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Rasputitsa -> RE: First Impressions (12/9/2010 10:11:01 AM)
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Played the first time yesterday evening, ignored the tutorial, didn't read the manual (just had it open in the background to consult as necessary) - situation normal.
Opened as Germans with 'Road to Minsk' 3 turn scenario, reached Minsk on the second turn and took the city on the third turn. Used a wide encirclement plan, with infantry units cutting in to separate and destroy the frontier forces and motorised units completing a wider net, to enclose second echelon forces and set up a screen well east of Minsk. The southern armoured pincer was slowed by the swamps in that area, but closed the pocket on the third turn. Some air operations I used manually, other air operations worked automatically. Achieved a points draw, but I think it was better than that, as the defenders of Minsk were routed and driven west into the pocket and could easily be destroyed if the scenario had continued.
So what did that prove, I was able to play a satisfying game straight out of the 'box', although I know that I was mis-handling the HQ units and my army would have collapsed, if I had tried to carry on. However, I found the game mechanics easy to use and, as a complete WiTE novice, I could make it work and that has to be good.
I did have, and still have, concerns about the size of the game, as the thought of a full campaign with those screenshots of rank after rank of units in 1944 is very daunting. However, I never finished a full campaign with WIR and I don't suppose I ever will with WiTE. I see the East Front as a war of two halves, the Germans have the initiative through most of 41/42, with the Soviets having the initiative through 44/45. 1943 is an interesting middle ground. There is a lot to play for in exploring early, or late, war strategy.
WIR played at Korps/Army level, which I thought was correct as a High Strategy game. In WiTE a small Infantry Korps can be moved as one stack, with larger Korps/Armys manoeuvred in a manageable number of stacks, to be broken down for combat. Maybe a High Command would not have been involved with the actions of individual regiments, but this game allows the movement of Korps sized stacks, which can break down into divisional units, divisional units can be broken down into regiments. Then they can be re-assembled. Somewhere in all of this is a good operating method to learn, which will give a realistic experience of fighting the war in the East
So first impressions - very positive - it all looks very good, thanks to all involved. [:)]
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