That's More Like It!
April 2002
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
That's More Like It!
Back in March of this year, the folks at Games Domain decided to re-review Combat Mission. Why? Well, CDV had recently published CM in Europe, so the folks at GD thought they would take another look. Guess what? They liked it again! As a matter of fact, here is their list of pros:
"Enormous depth and drama.
Historical accuracy.
Superb turn system.
Infinite replayability."
They seem to like it a bit more than the folks over at GameShrimp.
Click the link below to read the entire review.
May 1, 1941
Middle East, Iraq-
Iraqi forces, totaling four divisions, commence attacks on British troops, which intensify in the following days. British forces are soon bolstered by reinforcements. Germany supports the Iraqis by launching air attacks.
The He-Man QB-Haters Club Is Open for Business!
jwxspoon has some very useful for those who are tired of the QB scene:
"There’s something new at TH-Forums! Ever wish you had an easy to find list of PBEM or TCP scenarios for something besides yet another Quick Battle fight? Yes, now we have a list of our favorite recommendations in three categories:
Small – Scenarios that can easily be played TCP at one sitting
Medium to Large – Scenarios in the 25-35 turn range that make for a much more involved and playable game for you and your opponent.
Large to Huge – Wimpy computers beware! These scenarios have Huge maps and will give you many, many hours of wailing and gnashing of teeth as you fight your opponent for the total supremacy of the World! Well, at least for bragging rights at the end of the scenario…
All of these scenarios have been played by TH-Forums members and are recommended for TCP or PBEM play. If you like them, how about submitting your own recommendations to us? We will play them and, if we like them, will add them to the list.
TH - Forums Downloads
By the way, while you’re on our site, check out the latest AAR’s, book reviews and tactics articles feel free to submit one of your own!
jwxspoon"
Monday, April 29, 2002
April 30, 1942
Politics, Soviet Union-
Premiere Joseph Stalin declares that the USSR has no territorial ambitions except to wrest its own lost lands from Nazi control.
Say What?!
Juju was kind enough to translate this Belgian review from the end of March:
"Combat mission review – De Spelletjesgarnaal, 26/3/02
Gameplay 21/30
Graphics 9/20
Sound 6/10
Design features 32/40
Pro:
Lots of tactics
Strong AI
Contra:
Weak interface
Weak graphics
Not for beginners
Dear readers, in our weekly series “WWII games on your PC” we have another exciting episode today. If you’re still not tired of stomping Germans into their graves, please do install Combat Mission and start the task. That you will enjoy this new episode is a matter of doubt, but isn’t it the thought that counts?
Combat Mission is a war game that was already released in 2000 in the USA, but until today knew no European publisher, The Germans from CDV decided that they’d had enough from importing the game via the Internet, soon you can find this war game in your local shop. Before we go deeper into the game we should define the genre “war game” better. Why? Because, as far as we know, there has never been a review of a war game on the Game-Shrimp site! Not that this is bad, because the war game genre is very narrow and knows only a very small group of die-hards fans. Solid war games can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The Panzer General series is one of the most well known of those. In other words: Turn-based tactical warfare. Not your every day mess.
(Text with picture 1) Behold the ultra modern user interface…. Must bring back some old memories!
War game players have never been demanding when it comes to graphics. While all other strategy games were already conjuring up 3D objects on their screens a game like –for instance- Panzer General still used a hexadecimal field, little icons that represented tanks moving to and fro, and after every click on the “done” button the wait for the next round. Battlefront, developer of Combat Mission, has done away with the hexadecimal field and wrote a 3D engine in which your little tanks go through life like real objects. Now, don’t think of this 3D engine as a sort of Unreal Warfare thing: Take the Operation Flashpoint engine, only ten times as bad, and you’re getting close. The interface is possibly even worse. When you press escape you’ll end up on the windows desktop (luckily you can go back). I you want to quit the game you’ll have to press ALT-Q. Something that stirs up memories of Larry I and King’s Quest I. More wailing on the graphical matter: obviously the Battlefront programmers made their scenario and briefing screens while drunk, because they contain thousands of colors! Rather difficult (read impossible) to read any briefing.
If you don’t care about a nice graphical interface, you can start the campaign. Beginners best start with the tutorial, which gives a good example of what you can expect. It is often difficult to know what to do, because the interface is such a chaos. Usually it boils down to blasting away every bit of enemy (Axis or Allies, depending on your choice) meat from the map. The world in which your little men move about is fully rotatable, where ever you want.
(Text with picture 2) Attack! Combat Mission turns out to be the first war game that’s fully in 3D. Something that clearly shows.
Since Combat Mission is a tactical war game you need to know what to do. For example, if you place your units in open terrain and, a bit further on is a hidden enemy tank, you can kiss your ass goodbye. You also have to watch that you don’t place your units too deep in woods and shrubs because it can impede your ability to move and your shooting accuracy! You will also see that experienced troops clearly aim better than the n00bs that are still wet behind the ears. The strength of the AI is very good. Often it will split its troops and try to outflank you in its effort to defeat you.
