Battlefield Europe v1.9 – month by month

[faos333]

So I started playing Battlefield Europe version 2.0 realistic + yesterday, I played around 25 turns of the main Barbarossa map on dice chess...

My playing got a bit rusty but let's see how it goes))

Great news give us some updates later

[PeteMitchell]

So I started playing Battlefield Europe version 2.0 realistic + yesterday, I played around 25 turns of the main Barbarossa map on dice chess...

My playing got a bit rusty but let's see how it goes))

Great news give us some updates later

Sometimes I think "my" AI is more aggressive

...or maybe I started playing too aggressively...

[PeteMitchell]

So I played until turn 60 now. I don't have time to finish it now and I am not sure when I can play again. So here are some thoughts.

In general, I would say I prefer to have the freedom of prestige, i.e. to be able to buy some units instead of having only little prestige, while prestige wasn't a problem.

I didn't attempt Operation Sealion in this playthrough as I hadn't played the mod in a long time. Plus I think version 2.0 is also different from version 1.9, so I wanted to get used to it again and I also played quickly, basically 60 turns in 3 days.

In the east, I defeated the Soviet Union. However, I tried a slightly different approach this time. Was just curious to see what will happen.

So I closed the Kiev pocket in time, took Moscow by around turn 11 and Leningrad by around turn 20. I then attacked Stalingrad in summer 42 and was able to hold it through winter 42. Then upgraded all 5cm AT to StuGs and rolled across the entire area west of the Volga from the south. In the north, went in a pincer movement from Moscow via Gorky along the Volga.

Took the Caucasus and its oil fields after Stalingrad, mainly with infantry and two artillery.

In the west, I ignored the air battle over Germany as well as the submarine battle in the Atlantic. I moved part of the Kriegsmarine towards Morocco to attack the US landing boats of Operation Torch. I had submarines off the coast of Norway. First I thought of attacking the homefleet with subs...

In Africa, I took Tobruk very quickly (best is to surround it in turn 1 so the AI doesn't fully reinforce it) and then moved all the way towards Cairo. I was one turn late to avoid the UK reincorefments from appearing but fought them off in the city of Cairo. Then reached Jerusalem. I also took Malta by turn 20, spring of 42.

Tunis was defended, I bought some Italian ATs and cavalry in Tripolis. Plus I had the Tiger on Tunis airfield with some other Italian infantry and AA.

I think Operation Sealion would require some more thoughtful playing and a bit more planning and coordination than what I was able to do in this quick playthrough.

Let's see when I can play it again...

[goose_2]

you got further in 3 days then I have been able to get in 3 months

[faos333]

So I played until turn 60 now. I don't have time to finish it now and I am not sure when I can play again. So here are some thoughts.

In general, I would say I prefer to have the freedom of prestige, i.e. to be able to buy some units instead of having only little prestige, while prestige wasn't a problem.

I didn't attempt Operation Sealion in this playthrough as I hadn't played the mod in a long time. Plus I think version 2.0 is also different from version 1.9, so I wanted to get used to it again and I also played quickly, basically 60 turns in 3 days.

In the east, I defeated the Soviet Union. However, I tried a slightly different approach this time. Was just curious to see what will happen.

So I closed the Kiev pocket in time, took Moscow by around turn 11 and Leningrad by around turn 20. I then attacked Stalingrad in summer 42 and was able to hold it through winter 42. Then upgraded all 5cm AT to StuGs and rolled across the entire area west of the Volga from the south. In the north, went in a pincer movement from Moscow via Gorky along the Volga.

Took the Caucasus and its oil fields after Stalingrad, mainly with infantry and two artillery.

In the west, I ignored the air battle over Germany as well as the submarine battle in the Atlantic. I moved part of the Kriegsmarine towards Morocco to attack the US landing boats of Operation Torch. I had submarines off the coast of Norway. First I thought of attacking the homefleet with subs...

In Africa, I took Tobruk very quickly (best is to surround it in turn 1 so the AI doesn't fully reinforce it) and then moved all the way towards Cairo. I was one turn late to avoid the UK reincorefments from appearing but fought them off in the city of Cairo. Then reached Jerusalem. I also took Malta by turn 20, spring of 42.

