extricate the trapped Panzer IV from danger, but my troubles were just beginning. I made the fateful decision of leaving only a small armored force to help deal with the capture of Illyova, two Panzer IIIs. The rest were sent north. I expected my infantry to be able to clear out the city easily. Then I was hit with another huge counter-attack from the south that had cut off my troops, and the rest of my armor was too far north dealing with the T-34/43s to be able to provide immediate relief.
What followed was an AI that ruthlessly exploited it's advantage, encircling units, and destroying artillery. My troops were in a complete rout for a while. I managed to finally form a defensive line that started to stem the tide but not before absolutely disastrous losses. Six whole units were lost, others escaped by the skin of their teeth with 3 or less strengh. I managed a marginal victory by capturing the minimal objectives necessary but I don't think I will have the core strength or prestige reserves to tackle Storming Stalingrad.
It was an interesting experience, but I do think that this clearly illuminates the weakness of the starting core. It simply needs more units, more experienced units, and more prestige to a feasible force.
After upgrades 482
Ending prestige 12
losses 6 units
2 panzer IIIs, 1 Wehrmacht infantry, 1 artillery, 1STuG IIIB, 1 T34
Disaster! After being on the edge, prestige-wise for some time, my core finally met it's.., well, Stalingrad. I really wanted to go to the Buzinova Depot level so I made the fateful decision to split up my forces, and what followed was a series of strategic mistakes that led to half my core being nearly overrun.
My plan was to deploy about 40% of my troops to deal with sector B and then the rest to capture the victory hexes. Things starting getting rocky when I left three units to deal with the infantry on the Eastern edge of the mao, the T-34/43 counterattack showed up and cut off one of my Panzer IVs. I had to wheel the majority of my armored forces back north to deal with this. I managed to extricate the trapped Panzer IV from danger, but my troubles were just beginning. I made the fateful decision of leaving only a small armored force to help deal with the capture of Illyova, two Panzer IIIs. The rest were sent north. I expected my infantry to be able to clear out the city easily. Then I was hit with another huge counter-attack from the south that had cut off my troops, and the rest of my armor was too far north dealing with the T-34/43s to be able to provide immediate relief.
What followed was an AI that ruthlessly exploited it's advantage, encircling units, and destroying artillery. My troops were in a complete rout for a while. I managed to finally form a defensive line that started to stem the tide but not before absolutely disastrous losses. Six whole units were lost, others escaped by the skin of their teeth with 3 or less strengh. I managed a marginal victory by capturing the minimal objectives necessary but I don't think I will have the core strength or prestige reserves to tackle Storming Stalingrad.
It was an interesting experience, but I do think that this clearly illuminates the weakness of the starting core. It simply needs more units, more experienced units, and more prestige to a feasible force.
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OmegaMan1
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 901
- Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:42 am
- Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Ilovlya. DV in 20 turns.
Start prestige: 368. End prestige: 116.
New units purchased: Bruckpioniere, recon (at deployment).
Units lost: Core – two recons, pioniere, cavalry, BF110.
Medals: 5. Heroes: 3.
After two relatively quiet scenarios, Ilovlya was a decided change of pace – for the first time in the 1942 DLC, I had to start a scenario over from the beginning! This is a very tough fight, and it’s easy to get this scenario “wrong” early on if you don’t make some wise choices. On my first attempt at this scenario, I decided to split my forces into two groups: one in the east to drive down to Ilovlya, and another force in the west to cross the Don and see what’s going on down in the mysterious zone “B.” (BTW, I love the “B” symbol on the hexes necessary for capture; PLEASE do this in all scenarios that have special hexes, it is very clear and leaves no doubts about where you’re supposed to go!) Well, that was a mistake; my force in the east got hammered by a SMG-based counterattack in the northeast, while the killer “Bs” overwhelmed my forces in that sector.