To make matters complete there’s a few other things to mention: Don’t expect too much from the music and sounds in CM. A few birds that whistle, some explosions here and there, some soldier’s screams (Scheisse, I stepped into zer shit again!)… That’s it! If you know any other Combat Mission players, you can do multiplay via Email! Talk about turn based! After every move you have to send an email and sit and wait until you get one back. For the patient ones among us. An extensive manual of 186 pages will probably please the read-happy gamers. To conclude: if you can’t get enough of this game you’d best install the second CD that’s included in the box, because it’s filled with mods, utilities, editors and other stuff to adjust the game to your liking.
(text with picture 3) Unbelievable, but true, you can play this game via email. If that isn’t an example of turn-based gaming!
Conclusion
For those who like tactical turn-based strategy games like the Panzer General series, this game is highly recommended, and provided you have a large imagination, an absolute must. All others: Stay well away from this game, since it is intended for a very narrow market of hardcore war gamers.
Reviewed by Rootz"
April 29, 1942
Far East, Burma-
The Japanese cut the Burma Road after siezing the town of Lashio, where the route ends. Chinese Nationalists are now almost wholly dependent on supply by air. The Japanese, being reinforced through the port at Rangoon, are advancing up the river valleys and plan to encircle the Allies in the Mandalay area. The Allies will then have to fight with their backs to the Irrawaddy River. The Burma Corps aims to fall back to India, whose defense is the main priority. Rapid Japanese advances, however, force the British to make a hurried (and potentially disastrous) retreat rather than an organized withdrawal.
Saturday, April 27, 2002
April 29, 1945
Politics, Holland-
The first meeting between Allied and German representatives takes place in western Holland. The Reichskommissar for the Netherlands, Artur von Seyss-Inquart, has offered the Allies the freedom to import food and coal into German-occupied western Holland to alleviate the plight of the civilian population if they will halt their forces to the east. This leads to a cessation of hostilities and saves the country from the ravages of further fighting.
Politics, Italy-
Mussolini's puppet fascist state collapses along with German resistance in the north of the country. Attempting to flee to Austria, Il Duce and his mistress Claretta Petacci are captured by partisans. On the orders of the Committee of National Liberation, Walter Audisio, a communist member of the Volunteer Freedom Corps, shoots them both. Their mutilated bodies are later hung up in the Piazzale Loreto, Milan.
Eastern Front, Germany-
Soviet troops begin the assault on the Reichstag by attacking across the Moltke Bridge. The Germans launch furious counterattacks, and at the strongpoints of the Ministry of the Interior (defended by SS troops) and the Kroll Opera resistance is fierce.
April 27, 1940
Air War, Norway-
German bombers blitz Namsos, attacking the freighters landing supplies for the Allied forces. The order is given to evacuate the port.
Friday, April 26, 2002
A Little Help, Please!
Panzerman could you use a few good men (and/or) women:
"We are once again looking for help. A few members of the team are involded in testing other games or are not able to fit testing in their busy schedule, and schedules change. It's something that happens from time to time, as we all know. So, we are looking for a few people to join us. If you are interested go to The Scenario Zone and click on the "Questions and info on joining the team" link below the April 26th update.
Well that's all for today.
Panzerman"
Thursday, April 25, 2002
The Grand Finale
Well, the parade of screenshots has finally come to an end. I, for one, have been very impressed with the work being done by MikeT and his team at Combat Mission World. When "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards" is complete, I strongly urge all of you to at least take it for a test spin. This will likely be the only chance the CM engine finds itself in the Pacific.
Now, for the treat. I saved this one for last because I think it's the best of the bunch. The small image does not do it justice, but you can get a good idea of the depth of immersion to be experienced in this total conversion mod by looking at this village:
April 26, 1943
Africa, Tunisia-
The First Army's V Corps captures Longstop Hill and reaches Djebel Bou Aoukaz. From April 28-30 the Germans counterattack and take Djebel Bou Aoukaz. Meanwhile, the US II Corps fights a bitter battle to capture Hill 609. The First Army's advance is being blocked by protracted engagements against strong Axis positions. To achieve a breakthrough across the Medjerda Valley, the Eighth Army sends two divisions and a brigade to bolster the offensive.
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
April 25, 1941
Mediterranean, Crete-
Hitler orders and airborne assault on Crete.
Politics, Britain-
Reuters News Agency in London reports that the 'new battleship Prince of Wales is so constructed that it cannot be sunk...[it] is the strongest battleship in the world.'
A Gun for the Masses
The Imperial Japanese Army may not have had very good tanks, but they were just fine at stopping them. Take a peek at this 47 mm AT gun from "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards," the Pacific total conversion mod:
April 24, 1942
Air War, Britain-
Germany bombs Exeter at the start of an air campaign against historic towns and cities, following the British attack on Lubeck. Hitler has ordered raids against every British city featured in the famous Baedeker tourist books.
