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Newest Scenarios |
CMAK |
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A semi-historical battle, the 82nd AB tangles with the 91st in the early morning hours of 6 jun 44
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The French 2nd Army was in crisis following the daring German crossing of the Meuse River. The Germans were expanding their bridgehead, and the elite Infantry Regiment Grossdeutschland was tasked with taking the high ground at the village of Stonne. The approach would not be easy, up a narrow road flanked by a wooded cliff, through a winding ravine, and into a small hamlet which was commanded by a large well built water tower.
Worse, the village had to be taken quickly, as sizable French armoured forces were in the immediate vicinity. It promised to be a hard day for Grossdeutschland.
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Axis and Allied forces clash for a small town and large hill.
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A Bloody Fight for a Small Town in Italy.
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Task Force Baum was a secret and controversial task force setup by U.S. Army general George S. Patton and commanded by Capt. Abraham Baum in late March of 1945. Baum was given the task of penetrating the Siegfried Line East 80km into Germany and liberating the POWs in camp OFLAG XIII-B, near Hammelburg. Officially it was a rescue mission, but many believe that Patton ordered this raid since he knew that his son-in-law, Lt Col. John K Waters, was a prisoner at the camp. The raid ended up a failure, as German forces closed in on the delayed task force and destroyed them during their return trip. However, the valiant effort of this small unit penetrating deep inside enemy lines is a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the American Army during WWII.
A pivotal event in the operation was the attempted crossing at the riverside town of Gemünden. Gemünden which mean “the mouthing” was named so because its location at the confluence of the Sinn, Main and Frankische Saale rivers. Not making this crossing would seriously delay the task force by hours in reaching Hammelburg. Each minute was important as the Germans were starting to track the task force and move in units to counter it.
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On the 8th August, Operation Totalise was launched by the First Canadian Army.
By midday the Phase One Divisions had broken through the frontline and were sitting on there objectives awaiting the Phase Two Divisions to move through and carry the advance further south towards the city of Falaise.
While awaiting the second phase formations to arrive they were expected to repulse any counterattacks, which duly arrived just after Midday. This counterattack would go down in history as the last battle of the German Panzer Ace Michael Wittmann.
This scenario brings up practically the entire German counterattack to retake the villages of Cramesnil and on Point.122.
Can you lead the Germans to victory and stop Operation Totalise in its tracks or defeat the German counterattack and leave the way open for the Phases Two Divisions?
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U.S. 10th Mountain Division assaults Mount Belvedere in Northern Italy
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Koen - BBQ at Night
I've tried to create, again, something different.
This is a nightbattle where your forces mainly consist of flamethrowers and flamehalftracks.
The nightconditions result in some strange encounters with very limited and flameable LOF's.
It's an AXIS vs. AI battle on a relative small map.
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Koen Tiny Battles 1-2-3-4-5-6
this is a serie of six tiny battles.
These are small battles on small maps ensuring fast gameplay and endresult.
These scenarios are build as testbattles. They are not balanced or 100% historical but still winnable.
How you get your endresult is all up to you, the tactics you use are YOUR tactics!
My intention is that you will play these scenarios more then once and that you will improve your skills.
thx in advance for your gametime and comments
Koen
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kampfgruppe Walthers illfated attempt to seize Veghel and its important bridges to cut hells Highway.
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CMBB |
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On June 22, 1944 the Russians started their Belorussian Offensive. More than 2.3 million Soviet troops go into action against the German Army Group Centre, which boasts a strength of less than 800,000 men. Ten days later the Red Army juggernaut is closing in on the prewar Polish border. It is here, where an exhausted platoon of German Pioneers decides to make a final stand and ambush a Russian tank convoy.
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Bäke's Winter Storm II H2H
No 3 in the CMBB Combat History series Bäke Battles: "Der Mensch" In The East", this scenario follows on from the earlier CMBB scenario "Bäke's Winter Storm I".
15 December 1942
The bulk of Panzer Regiment 11, under the leadership of Colonel von Hünersdorff, is assigned to the forward mobile defense of Verkhne Kumksy, a critical jumping off point for the next thrust toward Stalingrad. Major Dr. Bake is deputy commander of this force. A holding force under Hauptmann Löwe is set-up in the village of Verkhne Kumsky itself.