Tunis was defended, I bought some Italian ATs and cavalry in Tripolis. Plus I had the Tiger on Tunis airfield with some other Italian infantry and AA.

I think Operation Sealion would require some more thoughtful playing and a bit more planning and coordination than what I was able to do in this quick playthrough.

Let's see when I can play it again...

Congratulations !!! We have done it very fast, almost a masterpiece!
At the same time in my playthrough I am struggling in Normandy and trying to avoid defeat

[PeteMitchell]

Thank you, just a heads up, I may have to limit the overall time I spent on PzC and on the forum going forward...

So it may take longer for me to reply, let's see...

[goose_2]

Thank you, just a heads up, I may have to limit the overall time I spent on PzC and on the forum going forward...

So it may take longer for me to reply, let's see...

My suggestion...make a big ploy for Valentine's day to get back in your wife's good graces and then enter the gaming waters and a more reasonable volume and you should be g2g.

[PeteMitchell]

[goose_2]

Hey Buddy, I know what its like. I just made a big ploy for our 20th Anniversary and doing my best to keep it in moderation to achieve that balance that is so necessary in life. Riding the waves is much better than drowning in them.

[PeteMitchell]

I asked ChatGPT to summarize the first 10 turns of my AAR:

Here is a turn-by-turn breakdown of PeteMitchell’s actions during the first 10 turns, based on his Battlefield Europe v1.9 AAR:

Turn 1 (June 22, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Captured Vilnius, advancing toward Riga.

• Began preparations for the push to Pskov.

Army Group Center:

• Captured Brest with Karl-Gerät heavy artillery and pioneers.

• Reconnaissance units advanced toward Minsk.

Army Group South:

• Engaged Soviet armored forces near Lutsk, deploying Panzer IIIH tanks.

• Advanced toward the Southern Bug River, targeting Odessa.

Western Europe:

• Transferred fighters and AA units to France for air defense.

• Began repairing damaged Kriegsmarine ships in French ports.

North Africa:

• Prepared Afrika Korps for future operations, securing logistical routes.

• Conducted reconnaissance missions around Tobruk.

Turn 2 (June 29, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Advanced further into the Baltic States, nearing Riga.

• Began positioning forces for the approach to Pskov.

Army Group Center:

• Captured Minsk, continuing the advance toward Smolensk.

Army Group South:

• Secured victory at Lutsk, clearing the path toward Kiev.

• Continued movements toward Odessa along the Southern Bug.

Western Europe:

• Continued naval repairs and redeployment of forces for future operations.

• Maintained fighter patrols over key French industrial areas.

North Africa:

• Consolidated forces near Tobruk, including artillery and armored units.

Turn 3 (July 6, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Captured Riga and approached Pskov, securing the route to Leningrad.

Army Group Center:

• Launched an assault on Smolensk, encountering moderate Soviet resistance.

Army Group South:

• Engaged Soviet forces near Kiev, moving closer to the city.

Western Europe:

• Deployed U-boats to disrupt Allied convoys in the Atlantic.

• Positioned Baltic Fleet elements for potential future operations.

North Africa:

• Conducted probing attacks around Tobruk, assessing British defenses.

Turn 4 (July 13, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Secured Pskov, positioning forces for the Leningrad siege.

Army Group Center:

• Captured Smolensk, opening the road to Moscow.

Army Group South:

• Launched initial skirmishes near Kiev while continuing to reinforce positions along the Dnieper.

Western Europe:

• Maintained air patrols and defensive posture across French ports and coastal areas.

North Africa:

• Positioned artillery within striking range of Tobruk for an eventual siege.

Turn 5 (July 20, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Advanced toward Leningrad, deploying artillery for initial bombardments.

Army Group Center:

• Positioned forward units near Vyazma, preparing for the approach to Moscow.

Army Group South:

• Captured Kiev, securing a critical position on the Eastern Front.

Western Europe:

• Continued naval operations, focusing on Atlantic U-boat deployments.

North Africa:

• Finalized preparations for a potential attack on Tobruk.

Turn 6 (July 27, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Initiated minor skirmishes near Leningrad, focusing on encirclement.

Army Group Center:

• Consolidated positions near Vyazma.

Army Group South:

• Began pushing further eastward toward Dnipropetrovsk.

Western Europe:

• Repaired naval forces and maintained defensive readiness in France.

