Feedback on 1941 Campaign

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Feedback on 1941 Campaign

Post by admin »

Thanks for particpating in the beta - we really appreciate you sparing some time to play the game and give us your feedback.

The main purpose of the beta is to balance the campaigns and check for playability and bugs. If you spot anything unusual or anything you think could be improved let us know.

As usual we'd really like to know your first impressions of the new campaigns.

After you have had some time to play through we'd also like to get some more detailed feedback.

* How hard did you find the scenarios? Too easy, too hard or just right?
* Were your scenario objectives clear enough - we're there any areas that were confusing or needed mroe explanation?
* How far in to the game did you get?
* When posting any gameplay feedback let us know the difficulty setting you were using.
* Did you feel like you had enough presitge, too little or too much?
* Did you enjoy the scenario briefings? Is there anything they could have explained better or done differently to improve the atmosphere?
* Did you like the "special scenario objectives" mixed in with the standard victory hex grabbing missions, or do you prefer purely just going after victory hexes?
* Did the AI perform well in the missions? Were there any scenarios that the AI underperformed
* Hero and medal aquisition have been slowed down for the extended campaign. Did the progression feel right?
* Do you find the experience cap on units annoying?
* Do you have a favourite mission and if so what is it you like about it. Similarly are there any missions you didn't enjoy and why.
Happycat
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Post by Happycat »

My impression of the 1941 campaign, first scenarion (June 22/41) is that at "Colonel" level, it is very challenging. I think the prestige level, objective briefing and AI are all pretty good. Since I have not yet progressed to a second scenario, I can't comment on Hero and Medal acquisitions.

What I do NOT like in the opening turn of Barbarossa is the inability to strike Russian airfields. It seems that all German aircraft are just out of range of those very worthy targets. But even if they could hit them on turn one, I suppose that they would suffer "ambush" losses, would they not?

While the Russians did successfully launch some sorties on June 22nd, most of their forward-based air was whacked on the ground by the Luftwaffe.

So, this leads me to ask whether Russian air should be "grounded" on turn one, and only appear on turn two?

Overall, as a big East-front fan, I like what you've done here however :)
Chance favours the prepared mind.
Blathergut
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Re: Feedback on 1941 Campaign

Post by Blathergut »

* How hard did you find the scenarios? Too easy, too hard or just right?
>1st was fine...played on mid + 2nd highest diff...seemed straightforward...

* Were your scenario objectives clear enough - we're there any areas that were confusing or needed mroe explanation?
>obj clear...spotted a Col Mihailovic or such...thought I could maybe capture him but I think the unit just up and died...is there a particular way to "capture" a unit???

* Did you feel like you had enough presitge, too little or too much?
>i bought two mech inf...seemed to be more than plentiful prestige

* Did the AI perform well in the missions? Were there any scenarios that the AI underperformed
>seemed fine, but you could lure units out with something on a truck or halftrack and then slaughter it
deadtorius
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Post by deadtorius »

So far I have made it to second Russian scenario on Major difficulty. I have received 3 SE tank units so far, no infantry and thankfully the tanks have all been PZ IV models. No easter eggs have popped out yet so far, even though I have captured all/ most of the maps cities depending on scenario. One thing I keep running into so far is my own fault that I have not noticed certain things, the 2 cav in the first scenario are the officers you need to get into Belgrade till after all enemy was eliminated (lost one of them) and then it took 2 turns to get him into the city, but still had 2 turns to spare.
Greece was a nice game, bought an extra fighter and was glad I had it as the RAF did not survive long. Missed the Bulgarians on the far right for most of the game but they did manage to take a city before it was all over.
Tried Crete on sea invasion, I also have the airborne option saved so will give it a try too. The units mounted in the boats took a bit of a beating but I had upgraded my HE 111 to JU 88 and had an extra JU88 to boot. The RN did not last long against that. One thing about Greece and Crete is its AA hell for the Luftwaffe, I had quite a bit of repairing to do after those scenarios, and it gives you a taste of whats to come in Barbarossa.