But the tankists and motorized infantry of Colonel-General V.T. Volksii's Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps are full of confidence and grim determination too. They spearheaded the southern pincer that surrounded the 6th Army in Stalingrad and they will die before allowing the German rescue attempt to succeed. Despite the blue skies above the Kalmuk steppe another winter storm is about to break...
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No 3 in the CMBB Combat History series Bäke Battles: "Der Mensch" In The East. This scenario follows on from the earlier Bäke CMBB scenarios, "Bäke's Winter Storm I" and "Bäke's Prelude at Pokhlebin".
15 December 1942
The bulk of Panzer Regiment 11, under the leadership of Colonel von Hünersdorff, is assigned to the forward mobile defense of Verkhne Kumksy, a critical jumping off point for the next thrust toward Stalingrad. Major Dr. Bake is deputy commander of this force. A holding force under Hauptmann Löwe is set-up in the village of Verkhne Kumsky itself.
But the tankists and motorized infantry of Colonel-General V.T. Volksii's Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps are full of confidence and grim determination too. They spearheaded the southern pincer that surrounded the 6th Army in Stalingrad and they will die before allowing the German rescue attempt to succeed. Despite the blue skies above the Kalmuk steppe another winter storm is about to break...
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Rusian spearhead advances along the autobahn, looking for loot.
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The Russians are advancing along the whole front, we need to retreat. Defend the retreat of our army at all costs!
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FALL BLAU, German offensive in the southern sector begins June 28th, 1942. After their disastrous operation to reconquer Kharkov, Soviet units have been allowed to retreat. In the early days of the offensive, the Germans see the Russians vanishing in front of them instead of resisting the offensive. They therefore head East as fast as possible trying to spot any traps left by the Russians.
In the area North of Voronezh, nearest to Moscow and the northermost part of the Summer offensive, the Russians have grouped many tanks. The advancing German columns will have to face many tank counterattacks in July and sometimes they spot the ennemy too late...
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The scenario pits several SS squads in an assualt against a large force of partisans in the deep forests of the Carpathain foothills. The local SS has captured and obtained a rough map of the partisan camp allowing them to send in troops from different directions to take out the camp and kill or capture all the partisans.
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LS 7 Landser Holiday
Encircled infantry elements of the German 2nd Army attempt to escape to the west by attacking through a Russian rifle screen.
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LS 6 Small Town Magyar
Hungarian 2nd Army forces defend a small steppe town against more numerous Russian rifle forces.
This is the 6th (of 7) scenario in the Operation Little Saturn scenario pack.
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LS 5 Last Stand of the 24th Tank Corps
The overextended and now surrounded 24th Tank Corps tries to hold out against concentric German counterattacks by panzer division forces.
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CMBO |
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German infantry dawn attack during the Battle of the Bulge. American infantry caught off-guard whilst lining up for chow.
VPs for casualties and German exit points only.
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Before dawn on D-Day the British airbourne must destroy the gun batteries at Vierville.
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Koen - A Town to conquer
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a Couple of weeks ago the Allies have conquered one of the major towns in France.
Now the Germans broke through the American line of defense in the Ardennes and are advancing rapidly towards this town.
Can the Allied commander hold this town?
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November 1944, the French 2nd Armored Division is tasked to breach the German fortified line of the Vosges mountains. This battle takes place on the second days of the attack. The different French Task forces are competing with each other in order to be the first to reach the plain of Alsace. The company team Minjonnet (part of the Task Force Massu) blocked close to Voyer in a narrow valley by German remnants of the 708. ID has to bypass quickly this resistance. The French can be sure that their old enemy is not about to ease their action !
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Remember the old classic wargame Panzer Leader? This scenario was inspired by the "Utah Beach" situation #1. It's the 101st Airborne vs. the German 709th behind Utah Beach in the early hours of D-Day. Allies have a choice of three dynamic objectives. Germans must determine the "real" objective and defend it.
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An American WWII GI's dream come true- a "what if" American assault on Berlin AND a chance to personally bag the ol'Führer himself!
