Operation Mars: Hellen v PO

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> The Operational Art of War IV >> After Action Reports >> Operation Mars: Hellen v PO

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Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 5/24/2020 8:28:25 PM

Hellen_slith

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Pretty interesting briefing for this one
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-98MbLD8NNupsfV2_l7--SjdIiCU3ir0/view?usp=sharing

I noticed the mention of the PO "switching tracks" during the game,
I was not aware that the PO could do that.

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/12/2020 5:26:28 PM >

Post #: 1

RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 5/24/2020 10:06:17 PM

Hellen_slith

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Within the absolutely VAST collections of TOAW scenarios (which you can peruse via the following link)

https://www.alternatewars.com/Games/TOAW/TOAW.htm

there is at least one that stands out for its unique qualities: OPERATION MARS.

This AAR will be dedicated to the creator.

Unless he objects :)

But how can he turn down chocolates and cheeses and wines?

Here's to you, friend :)

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Post #: 2

RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 5/25/2020 12:03:24 AM

Hellen_slith

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Joined: 10/10/2005
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I restarted the game again after more carefully reading the briefing.

Here is the upper portion of the map at beginning of Elmer's turn 1 as Soviets:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/12/2020 5:29:21 PM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 5/25/2020 12:23:46 AM

Hellen_slith

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Okay, I have set "Fog of War = OFF" for this go, because I want to watch Elmer a bit more detail,
and to give myself a little "handicap" against Elmer set at "STRONG" intelligence and the +2 "cheat"

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/12/2020 5:31:48 PM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 5/25/2020 1:16:57 AM

Hellen_slith

Posts: 1990
Joined: 10/10/2005
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Elmer has finished his turn,
he seems to have gotten good mileage out of his 10 combat rounds,
took him about 5 minutes.

So now, it is my German turn 1.
I have selected to use the "Automatic Jupiter" Theater Option ....
Good luck to me!

Here is the map section below Rzhev proper, there are a lot of points to be had around this area.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/12/2020 5:45:21 PM >

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Post #: 5

RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/11/2020 10:23:26 AM

StuccoFresco

Posts: 546
Joined: 9/17/2004
From: Italy
Status: offline

Waiting for the AAR!

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Post #: 6

RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/11/2020 4:35:17 PM

Hellen_slith

Posts: 1990
Joined: 10/10/2005
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:) Sorry for the delay. I have been struggling with
how to kick off the AAR ... this is a very complex scenario,

and I started a game, but by my turn 2 (Axis) I realized,
that I "muffed" my turn 1 as Axis (and Daniel er ... Elmer kicked my ass quick), so I am restarting again as Axis.

Hope to have a "before Axis turn 1" report tomorrow!

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/12/2020 5:51:12 PM

Hellen_slith

Posts: 1990
Joined: 10/10/2005
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All righty, here I go! I restarted the AAR and edited the previous posts, added scene briefing, posted screen caps of the board prior to Elmer turn 1 (Elmer moves first) and after Elmer's turn 1. Good luck to me again!

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/12/2020 11:46:13 PM

Hellen_slith

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Joined: 10/10/2005
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Germans turn 1:

Paying a lot more attention to the briefing now.
I noted this section:

"German units between the Velikye Luki and Rzhev Fronts: these units are
frozen in place until an enemy unit moves adjacent or attacks. Various units will
be released on certain turns and the German player should check for this. The
German player is advised to let sleeping dogs lie on quiet fronts and not attack as
this may activate Soviet formations."

Sounds like I need to pay close attention to the reinforcement schedule.

As for the Jupiter option:

"Automatic Jupiter: The German player has this theatre option available on turn
1 (only). Activating this will mean that the Soviets launch Jupiter somewhere
within a 6-turn frame from turn 12 onwards (variable). The German player
receives 200 VPs for his bravado."

Those 200VPs may be the only VPs I earn, but who can turn down free VPs?
So I chose the option. And, before I turn it over to Elmer,
here is Vyazma area of map:

Attachment (1)

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/13/2020 1:18:35 AM

rhinobones

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Joined: 2/17/2002
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Hellen_slith
I noticed the mention of the PO "switching tracks" during the game,
I was not aware that the PO could do that.

Events can be programed to select the starting PO track and to switch tracks during the game. This can be on a timed delay or in response to enemy activity. It�s a powerful tool and adds quite a bit of �variability� to scenarios which are otherwise completely predictable. Obviously, the objectives remain the same, it becomes a matter of to whom the objective is assigned and the path of advance.

