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This is a new feature that I am trying out. I'd like to see more of us posting a CMBB or CMAK scenario review for the benefits of all those who like to play scenarios.

The format I will use is the following:

BALANCE (an overview on the balance of the scenario)
REPLAYABILITY (how well it stands up to repeated play, as some scenarios are better played blind)
TYPE (tank heavy, balanced, strategic, game type, etc)
FUN LEVEL (self explanatory).


TIGER VALLEY

Overview: This is one of those scenarios where at first glance, you think that facing a couple of platoons of Tigers and a hardened bunch of Afrika Korps Panzergrenadiers would not be a lot of fun... but guess what... IT IS.

This is perhaps one of the best designed maps I have ever seen used in a desert scenario, giving the Germans and Allies multiple strategies, routes of attack and capacity for some neat manuevers. It is by no means a shoot out style of game, and is more a heavy thinker... killing a bevy of Tigers with 40mm Brit guns and Sherman 75's is not something that you can just wheel out and be successful with... but it can be done.

The scenario forces you as an Allied player to be highly canny, and relying on initial setup, mobile asset placement, and the ability to manuever and counterattack... those Tigers cannot be everywhere! As the Axis player, you have to utilize the limited resources you have, and your big cats well... any mistep causing you to lose on or two may be the balance of the game. To be successful, the german must be both bluntly aggressive and sneaky all at the same time, relying on strategies that reflect true desert warfare.

All in all, the balance of this game is biased by the fact that if you just want to play a head on shooter, you are in for a vast disappointment... but if you really like to try your thinking cap on, then being hunted, and trying to hunt those Tigers are an exhilerating experience... you won't be allowed many mistakes.

BALANCE: More experienced player should take the Allies, but when kept in the context of two experienced players, this battle is EXTREMELY balanced due to the many strategic options either player has.

REPLAYABILITY: Although not as good the second time around, the map leaves this one open to a few plays, especially if you want to experience the thrills from both sides. No real hidden surprises, and only a few placements where the Allies cannot make any adjustments, so I would say GOOD replayability.

TYPE: Combined arms Axis attack. The Allies do get reinforcemnts that play a huge role in determining the outcome. You get tanks, AC's, armoured lorries, Arty and good infantry on both sides.

FUN LEVEL: This is a thrill a minute. There are so many different twists and turns that even if you only kill one Tiger the whole game, it is an exuberant victory...

STRATEGY TIP: AS Allied, your role is not necessarily to take out those Tigers, but delay, thwart an harry the Axis advance. You need to set up ambushes and wait for opportunity. Those too quick on the trigger will end up a scooby snack for the big kitties.

AS Axis... You need to use your limited Tigers in a variety of roles, and you cannot spread them too thin. Also, bluntly forcing your way ahead with the Tigers is going to get you in trouble... you need to use your noodle here, and brute force will only get you so far!

Hope this helps... if others out there do this type of review for the masses at the end of the game, it will be most helpful for all.

LMK what you guys think!

Cheers!

Leto

Hey Leto

Great post... you will need to watch out for letting any spoilers go during these kind of reviews. Perhaps a catch all spoiler warning at the top would suffice.

Agreed: spoiler. I made sure not to include any in this one, but for others, they may have to edit content to keep spoilers out as much as possible. Everything you write in a "review" should be generic.

Cheers!

Leto

I think it is a great idea, and when I get a bit of time I will submit a review or two. Should we leave the default scenarios that ship with the game to one side as a lot of people have played them, and concentrate more on scenarios that were designed later, or should we review both types? Maybe a reviews section added?

I've always meant to play Tiger Valley as I'd seen reviews over at the Scenario Depot. Thanks for the spoiler free info.

I remember playing "H" in this - it was great fun. The hilight was when my Frenchies at the first junction managed to take out a Tiger. Viva la France! It ended up in a draw - I usually hate draws but that was pretty entertaining. This excellent map also makes a good ME if you move a few flags around. Phil Davies and I did that once.

This is a great idea Leto, and I suggest a special section be set up along with the Tactics and DAR one so these reviews don't disappear.

I will testify to the accuracy of this statement..........Morglum handed my ass to me on a silver platter after I tried to steamroll him with my Tigers.

Leto's idea has merit noting the issue of spoilers.

I have played Tiger Valley twice as Allies with victories both times relying on the tactics as reviewed by Leto.

In one game they came up the road and died on the rail embankment and in town. In the other they came up the British right flank and died to British reinforcements and the forces in the town.

The French-held town always gets annihilated but I had great fun playing cat (Tigers) and mouse (Valentine) around that hill.

But, I think the Germans have a fair chance to succeed too. And, replays are good as Leto points out as there are options on both sides.

fullhouse and i are playing this right now. Although i really like the layout of the map, I HATE ALL THE ROCKY TERRAIN. First of all you cant see it, and it makes your tanks CRAWL. so frustrating.

I lost a whole platoon of Shermans that way - I figured I could zip them on "Fast" over the RR embankment before any Tigers, which were facing the other way, could react. Didn't notice the rocks - ouch.

It would be cool if someone would make a mod where the rocks would actually show up - like an orange colored rock or something.

I played the axis and the Tigers made short work of the allied units. So iff you think you can stop me as the axis, challenge me!

OWL