Scheldt '44 - Realism versus Playability?

[Kool Kat]

Which scenarios have frustrated you, Kool Kat, specifically? I'm curious.

I am really enjoying the challenges that the poor quality, low supply units provide. You really have to go slow and manage things carefully. But generally, both sides have seemed to me to be in the same position, which makes it less frustrating for me, for example, than playing many of the scenarios in the EF titles, where typically the Axis would have good quality and less and the Soviets poor and more.

Also, I really love the map and the fact that everything does seem so very historical, that every scenario is so set up that I can read along in the relevant chapters of various books (mainly the Swarts and Didden volumes so far) and the game is very like those chapters, with the subtle variations that the players can provide.

But I really do like my games to be above all historical, which was why I initially raised a query about the Antwerp scenario, because I wasn't sure an historical result was possible, but in fact, it turned out to be very much an historically based scenario, I think.

So far, I'm really enjoying the title. I think it's overall the best title I've played in the series. But maybe I haven't been trying those scenarios that have frustrated you. Which are they?

Gent: 

0908_01_Moerbrugge "A routine affair" - I played the Allies in a PBeM match. Extremely difficult (impossible?) for Allied engineers (Morale D) to remain intact for bridging the Axis canal defense. Allies suffer from fuel shortages, lack sufficient artillery, and no air support. Scenario favors the Axis. I gave up with three turns to finish. Historically, the Allies had no business trying to breach the Axis canal defense. This scenario re-creates that fact quite well. Again, it may be historically accurate, but I argue that the playability and fun factor is not there.

1101_01_Walcheren "Operation Infatuate" - PBeM match underway and again I am playing the Allies. Allies have to wait over several turns and build up their forces on the island before being able to launch successful offensive drives against the heavily fortified Axis defenders. Tactics are limited and straight forward on what has to be done. Personally, I find it boring and rather dull each turn.

Maybe Scheldt '44 is not the title for me? I hope not as I was excited about its prospects and that it was modeling a theater that has not gotten much attention in the war game circles.

I will see.