With my losses mounting, I decided to restart the scenario and focus on taking out one objective at time. In this second attempt, I sent the bulk of my forces to the east, first to take on the SMG group and then move on down toward Ilovlya. I took my first objective, Kondrashi, on turn 3, and was quickly hit by the SMG units and the accompanying T-34/43s (which are much harder to kill than the average Russian armored unit). While dealing with that threat, I sent a small force over the Don to Kremenskaya and Kletski, and kept those forces close to the south bank of the river. I had to wait through two rainy turns (7 and 8 ), which did slow my advance down; however, it gave me time to refit my forces to deal with the Russian attack in the northeast, which I finished off by turn 9.
From there, I took Ivanovka and Medvedev by turn 11, and then was hit with a large armored counterattack south of Medvedev. I was able to overcome this, and cleared out Ilovlya on turn 12. With that goal accomplished, I swung my forces over the Don and hit the “B” rail line starting from the easternmost hex and moving west. Again, this was tough going thanks to a generous helping of T-34/43s, but I managed to combine air attacks and tank assaults to clear out the last trains by turn 20, achieving a decisive victory. (Before I go any further, let me say one thing: the scenario’s instructions need to be more clear that each “B” hex needs to be empty of ANY Russian unit at the end of the mission. I had eliminated all of the trains by turn 20, but left one of the “B” hexes open, whereupon a Russian infantry occupied one and caused me to have a marginal victory! Thankfully, I thought about what happened and replayed the last turn, making sure to occupy ALL of the “B” hexes so as to insure my decisive victory.)
In summary? This scenario ROCKED! It might very well have been the most challenging for me since the Albert Canal scenario back in the ’40 DLC. (In fact, I spent 3 hours straight trying to get this mission done; I wasn’t finished until 5:30am this morning.) It is a great challenge, and a great strategic puzzle. I can honestly say this mission “recharged” my desire to get the ’42 campaign under way. I love the “mystery” of the B zones, and think that was a great device to lure players into heading down that way, just to see what’s going on. In short, this scenario is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As I did with Sevastopol, I will play out both options for my next mission, and I’ll follow whichever one results in a better victory.
Start prestige: 368. End prestige: 116.
New units purchased: Bruckpioniere, recon (at deployment).
Units lost: Core – two recons, pioniere, cavalry, BF110.
Medals: 5. Heroes: 3.
After two relatively quiet scenarios, Ilovlya was a decided change of pace – for the first time in the 1942 DLC, I had to start a scenario over from the beginning! This is a very tough fight, and it’s easy to get this scenario “wrong” early on if you don’t make some wise choices. On my first attempt at this scenario, I decided to split my forces into two groups: one in the east to drive down to Ilovlya, and another force in the west to cross the Don and see what’s going on down in the mysterious zone “B.” (BTW, I love the “B” symbol on the hexes necessary for capture; PLEASE do this in all scenarios that have special hexes, it is very clear and leaves no doubts about where you’re supposed to go!) Well, that was a mistake; my force in the east got hammered by a SMG-based counterattack in the northeast, while the killer “Bs” overwhelmed my forces in that sector.
With my losses mounting, I decided to restart the scenario and focus on taking out one objective at time. In this second attempt, I sent the bulk of my forces to the east, first to take on the SMG group and then move on down toward Ilovlya. I took my first objective, Kondrashi, on turn 3, and was quickly hit by the SMG units and the accompanying T-34/43s (which are much harder to kill than the average Russian armored unit). While dealing with that threat, I sent a small force over the Don to Kremenskaya and Kletski, and kept those forces close to the south bank of the river. I had to wait through two rainy turns (7 and 8 ), which did slow my advance down; however, it gave me time to refit my forces to deal with the Russian attack in the northeast, which I finished off by turn 9.