North Africa:

• Advanced reconnaissance efforts revealed British reinforcements near Tobruk.

Turn 7 (August 3, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Tightened the encirclement around Leningrad.

Army Group Center:

• Advanced closer to Moscow, encountering Soviet resistance near Vyazma.

Army Group South:

• Engaged Soviet forces near Dnipropetrovsk, clearing supply routes.

Western Europe:

• U-boats intercepted and disrupted Allied shipping convoys in the Atlantic.

North Africa:

• Initiated small-scale artillery bombardments near Tobruk to test defenses.

Turn 8 (August 10, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Continued bombardments of Leningrad, softening defenses for a future siege.

Army Group Center:

• Advanced closer to Moscow, building supply lines.

Army Group South:

• Secured forward positions along the Dnieper River near Dnipropetrovsk.

Western Europe:

• Maintained defensive positions and continued naval convoy disruption.

North Africa:

• Adjusted artillery and armored units for a coordinated assault on Tobruk.

Turn 9 (August 17, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Encircled Leningrad, isolating the city from reinforcements.

Army Group Center:

• Advanced closer to Moscow, engaging defensive Soviet formations.

Army Group South:

• Consolidated positions around Dnipropetrovsk in preparation for further offensives.

Western Europe:

• Strengthened fighter patrols in France.

North Africa:

• Positioned forces for an imminent assault on Tobruk.

Turn 10 (August 24, 1941)

Eastern Front:
Army Group North:

• Began sustained artillery bombardments on Leningrad.

Army Group Center:

• Approached Moscow, positioning forces for the final advance.

Army Group South:

• Captured Dnipropetrovsk, securing a major supply route.

Western Europe:

• Focused on naval operations, with U-boats continuing to harass Allied shipping.

North Africa:

• Launched the first coordinated assault on Tobruk, engaging entrenched British forces.

[PeteMitchell]

Then I asked for a comparison to the historical / real life events:

Comparing PeteMitchell’s first 10 turns in the Battlefield Europe mod to historical events of Operation Barbarossa and the concurrent developments in North Africa and Western Europe during 1941, we can identify key similarities and differences in strategy, timing, and execution. Here’s a breakdown:


Eastern Front: Operation Barbarossa (Historical vs. Pete’s Actions)

Historical Context (1941):
June 22, 1941: Operation Barbarossa begins with a massive invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany.
Army Group North moves towards Leningrad, Army Group Center advances through Belarus toward Moscow, and Army Group South moves towards Kiev and the industrial regions of Donbas.
The initial advances are successful, with key cities like Minsk and Smolensk captured in the first weeks of the invasion. The Germans use blitzkrieg tactics to rapidly overrun Soviet defenses.
Leningrad, Kiev, and Smolensk are major objectives. By September, Kiev and Minsk are encircled and captured.

PeteMitchell’s Actions:
Turn 1:
Pete initiates Operation Barbarossa similarly, capturing Vilnius (historically part of Army Group North’s advance towards Riga and Leningrad) and progressing toward Riga, echoing the early phases of the operation.
He focuses heavily on Army Group Center and Army Group South, capturing Minsk by Turn 2 and pushing towards Smolensk, which mirrors the historical speed of the German advance.
Army Group North begins pushing toward Pskov and eventually Leningrad, just as the real German forces did.

Turn 2–5:
By Turn 5, Pete captures Kiev—which mirrors the historical success where the Germans encircled and captured Kiev in early September 1941.
The rapid advance to Smolensk and Kiev closely matches the historical timeline, where the Soviets were forced to retreat, and large encirclements were set up in the first months of the campaign.

Comparison:
Similarity: Pete’s execution of Barbarossa in the first 10 turns aligns closely with the historical timeline of rapid German advances in 1941, particularly in the Baltic States (Vilnius, Riga) and Ukraine (Kiev).
Difference: The historical offensive faced greater logistical issues and a stiffening Soviet defense by the autumn of 1941. Pete’s approach in the mod is more straightforward, with less immediate resistance or delay, as the game doesn't fully replicate the challenges of winter and Soviet counteroffensives that arose later in the year.