Question about Minsk, I sent a force to take that heavily defended city down south that it says you can skip if you want (once again missed the Moser Karl for most of the game but I saw it soon enough that it was able to help capture the city). I took Minsk about 8 turns to spare, but the game did not end as I had expected. Was that due to my attacking down south or would not taking that place given me a MV instead of a major victory? When the Red Airforce suddenly showed up they popped out in mass strength, but the Luftwaffe was able to deal with them fairly well. I had a unit of paras running about dropping on air bases that were unoccupied, as I found that even with just a flak unit the paras likely won't survive long on the ground on their own. Keep an eye on the southern right corner though, that is where the mass Russian human wave suddenly appears from.
I also found the engineers pretty much nerfed against that bunker in the city, almost need the Karl to soften it up before you can even think about taking it out. Minsk was easy compared to that place. Makes me not look forward to seeing what kind of horror you have dreamed up for Stalingrad :shock:

Excellent work once again, I seem to have a lot of excess prestige so far, averaging around 3000 by the start of the next scenario. So far few upgrades but some lucky shots have meant I need to keep getting new troops.
Kerensky
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Post by Kerensky »

Captured units are acquired through capturing hexes.

As for Stalingrad... there is one very particular surprise we have in store. I can't wait till it's ready and we can show it off. :D
Dalinski
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Post by Dalinski »

First Scenario vs. Yugoslavia:

Major Notes: Despite having 2 Romanian officers in Belgrade and all objectives General Beta recieved a marginal victory. I had to end turn about 4 times in this state. Expected it to end with a decesive victory as soon as the state had been met. One Belgrade objective was capped as Romanian the other German. Both Officers were on these.


Minor Notes: Not sure on the historical background of the 1 experiance 12 strength Yugoslav fighter (Spanish veterans?). Giving the Romanian Officers personal names would make it more interesting. Perhaps having them "surrendur" if 2 or more Yugoslav units move adjacent to them....would be funny. Add a Yugoslav River boat for more flare.
Last edited by Dalinski on Sun Nov 06, 2011 8:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
Kerensky
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Post by Kerensky »

I thought about naming the two officers when I go and bug fix that issue. Maybe if I can find some historical references. :)
DerSchwabe
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Post by DerSchwabe »

great dlc´s.....now i´m on crete...


are the cheats still working?


is it planed to to put the dlc´s on a dvd`?
mrgolf
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Post by mrgolf »

First of all, I want to say that I love the '41 Campaign beta! It is so much more playable and realistic than the '39 and '40 campaigns, I think. I am only up to the Crete airborne scenario, but so far, playing on the colonel level, I have achieved all decisive victories. It took me until the next to last turn on the previous, Greek scenario, but I believe this campaign to be the best one so far. I think it is a combination of this being the 3rd try by the developers this time around to craft a campaign (and they are getting better at it), and the fact that I've played enough scenarios in all campaigns that my playing ability is improving. The scenarios so far are well balanced and challenging, but realistic, as at this point of the war the Germans were not having that much trouble earning decisive victories. I am very much looking forward to the rest of it.
Happycat
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Post by Happycat »

Kerensky wrote:I thought about naming the two officers when I go and bug fix that issue. Maybe if I can find some historical references. :)
I tried to find some information on this for you, but no luck. It is possible, perhaps even likely that Romanian observers accompanied some of the German forces during the invasion of Yugoslavia. But according to all of my resource material, there was no participation by Romanian forces in the Yugoslavian campaign. Only Italy, Hungary and Germany provided forces.

Romanian bases were used for air attacks and as a jump off point for the Wehrmacht of course.
Chance favours the prepared mind.
fginfo
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First scenario feedback

Post by fginfo »

Finished the first scenario at Colonel. Went rather quick without much surprise nor real resistance until the very end where cavalry were charging when I became careless because of low resistance. Did not really need to use prestige. Perhaps I am getting better, but the main campaign I am still getting challenged on Colonel, Even when I restart campaigns.

For the Escort mission, nice touch as you needed to judge accurately when or not to use them in the attack. Though, identifying them more clearly (color or aura) would be useful. A more "casual" directives' reader (as I tend to be) might not think to look for them or more importantly, look out for them.
FGinfo
jkile
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41 GC a-o-kay

Post by jkile »

I have to say this is getting better with every episode!!! I played thru campaign & got Dv in all but the one that begins with "V" and because of thatI didn't get to Moscow. Also didn't go Lennigrad way so didn't get to play "O" ,Norgood and Lenn. of course, but all of that next time. I liked the Crete invasions but in setup they looked daunting!! But got DV's in navel and air. Didn't like Minsk because of the total overwhelming number of aircraft the AI throws at you when you have hardly any recourse to fight back. Just a little to much. The "V" one, where the outskirts of Moscow is visable, very hard, but maybe I'll find a better line of attack after 2 or 3 times thru. As a side note could'nt you all take a couple of rainy days out of this one & put in the last one beginning with "D".

