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We're getting really close to the release of Panzerkrieg. It's coming out in just two days!
So far we spoke of the new specializations, mechanics and we showed you some of the new units, but today we'll look at some of the new scenarios. We picked three in particular.
Demyansk Pocket
Following their defeat at Moscow, the Wehrmacht has been forced to retreat.
By February 1942 more than 90,000 men have been trapped by the advancing and numerically superior Soviet forces in the so called Demyansk pocket, south of Leningrad.
The airfields at Demyansk and Peski become therefore of vital importance as all supplies will have to be brought in by Luftflotte 1’s airplanes. Historically, the Luftwaffe made a tremendous effort to resupply the divisions encircled in the Demyansk pocket. The Germans were able to break through from the north and re-open a land route to Demyansk in April 1942, but losses in terms of planes and human lives had been steep.
Gameplay notes
1. Following the failure to capture Moscow, the Soviet's winter offensive has surrounded a substantial German force around the city of Demyansk. Available supplies will dwindle every turn, effectively creating a race against the clock as the relief force tries to break the encirclement.
3. To buy some more time, Ju 52 transport planes will be available to deliver supplies at Demyansk airfield. These valuable planes will also be used to transport fresh infantry units into the pocket to bolster its defenses.
4. The German forces trapped in the pocket are spread thin along its borders. It may be tempting to retreat and concentrate all available strength around Demyansk, but doing so would cause the loss of several supply depots. Instead, the defenders will have to hold their positions and rely on a mobile reserve to combat Soviet attacks from all directions.
Stalingrad
Few other battles are as iconic and important as the Battle of Stalingrad and now you will be able to live it in Order of Battle!
In August 1942 the German offensive was in full swing, and Stalingrad was an important strategic goal on the path to Caucasus.
With enormous effort the 6th Army was able to push the Soviets on the west bank of the Volga, but by November the Soviets counter-attacked and being able to push the Romanian and Hungarian forces on the 6th Army's flank, managed to surround the Germans. Hitler, once again hoping that the Luftwaffe would be able to supply the surrounded army until a relief force came to the rescue, ordered them to resist at all costs. He was wrong. The 6th Army surrendered on February 1943.
Gameplay notes
1. A constant stream of Soviet conscripts is being ferried across the Volga. By establishing air superiority over Stalingrad, however, the player can use Stuka dive bombers to destroy the enemy river barges. Destroying enough of these will discourage the Soviets from continuing this practice.
2. The Tractor Factory in the north of the city is still up and running. And don't be fooled by its name, the vehicles rolling out of the complex are no tractors, but combat-ready T-34 tanks. Production at this plant will only cease when the Germans can bring the fight to its surroundings.
3. The Soviets have positioned several heavy artillery barrages on the small islands along the Volga River. These will open fire and constantly harass the German forces as soon as they enter Stalingrad. This too makes a valuable target for the Luftwaffe's attack planes.
Kharkov '43
After the battle of Stalingrad the Russians were on the offensive and they were able to recapture the strategically important city of Kharkov. But the Soviet army was overstretched and exhausted after long months of harsh combat.
The German staff understood the enemy's weakness. They knew that they needed a victory if the red tide was to be stopped!
Gameplay notes
1. After the defeat at Stalingrad and the ensuing Soviet offensive, German forces have managed a tactical retreat during the previous scenario. This has allowed the enemy to recapture Kharkov but now the Soviet advance must be brought to a halt in front of Krasnograd.
2. While the Soviet armoured spearhead relentlessly pushes against the German defenses, an opportunity will arise to outflank and destroy the bulk of the enemy's offensive strength. When this has been achieved, the initiative will be back in German hands, in time to began preparations for the climactic battle of Kursk.