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
The End of an Era
The boys at Boots & Tracks seem to be onto something here:
"The Last Update before the Redesign Is Complete!
Well, folks, after several months of hard work by the entire team, the grand re-opening of Boots & Tracks is just around the corner! We'll have a newly redesigned website and several goodies for everyone to enjoy. There will be scenarios, articles, dancing girls...uh, wait; strike the last one.
As of now, the plan is to be online by the end of the weekend. Stay tuned to the forum for details as the big day approaches.
SuperTed"
The Season of Giving
For the soldier in the Imperial Japanese Army who has everything, the medium machine gun makes the perfect gift. Here is a screenshot of one in action from "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards," the Pacific total conversion mod:
April 23, 1945
Western Front, Germany-
The last German defenders in the Harz Mountains are captured. Farther north, the British Second Army enters the outskirts of Hamburg.
Monday, April 22, 2002
Two New Panzer Gray Tank Mods
While he appears to be a newbie on the Mod Front, Belgian Steven Burvenich debuts with a two pack of truly stunning Panzer Gray tank Mods. This delicious dish will satisfy your cravings for both Panzer IV and StuG/H Mods. These two mods exhibit great detail front and back and the sides ain't shabby either. So, what are you waiting for? Stop reading my drivel and get downloading! 
Moving Day Approaches
WvG covers all the bases:
"English only for today:
Hi there folks, got a new scenario from MR. LONG! Yep, Caen V is in the scenario sect.
I'm working on a new 88 Flak sound mod.
BTW, been looking and I found a good new home site and I am moving to the MG Online website...It just takes time folks so mods will be winding down for now.
But if you like CM check out the new link to GI Combat! (sweeet, sweeet game!)
Trent Yoxall "WvG"
ps. Visit the CMHQ and GI Combat.com, ohh, and MG Online today in the link sect."
Sunday, April 21, 2002
April 22, 1944
Pacific, Papua New Guinea-
General Douglas MacArthur, leading a 52,000-strong Allied invasion force, makes an amphibious landing in Hollandia, northern New Guinea. Hollandia will be the base for the next phase of MacArthur's Operation Cartwheel, which is designed to drive the Japanese from northwest New Guinea.
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Tanks in Review
Yes, there will be armor in "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards," the Pacific total conversion mod. Check out this screenshot to see how sweet the Japanese tanks will look:
April 21, 1941
Air War, Britain-
Two raids on the nights of the 21st-22nd and 29th-30th against Plymouth by 640 bombers claim 750 lives and leave 30,000 homeless.
Another Big Game Announcement!
...but it's still not CMBB. Well, that's okay because this will help to pass the time until it finally arrives.
Product News : Airborne Assault Beta Demo now available for download!!!
Battlefront.com and Panther games are proud to announce the playable beta download for Airborne Assault - Red Devils Over Arnhem is now ready for download. The file comes in two parts, one 14 meg install program and one 2 meg PDF formated Tutorial Document.
Follow this link to grab the new Airborne Assault Beta Demo!
Once you have given the Demo a good run through be sure to visit the Airborne Assault Forum and let us know what you think!
Product News : Interview with Dave O'Connor from Panther Games about Airborne Assault
It's been a huge day for Airborne Assault today and while you're waiting for the demo above to finish downloading, you can have a look at this latest interview from Miltary Gamer Online with Dave all about the game.
Link to the Dave O'Connor Interview at MGO.
Product News : New preview available for Airborne Assault Beta Demo at Battle-Fields website!
Battle-Fields.com, an online computer gaming and review site, just posted a hot new preview of the beta demo of Airborne Assault - Red Devils Over Arnhem. Here is a little of what they had to say:
"One of the most impressive areas of Airborne Assault is its AI. The comprehensive, yet intuitive, command system allows you to order units collectively within their command structure (say a brigade) or on an individual basis (company by company). Either way you need not worry about controlling the actions of every unit, the AI is more than competent enough to make decisions for itself."
Click Here to read the full Beta Demo Preview!
April 20, 1945
From the Warm Springs Mirror in Warm Springs, Georgia, USA:
"PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT DIED AT THE "LITTLE WHITE HOUSE" THURSDAY, APRIL 12:
The people of Warm Springs and the nation were stunned when the word came late Thursday evening (April 12) that President Roosevelt had died suddenly at the Little White House, in Warm Springs, where he came two weeks previous, for rest.
President Roosevelt's last words were: "I have a terrible headache," spoken to Commander Harold Bruenn, naval physician. He then passed out without regaining consciousness.
President Roosevelt was 63, on January 30, and was serving his fourth term as President of the United States-longest ever held by any president.
