I have played US Corps with historical orders of battle for many years now but typically must pursue limited objectives due to the inferior equipment (as well as using new/inexperienced units whenever they were in action historically). The game, however, was not meant to be played this way and there were some units with interesting histories that I had to disband in order to afford new ones. It was great fun, educational, and an interesting mental exercise but I felt there might be another way to play.
The other morning I was awake and, looking for a distraction, thought about playing US Corps with the cheat codes. I could give myself 50,000 prestige and never have to disband a unit (and it's history) again. I could increase core slots to make up for the fact that my force is predominantly infantry, in many scenarios, and pursue multiple objectives simultaneously (instead of having to focus a limited and inferior core on achieving a mv first and foremost). Mateur was interesting to see with the 9th ID attacking in the northern and central routes while the 34th ID focused on hill 609. History was coming to life. Cheat code "turns" allowed an extra turn when I was going to lose by one (Mateur was occupied historically later than in the game anyway). Expanding core slots allows me to add a whole Fighter group of P-40s (while trying to make the most of them) instead of only focusing on the best possible equipment/investment. Minor personal rules (no new units or elite replacements in scenarios, only overstrength towed artillery, etc.) help provide some challenges but I am really just looking to see history come alive as much as possible.
I have played through US Corps as an Infantry Division, (Heavy) Armored Division, and using whatever units were historically involved in each particular battle (within core limitations). That is three different ways to play and yet, using cheat codes generously provided by Slitherine for the iPad, there is a fourth to enjoy. Outstanding. What an incredible return on investment.
I think it is very smart/good business to release the cheat codes and give people as many ways as possible to enjoy your product. Maybe rebrand "cheat codes" to "testing codes" or something else
.