ARTILLERY - INDIRECT FIRE

[John Given]

Hey Jim, per your request, here's a copy and paste of my comments from the "direct fire" thread:

"Pip, don't forget that one should only use SPA's (self propelled artillery) for scoot and shoot if you are CERTAIN there will be no op-fire from the enemy. SPA's have poor armor.

Also, in many cases, indirect fire will cause more damage. Only if you see enemy units loaded, or in open terrain, is scooting/shooting warranted, and even then, only sparingly. Most of the time, it's simply not worth the risk. Also, your opponent will quickly become aware of the presence and TYPE of guns when you scoot and shoot with SPA's, especially if he hadn't been watching earlier for unspotted hex "muzzle flashes." I.E., attacking this way leaves no doubt at all in the mind of your opponent as to what kinds of enemy artillery are in that area. Deception should be a big part of any player's strategy.

Hell, you might even want to load up non-mobile artillery (when they become low on ammo is best) and move them closer to the action, particuarly if the front is moving further from the guns. I say this not only because attack factors are higher when the target is closer, but also becuase some players (like me) look for "muzzle flashes" in "3D extreme zoom-out" (view 3) mode. This is done so as to enable me to start blind-shelling enemy artillery locations. These places usually have unarmored transports nearby (their carriers) and HQ's as well, so it's always good to keep your enemy guessing as to where your artillery assets are. When you do set up your artillery, try to set up in places that give a good defensive value - city, village, forest, and wadi are good spots."

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You mentioned in the other thread about sounds. Sound is very important to me when it comes to artillery. Many types of enemy artillery can be distinguished by the characteristics of the sound file that plays when the gun is fired. For example, 105mm's make a distinctive blam-blam-blam sound, while 150mm's sound like a distant explosion (all artillery over 150mm seem to use the same sound file). Small-caliber mortars make a three syllable tap-tap-tap sound, while heavy mortars make a lower pitch, two syllable "thump...thump" sound, and so on. Learn to recognize the different sounds the guns make, and you'll have a better idea about what's being used against you, which can help you in your advance.

For example, if the incoming sounds/rounds are light mortars, your infantry will likely take few casulties. But if the sound of the incoming is the hissing sound of rockets, you'd better watch it.

Also watch for shell holes. If the attack factors of the artillery are high, the hex will have the heavily cratered look after only a single impact. This is a good way of telling 150mm guns from corps artillery (german 170mm K-18 guns or U.S. 8-inch guns), since there's no difference in the sound these weapons make in the game, but a BIG difference in the attack factors in most cases.

If the rounds are making no shell craters, it usually means the shot has drifted beyond maximum range, therefore zero attack factors went toward that attack (some light mortars also will not make a crater after only a single impact, but it will after two, *if* it hits in the same hex). If the hex is already heavily cratered, then this method won't work, for obvious reasons.

I'd like to add that these experiences are with the Talonsoft version of the campaign series - I do not have the Matrix edition as of yet, so if these things I've discussed are handled differently in the new version, I can't be of any real help.

Just my 2 cents. :)