Mayor Frank W. Allcorn had invited President Roosevelt to a barbecue at his Shaker Heights home overlooking Warm Springs at 4 p.m., and a number of newsmen and secret servicemen were there awaiting the President when the news came that he had died suddenly. The President was also planning to view a minstrel given by the patients following the barbecue.
Mrs. Roosevelt, who was in Washington, came by plane to Ft. Benning and rushed to Warm Springs from there by automobile.
On Friday morning a Guard of Honor from Ft. Benning lined the road from the Foundation entrance to the Southern Railway station as the funeral procession left from the White House. Approximately two regiments of troops were on hand as guard, and in the procession.
The funeral train pulled out silently at eleven o'clock Friday morning and arrived in Washington at ten o'clock Saturday morning. The funeral was held there in the famous East Room of the White House at 4 p.m., with burial at his home in Hyde Park, N.Y., Sunday afternoon.
Lumber cut from Georgia pine and grown on the Warm Springs Foundation was used for making the bier on which rested the casket of President Roosevelt to Washington.
The sudden passing of President Roosevelt, at the very hour of victory in Europe, closed a great chapter in American history. He died, as he had lived, a good soldier for his country. The effect of his death on the future of American life and especially politics, cannot be measured."
Friday, April 19, 2002
The New Frontier
It appears the boys at the TH-Forums are branching out:
"Just a note to introduce the first of our selected mod hostings at TH-Forums! While not intended to be primarily a mod hosting site, TH-Forums has decided to host mods that we feel are exceptionally high quality or add significant flavor to the game of Combat Mission.
We are pleased to announce the debut of our hosted Mods program in Captain Wacky's CMBO Replacement Sound Mods, version 2.0! If you haven't heard any of Captain Wacky's mods yet, you are in for a real treat. We at TH-Forums were stunned after installing them for ourselves! We know you'll love them, so come on over and get your copy today, and while you're at it browse through our collection of book reviews, tactics articles, aar's and other miscellaneous items.
NOTE: Captain Wacky's sound mods download as MP3 files for smaller downloads. You will need a free mp3 decoder such as musicmatch or a similar program to decode them into .wav files.
jwxspoon"
April 19, 1943
Africa, Tunisia-
General Bernard Montgomery, eager for his Eighth Army to seal victory in Tunisia, launches an offensive toward Enfidaville. The attack gains little ground and casualties are heavy.
Thursday, April 18, 2002
A Great Game Is Announced...
...but it's not CMBB. However, it is something very cool indeed. Read all the details:
"Product News : Battlefront.com and developer Fury Software announce "Strategic Command - European Theater," a turn-based Grand Strategy wargame!
Battlefront.com and developer Fury Software are proud to announce Strategic Command - European Theater, a turn-based Grand Strategy wargame featuring the Second World War in Europe. As the supreme commander of the Axis or Allied forces, the player shapes the fates of the nations at war. Political options, research and upgrade of equipment, management of supply and resources and the strategic employment of one's armed forces are some of the keys to success.
Strategic Command has officially entered Beta status, and is scheduled for release this summer. It will be available only from Battlefront.com’s online store and is not being sold in retail.
Click here to read the full Press Release!
After you have review what this newest addition to the Battlefront.com family has to offer (and it's plenty!) be sure and pop into our famous Discussion Forums and check into the new dedicated Strategic Command forum!
We plan on releasing a playable demos for Strategic Command and Airborne Assault BOTH in the very near future!"
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Leave it to the Groundpounders
The heart of any army is its infantry units. The same can be said about "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards", the Pacific total conversion mod. Check out this screenshot to see how the boys from the Imperial Army look:
April 18, 1943
Air War, Tunisia-
An operation by 100 German transport aircraft to fly supplies to the Axis forces in North Africa suffers a devastating attack by US fighters. Over half the transport aircraft and 10 fighters are shot down.
Off to the Races
Russellmz is best known for his "unique" scenarios. This one is no exception:
Just added a new scenario to my site:
GO!
Race your half-tracks through the city before time is up...
I always wanted to do an exit scenario that involved a run through a city. After seeing Blackhawk Down, I did this one. I think it has some of the excitement and atmosphere of the Hummer runs.
This may be the shortest scenario ever at a svelte 7 turns.
russellmz"
Waiting for the Right Moment
Panzerman comes out of hiding:
"It's been a long time since we have had an update, but it's been for a good reason! We have finished one battle, back in February, but we have been holding off on the release, and have been, since March. The second battle is a historical battle that takes place in Hosingen, Luxemburg. You will have to wait for that one to be released to find out more.
That's all for now,
Panzerman"
April 17, 1942
Air War, Germany-
The RAF launch one of the war's most hazardous bomber raids, attacking a diesel engine factory in Augsburg. Seven of the 12 Lancaster bombers assigned to the daylight attack are lost and the other five sustain damage.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Hey, These Guys Are for Real!
