Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Decisive Campaigns: Barbarossa >> Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris

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Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/16/2017 9:53:16 PM

MasterDust

Posts: 12
Joined: 12/16/2014
Status: offline

I'm very interested in this game, but--I still can't even get a resoundingly decisive win as the German player on NORMAL for Case White scenario in the first game in the series. Playing it again now. Sept. 9th and already casualties are 11% where they should not exceed 10% (or they carry over to the Campaign game.) I don't get it. One or two questionable attacks aside, I'm looking for 3 to 1 differentials at least. That--and trying to out-maneuver without being cut off from supply myself. Honestly, I don't think I'm playing that badly. But, the casualty penalty coupled with the Time Limit to snatch up Warsaw and VPs makes this a more challenging game than one might think.
So, if Barbarossa is more of the same, maybe I should just stick to Beer & Pretzels.
Aside from the political chrome, etc. (which I liking) how does the game play compare to the first in the series?

Post #: 1

RE: Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/17/2017 12:26:30 AM

budd

Posts: 2972
Joined: 7/4/2009
From: Tacoma
Status: offline

haha..your post made me smile. You and i sir have a lot in common, im average at best at these games. I look at it this way i get a lot of milage out of the AI

A victory is nice made sweeter by the struggle to get there. That being said i wouldnt miss this game, its just too good. Yea youll be frustrated at times when your relationships sour and your fuel isnt reaching the front just as your about to rip and tear thru the soviets or having to halt your drive because your troops are worn down. This game is about trying to make lemonade out of the lemons your given and is not to be missed.

_____________________________

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Be Yourself; Everyone else is already taken" ~Oscar Wilde

*I'm in the Wargamer middle ground*
I don't buy all the wargames I want, I just buy more than I need.

(in reply to MasterDust)

Post #: 2

RE: Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/17/2017 1:58:29 AM

DeriKuk

Posts: 359
Joined: 8/2/2005
From: Alberta
Status: offline

The Polish scenario is always tricky for the attacker. I think the German player has to adopt a real Blitzkrieg mentality. You have limited time . . . so spend the 25 points to buy two extra turns (12+2=14). Try not to get locked into solid fronts. The major aspect of the game is the race to the centre of Warsaw. The Poles will get there first, but when you get there, be sure that he did not get there with everything. In Warsaw it will be a bit of head bashing, but in the opening stages you have to use your fast units to get past the Polish fronts. Use your infantry to seal off the Poles.

Do not get locked into battles of attrition. Avoid the tough terrain and forts. Where there is entrenched resistance (where you HAVE TO go), use artillery and air to reduce the entrenchment before you attack. Attack in echelon: Use just enough - usually slower troops - in the first wave - to dislodge/retreat the defenders. The second wave - panzers - move into or past the vacated hex, and then attack the demoralized retreated troops. The third wave moves even further, surrounding and isolating enemy units. Engineers to the blown bridges . . . A.S.A.P.!

As mentioned, Warsaw is the major objective . . . including all the reachable objectives on the way there. In the south, take out what you need - usually Krakow and targets in its vicinity. Do not overcommit in terms of troops in the south. Unneeded troops are wasted resources. When you have achieved your secondary objectives (i.e. not Warsaw), stop attacking. Unnecessary attacks buy you nothing, and only incur casualties.

Remember: Recon (R planes), Speed, Artillery, Air, Punch, Dislodge, Echelon, Shock!, more Speed, Isolate . . . repeat!

(in reply to budd)

Post #: 3

RE: Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/17/2017 4:28:03 AM

MasterDust

Posts: 12
Joined: 12/16/2014
Status: offline

Wow. Okay then. Yeah, I can see why I'm not doing as well as I should. Much more nuance to the mechanics in that scenario. Engineers, for example. I don't believe I've used them once to repair or destroy a bridge. Good tip--that. Here's to another go...
Cheers.

(in reply to DeriKuk)

Post #: 4

RE: Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/18/2017 9:41:41 PM

ChuckBerger

Posts: 278
Joined: 8/10/2006
Status: offline

Yep, hjalmar summed it up well. Keep playing DC1, the France scenario is actually a bit easier than the tough victory conditions for Case White. Sea Lion is interesting, but not with as much room for maneuver.

My advice would be to skip DC2 and go straight to DC3. It's more of the same, in the sense of basic approach to blitz and the basic unit mechanics. But it plays a bit quicker, because you're just dealing with divisions - all air, naval, artillery, AT and engineers etc are abstracted. I'd say it's no tougher that DC1 fundamentally, but it's more interesting because of a broader set of strategic options and of course because of the wonderfully innovative political layer on top.

DC3 is the best computer wargame I've ever played.... and I've been at it since "Midway" on the C64.

(in reply to MasterDust)

Post #: 5

RE: Barbarossa Vs. The Blitzkrieg Warsaw To Paris - 1/23/2017 7:49:03 PM

MasterDust

Posts: 12
Joined: 12/16/2014
Status: offline

To my own surprise, a few days after my initial post I took the plunge.
This game is amazing. I am already obsessed with it. Currently, it's my favorite.
Firstly, the in-game tutorials along with the manual (yes, despite price with shipping) provide invaluable info. Max Combat numbers for concentric attacks better understood. Unit stats explained. Readiness a vital stat!
So, it's early October. Rostov still the main goal. AGS finally making good gains SE of Kiev against mostly brown Rifle Divisions. AGC running out of steam. Point of sword blunted. Moscow? Ha! I probably won't even take the next city, Vyazma. Strength diluted by having to cover/hold flanks. AGN has recently taken Leningrad. Hurrah! But are now in a fight for their survival since the FSB at Daugavpils(?) had already been seized by the enemy. Note for future: gotta cover those border areas between Army Groups. Russkies will ruthlessly exploit gaps. Still haven't taken Talinin or Narva. Having to withdraw army on that front south to deal with crisis.
If I was a betting man, I'd probably bet against me. Not even sure how I'll fair in future plays. But, I still love this game.
This is my first play through and I've made some mistakes in not playing certain cards early on--among others. Cards are even more important here than DC1. This game is such an improvement over DC1. Although, playing DC3 will undoubtedly improve gameplay for DC1.
I like this game so much I'm actually considering picking up DC2 even though I know it's quite different. For me, probably an overly meticulous and frustrating slugfest. (Back to Engineers, Luftwaffe Squadrons, and Command control issues.) Time will tell. Anyway, the majority of posters here are correct. DC3 is the best of series and an outstanding operationsl wargame.

(in reply to ChuckBerger)

Post #: 6