North Africa: Afrika Korps (Historical vs. Pete’s Actions)

Historical Context (1941):
June 22, 1941: The Afrika Korps is engaged in a stalemate with the British in North Africa.
By this time, Rommel’s forces had advanced to Tobruk but had failed to capture it during the Siege of Tobruk (April 1941).
The British 8th Army was entrenched in Egypt, with a defensive line at El Alamein.
Rommel’s forces were also stretched thin and reliant on supply lines through Italy, which were often disrupted by British naval and air forces.

PeteMitchell’s Actions:
Turn 1–2:
Pete’s Afrika Korps focuses on reconnaissance around Tobruk and preparing for the eventual assault.

Similar to the historical context, Pete secures supply lines and sets up artillery, anticipating an assault on Tobruk.

Turn 3–5:
Pete begins positioning forces for the eventual siege of Tobruk by Turn 5, preparing artillery and armor. This aligns with Rommel’s operational approach in the summer of 1941, where he was strengthening his position to eventually launch an assault on the city.
Historical events show that Rommel initially attempted a limited attack on Tobruk but faced difficulties and had to pull back in July. Pete, however, plans to move toward the siege in a more coordinated fashion.

Comparison:
Similarity: Pete's preparation for the Tobruk siege in the early game closely matches Rommel’s historical approach of fortifying positions and preparing a concentrated assault.
Difference: In history, Tobruk resisted multiple attacks in 1941 and was only captured in 1942. Pete plans for a more decisive early assault, which would likely result in quicker success than Rommel experienced due to the absence of logistical and reinforcement delays.


Western Europe: Preparation for Operation Sealion (Historical vs. Pete’s Actions)

Historical Context (1941):
June 1941: Operation Sealion (the planned German invasion of the UK) was not a real operation in 1941. It was postponed indefinitely due to the failure to gain air superiority over the English Channel and the lack of a successful defeat of the Royal Navy.
After the Battle of Britain (July–October 1940), German forces were unable to establish air dominance, which led to the abandonment of the invasion plan.

PeteMitchell’s Actions:
Turn 1–5:
Pete prepares for Operation Sealion in a more traditional manner by positioning forces and repairing naval units in ports like Brest and Cherbourg.
He also begins deploying fighters and anti-aircraft units to defend the French coast.
Pete’s preparation reflects the game’s ability to simulate future operations, as he doesn’t face the same logistical and strategic challenges that led to the historical Sealion’s postponement.

Comparison:
Similarity: Pete's early preparations for Sealion follow a more streamlined execution, focusing on repairing ships and positioning forces for a potential invasion.
Difference: Historically, Sealion was delayed and never executed in 1941. Pete, however, prepares the operation from the start of the campaign, showing the mod's flexibility in simulating aggressive future moves that were historically postponed.


Overall Comparison

Similarities:
PeteMitchell closely mirrors the historical timeline for Barbarossa, particularly in the speed of the advance into Ukraine, Smolensk, and Kiev.
The focus on North Africa as a preparation phase for future operations (Tobruk) also matches Rommel’s real-world tactics of reconnaissance and positioning before a larger siege.
In Western Europe, Pete’s Sealion preparations are historically accurate in terms of what the Germans aimed for, although they were never realized.

Differences:
The historical Soviet response was more effective than in the game, with Stalin’s defensive measures significantly slowing down German progress in 1941.
Pete’s campaigns, especially in North Africa, proceed without the logistical and supply challenges that historically limited Rommel’s success.
Sealion was historically delayed indefinitely, whereas Pete prepares it with full intent and readiness.

In summary, PeteMitchell’s early turns are quite faithful to the historical events of 1941, but due to the nature of the game and the absence of certain real-life challenges (like weather, logistics, and counterattacks), Pete’s progress in all theaters is faster and more decisive than the actual events of the war.

[PeteMitchell]

Then I asked for improvement ideas:

Here are the most critical improvements PeteMitchell could make in the first 10 turns to optimize his campaign, focusing on actions with the highest potential impact:

1. Eastern Front: Execute Faster and Larger Encirclements
Why it’s critical: Encircling and destroying Soviet units early weakens their ability to mount effective counterattacks later.
What to do:
Prioritize encirclement maneuvers over directly capturing cities like Minsk, Smolensk, and Kiev. For example:
At Minsk, trap Soviet forces in the Bialystok–Minsk pocket before moving further east.
Near Smolensk, use panzers to encircle Soviet reinforcements west of the city.
Use recon units to identify gaps in Soviet lines to enable deeper penetrations and larger encirclements.