It appears those boys at Boots & Tracks may have finally got things in order:
"After much gnashing of teeth, Boots & Tracks is back in business!
Today we have the first scenario from the new and improved team. It is "Hello Second Armored" from Franko. Here is an excerpt from the overall briefing:
"It is has been about a week since Allied troops have landed in Normandy. Situated at a critical juncture between the Allied beachheads is a small town with some six thousand or so inhabitants, called "Carentan." After a sharp fight with German paratroopers and scattered elements of the 352nd Infantry Division, the "Screaming Eagles" seized Carentan on June 12 and pushed out from the town to the West and South. Elements of the the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division, converging southwest of Carentan by train, bicycle, and any other means of transport, managed to cobble together a powerful kampfgruppe built around the 37th Panzergrenadier Regiment. They struck the 101st hard, seeking to recapture the town."
It's safe to say this one is going to have you on the edge of your seat. So grab this scenario and enjoy the carnage!
SuperTed"
Monday, April 15, 2002
April 16, 1941
Balkans, Yugoslavia-
The election of Ante Pavelic as head of a Croat republic heralds the opening of an awesome campaign of murder and mayhem between the Roman Catholic Croats and Orthodox Serbs, nearly half a million of the latter facing death rather than conversion to Catholicism.
Sea War, Mediterranean-
A German and Italian convoy bringing fresh forces and supplies to the Afika Korps is attacked and sunk by four British destroyers. More than a third of the German troops are rescued.
April 15, 1940
From the Daily Standard in Excelsior Springs, MO, USA:
"BRITISH TROOPS IN NORWAY:
Allied Planes Bomb German-Held Ports; 17 Nazi Ships Sunk
Norwegian Defense Positions Only 30 to 50 Miles North of Oslo; a Quick Thrust by British Would Isolate German Troops in Northern Part of Peninsula.
Bulletin
PARIS, April 15-(U.P.)-British military circles said today it was officially reported Allied forces had landed on Lofoten Island near Narvik. No details were offered, but it is understood the landing of troops has materially strengthened the Norwegians' position.
BY UNITED PRESS
Great Britain landed armed forces on a new battlefield in Norway today-six hectic days after Germany's thrust into Scandanavia-and Europe nervously watched for signs that Adolf Hitler might move again toward a new front in Sweden or the Balkans.
British fighting men-probably a combined army and marine force-set foot on Norwegian soil at "several places," the official London statement said.
The move had been expected several days. Meantime, R.A.F. planes bombed German-held Norwegian ports. British warships blasted German ships wherever they could be brough to action. Allied submarines and minelayers sought to sever the vital German sea routes through the Kattegat and Skagerrak to Norway.
London did not specify where British forces landed under navy and aerial protection. But speculation centered on five points-Narvik, in the Far North, Trondheim, Bergen, Mansos and Andelsnes, near Alesund.
A landing at Trondheim would be most important strategically. Here Norway is a scant 50 miles wide. A quick British thrust to the Swedish border would cut Norway in two and isolate German garrisons to the north. It also would aid the Norwegians in consolidating and holding their rough, hastily thrown up defense lines to the south.
Rail and Highway Links
The southern center of Norwegian resistance is about 150 miles southeast of Trondheim and linked to Trondheim by direct rail and motor highway connections. The Norwegian defense positions are from 30 to 50 miles north of Oslo, the Norwegian capital.
Most of the Norwegian troops apparently are near Skarnes and Kongsvinger on the Glomen River northeast of Oslo and close to the Swedish border and around Hamar and Elvenrum, about 25 miles due north of the Skarnes-Kongsvinger front. Another smaller force is near Eidsvold, from which they were dislodged by the Germans. This Skarnes-Hamar-Eidsvold front forms a rough triangle protecting the railroad to Trondheim.
A British landing at Trondheim would be important also in a nutcracker operation against the Germans to the north. About 25,000 Norwegian troops are concentrated in the Far North near Narvik. British landings at Trondheim and Narvik probably would enable them to operate with the Norwegians in pinching off the northern German forces.
Nazis Claim Gains
Berlin, however, reported German troops were improving and maintaining their position in Norway. They claim to have put 27 British warships out of action, sunk or damaged, up to Sunday and to have shot down 24 British planes. The toll reportedly included seven British submarines.
On the sea from the British admiralty said British submarines had sunk 15 German ships and scored at least one hit on the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer. Two more German transports were sunk, the British asserted.
LONDON (U.P.)-The admiralty and war office, in a 10-word communique said today British forces had landed at several points in Norway."
Sunday, April 14, 2002
Long Time No See!
Dan has been lying low for a while, but he's back in action:
"Coming soon to Dan's CMBO site:
"To the Farmer's Disgust," in which the Allies must take a fortified town in the early hours of D-Day!"
Bring out the Big Guns!
Today's screenshot from the "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards" total conversion mod includes a couple heavy weapons. My apologies for the blurred looked. I am learning how to use Macromedia Fireworks in my "spare" time.
