Scenario: Pillar of Fire

[Koh]

Ok I gave it a go. I managed to pretty much take out most of the enemy tanks with the ATGMs and I let my artillery take out their artillery. When my main force arrived I advanced under the cover of heavy smoke screens. I kept my sappers on the point and they cleared the way under as much smoke I could use. I ended up with pretty low casualties on the main attack body, but most of my ATGM teams were taken out by either enemy artillery, air strikes or late game enemy counter attacks. I hate not being able to retreat units off the top or bottom. I got a pretty solid marginal victory with scores in the range of 10 000 vs 3000.

So what did I think of the scenario? Well, it was pretty nice actually. Usually I don't bother finishing desert scenarios as they tend to be awfully dull. This one, however managed to combine small unit action with tanks roaring in the desert and finally urban combat. I like it when scenarios have some variety. So yeah, pretty solid work.

The only complaint I really have was that the Israelis had no AA resources. Admittedly I'm not familiar with the Israeli doctrine but I would assume an armored spearhead of this size would have at least something to keep the hostile airplanes away. At times I was forced to watch Egyptian planes strafe my advancing tanks unopposed.

Overall, however, I'd say this scenario was well above average and probably the most interesting one I've played this month. What really made the difference here was the diversity of the different phases of the scenario.

- Koh


Edit: oh yeah and my 4.0 version of the game doesn't have any stock scenarios in slot 203. They end at 199

[gingertanker]

but most of my ATGM teams were taken out by either enemy artillery, air strikes or late game enemy counter attacks. I hate not being able to retreat units off the top or bottom

yes i considered giving them helicopters for exfiltration, but i thought the helis would probably be shot down, so its better for them to sit down and wait for the main body.

The only complaint I really have was that the Israelis had no AA resources. Admittedly I'm not familiar with the Israeli doctrine but I would assume an armored spearhead of this size would have at least something to keep the hostile airplanes away. At times I was forced to watch Egyptian planes strafe my advancing tanks unopposed.

Knowing the IDFs AA capabilities, I would say it is (unfortunatly) quite realistic to say that notevery unit enjoys attached AA. The IDF relies on IAF to clear the skies of enemy aircraft, and in this case I wanted to show a situation where this dosent work...Im sure the Egyptians had a much harder time with your F16, even though they do have AA assets.

Overall, however, I'd say this scenario was well above average and probably the most interesting one I've played this month. What really made the difference here was the diversity of the different phases of the scenario.

Thank you very much for these kind words.

[Skirmisher]

I was going to post some screenshots as I go along but the images exceed the forum limits for file size.

Oh well, I'm on turn 14.

Northern Sayeret Team doing well. Advancing south.

Southern Sayeret Team nearly wiped out by lengthy Egyptian bomblet barrage. (Apparently I shouldn't have been so concerned with taking the Ziva location.) Isreali bomblets took out all 3
Ramses 2 tanks in one strike.
Only one lone sniper left down here.

Western Sayeret Team getting bogged down. Pouring on the 155's and cluster ammo to the southeast of thier position.

F-16's approaching for first run.

13 Egyptian vehicles burning.

Over and out for now.

[Skirmisher]

Here are the screenshots in zip format.

NST : North Sayeret Team moving past destroyed Egyptian BMP's

SST : South Sayeret Team awaiting to move into Ziva loacation
after intense Isreali 155/bomblet bombardment. 3 Ramses splashed. Shortly after this the Egyptian bomblets hit this team.

WST : West Sayeret Team moving toward Mosque experiencing heavy Egyptian resistance.

[Anthony_Scott]

yikes! I tried to bypass some of that resistance but discovered that I would have had to double back and take care of them anyway.

Those bomblets come in handy don't they? Oh and I wasn't impressed by those Ramses 2 tanks.

Semper Fi, Carry On

[Skirmisher]

NST2: North Sayeret Team moves past softened up Galit location. Several Ramses 2 tanks destroyed here by F-16 action.

WST2 :West Sayeret Team near mosque calling in 155's and smoke.

[Skirmisher]

I'm on turn 30 now. I feel like the clock is ticking against me.

It took 10 turns to get the armor where I wanted them to strike.

226th Armored Units have killed 3 more units. Egyptian ATGM's have hit several tanks but with no effect.
Total destroyed Egyptian units now at 23.

Western Sayeret Team is at the remains of the bombed out mosque. Ammo is low and they lack the manpower to move anywhere except backwards. So they staying at the mosque. Killed Egyptian HQ.

Northern Sayeret Team is also low on manpower and ammo. They have been getting hit by Egyptian 120mm and 152mm artillery.
Also attempted to enter urban area unsuccesfully.

There have been no more Egyptian cluster attacks ,but I'm mindful of it. Armored units will not linger anywhere for long if I can help it.

Over and out.