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Arnhem Bridge battle. British airborne against armoured SS.
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Updated Scenarios |
CMAK |
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A semi-historical battle, the 82nd AB tangles with the 91st in the early morning hours of 6 jun 44
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The French 2nd Army was in crisis following the daring German crossing of the Meuse River. The Germans were expanding their bridgehead, and the elite Infantry Regiment Grossdeutschland was tasked with taking the high ground at the village of Stonne. The approach would not be easy, up a narrow road flanked by a wooded cliff, through a winding ravine, and into a small hamlet which was commanded by a large well built water tower.
Worse, the village had to be taken quickly, as sizable French armoured forces were in the immediate vicinity. It promised to be a hard day for Grossdeutschland.
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Axis and Allied forces clash for a small town and large hill.
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On the 8th August, Operation Totalise was launched by the First Canadian Army.
By midday the Phase One Divisions had broken through the frontline and were sitting on there objectives awaiting the Phase Two Divisions to move through and carry the advance further south towards the city of Falaise.
While awaiting the second phase formations to arrive they were expected to repulse any counterattacks, which duly arrived just after Midday. This counterattack would go down in history as the last battle of the German Panzer Ace Michael Wittmann.
This scenario brings up practically the entire German counterattack to retake the villages of Cramesnil and on Point.122.
Can you lead the Germans to victory and stop Operation Totalise in its tracks or defeat the German counterattack and leave the way open for the Phases Two Divisions?
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Task Force Baum was a secret and controversial task force setup by U.S. Army general George S. Patton and commanded by Capt. Abraham Baum in late March of 1945. Baum was given the task of penetrating the Siegfried Line East 80km into Germany and liberating the POWs in camp OFLAG XIII-B, near Hammelburg. Officially it was a rescue mission, but many believe that Patton ordered this raid since he knew that his son-in-law, Lt Col. John K Waters, was a prisoner at the camp. The raid ended up a failure, as German forces closed in on the delayed task force and destroyed them during their return trip. However, the valiant effort of this small unit penetrating deep inside enemy lines is a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the American Army during WWII.
A pivotal event in the operation was the attempted crossing at the riverside town of Gemünden. Gemünden which mean “the mouthing” was named so because its location at the confluence of the Sinn, Main and Frankische Saale rivers. Not making this crossing would seriously delay the task force by hours in reaching Hammelburg. Each minute was important as the Germans were starting to track the task force and move in units to counter it.
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Koen - BBQ at Night
I've tried to create, again, something different.
This is a nightbattle where your forces mainly consist of flamethrowers and flamehalftracks.
The nightconditions result in some strange encounters with very limited and flameable LOF's.
It's an AXIS vs. AI battle on a relative small map.
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Koen Tiny Battles 1-2-3-4-5-6
this is a serie of six tiny battles.
These are small battles on small maps ensuring fast gameplay and endresult.
These scenarios are build as testbattles. They are not balanced or 100% historical but still winnable.
How you get your endresult is all up to you, the tactics you use are YOUR tactics!
My intention is that you will play these scenarios more then once and that you will improve your skills.
thx in advance for your gametime and comments
Koen
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Normandy, aug. 1944: A rather challenging axis exit scenario:
Fight your way south behind enemy lines along the river Dives to meet up with a trapped group of artillery. Escort the arty back to safety in the north, while holding of the allied reinforcements. Fictional.
NB: The scenario was previously named "Rescue Dives". This is to be considered version 2
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Groningen's 150,000 strong population, still feeling the effects of the “Hunger Winter”, waited a long time for liberation before hope was restored by the approach of the 2nd Canadian Division in April 1945. Salvation would not come easy; the city was the the flank of the German Westwall fortifications, and home to 21 batteries of FlaK guns defending Emden and the Ems Estuary as well as a garrison of over 7,000 troops. The Canadian divisional commander forbade the use of artillery fire in order to protect the civil populace, then sent his three brigades to attack from different directions. The Calgary Highlanders led the 5th Brigade effort by seizing a river crossing on the west side of the city. The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada then passed through, hoping to seize bridges over the ring canal - a giant moat surrounding the “old city” - for Le Regiment de Maisonneuve to cross. They encountered the enemy in a "Plantsoen" - public park.