Getting Things in Order
Mr. Dorosh is getting ready:
"In anticipation of an entire world of new units and vehicles to mod with the release of CMBB, GD for CM is pleased to present a fairly comprehensive list of all German Army divisions, and their vehicle identification markings. Similar lists are being compiled for Luftwaffe and Waffen SS units, as well as Kursk markings. The direct link is http://members.shaw.ca/grossdeutschland/divisions.htm."
April 14, 1940
Western Front, Norway-
An Allied expeditionary force of over 10,000 British, French, and Polish troops, first formed to assist Finland, lands at Namsos, Alesund, and Narvik. Its objective is to recapture Trondheim to secure a base in Norway, but its units are ill-prepared for the campaign. There has been little liason with the Norwegians. The various Allied units lack cohesion, training in arctic warfare, key supplies, air cover, and anti-aircraft weaponry.
Friday, April 12, 2002
April 13, 1945
Eastern Front, Austria-
The Red Army liberates Vienna.
It Looks Like a New Game!
We have another awesome screenshot from the upcoming "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards" total conversion mod. The boys at Combat Mission World have thought of everything, right down to the interface:
Thursday, April 11, 2002
April 12, 1944-
Politics, Romania-
In reply to a Romanian mission regarding the conditions for an armistice between Romania and the Soviet Union, Moscow demands that Romania break with the Germans, that its forces fight alongside the Red Army, and insists on the restoration of the Romanian and Soviet border. It also calls for reparations for damage inflicted on the Soviet Union by Romania, freedom of movement through the country for Soviet and other Allied forces, and the repatriation of Soviet prisoners. The Romanians reject these conditions and remain with the Axis.
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
April 11, 1944
From the Italy Edition of Stars and Stripes-Mediterranean:
"Russians Take Odessa, Nazi Ukraine Foothold:
Black Sea Base in Enemy Hands Since Oct. 1941
LONDON, April 10-Odessa, the great Black Sea port and last foothold of the Germans in the Ukraine, has fallen to the Red Army. Tonight, in an Order of the Day addressed to General Rodion Malinovsky, commander of the Third Ukranian Army, Marshal Stalin officially announced the news and called for an extraordinary salute of 24 salvoes from 324 guns in Moscow and 12 salvoes from 120 guns of the Soviet Black Sea fleet.
Marshal Stalin described Odessa as an "important economic and political center of our country" and attributed its liberation to a "clever and unexpected maneuver by motorized units, infantry and cavalry and a frontal attack."
The Germans had earlier asserted that hey had successfully evacuated the city, but military observers here felt it was an attempt to minimize a heavy defeat.
A city of 600,000 when German and Rumanian troops captured it Oct. 16, 1941, after a 69-day siege, Odessa is the third largest city in the Ukraine and, according the Russians, constituted a vital stonghold for the Germans in the defense of the central regions of Rumania.
The fall of Odessa was seen to imperil even further the German garrison in the Crimea of which there has been little official news with the exception of occasional Nazi reports of fighting on the Kerch peninsula..."
A Motherlode of Mods!
WvG is speaking in tongues:
"English:
Hello there folks. Today I have "6!" yes "6!" mods for you from the MP40 to the MG-42 and the P-38; also a new 98-K Mauser mod and a new menu sound mod; also a new after-battle sound mod (media sect.). That's all for today folks but stick around. I'll have a scenario and a mod later in the week or the weekend. I've been bustin' my butt and my family is beginning to worry. :-)
Later CMers!
Deutsche:
Hallo dort Völker, heute habe ich " 6! ", ja " 6! ", mods für Sie vom MP40, zum MG-42 und zum P-38 auch ein neues MOD des mauser 98-K und ein neues Menü klingen MOD. Auch ein neues nach Schlachttonmod(-Mediaabschnitt). Aber alles das ist für Tagvölker aber -stock herum. Ich habe ein Drehbuch und ein MOD später in der Woche oder im Wochenende. Ich bin das mein bustin ' aber mein Familie Anfang zum Sorgen: gewesen), neueren HERRN.
From now on I'll try to put English and German news. Sorry Frenchies! :-)
Traurig, spreche ich nicht irgendwie französisch. Ich mag nicht Schnecken, aber ich schätze, daß ich am Deutschen hübsches gutes bin!
Special thanks to SuperTed and Chris Lange!
Trent "WvG""
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
April 10, 1945
Far East, Burma-
General William Slim's British Fourteenth Army commences an offensive to capture Rangoon. It is a race against time to take the city before the monsoons begin in mid-May. He must also stop the Japanese forming a defensive line north of Rangoon and halting his advance.
You Oughta Be in Pictures!
WvG has the pictures to prove it:
"Hello, today I have a portrait mod from Christopher Lange-Allied and Axis pics with a glass coating. If you have questions contact him. It appears Michael Wainke is his friend and he uses his PC to submit. Anyway, his e-mail and his pic has been updated in the contact sect and he says, "More new scenarios are comin'!"
Hello, if you have a CM:BO pic you'd like to send in for the "Pic of the Week," just submit it to my e-mail.
Hallo, wenn Sie haben, senden ein pic cm:bo, das für das "Pic der Woche" verwendet werden kann, es innen!
You can find the portrait mods in the "media" sect."
Monday, April 8, 2002
April 9, 1944
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The Soviet 3rd Ukranian Front reaches the outskirts of Odessa.
Feeling Hungary?
Tom's got a tank and a surprise:
" TCMHQ announces the release of Andrew Fox´s marvellous new Cromwell mod ( 1.8 MB - " Allied Armor " mod page ). A special CMMOS version of this mod will be available ASAP.
BTW: All Hungarian CM fans will be happy to find a Hungarian version of DeanCo´s CM control panel on the " Goodies " page. "
Sunday, April 7, 2002
Here on Gilligan's Island...
There is still more to see in the Pacific. Today, we have the IJA rifle:
April 8, 1940
Sea War, North Sea-
The British destroyer Glowworm intercepts part of the German invasion fleet bound for Norway. It is sunk after ramming the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, but a British submarine then sinks the transport Rio de Jianero. However, Royal Navy vessels deployed in the North Sea have not received sufficient information about the German invading force and are unable to intercept it.
April 7, 1941
Africa, Libya-
General Erwin Rommel captures Derna, along with British Generals Philip Neame and Sir Richard O'Connor, during his advance toward Tobruk.
Friday, April 5, 2002
April 6, 1941
Balkans, Yugoslavia/Greece-
Thirty-three German divisions, with Italian and Hungarian support, invade Yugoslavia from the north, east, and southeast. Aerial bombing centering on Belgrade dislocates the nation's military command and communication structure, and further undermines the ineffective mobilization of its 640,000-strong army. Major cities are quickly siezed, including Zagreb, Belgrade, and Sarajevo, between the 10th and 15th.
In Greece, German forces attack the Greek Second Army on the fortified Metaxas Line along the country's northern border with Bulgaria. Air raids on Piraeus port destroy a British ammunition ship, which explodes and sinks 13 vessels. The Second Army, cut off after German forces reach the sea at Salonika on the 9th, soon surrenders. The British, after initially occupying positions between Mount Olympus and Salonika, are quickly forced back to a new defensive line just north of the mountain following the collapse of Greek forces on their left flank.
Thursday, April 4, 2002
April 5, 1944
Eastern Front, Ukraine-
The Soviet 3rd Ukranian Front captures Razdelnaya station and cuts the local German forces in two, one of which is forced to withdraw toward Odessa and the other toward Tiraspol.
Birthday Update
PawBroon is in a festive mood today:
"And now for some update.
We have a Gordon Molek Festival today.
First I want to tell you Gordon that I do appreciate you doing so many MODs just for my birthday.
Which reminds me that Makjager, Marco Bergman and AndrewTF should all send me a medical discharge or somefink...
Gordon Molek has been MODing like a Stakhanovist.
You'll see in the previews that not only will his MODs come with more options than I got body hairs, but that he has also MODed the missing shield of the PAK gun.
I'm glad the rumours of you quitting the MOD Scene were just an April's Fool Hoax...
Saturnin is improving both his skills and his H39.
Or maybe it's the other way around.
Well, what's important is that at least one of those crazy H39 MODers is willing to release his work once finished.
Can't beat that.
As a side note, the tank commander is no more looking like Marlon Brando in A Streetcar named Desire.
It was dandy that...
And the last one is coming out of the blue, from nowhere even!
Errmmm, maybe not nowhere, Mexico to be precise.
Did you know we had Mexican MODers?
J. M. Gottwald his working on some uniforms off DD and AndrewTF.
They look nice for a Work In Progress.
I am very pleased that more people are willing to try on MODing and are doing so for the greater enjoyment of all.
Thanks for that and welcome on board Jose Miguel, or whatever it is J.M. stand for...
That's a nice birthday really.
All of my gifts are in Incoming.
Thanks for all.
Well, maybe not Makjager, Marco Bergman and AndrewTF..."
Wednesday, April 3, 2002
April 4, 1941
Africa, Libya-
General Erwin Rommel's Axis troops are advancing across Libya in three groups. A predominantly Italian force on the coast takes Benghazi. Another group inland is advancing to Msus, while farther south a third force is also heading toward the same objective.
Back to the Island
Here is another peek at the work being done at Combat Mission World on the Pacific total conversion mod. Today, we have IJA artillery:
Tuesday, April 2, 2002
April 3, 1944
Air War, Norway-
The German battleship Tirpitz has been damaged in Altenfiord, Norway, by Royal Navy aircraft flown from the British carriers Victorious and Furious. Tirpitz has been hit 14 times, which means that it will not sail again for several months.
