Combat Mission Normandy Tactics Episode I

Been playing this a lot lately and this Armchair General video gives a good introduction to the game's tactical depth (annoying - fire superiority - voice aside) and comparative realism.

Having played many WW2 computer simulations over the years, this series, since its inception in 2000, stands out as an engrossing and accurate interpretation of Second World War combat.

Bizarrely,  playing it has got me back into a Crossfire mood again and I'm drifting towards yet another project; this time 15mm PSC armies for use with these classic Arty Conliffe rules...although time will tell...hey ho...

That's it for now,

Monty

Update - Odds & Sods

By way of an interim update while I continue the reorganisation of my faculties after the fug of the debauchery that was Christmas, I have quickly cobbled together a muddle of the things I've been messing about with as I try to bore sight my painting eye again.

Pendraken 10mm Normans based for Impetus which I also intend to use as early crusaders

I was impressed by the detail on these, which for 10mm figures I felt was more in line with 15mm scale, but there again, what do I know?

The final painted example of my Airfix commandos and my personal favourite figure; as my previous post outlined, I had mixed feelings painting these and was driven largely by nostaglia, but I'm pleased with the result.

Finally, the first Crossfire base of Revell Panzer Grenadiers, which was my first attempt at soft plastic painting at this scale and after much preparation and advice (many thanks all) the experience was fairly pleasant.

That's it, for now folks, fairly pathetic, I know - but I will get back into the swing again soon I'm sure. The key thing for me presently is focus, which I'm lacking - but don't fear - I shall return!

Best wishes for now,

Monty

Crossfire!

Anyone remember Crossfire, the intuitive company-level WW2 game devised by gaming legend Arty Conliffe? I used to play it and was a fan before falling out of love with the hobby back in the Nineties.

But now I've returned, I thought I would reminisce a little having dusted off my figures and terrain following their discovery hidden away in a dark corner of my empire.

For those that have never sampled this ingenious masterpiece, the rough premise is as follows. The game is predominately an infantry-orientated affair, although vehicles can participate if desired. I think the best feature though is the fact that rulers or systems of measurement are not used as all units on the table are deemed in range. This necessitates the need for plenty of terrain to create realistic cover, adding to the game's flowing dynamic.

Also, Crossfire has no strict repetitious turn structure, with each player vying for initiative, thus allowing him to move, fire and so on; he can do so until the initiative passes to the other player following certain in-game outcomes. It is possible, though highly unlikely, that the same player could retain the initiative throughout an entire game!

The basic unit is the squad (or section if you are British, like me) with platoon and company commanders having their own bases. The rules are flexible regarding basing and suggest a three-figure base to represent a section - although I used 10mm figures to allow me to mount six - with vehicles being 1:1 throughout.

I haven't seen it about lately, so I can only suppose the game has died a death, although Mr Conliffe has promised Crossfire 2 this year. The sceptics may be scoffing at my enthusiasm, but I personally recommend this to anyone wishing to try a different approach to WW2 gaming.

I've stuck a few piccies of some of my old stuff below for you to have a look at; I can't remember what figures they are, but think they may have been Irregulars although I'm not sure; haven't got a clue about the vehicles though! All terrain items, except the trees, are scratch built, including buildings (which you can probably tell, but hey), hope you enjoy.

Two British para sections with platoon commander, engage a section of Waffen SS in open country.

Tiger 1 and Stug advance past field defences and hill top bunker - the bases in front of the wire entanglements represent a mine field.

A British para platoon approaches German field defences, note the platoon commander base on the front right.

British infantry platoon advance supported by Sherman Firefly and Churchill tanks come under effective enemy fire, with the lead section pinned.

That's it, for now with my trip down memory lane. If this game really has bit the dust with gamers, then I think it's a shame; there's no accounting for taste, or course, and everyone to their own etc; but I for one, certainly enjoyed it and look forward to its latest incarnation as and when it appears again later on this year.

All the best,

Monty.