We played a 2000 point, late-war Flames of War game set on the Eastern Front. Army lists were drawn from Red Bear and Nuts and the 4th edition rules were used. The Soviets were mostly Confident/Trained (some Fearless) with two mixed T-34 formations of mainly T-34/85s, 4 57mm anti-tank guns, 8 Katyusha launchers, 6 82mm mortars, a company of infantry and Sturmovik air support. The Germans had two platoons of MG/Panzerfaust panzergrenadiers, 4 12cm mortars, 3 3.7cm AAA, 3 Pak40 anti-tank guns, 3 Pak43 anti-tank guns (that could also bombard), 3 Jagdpanthers and sporadic air support from a Hs-129B3. The Germans were all Confident/Veteran.
 |
A peaceful looking field, somewhere on the
Eastern Front. |
 |
| And now "filled" with figures. |
The mission was a free-for-all so while everyone started dug in and gone to ground per the new rules, everything was on table. No ambushes or reserves for a pleasant change. Neither side had any luck getting air support on a 4+ roll. Only once in six tries combined.
 |
| Two T-34 formations advance on our right. |
With my lack of mobility, the Pak43 and AAA were immobile, I felt I had to hit and then counter-attack. This seemed to suit the Soviets who were aggressively minded.
 |
| Soviet infantry company advances but is pinned by 12cm mortars. |
Artillery against non-armored targets is very effective these days, what with the ability to target a piece of terrain rather than an enemy stand. Some players were well-practiced in spacing their stands to minimize the effect, but now you just have to take it.
 |
| Two anti-tank guns have been lost so the Jagdpanthers move up. |
 |
| Tanks move up to engage the infantry with MGs, but did not assault. |
 |
But we do. Assaulting from cover, eliminated one and bailed two.
They then returned to their foxholes. |
At this point the Soviets conceded the game. The infantry remained pinned in the open, the tanks were eliminated or run off, and the Katyushas were weakened. I suppose there was some chance left, we do use dice after-all, but the offensive punch was gone. At least my Hs-129 got on table once, eliminating a Katyusha.
A quick and violent game, done in an hour or so. Thanks Dan and Adam for playing.
I think I had a shot up to the failing of the third pinning test on the infantry. Having a single giant unit is nigh unmanageable in 4th edition. You either look like you are playing Napoleonics or you can't advance at a decent rate. (the coherency rules don't let a horde this size move at the double since they literally cannot be in command).
ReplyDelete