Play Test: JCB989's Defense of Bastogne

[jcb989]

I've created a third scenario (I know, I know, where's the 2nd scenario...??) that has entered final Beta testing and I'd like to get feedback on before final release.

Defense of Bastogne
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/535 ... STOGNE.LST
(thanks P/A for the .LST file!)

Premise: Continuation of my 1944 winter series scenarios, Capture the Fuel Depot, Escape from Malmedy, and now Defense of Bastogne brings the final chapter of this mini-series, where the 101st Airborne must stave off attacks on the outskirts of Bastogne proper. A fictional what-if battle that enters the city proper, the battle is on a large 64 X 64 map with the city in the center, Germans attacking from all four points of the compass, and with forces at nearly the maximum number of units per side able to be purchased to start. The usual compliment of JCB989 equipment for winter 1944 is here, the big cats included!

You may all recognize the base-map from which I started and modified. It is always a bit easier to start with something good and try to make it better, or different.

There are two rounds of randomly timed reinforcements for both sides. Since it is Bastogne afterall, the Allied reinforcements show up on average a bit later than the Germans here in this one, so Allies should be mindful of your armor resources early, but 3rd Army does start to come to the rescue at some point. The German side receives weaker reinforcements from the 26th Volksgrenadier Divisional reserves, but receives them earlier than the Americans.

Good luck, post thoughts on balance (or, imbalance lol) here, along with any errors or suggestions you may have.

Thanks for looking!

[jcb989]

As another game notation, neither side has any scouts, except for the scouting Pumas and Greyhounds... you're going into house to house fighting a bit blind...

My early guess is that the map is deceptively difficult on the Germans, but winnable from either side. Let's see what you think!

[kingt]

I have two games posted (and picked up). Looking forward to this. Capture the Fuel Depot is still one of my favorite defense maps (playing as Allies, obviously).

[jcb989]

Glad to hear it, KingT. I will get you the 2nd scenario soon, the missing "sandwich scenario" I mean. I only released it to a limited play test audience because it needed some work. The scenario is called, "Escape from Malmedy"

[kingt]

I noticed a potential issue that appears during unit movement. Specifically, it looks like no matter what unit I move, it lags from one square to another instead of seamlessly going to its destination.

[jcb989]

Yes. I am aware of this glitch too and I do not know the fix? It may be the file is too big, the map I mean. or that, plus the snow effects..?? Not sure.

I think this problem is present in the original versions of this map, too..

[kingt]

Yeah, noticed the snow effects too. They're also laggy. I'm not sure if I spotted it in the original version, haven't played those in a while.

[cavehobbit]

I've not had any problem (what I've noticed) on my iPad Air.

[morge4]

I too am noticing the 'stutter' movement on PC...

[jcb989]

[jcb989]

found a bug with the reinforcements. also finding some imbalance or very hard match-up, at least.

The bug is that even with dead units, I hit the maximum quantity of units on the map when the reinforcements come.
One poor fellow received only empty trucks as his reinforcements, lol...

I will search the forums for discussion about this, I recall it was discussed in GJS44 at least once.
Is there any fix for it? I was wondering if I cleared the dead units if that would allow for a few more...

[guardsman]

Yes quite

[cavehobbit]

One poor fellow received only empty trucks as his reinforcements, lol...

[kingt]

Yeah, I've seen the reinforcements error, but with a twist. The screen prompt said I was going to get them, showed me where they're supposed to arrive from, but I didn't even get empty trucks.

Also, I've noticed that reinforcements from both sides can arrive on two consecutive turns, from the same location, which leads to some unexpected battles near an exit point of the map. It's unlikely reinforcements would drive up like that on the road, not knowing the enemy is just behind them.

The third potential issue with reinforcements is winning the scenario. Say Allies have 7 flags, and reinforcements come in taking the 8th. In that case the battle is won by the Allies, because all flags are taken. Of course the German player would also be at fault for such a loss, but still.

A final suggestion would be randomizing (in case it isn't already) German initial deploy. Otherwise the Allied player would always from where to expect the Tigers and Panthers, and defend those sections of the front accordingly.

Otherwise, it's a great scenario, I had a lot of fun playing it as both sides. It's far more interesting having to defend it than to attack it I think, a great challenge.

[jcb989]

Yeah, I've seen the reinforcements error, but with a twist. The screen prompt said I was going to get them, showed me where they're supposed to arrive from, but I didn't even get empty trucks..

oops, lol. I have to find a fix for maximum limit of units... =(

Also, I've noticed that reinforcements from both sides can arrive on two consecutive turns, from the same location, which leads to some unexpected battles near an exit point of the map. It's unlikely reinforcements would drive up like that on the road, not knowing the enemy is just behind them..

Yes. Based on what I've seen, I need to adjust the American arrival locations more, for better realism. Maybe some airborne fellows should come up from the cathedral basements!

The third potential issue with reinforcements is winning the scenario. Say Allies have 7 flags, and reinforcements come in taking the 8th. In that case the battle is won by the Allies, because all flags are taken. Of course the German player would also be at fault for such a loss, but still..

I was thinking about moving those two German flags closer in by maybe 10-15 squares. It might help make it more balanced.

A final suggestion would be randomizing (in case it isn't already) German initial deploy. Otherwise the Allied player would always from where to expect the Tigers and Panthers, and defend those sections of the front accordingly..

The roads are there around the perimeter to allow you to adjust as Germans. But still, I was toying with the thought of allowing the Germans to deployment mode.

Otherwise, it's a great scenario, I had a lot of fun playing it as both sides. It's far more interesting having to defend it than to attack it I think, a great challenge.

Thanks for the feedback!

[guardsman]

To make it a real defence the Germans need on board indirect fire capability..........and scouts

[best75]

What unit adjustments are there?
I notice my panthers only have a movement of 28 and pumas can see into hidden titles, any others?

[kingt]

But still, I was toying with the thought of allowing the Germans to deployment mode.

In such a case, it should be a limited deployment, to force the German side to deploy around the city, maybe only in specific spots. Otherwise, there's always a chance to deploy the full German force on a single side of the city, and attack it from there. It would be a lot harder for Allies to defend that way, not knowing the opponent isn't all around the town, and constantly being outnumbered in battles.

[jcb989]

What unit adjustments are there?
I notice my panthers only have a movement of 28 and pumas can see into hidden titles, any others?

The Panther movement of 28 is a decrease from the BA standard 32 for that unit, yes.

Puma and M8 Greyhound can see like scouts.

Aside from the number of men per various squads, I cannot recall any other edits right now. I think that may be all of them.

Although I think I would like to modify the fire rate of the gun carriage howitzers, if no that try to reduce their accuracy.

[jcb989]

But still, I was toying with the thought of allowing the Germans to deployment mode.

In such a case, it should be a limited deployment, to force the German side to deploy around the city, maybe only in specific spots. Otherwise, there's always a chance to deploy the full German force on a single side of the city, and attack it from there. It would be a lot harder for Allies to defend that way, not knowing the opponent isn't all around the town, and constantly being outnumbered in battles.

I may be limited by available options here. However, if I use the standard BA deployment feature, it will limit it somewhat but probably not completely enough..