Scheldt '44 - Realism versus Playability?

[ComradeP]

Battalion size in terms of men have gone up and down as PzC developed. Sometimes heavy weapons are included, sometimes they're not.

A cap on German battalion size for depleted units like in Moscow '42 to keep them at more historical manpower levels would've been a good addition (currently German battalions might start depleted, but their maximum size is their paper TOE size).

Airborne units are made to secure and hold. I was also surprised by the small paratrooper/parachute battalion size, but thus far it hasn't had much impact on my Market Garden campaign. They're less good at absorbing losses, as they quickly lose % strength due to being small (20 Men lost is an issue for ~400 Men units, but less so for ~600-800 Men battalions) which also requires them to pass more Disruption checks. Though 1st Airborne has lost a substantial number of men in my game thus far, it's still a combat capable unit. Having said that, I don't think there's even the slightest chance 1st Airborne could hold out north of the Rhine until the halfway point, not to mention until September 25th.

The D quality units are tricky to use, but unlike the Soviets they can combine and breakdown so you can rotate companies. One good thing about the British is that battalions are composed of companies A to D, so you can split units into 2 two company units which is efficient for Fatigue management and to distribute firepower.

The main improvement I'd like to see would be cutting defensive benefits from improved positions and trenches down to -10/-20 instead of -20/-40. Both sides have numerous D or even E quality units and the generous terrain firepower reduction benefits are already difficult enough to overcome.

In terms of making progress: it's difficult to break a strong defensive line, but alt assault is your friend. Stacks of Shermans/Cromwells are difficult to stop.