Game Recommendation

saradog · 01-04-2011, 10:29 AM,

I have Smolensk and Kharkov 42 and was wondering if Kharkov 43 was worth picking up. I prefer meeting engagements and found the unit density of Kharkov 42 a bit too high for my tastes, how does Kharkov 43 compare?

I read in the campaign notes that more leaders are identified in the OOB, is this reflected on the counters? Can it be?

Thanks.

Strela · 01-04-2011, 01:39 PM,

Hi Saradog,

I am the lead designer for Kharkov '43 so probably a good person to talk to! :)

Like all PzC games there are a huge range of scenarios of all sizes included. Kharkov '43 is no exception. Dependant on the date the unit densities change - for example the initial Soviet offensives are over a large area with moderate sized forces, but when they approach Kharkov they become more compressed and the unit density climbs. Overall though there is pretty low densities overall.

There are also a range of scenarios including meeting engagements, river crossings and city fights to name a few - so lots of different options with both sides defending and attacking at different times. One of the reasons this was so much fun to design was that there was so much action over the six week period.

There are some good screenshots up on the JTS site and if you want some further examples I maybe able to post a few here also....

David

saradog · 01-05-2011, 09:01 AM,

The approach to Kharkov isn't a problem because much like Gettysburg by the time the majority of units are in play one has a feel for their position and momentum/strength.

The worry that I had was with the deep snow nothing would be able to move and it would be a game of trying to break one strong point after another, no maneuver involved.

Strela · 01-05-2011, 09:05 AM,

Oh there is plenty of manuever - cavalry and mech are less affected by snow than infantry.

Maybe some others who have the game or play tested it can comment...

Tide1 · 01-05-2011, 12:16 PM,

Unit density really isn't much of a concern until you get to Kharkov. The Russians have come a long way and are pretty worn down and the Germans are pretty thin on the ground until the Panzer Divisions start showing up. There are a couple of infantry scenarios that can be slow if the weather goes to hell but for the most part the scenarios move along well.

saradog · 01-07-2011, 10:10 AM,

Picked it up last night, I like the looks of many of the scenarios.

Strela · 01-07-2011, 10:28 AM,

Saradog,

That's great. I hope you like the different scenarios - as I said previously we tried to get a good mix of different situations. The designers are all long time players and wanted to build scenarios that would both challenge them and teach them. We had a ball play testing this lot.

There are a few minor fixes coming in the 1.01 patch for a few scenarios, but otherwise they work as advertised...

David

FroBodine · 01-07-2011, 01:35 PM,

Are there any scenarios designed for solo play in Kharkov '43? This would be my first PzC game, and I want to learn the game vs. the A.I. first.

Strela · 01-07-2011, 02:20 PM,

Hi FroBodine,

All the scenarios have AI in the. It is easier to write the AI for the shorter scenarios than the campaigns just because of the length and other variables that are introduced.

So in summary, yes you can certainly learn against the AI and there are some great 10 - 20 turn scenarios that should fit the bill for you.

David

FroBodine · 01-07-2011, 02:34 PM,

(01-07-2011, 02:20 PM)Strela Wrote: Hi FroBodine,

All the scenarios have AI in the. It is easier to write the AI for the shorter scenarios than the campaigns just because of the length and other variables that are introduced.

So in summary, yes you can certainly learn against the AI and there are some great 10 - 20 turn scenarios that should fit the bill for you.

David

Thanks for the response, David. That's enough to sell me. I'm going to give it a try.

-=Jeff