Awful online introduction - is it just me?

[jarg1]

So I finally bit the bullet and signed on to a few online games. First, in every case my opponent was playing the Germans. And in every case I ended up feeling like I was wasting my time. Now I do not have any expectations that I will start out winning since my only experience is against the AI, which I know is not great, But even when I correctly guessed my opponents strategy, or managed to get a superior position, once the German armor rolled in I was faced with an consistently depressing result. Multiple armor units placed to cover bottlenecks were useless, since my shots just bounced off the German tanks before they returned fire and got kills. My infantry held its own, but the disparate armor quality really left me feeling like I had no chance. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[LandMarine47]

What kind of tactics are you using against the Germans? In most scenarios yes the Germans do have superior tanks but in turn the Allies have some form of artillery. To beat these beasts you either have to A-Pound them into suppression with artillery and capture them when their morale is close to 0 or B-use Infantry and Tanks to set up some very elaborate ambushes. Never EVER try and meet the German armor in open combat. It will always end badly. You want to use your Shermans and set them up in tight LOS spots where the Germans show their side and rear armor. Make sure you have Infantry around if tanks aren't an option. Have them hold fire and wait for the German armor to show their rear armor. If you think logging grenades is enough, do it but if its not assault them. Your probably going to lose that Infantry squad but its worth a Panther! Now there are very few tanks that can stand up to the Germans but always keep in mind that the only way to beat the late German Armor is to use combined Arms.

[jarg1]

The 2 scenarios I finished (surrendered to the inevitable) were Buying Time and Urban Armor. I didn't have any artillery in the first, and in fact the German had artillery, and as far as I could tell the Germans had the same artillery and air as I in the second. I certainly wasn't trying to go head to head with my armor, but as I said, even when I had multiple units covering bottlenecks, I still came our the loser. In both I started out ahead in the kill count, but rapidly fell behind once the German armor showed. Perhaps it's just a problem in these scenarios? Or do I just suck that badly at this point?

[best75]

You should trying playing as the Germans and see how the allied player deals with German armor

[jarg1]

I should and will. But the games that were available had me playing as the Allies. Is that a coincidence?

[LandMarine47]

What you say in the bulge is true. Those Germans are unstoppable in most of the Campaign . It's by far the hardest in all of the BA campaigns. The only true equal is Market Garden. Anyway way most of that campaign is sheer luck hoping your troops don't get spotted and your tanks score lucky shots. That's the only true advice I can give plus the ones I mentioned. In the MP maps the Germans are significantly buffed down though. That's a huge relief!

[protectivedaddy]

Best thing to do matey is setup some games - setup same scenario as both allies and axis - like best75 said get a feel for the movement and forces of each side.

Always try to cover the corners as the allies and frontal attack with the nazis.

[mlazar]

Buying Time is almost impossible for the allies to win.
I feel the same about street fighting redux, BUT someone beat me at that one since I got over confident and barely put any thought into my play until it was too late. Even then my opponent just eaked out a victory. My goal in street fight Redux is to take ALL 7 VP.

[IainMcNeil]

I find playing as the Germans is easier for new players but once you know what you are experienced the Allies are best as your superiority in numbers really starts to tell. Do not under estimate the value of infantry. I often try to take the enemy infantry our first to blind the opponent and then ambush his tanks from cover or outflank them. Always take out the supporting lighter tanks first and leave the heavy tanks till later unless a good opportunity comes up. Basically avoid contact with Panthers, Tigers & Tiger II's where ever possible until you've defeated the rest of the enemy force. Initially just shadow them to keep them honest

[jarg1]

With a few more games under my belt, I am starting to get a better feel for the various scenarios. I've managed to pull off a few wins, but some of the scenarios still strike me as very unbalanced. Cornfields seems pretty much impossible for the Allies. No artillery, no infantry and wide open spaces. I have to wonder what the designer's thinking was on this one.

[LandMarine47]

With a few more games under my belt, I am starting to get a better feel for the various scenarios. I've managed to pull off a few wins, but some of the scenarios still strike me as very unbalanced. Cornfields seems pretty much impossible for the Allies. No artillery, no infantry and wide open spaces. I have to wonder what the designer's thinking was on this one.

It's possible as the Allied player you have to bait the German heavies into close combat with your fireflies. I knocked out most of my opponents Tigers and Jagdpanzers/panthers. After his heavies weren't a problem I unleashed the full force of my men starting with a spearhead by the Churchhills. An Allied victory is usually very costly but worth it! Now I can say I defeated the Germans Finest ! Now I don't see how the Americans can win an engagement like this..... Probably Hellcats running all over the place

[jarg1]

Now I'm playing Head On as the Allies, and again I just don't get it. The Germans clearly outgun the Brits in this one also, and by quite a margin it appears. Again, why would the designers create such a monstrosity? The worst part is I think the concept is great, leaving me feeling robbed of a lot of potential entertainment.

[jcb989]

Hi Jarg
we had a good pair of games going you and me, fairly balanced although we both made some mistakes too.
anyway I'm happy to face you with me as Allies anytime.
regards,
Justin

[jarg1]

Hi Jarg
we had a good pair of games going you and me, fairly balanced although we both made some mistakes too.
anyway I'm happy to face you with me as Allies anytime.
regards,
Justin

Hey Justin,

Yes, we did, and please don't mistake my comments in this thread for broad criticism of the game. I've quickly accumulated some experience, and for the most part have enjoyed doing so. However, I do think there are scenarios that are unbalanced to the point of silliness, and I just can't imagine how someone could have put them together without knowing this, in which case I wonder why? Incidentally, I have played a couple of games which seemed to strongly favor the Allies, for example Shepherds. Since I still haven't played most of the scenarios I am hoping that I just had an unfortunate start. See you again soon on the battlefield.

Scott

[jarg1]

With a few more games under my belt, I am starting to get a better feel for the various scenarios. I've managed to pull off a few wins, but some of the scenarios still strike me as very unbalanced. Cornfields seems pretty much impossible for the Allies. No artillery, no infantry and wide open spaces. I have to wonder what the designer's thinking was on this one.

It's possible as the Allied player you have to bait the German heavies into close combat with your fireflies. I knocked out most of my opponents Tigers and Jagdpanzers/panthers. After his heavies weren't a problem I unleashed the full force of my men starting with a spearhead by the Churchhills. An Allied victory is usually very costly but worth it! Now I can say I defeated the Germans Finest ! Now I don't see how the Americans can win an engagement like this..... Probably Hellcats running all over the place

I imagine it is possible for either side to win in every scenario, but I've mentioned a few that seem to favor one side or the other very heavily. I am finishing a game of Cornfields where I almost lost as the Germans, but only because I played poorly.

[jcb989]

[gortwillsaveus]

With a few more games under my belt, I am starting to get a better feel for the various scenarios. I've managed to pull off a few wins, but some of the scenarios still strike me as very unbalanced. Cornfields seems pretty much impossible for the Allies. No artillery, no infantry and wide open spaces. I have to wonder what the designer's thinking was on this one.

Actually,...Cornfields is a certified Allied win,...every time. (or most of the time)
This is one of my favorite scenarios to play!

Sorry,..I can't divulge tactics.

[Reform]

Go on Gort - giz a clue!?

[gortwillsaveus]

Now Reform you know I can't do that,...that's like asking to date my daughter,..................which fortunately I don't have. Phew!

Okay,..I'll give one clue,...speed is the friend of the Allies.

[LandMarine47]

Now Reform you know I can't do that,...that's like asking to date my daughter,..................which fortunately I don't have. Phew!

Okay,..I'll give one clue,...speed is the friend of the Allies.

Don't forget stealth....