From there, I took Ivanovka and Medvedev by turn 11, and then was hit with a large armored counterattack south of Medvedev. I was able to overcome this, and cleared out Ilovlya on turn 12. With that goal accomplished, I swung my forces over the Don and hit the “B” rail line starting from the easternmost hex and moving west. Again, this was tough going thanks to a generous helping of T-34/43s, but I managed to combine air attacks and tank assaults to clear out the last trains by turn 20, achieving a decisive victory. (Before I go any further, let me say one thing: the scenario’s instructions need to be more clear that each “B” hex needs to be empty of ANY Russian unit at the end of the mission. I had eliminated all of the trains by turn 20, but left one of the “B” hexes open, whereupon a Russian infantry occupied one and caused me to have a marginal victory! Thankfully, I thought about what happened and replayed the last turn, making sure to occupy ALL of the “B” hexes so as to insure my decisive victory.)
In summary? This scenario ROCKED! It might very well have been the most challenging for me since the Albert Canal scenario back in the ’40 DLC. (In fact, I spent 3 hours straight trying to get this mission done; I wasn’t finished until 5:30am this morning.) It is a great challenge, and a great strategic puzzle. I can honestly say this mission “recharged” my desire to get the ’42 campaign under way. I love the “mystery” of the B zones, and think that was a great device to lure players into heading down that way, just to see what’s going on. In short, this scenario is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As I did with Sevastopol, I will play out both options for my next mission, and I’ll follow whichever one results in a better victory.
Ilovlya
Level: FM
Starting/ending prestige: 13514 / 10415
Uprades:
Purchase: Pioniere /w SdKfz 250/1
Reinforcement core/aux: Elite/Normal
Result; after n-turn: DV; 14/20
Losses core/aux: 0/0
BAR:
Splitting my army in two forces, the main is designated to operate east of the Don river, the smaller part I assigned to take care of plan "B"
AAR:
Advancing quickly with my main force east of the Don, I received a warning from my recons that there was a potentially dangerous accumulation of T34/43 ready to strike in the back of my army. But they simply were doomed to failure as the my battle-hardened panzers just smashed them. They were completely taken out of the game without doing much harm.
Meanwhile, the other battlegroup took some beating after swiftly taking the cities on the west side of the River. I almost lost a beloved Wurfrahmen due to some heavy panzer attacks.
The battle for Ivanovka/Illovlya was quite more intense and more challenging than every battle else within the DLC's series. One can handle it easy by accounting for terrain, strategy and artillery protected units.
Samofalovka: Engineers moved out of entrenchment
This is a great map. Fantastic design, quite challenging. I love it
Level: FM
Starting/ending prestige: 13514 / 10415
Uprades:
Purchase: Pioniere /w SdKfz 250/1
Reinforcement core/aux: Elite/Normal
Result; after n-turn: DV; 14/20
Losses core/aux: 0/0
BAR:
Splitting my army in two forces, the main is designated to operate east of the Don river, the smaller part I assigned to take care of plan "B"
AAR:
Advancing quickly with my main force east of the Don, I received a warning from my recons that there was a potentially dangerous accumulation of T34/43 ready to strike in the back of my army. But they simply were doomed to failure as the my battle-hardened panzers just smashed them. They were completely taken out of the game without doing much harm.
Meanwhile, the other battlegroup took some beating after swiftly taking the cities on the west side of the River. I almost lost a beloved Wurfrahmen due to some heavy panzer attacks.
The battle for Ivanovka/Illovlya was quite more intense and more challenging than every battle else within the DLC's series. One can handle it easy by accounting for terrain, strategy and artillery protected units.
Samofalovka: Engineers moved out of entrenchment
This is a great map. Fantastic design, quite challenging. I love it
Fginfo feedback
Nice scenario with many things that could go wrong. Forced to play a bit defensive, but still managed a DV by drawing out the forces in the B zones instead of charging them... Overall a nice challenge.
FGinfo
Second time through on the new build...worked out ok though the AI killed my recon unit when it was just gaining experience. It also took out a para unit that was also starting to come into its own. This time, the Russian units in the NE actually moved (I didn't blunder into them right off the bat this time) and created a few headaches.
Again, well balanced scenario.
Again, well balanced scenario.