I have to digress some first, going back to GC 39, Narvik sernario, where Destroyers sit on the bridges blocking one's progression??!! You need to change this. I didn't know ships could levitate!!!?? onto bridges. This is as bogus as subs impeding land units movements in the first Norway senario.

Now to a another positive. It seems the combat results in "tanks vs infantry" is much better, and this was very noticable because I was just starting the 40 GC, after all 39 sernarios. And the cantrast is very stark and better in 41. Yes, German tanks are better, but it is very unrealistic in all previous editions. I hope you'll address this in further updates. BUT, but "tanks or infrantry vs artilery or anti-air" is still poor. These were very lightly manned and could not put up the kind of resistance you continue to show. Having to take 4-5-6 of one's own units to kill of one of these kind is just to much!!! Also these should be very limited in entrenchment, 2 at the most; all you could do for these was sandbag.

Also, I am going to keep petitioning for an option to say "yea or ney " to bonus units. With the control of units in program hands and not player's, one is very limited in the make-up of one's army!!! Especially in the airwar. I have counted, in some senarios where the AI has 6-10 fighters to my 2-3, plus 6 or more bombers. If you are going to continue with the program controlling my army's makeup, then write in some more air support units. Germany had a vast superiority in airwar from 39 until 42-43 and just the opposite is shown in game as of now. AGAIN, Germany prepared for the war much more than the allies.

All-in-all I see that you all are listening to us grunts and it's appreciated and again thanks for all your hard work.


JMK

To many games, not enough time.
ralmoritz
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Initial feedback

Post by ralmoritz »

I've only played the Belgrade scenario, but so far I really like this DLC! The AI seems smarter: this is the first time I've seen it gang up on weaker units. Also, I think the Belgrade map is really well designed: there are so many "valleys" where enemy units can avoid detection. There was a PAK hiding "in plain sight" behind my front line which caused heavy losses to my artillery! Hopefully I'll find enough time to play this one through & provide more feedback. Unfortunately my daughter has chicken pox at the moment :(
fginfo
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Post by fginfo »

Finished Metaxas. Enjoyed that one a good deal. On Colonel, again probably too easy for me, but more challenging though than Belgrade. I truly enjoy the surprise of the captured unit. Adds a nice touch and quickly will become my mascot unit. I am hoping to find more through the dlc. Will certainly restart the whole campaign to make sure I find them all which adds value.

I quickly rushed into the air for Crete and found myself quite caught in to this one. Practically tried to finish the scenario at a fast pace ("just one more turn" feeling) which is a joy. Definitely a different scenario that changes the pace. Will try the naval one as well.
FGinfo
pickle
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Post by pickle »

Overall, very good.

Some comments...slowing down of experience gain/award of heroes is a mixed bag for me. I don't notice the experience aspect as much but the award of leaders is more so.

Went a long time after losing special unit in the seaborne invasion of Crete before another was awarded (Typhoon). Is this intentional?

Found the award of bonus captured equipment a nice touch and completely unexpected.

Went into cold sweats when Novgorod was the next scenario...bad memories of PG.

AI is better...attacking at unexpected times though sometimes the lighter armour does not even when moving to adjacent hexes (i.e. BT-5 units).

More to come...
DerSchwabe
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Re: 41 GC a-o-kay

Post by DerSchwabe »

jkile wrote:I have to say this is getting better with every episode!!! I played thru campaign & got Dv in all but the one that begins with "V" and because of thatI didn't get to Moscow. Also didn't go Lennigrad way so didn't get to play "O" ,Norgood and Lenn. of course, but all of that next time. I liked the Crete invasions but in setup they looked daunting!! But got DV's in navel and air. Didn't like Minsk because of the total overwhelming number of aircraft the AI throws at you when you have hardly any recourse to fight back. Just a little to much. The "V" one, where the outskirts of Moscow is visable, very hard, but maybe I'll find a better line of attack after 2 or 3 times thru. As a side note could'nt you all take a couple of rainy days out of this one & put in the last one beginning with "D".

I have to digress some first, going back to GC 39, Narvik sernario, where Destroyers sit on the bridges blocking one's progression??!! You need to change this. I didn't know ships could levitate!!!?? onto bridges. This is as bogus as subs impeding land units movements in the first Norway senario.

