Few weeks ago, German 6th Army has been encircled around Stalingrad. Field Marshall von Manstein has taken over Army Group Don, and appointed to lead the relief operation. The core relief force was to be 4th Panzer army with its main striking force being 6th Panzer Division, which has just arrived from France after refit. Operation Winter Storm launched on 12th of December. After securing a bridgehead on Aksay river, 6th Panzer division moved forward on 13th towards the village of Verkhniye - Kumskiy. Russian have thrown whatever forces available to stop Germans reaching Myshkova river. A large tank battle in the snow covered steppes of over 400 tanks raged for most of the day.
Oberst
Rebel
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Major Victory
My Side
Axis
Turns Played
24
Balance and Enjoyment
The idea and premise for the scenario is very good. The problem I observed from the Axis side was that the Soviet OT tanks seemed to lack any hitting power from long and medium range. Also I felt that the Soviets could have had a better chance if equipped with some 76 mm ATG's and more infantry. Being a fairly mobile battle I realize that the Soviets would not have had the opportunity to bring up any heavy artillery.
Victory Conditions
Reduce the Axis VP points and create several more Soviet ones.
Map & Terrain
Very good open terrain allowing for a fluid mobile battle.
Historical Introduction
Correct from what I have studied.
Game Length
Maybe reduce to 20 or 21 turns.
Force Mix
Indicated what changes I feel would be better above.
Initial Setup
For someone playing it the first time it creates a lot of what if situations but once played both sides know where they can expect reinforcements to arrive from and thereby make the correct adjustments.
What I really liked about this scenario
German MK III's held their own against the Soviet armor.
What I really did not like about this scenario
Until I play as the Soviets I cannot make an honest evaluation of what I did not care for with this scenario.
Victory points total
2175
Major Loss
My Side
Allies
Turns Played
19
Balance and Enjoyment
For the Russians, nothing really to be happy about. i was the attacker, and with what troops i had i was shot up pretty bad with German Art. and there long range tanks. i would say pro German
Victory Conditions
need to be changed, but then again it depends on what side is made to be the attacker, if the Russians attack drop the points lower, if the Germans attack raise them.
Map & Terrain
looked fine,
Historical Introduction
good
Game Length
come down to 18/20 turns
Force Mix
The Russians just had to little of everything if they r to be the attacker,
Germans ?? don't know i played the scn blind
Initial Setup
i think a smaller German tank force in the beginning, esp. if the Russians are going to be the attacker.
What I really liked about this scenario
i liked the map a lot
What I really did not like about this scenario
i just felt like with the forces on the map from the get go, the Russians simply had no chance of winning or getting a draw
Any other comments
some changes needed to be made i think, change the amount of points the Germans have in the beginning of the game,
russians could use at least 10/12 smoke rounds, maybe more art. or motar units.
the going is slow in the snow, most inf units one maybe 2 hexes per move.
Minor Victory
My Side
Allies
Turns Played
25
Balance and Enjoyment
I played both sides in this scenario and my comments here will entail a general survey of the scene as a whole. Armor engagements take the center stage, which formed each battle into an interesting 'chess match' and added plenty of interest to the scene. However, with the 15 hex visibility, lack of protective terrain, and superior striking power of German panzers at range it was difficult for the Soviets to advance, even with their superior armored numbers. Given the considerations of units, terrain, weather conditions and visibility, the Germans have a moderate tactical PBEM advantage.
Victory Conditions
Victory conditions seemed balanced.
Map & Terrain
Not much excitement to the open snow covered steppe on rolling hills, but the designer's intent was historical accuracy, and this was achieved. I don't recommend adding terrain to create PBEM balancing, this map is appropriate for this battle.
Historical Introduction
Clear and easy-to-read introduction hits the nail on the head. Some small grammar errors here and there, but this isn't for a college thesis, so does it really matter?
Game Length
Turn length was sufficient. It created enough pressure for both sides to keep active and moving. It also allowed enough time for a commander to recover from tactical blunders, or change strategy, and still have a chance at victory.
Force Mix
Plenty of armor, infantry and support elements were available to fight.
The armor mix was appropriate and historical. The infantry of both sides, on the other hand, became cannon-fodder in this fight (more so for the Soviets, who must cross open snow to be of any use in this battle). They became tools to absorb fire, spot enemy armor, or hold ground until tanks arrived. There was no significant offensive value of infantry in this battle. I've discussed the historical design of this scene with Pawel. From what I recall, he informed me that the Soviets actually had more tanks on the field during this battle. If that's the case, adding them MAY be a solution for balance.
Initial Setup
I don't know what the historical set up was to this battle, so I'm not sure what to add here. From a PBEM perspective, I'd like to see forces spread out more and prepositioned to create numerous small battles from the start. The design of the scene forces the players into mass movements and large battles.
What I really liked about this scenario
Plenty of armored action made this fun and challenging- the commanders had no choice but to reflect on their strategies each turn or suffer dire consequences. The scene has replay value to it.
What I really did not like about this scenario
The uselessness of the infantry was a setback. If there was a way to make them a more useful part of the fighting forces (maybe going back to my prepositioning concept), they would be of value in this scene.
Victory points total
@ 1100
Any other comments
My suggestions for refinement would be to add the extra Soviet armor, decrease the visibility to 6 or 7, and reposition units so the game starts with infantry & armor platoons engaged in smaller battles.