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Basically Dunkirk in miniture. A mixed British and French force has been cut off from the rest of the Allied armies and is retreating towards a small port for evacuation. As the Allies the player must conduct a fighting withdrawl towards the port delaying the german advance as long as possible. As the germans the player must break through the allied defences and prevent the evacuation by capturing the port.
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CMBB |
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On June 22, 1944 the Russians started their Belorussian Offensive. More than 2.3 million Soviet troops go into action against the German Army Group Centre, which boasts a strength of less than 800,000 men. Ten days later the Red Army juggernaut is closing in on the prewar Polish border. It is here, where an exhausted platoon of German Pioneers decides to make a final stand and ambush a Russian tank convoy.
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FALL BLAU, German offensive in the southern sector begins June 28th, 1942. After their disastrous operation to reconquer Kharkov, Soviet units have been allowed to retreat. In the early days of the offensive, the Germans see the Russians vanishing in front of them instead of resisting the offensive. They therefore head East as fast as possible trying to spot any traps left by the Russians.
In the area North of Voronezh, nearest to Moscow and the northermost part of the Summer offensive, the Russians have grouped many tanks. The advancing German columns will have to face many tank counterattacks in July and sometimes they spot the ennemy too late...
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No 3 in the CMBB Combat History series Bäke Battles: "Der Mensch" In The East. This scenario follows on from the earlier Bäke CMBB scenarios, "Bäke's Winter Storm I" and "Bäke's Prelude at Pokhlebin".
15 December 1942
The bulk of Panzer Regiment 11, under the leadership of Colonel von Hünersdorff, is assigned to the forward mobile defense of Verkhne Kumksy, a critical jumping off point for the next thrust toward Stalingrad. Major Dr. Bake is deputy commander of this force. A holding force under Hauptmann Löwe is set-up in the village of Verkhne Kumsky itself.
But the tankists and motorized infantry of Colonel-General V.T. Volksii's Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps are full of confidence and grim determination too. They spearheaded the southern pincer that surrounded the 6th Army in Stalingrad and they will die before allowing the German rescue attempt to succeed. Despite the blue skies above the Kalmuk steppe another winter storm is about to break...
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Bäke's Winter Storm II H2H
No 3 in the CMBB Combat History series Bäke Battles: "Der Mensch" In The East", this scenario follows on from the earlier CMBB scenario "Bäke's Winter Storm I".
15 December 1942
The bulk of Panzer Regiment 11, under the leadership of Colonel von Hünersdorff, is assigned to the forward mobile defense of Verkhne Kumksy, a critical jumping off point for the next thrust toward Stalingrad. Major Dr. Bake is deputy commander of this force. A holding force under Hauptmann Löwe is set-up in the village of Verkhne Kumsky itself.
But the tankists and motorized infantry of Colonel-General V.T. Volksii's Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps are full of confidence and grim determination too. They spearheaded the southern pincer that surrounded the 6th Army in Stalingrad and they will die before allowing the German rescue attempt to succeed. Despite the blue skies above the Kalmuk steppe another winter storm is about to break...
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Part II of AL-Summertime
June 1941: the fascist gangsters are assaulting Mother Russia. After the Wehrmacht has brutaly shattered all initial resistance, remnants of our brave border troops regroup at the edge of the woods to put a stop to the feldgrau hordes flooding in from the west in ever increasing numbers.
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Gross Deutchland Panzer Grenadiers and Assault Guns attack a Soviet defensive position.
Do not be put off the the apparent size of this scenario, it is in fact two German companies and two companies of StuGs attacking a single Russian company.
This is a series of battles across three maps totalling 12km long and 1km wide. Between them the maps accurately show a typical post-Stalingrad Soviet defence system, in fact the entire depth of the Soviet 1st Belt defences with proper sized positions and defenders. The idea is that each battle shows a 'crucial' part of the overall battle but the large size of the maps allow you to orientate yourself and to see the full Russian defences laid out. There are two further Russian companies on this map who play no part in 'this' battle.
