CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Automatic Installer
http://www.wargamer.com/gamesdepot/details.asp?sid=4168

Zip File
http://www.wargamer.com/gamesdepot/details.asp?sid=4169

CARIBBEAN CRISIS!

October 14-20th, 1962

Game Version: WinSPMBT 2.0+
Format: Fixed Core Campaign
Turns: 8-15 per scenario

Player: United States Marine Corps
Command Size: Company
Length: 5 Scenario maximum

Campaign Concept and Design: Wild Bill Wilder

Testers: Tom DeShelter, Fabio "Tiger" Prado, Sgt Walrus, Andrew "Weeble" Weaver, Massimo "Mad Italian" Rocca.

My special thanks to these gaming heroes who put in many hours of testing and suggestions for improvement. This effort would be nothing without them.

Let me add a special note of thanks to Fabio Prado for preparing the installer program for this campaign.

Some Hypothetical History:

This campaign mixes fact with hypothesis. It did not happen but could have. To better understand the campaign, I strongly recommend that you read the following.

Four months after the "Bay of Pigs" fiasco, the United States finds itself being slowly pressured by the Soviet Union. The earlier vacillation has given Premier Khrushchev and the Politburo excessive boldness.

There are strong indications of large numbers of Soviet troops and equipment coming to the island daily. There is also suspicion that intermediate ballistic missiles might be located there. The number of U-2 spy plane flights is increased to verify this possibility.

To add to the tension, the Communist regime has become bolder in its confrontational attitude in other places. In Europe, Soviet Forces are currently massing on both sides of West Berlin in what maybe a new blockade. West Berlin is about to become an island of freedom in a Communist sea.

Kennedy has tried to reason with the Soviet Premier but in vain. He is determined not to be cowered into a submissive state by Soviet intimidation. He resolutely decides that the Communist regime in Cuba is too great a threat to the United States. There is no time to wait for confirmation as to the presence of missiles.

United States Marines and the 82nd Airborne prepare to invade Cuba in what is termed "Operation Independence.' The Marines form "Task Force Freedom." The 82nd carries the name "Task Force Liberty."

Just how far will either nation go? That is not yet known but many in authority in the USA fear the worst. No matter! The invasion will take place and Castro will be ousted from power.

The decision has been made. It is only moments until "Operation independence" begins!

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Tenshun! Before beginning this campaign be sure you have read the doc or test file that comes with this zip file which gives the background for this campaign. This is very important to understanding what lies ahead for you.

Your core force is provided for you. It is a Marine Infantry Company. Your unit is part of "Task Force Freedom." As the campaign develops, so will your men. You will be given points to secure whatever assets you will need.

When you begin this campaign, your first scenario is not one of battle, but of choice. You are to decide which of the two campaigns you wished to play. The first is "Slugging it Out," where more conventional battles will occur.

The Second campaign, "Special Ops," offers some unusual situations beyond the scope of normal warfare.

Hopefully you'll play both of them. Once you have finished one series, you can restart the campaign and play the other without repeating any battles.

The entire Wild Team is delighted to present you with this adventure in the Caribbean. Good hunting!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Heya WB!

I'm currently trying the assault scenario. Whenever I move an LCVP into hex 15,8 the game freezes. Nada, nothing, zippo will unfreeze it. Dunno if its just me or a glitch, but I thought you should know.

This looks like a great campaign! Excellent idea with the ability to choose a path, and replay the campaign again on the other path. My compliments to you and your team!


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I'll check it right now, Goblin, and get back to you. Gosh, I tested it a dozen times and I know the testers all played through it at least twice.

Be right back...

Oh, and thank you. Yes, you will enjoy it.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Well, I started the campaign set up the LCVP and moved it right into 15.8 with no problem. See the attached graphic.

At the top it says 16.8, which is where I have the cursor arrow, but the LCVP is in 15.8, adjacent to it. The game continued with no freeze at all.

If you wish, I'll send you a copy of that dat file and you can try again. Just insert it into the campaigns folder. Let me know if you want it.

Did you try moving it somewhere else? Did the same thing happen?

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

It happened in one other hex also. But nowhere else. I would like the dat file, that would be great! I've smashed my way ashore and slightly inland, but it was a little too easy. Now I am freaking worried, and digging in!



Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Well, i just finished "Slugging it out" campagin. I haven't encountered any technical problems. Fights were hard, but my marines supported by "Zippo" flame tanks and AT jeeps managed to wipe out these pesky communists http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif. Good advice -purchase some 106 mm RCL jeeps for the last battle http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

I haven't used too much artillery - i relied on direct fire from suppoting tanks. Supresing the enemy infantry with heavy fire, then driving a Zippo close, and torching the enemy out - it worked great for me. I only used mortars for laying smoke.

