We did another test game, this time I recreated a battle described in the D-Day by Stephen Ambrose copy I picked up at Pendraken at Salute. We gave the newest version of the rules a good hard run, until 2.30 am this very morning, and most of the mechanics were really sound, which made us very happy. A lot of the balancing issues have been solved, and I now have a tremendous list of very small items I have to edit. I also set up all my new rubbled buildings for the first time, as well as my only half finished river tiles :-[ plus the new bridge. Plus check out that Bocage! 8)
The barely assembled US airborne have to take the bridge and capture the HQ on the other side of the river in order to win. In the beginning the US head over to the left flank and try to cross the river where it's fordable, only to run into barbed wire and having to retreat on several occasions. Meanwhile, the Germans have a 105 mm up and firing away at the infantry on the right flank, and a Pz IV is defending the bridge. When the US Shermans try to cross, the first tank is taken out at once with a frontal hull shot. After that, the Shermans are more lucky though, and a well aimed shot takes out the defending Panzer. Some HE suppresses the artillery gun as well. This leaves the bridge open for an assault, which is just as well, because on the left flank things are still not moving.
The Germans have set up using concealment, so the airborne have no idea how they are set up. They cautiously cross the bridge, two tanks in front, and take out or rout any infantry they encounter. Just when it looked like victory was certain, a Panzerfaust German comes out of concealment, and -under enemy fire- manages to close in for the kill. The side shot blows the Sherman turret off with a brutal explosion. The tide seems to be turning, but then the left flank finally manages to lay some well placed smoke, cross the ford, and cut the wire. Some exceptional mortar fire suppresses the Germans bunkered up in the houses near the river, and the airborne finally break through. The victory is marginal, with two tanks lost and losses well into the twenties though.
Some more pics on the blog:
http://secondsquadonme.blogspot.com/2011/05/playtest-session-may-6th.html (http://secondsquadonme.blogspot.com/2011/05/playtest-session-may-6th.html)
Proposed rule changes - for the few people following the rule design part:
http://secondsquadonme.blogspot.com/2011/05/presented-changes-after-0605-playtest.html (http://secondsquadonme.blogspot.com/2011/05/presented-changes-after-0605-playtest.html)
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Like the look of the terrain.
IanS
Great looking scenery Rudi! :D
Is that the new river sections you were building? Looks good 8)
Thanks for the compliments! The table we were playing on has some sort of worn carpet on it, that looks kinda scruffy, but when we move club house we'll set up 2 new tables especially for historical in the club, with a grey rubber top surface.
Quote from: Hertsblue on 08 May 2011, 04:32:41 PM
Is that the new river sections you were building? Looks good 8)
Yes they are. Of course they're still earth red, including the water. Once I find the time, I'll finish them, but I'm trying to have all 'specials' ready before starting to paint the water, in order to get a consistent look - I hope.