PB Kursk '43 South impressions/discussion

[Strela]

Personally, I think the non locking ZOC's and fortified lines works ok.

We did a lot of testing on this. Originally when we had what we thought were 'Kursk like' minefields (level two or three) etc we found that bunker lines were impregnable - ZOC's or no ZOC's. The reason for this was the time under fire that it took to clear mine hexes. With only engineers clearing mines and all others isolated when in them (this is a key point) there was both a premium on engineers and a maniacal attempt to kill them at every opportunity. Attacks would bog down very, very quickly and after a couple of turns there would be no more engineers.

For that reason we dropped minefields back to one, but built depth into the defences. Rarely (at least in the first two fortified lines) is there a single minefield or AT Trench line. You can absolutely move through the ZOC's but you an guarantee you will be in a minefield or hit obstacles in the second hex. If you're not an engineer then you've dropped a morale level for being isolated.

For the defenders we got a key change built into the code. You do not cop the double whammy of isolation & low ammo like in PzC. Units are assumed to have combat load of ammunition that will survive the period of the engagement. The drop for isolation is to reflect the psychological impact of being cut off - nothing else.

Dog Soldier and I have played scenarios where bunkers have held out for ten turns despite being isolated and it can be a very bloody affair clearing them. The only failsafe way I have found to date is to use the historical tactics of combined arms using armoured firepower (usually Tigers & Stugs) to try and shoot up the defenders before the infantry assault. Without armour it's a hard grind. I suggest players push the counters around a little bit more before deciding whether there is an advantage to the attacker or defender.

David