I had some problems with enemy tanks - my M-48 were destroyed by almost every hit from T-54 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif. But T-54s were easily destroyed by my 106mm RCLs, so i don't complain http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I'll send it today, Gob! Look for it in an e-mail coming directly to you. Yes, the Cubans feel invaded (and they are) and they don't like "Gringos" in their back yard!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Excellent Mac! You are the first one I've heard from as to results. I assume from your report you did well. Congratulations!

I never counted on artillery too much in this series either. Your Marine grunts are the guys to get the job done.

Did you have survivors in your original company? They get pretty tough by the last fight. Did you pick the last battle as a big one or the smaller, "The Hunt?"

I appreciate the update.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I just finished the Slugging end of the campaign! My HQ unit got Castro! I mean he actually got wiped Castro and his boys out. I didn't get the Russian advisors though. =[

A Marginal Victory overall, and one hell of alot of fun! I'm gonna try the special ops end now. My thanks to WB and his team for this!


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I got two decisive victories and two marginal. Marginals were first and third battle - in the third battle i was suprised by enemy T-54s - those damned things were more than a match for my M-48s.

In last battle Castro was torched by my engineers - serves him good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Enemy tank reinforcements came too late - T-10 appeared between my infantry and AT Jeeps, they did little damage, and were quickly destroyed. As for T-54s, some of them them stumbled right in front of my two M-103s - you can guess the results http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Anyway i lost two Zippos, two M-48s and a single M-103. 5 other tanks were "mission killed" -immobilized or lost main gun. Anyway, the last batlle was tough http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Nice job Mac! I think I got one DV and three marginals, with a marginal overall. I opted for almost all infantry in the last one, with a couple of strike aircraft. That slowed me down somewhat, and the enemy tanks were in place right when my infantry got there. I mean they literally pulled into a swarm of engineer and Marine platoons. Lots of close assaults, but I did have to wave charge the T54's, which was messy... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Goblin, good to see you enjoying the other SP flavour.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Heya j2d! Gotta have some modern stuff, lol.


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

A marginal is nothing to feel badly about. Some of these fights are extremely, I repeat, extremely tough.

I think you did well. I just recently found out through documents declassified, that there were over 40,000 Russian soldiers, tanks, artillery and aircraft on the island along with some atomic warheads. Maybe we were closer to the brink than we realized!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I was quite pleased with my overall score; most of the marginals during the game were my fault. Especially when I got my platoon bombed... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/Injured.gif

I'm in the second scenario of the special ops branch. Fun!

I'll be playing this campaign many times.


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

That is just great! I must have played it at least five or six times. I know all the team played it twice.

I can't tell you how much your note means...a great encouragement to me personally and I owe it all to a great team! They worked hard on this. That would include

Sgt. Walrus (Jason Young)
Weeble (Andrew Weaver)
Tom DeShetler "Desh44"
Massimo "Mad Italian" Rocca (who has been with me forever!)
and old Fabio "Tiger" Prado

Thanks men! You made it happen!

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Pass on a special hello to Fabio. I have tried to contact him twice via his 'contact me' link at his site, but never heard anything...

I played the Gitmo scenario of the SpecOps branch. This was, by far, one of the most fun scenarios I have played in a long time!! I liked it so much, I immediately started the campaign over, but took US Army as my nation using the editor. I am now playing it again as US Airborne troops! Can't decide which was more fun to use, lol....


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I like that, Gob! Yes I do. By all means, play around with it. Do some experimenting. I always do thing like this.

Playing the original is good, but give it your own twists and rurngs. You have the knowledge and the ability.

So what did you do, change the original core force in scenario 00?

Let me know how it turns out.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Dunno how to modify the camps in MBT, so I switched it to open core, and purchased the core manually. The smaller squads make it a bit tougher, but the AB MMG squads are very nice (one .50 cal, two .30 cal's each!)...


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Well, I would call that a modification, definitely, Goblin. Modifying scenarios is easy but must be done with care.

SImply copy them into a temp file, rename them as scenxxx, do what you want in the editor, then rename them their campaign name and put them back into the campaigns folder.

If you really like experimenting, this can be interesting. Of course you have your original zip or installer file should something go awry and you can always restore files.

You oughta do some campaigns yourself, my friend. A lot of work, but a lot of fun.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Wish I was up to it, but, alas, I lose interest with all that work. I would much rather play the campaigns that come out from talented teams/designers like yourself... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Well, thank you sir! Yes, there is a lot of design talent in these parts. I enjoy them too. One can feast at a lot of tables around here. Plenty to eat and enjoy!

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Hehehe. Going thru it as Cuban Rebels (green team)now, lol.



Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Now that should prove quite interesting. I'd love to hear the outcome of that one...WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Finished with it. Far more casualties, and I had to really work at it (still a Marginal Victory overall; I scored a DV with the Army troops). Even with knowing the enemy layouts and movements, it was tough (but very fun...)


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

That is very good, Goblin. To me it shows a good balance of forces. When you can play either side and have some fierce competition till the end, the scenarios would have to be pretty evenly matched.

