Arctic Front: Bitter Kuuterselka

[Otto von Blotto]

Scenario Feedback for ** Bitter Kuuterselkä LWM 1.2

Map
The map I found to be very well laid out and believable which is usual for the thunder in the north games you can tell a lot of time has gone into creating them.

A few too many exit hexes to defend but I understand that is the point of the scenario, a desperate defense against overwhelming odds on many axis of advance. Luckily the terrain and defense lines help the defender and the game should certainly be played with EA on. I would agree with the previous suggestion about losing the southern most exit and believe this has been addressed in a later version.

OOB
I found both OOB very good and detailed personally I would change very little in this section, Finnish reinforcements can give enough strength to hold the later defense line if the Russians can be held back long enough in the early stages of the game. Finns are really lacking in artillery assets early in the game when they are needed most.

Victory Locations, Exit Hexes
Locations of victory hexes made sense they were at critical villages and road junctions and choke points forcing the attacker into channels of attack keeping up the pace and the defender to think hard about what to defend and what to let go.

Length
As we didn't reach the end it is very hard to say, both games were essentially over on turn 15 and we played on to turn 17 before my opponent admitted defeat in both games.

Balance
The fixed Finnish forces holding the flank need to be incorporated into the battle some how releasing them about half way through the battle would make a big difference to the defense.

Fun
Was great fun to play from both sides especially as a mirror game it gave an incite into the problems both sides faced tactically.

I think it would still be better and single play but could be 2 x 2 or even 2 x 1 having a split Russian command would certainly help a unified Finnish one.

Scenario description
Good but long, sets the scene well and gives lots of detail on the historical battle I wouldn't want to see much more added but conversely wouldn't cut it down either.

Other comments
Initially it can be quite depressing as the Axis seeing the waves of Russians moving towards you but once you realize you just need to slow them not stop them early on and don't have to fight where you stand but save some of your troops for later on it becomes quite liberating using hit and run tactics, there are enough bunkers and trenches that if you do get caught it will take the Russians time and resources to whittle you down.

2. H2H Score

- Balance 8 (was able to major win as both sides but slightly pro allied)
- Enjoyment 9 (great fun game)
- Briefings 9 (detailed and extensive)

Total for this scenario= 8.5 (Otto von Blotto’s assessment)