I agree with the last two posts, ask the Iraqis what they thought about the B-52 and B-1. I have to be honest and say I'm dreading the whole process with the Jet inputs outside of plane types as this topic keeps coming all the time in slightly different variations over the years. I feel more then ever the game is at a tipping point dealing with fighter bombers and bombers. Air support is as important to ground operations in the modern battlefield (Again as history cycles through these things.) as toilet paper is to wiping your...whatever. We worked with a Nuclear Triad as our doctrine (ICBM, Bombers and Subs.), you can say on a conventional battlefield it would be Ground Attack Forces, Arty and Air Support with all parts interchangeable depending on whether your in the preparatory phase, sustained operations or mopping up.
If we are willing to improve all our ground units which this game is all about, then realistically why is there a sense that we wouldn't be willing to do the same for air units? What of SNIPER, LITENING and other similar integrated FCS on planes? Or the B-1 that now carries triple the old standard conventional bomb load? The game can handle it with improved air vision and weapons, I wonder can the players evolve as as these systems have in the real world? Just something to think about.
So I feel compelled to say this is the best
all around tactical and to a lesser extent strategic (Think campaign and the price you pay for losing, draws and minor V's etc.) game I've played since
SSI's Red Star White Star and Avalon Hills Panzer General and Allied General except I play on a computer and not a board now. If I just wanted a tank game first I can ensure you I wouldn't put forth the effort and second like As.h well you know how many .'s are needed, everyone has one on the net and in the stores, not much of this out there and that's good because this is a "thinking mans" game if you want it to be. And
now you see what happens when I get a little game time in!!
Thank you for the rant, I just had to get this off my mind. I now feel better about the work ahead in the 2012/2013 campaign come what may.
Regards,
Pat