Now to a another positive. It seems the combat results in "tanks vs infantry" is much better, and this was very noticable because I was just starting the 40 GC, after all 39 sernarios. And the cantrast is very stark and better in 41. Yes, German tanks are better, but it is very unrealistic in all previous editions. I hope you'll address this in further updates. BUT, but "tanks or infrantry vs artilery or anti-air" is still poor. These were very lightly manned and could not put up the kind of resistance you continue to show. Having to take 4-5-6 of one's own units to kill of one of these kind is just to much!!! Also these should be very limited in entrenchment, 2 at the most; all you could do for these was sandbag.

Also, I am going to keep petitioning for an option to say "yea or ney " to bonus units. With the control of units in program hands and not player's, one is very limited in the make-up of one's army!!! Especially in the airwar. I have counted, in some senarios where the AI has 6-10 fighters to my 2-3, plus 6 or more bombers. If you are going to continue with the program controlling my army's makeup, then write in some more air support units. Germany had a vast superiority in airwar from 39 until 42-43 and just the opposite is shown in game as of now. AGAIN, Germany prepared for the war much more than the allies.

All-in-all I see that you all are listening to us grunts and it's appreciated and again thanks for all your hard work.


JMK

To many games, not enough time.

sorry, but narvik is part of the campaign of 1940 ;-)
monkspider
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Post by monkspider »

Actually, it is part of 1939 even though it takes place in 1940, kind of like how the new Demyansk Pocket scenario is in the 1941 campaign DLC.
pickle wrote:
Went into cold sweats when Novgorod was the next scenario...bad memories of PG.
LOL, glad I am not the only one who started to have an anxiety attack when they saw Novogorod on the scenario list. :)
Dalinski
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Post by Dalinski »

Friendly advice,

I've always hated the Balkans campaign in the original Panzer General. Metaxus proved to be short and sweet. The Allied commonwealth forces could be present here. The New Zealand and Australians provided the largest contribution where it seems the British are the only ones represented, as far as I was aware? This might be because 1st Armoured Brigade was deployed forward to the Metaxus line. Australians and New Zealanders formed a defensive line further south? Regardless, all three should be represented along side the Greek forces. Add a Greek Crusier to make this a little harder. Otherwise theres not allot you can or should do.

Crete, meh

Crete should be really hard.

The Germans scraped through with barely a marginal victory in real life. The Paratrooper corps was decimated and could not join the Blitzkrieg of Russia.

I think its silly that armoured units can be deployed directly on the airfields. To make this scenario REALLY hard you should only be able to start with infantry and towed units from the airfields. The allies need more AA, it should be thick with AA which would add to the difficulty. However, Allied units should be below strength, low on ammo and widely spread. Tanks should be non existent, maybe one 5 strength Matilda unit. Likewise the Allies withdrew ALL air units by the time operation mercury came around.

Finally a Decisive victory should represent lower Fallschirmjager losses and in the coming Russian campaign add 2-3 Aux. paratroopers. Otherwise, no change beyond the prestige balance.

I stress, Crete should be a "near run thing".
Dalinski
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Post by Dalinski »

Minsk, as it is, a fairly uninteresting smash into Russia.

I like the idea someone had earlier of having all airfields manned by a pack of Russian below strength planes. Thus reprsenting the complete surprise that was made on the Russian Air force. As the back airfileds come online, you would also find that the Russian airforce would attack in penny packets as they did. As the approach on Minsk is made I'd rather see a mass of poorly organsied counter attacks be made with low ammo, low fueled substandard tanks such as the T-28 and BT models. Perhaps have a number of infantry avoid battle to flee into the woods, representing the beginnings of partisan activity.

Perhaps having a unit such as a supply depoy would spice things up, when destroyed or captured surrounding Russians forces loose ammo and fuel and tend to withdraw than fight to represent the massive encirclements that occured during the early stages of Barbarossa?

Perhaps have trains form up in cities or beside cities representing the movement of heavy industry to the east. Destruction of these might see significant prestige gains or later remove Russian prestige in future battles. This is perhaps better represented in the following scenarios when the Russian are no longer 'surprised'?
fginfo
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Post by fginfo »

Minsk is done and nothing truly remarkable. I restarted a few times as I was not sure what exactly to do for the airfield objectives. Was the point to refrain from attacking until I could surprise capture the airfield? I went after them with paratroops and had them after a few turns. Overall a decent map not too intense. The capture of the fort was the hardest part to contend with. Again, the captured unit was a nice touch. Will certainly try and find them all.
FGinfo
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