A Fresh Look
FUTURE has one of the coolest splash screens:
"I have just uploaded a new screen mod that I had made last year and seen it most days. So thought I would share it with you all too.
Note: this splash screen is available in three popular sizes."
Is He Foolin'?
PawBroon is getting into the spirit of the holidays:
"Woohoo April's Fool!!
Just for that, and because I'm worth it, one of those HUGE updates.
Or maybe not...
Well, it never costs you a dime to click on the links so go check for yourself.
After all, one should never be too trusting today....
AndrewTF has sent me a shitload of pics of his upcoming MOD, the Cromwell.
They'll come with many options.
The most obvious thing you'll notice is that there will be a regular and a camo version.
You'll find both here unless I'm mistaken.
Marco Bergman has once again proved that he is the King of MODs.
Of course, most MODs are very good nowadays.
But Marco is just getting better and better.
And quite frankly, there wasn't much to improve from.
It's uncanny.
It's weird.
And it's TRUE.
The minutiae he put into his latest Flak 37 MOD is just mind boggling.
BTS, you should get that guy on the payroll before he goes somegame else...
Speaking of outstanding MODers.
Fernando Carrera Buil is back.
It was too much for him.
One shouldn't fight the urge to MOD really.
DO YOU READ THAT MOLEK?!!!
Errm...
Seriously, FCB just submitted a nice Heer Uniform for us to AAHHH and OOHHH during Beta Test.
I for one am glad that he hasn't waited till CMBB as previously stated and that he is doing some more of his Magic.
MikeT is working on one of his famed Total Conversions.
You might be familiar with his desert MODs already.
He did a H.G. Wells War of the World also.
Maximus did the Martians, or maybe they were just regular CMBO MODs.
If you want to learn more, and quite frankly you should, go there: Combat Mission World.
This time he is working on a very ambitious project still based on CMBO but tweaks are planned with the new features of CMBB (Assault, Trenches, etc...).
His gigantic work is called "War Along the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards" and is set on the Pacific Theatre.
Considering BTS said the PTO was a NO GO, it might be your only chance to fight it out in Bataan or Iwo Jima.
As with most projects of such proportion, it's a Team Work and thus the pics are the work of:
Reno Flame 36 for the uniforms.
Japanzer for anything Japanese in this TC (Armour MODs, Gun MODs, WAV, etc...).
Juju for the IJA weapons.
Tanks A Lot for the trees.
And MikeT for the rest...
Even though he has already much work to do, Reno Flame 36 still found some time to work on his own personal MOD.
A PzIV.
Not only is it good, but it also comes with the usual smorgasbord of options.
Considering it's based off Fernando Carrera Buil's MOD, expect some high quality...
And last but not least, Russelmz has gone over the joy of putting his own face in CM.
Now it's even more dandy, his MOD is all about Celebrity Faces and the Guest Star appearance of the likes of Tom Sizemore in your squads.
If you can't kick asses and take names with style after that, you should go play with the Easter Bunny.
It makes for an awful lot of pics which may or may not be in Incoming. As usual, please join me in thanking all of the MODers who made this possible...
Happy Easter to all.
PawBroon"
Monday, April 1, 2002
Mods, Scenarios, and More!
WvG has the goods this time around:
"Today is a lazy day I don't feel like putting these MODS! into their catergories, plus it is easier to download all in one place. Yes, I have three downloads today and I added a counter, becuase I get flooded, so please be paitent.
I have Rifles (in Allied and Axis sect.) and Pistol and Sniper Riflemod here, fresh from the editorles. They all work and sound very well, but I encourage you to choose the Axis or Allied rifles based on how much you use each side (ex. I play more German than Allied, so I put on the Mauser sniper rifle and p-38 and Mauser 98k). Just fight agianst paratroopers or just put the sniper one on whatever. Enjoy! Very easy to interchange also.
I checked e-mail also and I got my first submission from Michael Wainke. There are two scenarios in the updated scenario section: Sterzfelden! and a grrreeeaattt! Caen IV scenario. I hope I can expect more from him in the near future.
Thanks and enjoy!"
April 2, 1945
Western Front, Germany-
Units of the US First and Third Armies meet at Lippstadt to complete the encirclement of the economically-important Ruhr region.
A Little Island Hopping
Over the course of the next few days, a series of screenshots from the Pacific CM-conversion mod "War at the Rim: Those Forgotten Bastards" (WARTFB) will be posted here. MikeT would like to give proper credit to:
Dave Singer for uniforms
Japanzer for armor, support artillery, speech files, plus so many other things I cannot tell you
Juju for infantry weapons
Tanks A Lot for trees and foliage
Wild Bill is offering to do some special scenarios
So, keep your eyeballs pointed over here.
For starters, we have the IJA 75mm AA/AT gun.