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The concept of a “War for Oil” isn’t a recent phenomenon. The first such war occurred almost eighty years ago, in the early 1930s. The conflict, known as the Gran Chaco War, pitted the small South American nations of Bolivia and Paraguay in a conflict that cost the two tiny countries a total of 100,000 dead, yet the war is almost unknown to all but most earnest devotees of “brush fire” wars. This conflict included many notable firsts – the first air to air combat in the Western Hemisphere, the first use of tanks in combat in an external conflict in the Western Hemisphere, and the first instances of aerial resupply – used by both sides to sustain besieged garrisons.
In this scenario, both player must attack and defend; the Allied player must try to hold onto the four besieged strongpoints as well as move the relieving force to these objectives; the Axis player must both blunt the Allied players relief efforts while over running the Allied held objectives.
the weaponry available in this scenario is all near identical to that which was actually used in this brutal and forgotten war.
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North of PLAVY, RUSSIA.
The highway to Kirograd was defended by the 2nd Fallschirmjäger Division and self-propelled guns of the 286th Sturmgeschütz Brigade in support. As a test of their defences, the Red Army sent 25 T-34s in on the assault; it took less than 30 minutes for this regiment to be put out of action. There were never enough German assault guns, however, and as they moved from position to position, two companies of the 2nd Parachute Division managed to get cut off. Once more, the assault guns were summoned to extract the beleaguered paratroopers.
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SESTRORESK ROAD, FINLAND. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union, Finnish troops attempted to seek revenge for their cruel treatment at the hands of the Russians by attacking into Karelia and launching what they called the Continuation War. In just three weeks the Soviet 23rd Army was on the ropes, with entire regiments and divisions cut off and encircled across the front. The 131st Border Battalion was ordered to prepare a rearguard as elements of their division withdrew to prepared positions on the Sestra River. Successfully holding the line, they received orders in mid-afternoon to save themselves if possible.
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It is August 1944. Operation Bagration has swept the German forces from the Motherland, and finally the Red Army is on foreign soil. Army Group Centre has been crushed, and there is but one water barrier before Warsaw...
The East Front may be arge, but there is still no room for mercy.
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CMBO |
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Remember the old classic wargame Panzer Leader? This scenario was inspired by the "Utah Beach" situation #1. It's the 101st Airborne vs. the German 709th behind Utah Beach in the early hours of D-Day. Allies have a choice of three dynamic objectives. Germans must determine the "real" objective and defend it.
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German infantry dawn attack during the Battle of the Bulge. American infantry caught off-guard whilst lining up for chow.
VPs for casualties and German exit points only.
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An American WWII GI's dream come true- a "what if" American assault on Berlin AND a chance to personally bag the ol'Führer himself!
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Newest Maps |
CMAK |
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A small river splits a large map, with lots of roads and 6 bridges to control and a town also to control. This map is for meeting engagements and no side has a terrain advantage. Hopefully this will boil down to your choice of units and your game play.
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Map made of RHZ Fall Gelb scenario WIP
Setup for Axis attack and Axis defend (2 maps!)
Has all sorts of terrain, with gentle hills, a small river, woods, grain but also lots of LOS and fields of fire for longer range shooting.
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Map for PvP and free for using in scenarios.
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Old village by a wadi, somewhere in Tunisia.
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Ideal for a QB ME
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In the Ardennes US recontroops discovered a Flak Battery. They need to take it out!
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use this for a QB, both meeting or defending.
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A long, straight, dirt road through flat farmland. Size is 640m wide x 6km long.
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those who have seen band of brothers will like this u command the 101st airbourne division in the battle of the bulge dog fox able and easy company u will control as well as general patters armoured division will u save or destroy bastonge and the 101st
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Italian hills, farms, small towns, church, vineyards.
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CMBB |
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Damaged large town/small city divided by a river. Contains several bridges, an old fortress, stadium, factories, railway station, and an old manor. Flags spread pretty evenly out on the map, made for a QB axis attack. IMPORTANT: ONLY FOR USE WITH UMLAUTS STALINGRAD MODS. You most use the scenario with these three mods found at www.cmmods.com:
FULL_telephonepole_umlaut
rubble_spray_umlaut
stalingrad_buildings_umlaut
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Stalingrad-ish map made for Umlaut´s Stalingrad-mods.