I appreciate the update. I might try it myself one day. Of course, for Special Ops it won't work. The helicopters would have to be human controlled I think. BUt you may surprise me even there.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Sorry, I was unclear, it seems. I just changed my nation to 'Green' and purchased forces normally, then played the campaign from the 'Marine' side using 'Green' forces. I wanted to represent a Bay of Pigs type scenario. The Green units are definately no Marine Corp soldiers though, and I took fairly extensive casualties, but it was alot of fun... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

I had not thought of doing that, changing the player nationality. Still interesting. I thought you played from the Cuban side...couldn't figure out the "Green" guys...Now I can.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Thats how I played the Airborne boys too.

I did MV with the Marines, DV with the Airborne, and MV with the Green Cuban rebels.

Fun all the way around!

Hey, instead of gabbing with me, why don't you make another, lol... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif


Goblin

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Its a real possibility. A lot of work and time (It took about two months of design and testing) to get this one ready.

There are a number of themes I wish to develop in a campaign format.

I do have currently another project that I want to get out of the way before trying this again.

In the meantime we've put out some good scenarios recently. Have you checked those out?

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

The campaign was pretty easy. I picked Special Ops and got a DV on the first battle, a DV on the second and third (after two tries each, there's a steep learning curve), and I got a DV on the last one too as a river assault. The river assault is very interesting, especially the idea of putting mines in the water. Overall, I know WBW is known for making hard scenarios, but these were very easy but still very fun. Really a tour de force, the work shows. How often do you come out with campaigns?

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Thanks for an interesting Campaign, now I'm through both branches and found them very enjoyable. Managed a MV in both branches. Got a DV for each opening Scenario and the follwo ups always MVs. Was a bit more cautious with my guys. I hurts seeing them take losses. So in most scenarios failed to capture one victory hex.

That roadblock/rescue scenario in the SpecOps branch bugged me out. Set most of the aux forces near that two road victory hexes and assaulted the prison with 2 platoons, while the third was deployed on the road from the north.
One platoon was dropped right into the compund the other swept in from the east. Everything went well until cuban armor showed up and then it was close combat and assault under smoke cover right in the POWcamp. The RecoillessRifle units had no flield of fire into that area.
Could not take the last victory hex on the western road.
MV and some serious losses among the two platoons.

So again thanks for this work, my hat's off to the team.
Keep up the great work!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

What I did was buy several RR jeeps and set them up in ambush positions with overlapping fields of fire. They were able to hold off a lot of tanks. They started to run out of ammo and be overwhelmed toward the end, but by that time the enemy armor had been reduced to a manageable size.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

The RR jeeps are indeed quite valuable and relatively cheap. I purchased a couple of them and found them to be very effective, though as Mustang says, sacrificial lambs in the end.

Thanks to all for your feeback and letting me know how you have enjoyed the campaign.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

@mustang: Yeah the RR-jeeps rock against armor, worked grat in some other scenarios of the campaign. They dispatched that nasty T54s quicker than the M48, although that one was prone to being shoot. I dare no to mention the M41/47, lambs to the slaughter. Thank god there's the army who generously lend me some kickass M60s (purchase under allied selection).

In the mentioned scenario (Roadblock/POW Rescue) it was a air assault/rapid deployment so i wanted to keep it real and didn't use the RR Jeeps. Should have paid more attention to the placement of the aux RR teams, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif!

S!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

We learn as we go. Those RR teams are pretty powerful themselves, just lack the mobility of those jeeps.

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

This campaign also gave me a whole new way to look at airmobile. It showed me how powerful they really can be in game terms. I know this kind of operation is way too complex to ever work in real life, but here is what I did: I took my helos and made them use up the enemy small-arms fire shots. A few would take damage, but transport helos can at least stick around a turn after getting hit so it wasn't a big deal. After the enemy had used up all their heavy weapons, I would land my infantry adjacent to an enemy builing, position, or whatever. They would take some small arms op fire on landing, but enough of them would survive to assault the enemy building. A very gamey tactic, but fun and useful. It solves the problem of how you have to get close to the enemy to do any serious damage.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Indeed, a rather unusual way to distract the enemy! I'm sure the chopper pilots were not extremely happy. Did you lose any with a full load of infantry or was their fire not powerful enough to shoot them down?

WB

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Ha that happend to me in the spec ops branch in the first air assaul scenario. Lost a Uh34 to small arms and AA fire right in the first turn! It was loaded with the Co HQ and 1st Plt HQ. Aborted and redid that scenario.

S!

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

It's very rare that small arms fire is able to hit a helo, much less shoot the whole thing down. I think I did loose a couple of Uh-34s, but to 23mm flak, and probably their infantry also. But like I said, transport helos stay in the air for a turn after being hit, and the Uh-34 is fairly cheap so it's a safe tactic.

Re: CARIBBEAN CRISIS - NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Safe but alot unreal http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif