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

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

Combat Mission: Normandy

Just spotted this recent post from Battlefront regarding the latest incarnation of its successful Combat Mission series.

 

While I enjoyed CM: Shock Force, I felt it had lost something in translation from what is this game's natural setting of WW2. This seems to have been rectified now with the welcome return to its roots.

Looking forward to seeing more of this in the New Year as its release date nears...

All the best,

Monty

 

Combat Mission - British Forces

My painting exploits continue slowly on two fronts with 28mm Warlord Roman Legionaries being based for Basic Impetus and a fledgling 6mm Baccus EIR Warmaster army painfully advancing.

So, in order to prove my ahem, eclectic gaming prowess I thought I would highlight to those interested another war gaming pleasure (for me anyway) away from painted metal/plastic.

This update highlights the latest in Battlefront's acclaimed series of turn-based Combat Mission tactical offerings which, while flawed, offers plenty of depth and possibility. It's all come a long way since Beyond Overlord - the first installment - back in 2000, with upgraded graphics and effects while retaining all of the features that originally appealed.

British Forces is the latest offering following on from Combat Mission Shock Force set in a hypothetical conflict in near-future Syria - the Iraq connotations being obvious. I have to say, that Battlefront have maintained their (almost) flawless attention to detail regarding force structure and equipment accuracy with only some slightly dubious exceptions; entire formations, of Scimitars, anyone? In fairness and with small things like that aside, I think this is a worthwhile purchase that gives plenty of reward.

For those not familiar, the game uses the WEGO system of control that sees the player issuing all orders to his units before hitting the action button to see one minute of the battle unfold before issuing more orders.

There is also a 'real-time' option, which, in truth, doesn't add a lot, as it has always been the turn-based approach that has always given this series its strength.

An example of the action sees a Warrior IFV deploy smoke before engaging a sighted Syrian T72 with its 30mm Rarden cannon. A deployed Javelin team then score a direct hit knocking out it out. The camera allows you to move around the battlefield and view the action from any perspective.

The results of this and other Javelin strikes can be seen above. Enemy units can only be seen and identified if spotted by at least one friendly unit and only that particular unit - all others remain unsighted.

Challenger 2 MBT - desertised and uparmoured - sits alongside a Scimitar CVR(T) reconnaisance vehicle on the Line of Departure.

The dismounted British infantry previously seen in the video above, prepare their Javelin ATM while under contact, the Warrior IFV is about to put down covering fire. Note the friendly unit icon markers in the distance.

Challenger 2 engages advancing Syrian T72 tanks - all pictures and video are from the game's Quick Battle generator that allows a wide range of player designed encounters to be played out.

Well, that's it - I hope this gave a brief insight into another avenue of wargaming that I feel deserves a look at the very least - you never know, you may be pleasantly surprised.

All the best,



Monty