2. North Africa: Attack Tobruk Sooner
Why it’s critical: Delaying the assault on Tobruk allows British forces to reinforce, making it harder to capture later and delaying the campaign toward Egypt.
What to do:
Begin the main assault on Tobruk by Turn 5–6, using:
Artillery to weaken fortifications.
Air support to suppress defenders.
Infantry and armor to overrun key positions.
Consider skirmishes or probing attacks earlier (Turns 3–4) to test defenses and reduce garrison strength before the main offensive.

3. Western Europe: Expedite Sealion Preparations
Why it’s critical: Early preparation for Operation Sealion enables an invasion by Turn 10–15, potentially neutralizing the UK and preventing Allied reinforcements elsewhere.
What to do:
Start moving infantry, mechanized units, and artillery to French ports by Turn 5.
Deploy amphibious transports into position along the Channel no later than Turn 7–8.
Use fighters and naval units to secure air and sea superiority before launching the invasion.

4. Aggressive U-Boat Deployment
Why it’s critical: U-boats can disrupt Allied convoys, reducing their ability to supply reinforcements to North Africa and Western Europe.
What to do:
Deploy U-boats to Atlantic convoy lanes by Turn 2.
Focus on sinking high-value targets like supply ships and troop transports to delay Allied operations in North Africa.

5. Prioritize Moscow in the East
Why it’s critical: Capturing Moscow early (by Turn 15–20) cripples the Soviet Union’s ability to coordinate defenses and produce reinforcements.
What to do:
Shift more resources to Army Group Center after capturing Smolensk.
Use heavy artillery and engineers to breach Moscow’s fortifications quickly.
Avoid overextending in the south; Kiev can be secured without committing too many forces.

Summary of Top Improvements
Eastern Front:
Focus on encirclements over city captures to destroy Soviet units early.
Push more aggressively toward Moscow after Smolensk.

North Africa:
Launch the assault on Tobruk by Turn 5–6 to avoid British reinforcements.

Western Europe:
Expedite Sealion preparations to launch an invasion by Turn 10–15.
Deploy U-boats early to disrupt Allied logistics.

These focused improvements can dramatically enhance Pete’s campaign effectiveness by crippling the Soviets early, accelerating the Mediterranean campaign, and neutralizing the UK as a base for Allied operations.

[PeteMitchell]

I wonder what else ChatGPT could do...

[PeteMitchell]

Yes, I can write an After Action Report (AAR) based on a video of a gameplay replay. To do this effectively, I’d need the following:

1. Link to the Replay Video:

If you provide the link to the video, I can analyze the gameplay turn by turn.

2. Focus Areas (Optional):

If there are specific aspects you'd like highlighted (e.g., strategy, key decisions, notable successes, or areas for improvement), let me know.

3. Tone and Style:

Should the AAR be detailed and tactical, or more narrative and immersive?

Once I have this information, I’ll create a comprehensive AAR that captures the key actions, strategies, and outcomes from the replay.

[PeteMitchell]

Curious if this could work...

[PeteMitchell]

Happy holidays and a happy new year!

[PeteMitchell]

Looking at the last two years, it seems that the overall level of activity within the AAR section has generally dropped significantly...

[Locarnus]

Looking at the last two years, it seems that the overall level of activity within the AAR section has generally dropped significantly...

Very interesting experiement, and really impressive what chatGPT can do!

Yeah, unfortunately the forum in general and written AAR concept in particalury fell off a cliff.
While PzC might not be the most interesting game for AARs, I saw the same in other forums for games that are more suited to traditional AARs.
I guess forums and AARs have been supplanted by youtube and modern, short attention span social media.

[McGuba]

Impressive!

However, there seems to be some inconsistencies:
- why does the AI claims that Pete captured Kiev in turn 5, when in the original AAR it is clear that it was encircled and captured in turn 7?
- why does the AI believe that a turn takes one week / 7 days, when in the original AAR it is clear that it takes two weeks / 15 days?

[PeteMitchell]

Haha, good catch... I didn't do a one by one by comparison...

Chatgpt got probably confused or over excited as always )))