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29 2x2km maps. Various terrain; city, village, farmland, deep forests ...
They all quite beatuful ;)
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I know it was UK and not USSR! but i didnt own CMAK when i made the level and i dont want to do everything over again so USSR must equal UK! its a fun level with the FJ troops in the greatest air invasion prior to D-Day.
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The last push by Germany to leave Berlin before the surrender.
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The finals days for the reich as the soviets storm the reichstag and even the chancellery.
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The final attempt by the Nazi's in Berlin to escape west so they may surrender to the Anglo-American forces. The quest to the west to start a new life is like a German manifest destiny.
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The Soviet push to finish the job and take the Reichstag and Reich Chancellery on Stalins order for May Day.
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Large town/small city divided by a river. Contains several bridges, an old fortress, stadium, factories, railway station, and an old manor. Flags spread pretty evenly out on the map, so best for a good, tough house-to-house meeting engagement.
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Soviet habour/industrial town divided by a river. With docks, factories, railroads and three bridges spanning the river. A soviet prison at the eastern outskirts of town is the main target and now turned into an ideal defensive position for the soviets. Map made for an axis attack-scenario.
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CMBO |
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This CMBO map is built from a topographical map of the little town of Seville, NE of Melbourne, Australia. My idea was to lauch a Brit brigade (3 btns) across it at a German static defence screening mobile reserves.
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Desiliens is an ancient Roman town. The map features the ruins of the town, an aquaduct, and the ruins of a villa on a low central hill.
The eastern side of the map is mostly woods, the west is hills and farms. It is most suitable for an assault on the town, but if the focus is shifted to the ruined villa it would be good for a meeting engagement.
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Updated Maps |
CMAK |
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Ideal for a QB ME
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CMBB |
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axis winterattack on a Russian City
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Please feel free to download, use or edit the map.
Screenshots can be found here:
http://worldatwar.eu/index.php?entity_sess=512x00db4fede3b24a34db2c5e9d283f162c&lang=3&location=boardshownode&boardid=51
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A town with a river and lake surrounded by grainfields
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Map is based on a sketch in the book > Die guten Glaubens waren< the history of the SS Polizei Division and shows a hard-fought area south of Leningrad. The Observatory was not reached by the Germans although they really tried it
This is part of a series of maps on the so-called Ladoga
Front
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CMBO |
Newest Members |
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Phu |
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Adil |
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Raff |
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rocketscientist |
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Leon_32 |
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The Proving Grounds Frequently Asked Questions (Work in progress)
| GENERAL QUESTIONS |
| Q: |
What is The Proving Grounds all about? |
| A: |
The Proving Grounds was created for players of the games designed and published by Battlefront.com Inc called Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord, Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin and Combat Mission: Afrika Korps. This site offers those players a few services to that I hope they will find helpful and of interest:
::Opponent Finder: Search for opponents playing the game, type of battle and other variables that you're looking for. Looking for an opponent that doesn't mind you always playing as the Allies or that wants just medium sized maps in a quick battle? Search for and find those players and contact them for a match!
::Scenario Finder: The idea is to have a place for scenario developers to upload a W.I.P. scenario (alpha/beta) and then have members of this site play and review it, hopefully giving suggestions that will help the developer finalize the scenario before moving it to other sites that host scenarios.
::Map Finder: Maps in various states, uploaded for use in quick battles or for designs of your own.
::Scenario Discussion: Start or join the discussion about any scenario currently listed on the site. Provide feedback, suggestions or ask the designer the "why's" and "what for's" of their scenario. Make sure you provide a review too if you have some feedback that would help the author finish up the project.
::Reference: A searchable list of reference websites (links) that have been provided by other members. Great source of information for scenario designer's or those looking for additional reference information. (Thanks to Fredrocker1957 for his extensive help with this section!).
::Chat: Available for discussing all things CM with other members of the site.
