Combat Mission: Normandy Part 2

Having recently downloaded the Combat Mission: Normandy demo and playing through the tutorial mission, I thought I would share my first impressions. (Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures, they were captured on my phone from my laptop...)


For those that haven't encountered the series before, they are a turn-based hybrid utilising a WEGO system of game play that allows players to plot their troops' movement and tactics in intricate detail before viewing the results of their deliberations via 1-minute real-time playbacks.

The original incarnation, Beyond Overlord, was released back in 2000 to critical acclaim and was followed by excursions to Russia, North Africa, Afghanistan and Syria.

A close-up of German infantry in wait for approaching American troops prior to contact... the beauty of the game's engine is that it allows you to get 'over the shoulder' of the action and observe your best laid plans coming to fruition...or not.

US infantry and Sherman tanks move cautiously down narrow lane and adjoining fields under contact. The mechanics of the game are impressive and suit the new location well; I played the tutorial a couple of times and found that the only way to achieve (limited) success was to push my chaps down a narrow lane. My tanks proved to be easy pickings for concealed Pak 40 guns in the open...



 Two of my three surviving Shermans emerge from the lane to engage the enemy at close quarters...



Wide shot of the US force breaking out of the lane and closing in on the remnants of German resistance; the game models minor infantry tactics well, with the BAR  group dropping off to put down covering fire while the riflemen assault with grenades and close combat...nice. 

 A close-up of the two GI's from above putting down fire on German positions and the MG 42 in particular...

German MG42 team, having been seriously mauled...

The effects of close-in mortar fire prior to final assault, the machine gun fire from the left is coming from the Shermans seen earlier as they suppress depth positions... 

Close-up of the MG42 team prior to the battle commencing, I think the game captures human animations pretty well with impressive results. I must admit, after an initial re-acquainting period with the nuances of CM, I was immersed in the experience - very good stuff! 

So there it is, a short look at what I think is a welcome advance in the Combat Mission series; think I will try my hand at the other two demo missions...

That's it for now,

Regards,

Monty