I�ve used it in a scenario which has equal probabilities of starting with a center, left or right flank attack and then has a chance to switch the axis of attack. Now that we have 5 tracks to play with, I might add the possibility of switching to an envelopment.

Regards

_____________________________

Colin Wright:
Comprehensive Wishlist Forum #467 . . . The Norm (blessed be His name, genuflect three times and accept all values in the program as revealed truth)

Pre Combat Air Strikes # 64 . . . I need have no concern about keeping it civil

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/13/2020 1:42:47 PM

Hellen_slith

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Ah, ok, I never knew that ... I don't know much about the editor.

Anyway, here at the end of my Axis turn 2 (p.m. phase of Nov. 25, 1942)
I'm getting the feeling of being hemmed in here west of Rzhev.

Also, I need to wrap my head around the scale,
of 1/2 day turns and 2.5km per hex ... having mostly played at the 1/2 week
or even full week turns, this one has a much more tactical feel to it.

Attachment (1)

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/13/2020 2:55:48 PM

KwanzaO

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From: Canada
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I vaguely recall playing this scenario back in the ACOW/III days.
I remember reading Glantz's book of the battle at the same time as a reference.

_____________________________

cool, control, contain

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/1/2021 5:56:34 PM

Hellen_slith

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Yes! I really like Glantz's works. Well, let's pick this up from my last sal file and I will play it out and we see where we go!

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< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 1:01:02 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 2:12:13 AM

Hellen_slith

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augh i trying to post but internet gooey

Attachment (1)

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 2:14:20 AM

Hellen_slith

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FINALLY took me HOURS to post those...anyway, game has advanced i show map above yellow circles are trouble spots.
Very fun game, PO is really aggressive!! Well this is becoming my favorite scene for v. PO, DM's PO is very aggressive and I almost get the feel of playing a good human opp, at least so far. about 50 moves to go, this is 70 plus moves scenario and I am liking it much!\\

Well my interenet is still hinky so I just post pics for now, will add comments later.

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:41:48 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 10:54:22 AM

Hellen_slith

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all righty here we go I edit with comments later.\

A battle is beginning in a frosty patch of tundra :)

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< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:37:07 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 10:55:15 AM

Hellen_slith

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I just love these shots. See mu airplane at the airfield on the right?>

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< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:35:36 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 10:56:04 AM

Hellen_slith

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Here we see TOAWIII logo found in TOAWIV :) I got this when clicking around mucking about.

Computar thing began smoking and yelling, "DOES NOT COMPUTE!!! OBSOLETE!!!!!!! OBSOLETE!!!!" I told it, "PUT DOWN MY Marlboros and get back to the game, you lousy no good @#$#@ %#$$@#!!!!!!! I WILL UNPLUG YOU IF YOU DON'T CALM DOWN!!!!!!:)"

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< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:33:41 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 10:56:56 AM

Hellen_slith

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MORE MORE MORE :) well this post w] no work i amed

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:01:58 AM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/3/2021 11:02:49 AM

Hellen_slith

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Here is Vyazma area, Wessel 12 Panzer Div rolling up

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< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 6/3/2021 11:59:16 PM >

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/4/2021 4:08:06 PM

Hellen_slith

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I have been moving the game along, not moving much for the Germans, but now up to move 21 and I am going to start moving the Germans much more, now that I have a good feel for the map and the OOB for the Germans.

Here is the Vyazma area, which I think is critical, and 19 Panzer also rushes in to assist :)

Attachment (1)

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/4/2021 4:41:26 PM

StuccoFresco

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Seems there is a solid Soviet block heading for Vyazma, but the 19th Panzer should be enough to stop it.

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 6/21/2021 3:00:54 PM

Hellen_slith

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Well I hope so! Germans are in total disarray while DM's programmed opponent is running roughshod all over the map. I'm going to try to get the Germans better organized to hold off the Red Horde! Here is the map right before moving Germans move 24.

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RE: Operation Mars: Hellen v PO - 7/19/2021 4:40:58 PM

Hellen_slith

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Here is a shot of screen during Soviets moving by PO ...
I paused it just by clicking on the Options drop down ...
where I learned I can resized etc. and then it goes by itself again.

I never knew you could do that. OH this move on when Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor!!
My Germans are not doing so well in this scene, this is a tough scene.