::Opponent Finder Message Forum: Looking for an opponent or want to advertise your availablity? Leave a message here! |
| The Menu Bar: |
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| Q: |
What is the "notes" for on the home page? Is that for "official business" only? |
| A: |
No. Notes is just a "blog" for any ramblings that somebody might have related to Combat Mission or this website. You can broadcast your availability to play a game, or announce your new scenario or ask game questions. No, it's not a BFC forum replacement, nor does it try to be. |
| Q: |
What is the NaL list that I see pop up on the homepage every day? |
| A: |
The Non-Activity List or NaL is a run-down of scenarios on the site sorted in order by least discussions (comments) and by date it was posted, thus, the oldest posted scenario with the least comments will show at the top. I run the list daily as a way to re-promote scenarios that aren't getting attention in the hopes that someone (or more) will give it a shot and help the author with some comments on how it played. |
| Q: |
Why can't I just download a scenario and then be on my merry way without having to join yet another website? |
| A: |
Good question. A number of scenario authors expressed to me that it was very important to know who had a copy of their scenario so that they could follow up with them for feedback, or at the least, have a way to contact them should a new version be released. In order to fulfill that, a sign-up process was needed. It works two ways though, the sign-up is also your profile for the opponent finder, should you want to be listed as a potential opponent. |
| Q: |
What about privacy, use of "cookies" and all that other scary internet stuff? If I visit this site, will you then be able to peek into my bedroom? |
| A: |
Not so good a question. No, I don't collect personal information as stated above. No "spyware" or hidden camera's. This site does use cookies. Cookies are small text files that are generated from this site but stored on your computer and are called up whenver you return to the site. All that my cookies store are your handle, secretword and timezone preference. This is so that you don't have to continuously log in every time you want to download a scenario or post feedback. If you have disabled cookies, then you'll just have to log in each time, but the site will still function normally otherwise. UPDATED: A "Log Out" link has been added to the Navigation Menu. Clicking there will "zero-out" the contents of the cookie set by this site. It will NOT remove the cookie (you wouldn't want me to have the ability to delete files off your computer would you?). If you want to completely destroy the cookie (I'm crushed) look for a cookie set by administrator@the-proving-grounds.com and just delete it. |
| Q: |
I have more questions, or suggestions or requests. Can I just email you? |
| A: |
Sure can, you can email me HERE or just post a message on the homepage. |
| Q: |
How do I post a message on the homepage or the notes area? |
| A: |
Click the button at the top of the notes area  to post a new message. You can now edit your own notes (and only your own obviously). For notes posted by you, there will be the edit notes icon:  . Cookies (see above) must be enabled for this feature to work.
Notes are not "threaded" or forum style at this point, just a continuous listing of note after note. By the way, you can "bump" yourself to the top again by editing your note. Don't feel bad about filling up the notes file, it purges itself every 100 posts. |
| Q: |
This site must cost thousands of dollars a year to host and maintain. How can I help! |
| A: |
Well, it doesn't cost that much. However there is a small monthly hosting fee and my time, so if you really want to help the cause you can email me HERE . UPDATED: There is now a PayPal Donation button beneath the left side scenario/members listing panel, should you care to donate. And a special thanks to those that do! |
| TIPS |
| You can click on the column header on just about every table of results in order to resort that column. |
| OPPONENT FINDER |
| Q: |
How does the Opponent Finder work? |
| A: |
Click the link on the left that reads "Opponent Finder" or select the text link at the bottom of the page that reads the same. You will see a screen with some instructions and 3 links:
1. Create a profile: click here to create your gaming profile. You will enter various information that pertains to the Combat Mission games. Notes are available on the side to help you in answering the questions that make up the profile.
2. Modify my profile: You will be prompted to log in using the account name (your handle) and secret word (aka password). You can then modify your profile as needed.
3. Search the existing profiles: Here you'll enter some search criteria and hopefully find a match or matches that suit your style of game. If you just want to browse ALL the records, select your time zone and then press the button that says "List All" in the light blue colored box. Optionally, you may get the details of any active member by selecting their name from the pull down list in the light red box area. |
| Q: |
Do I have to join to search the profiles? |
| A: |
No. You won't be able to post your own profile, though you will be able to peruse those available. Obviously your membership is encouraged. |
| Q: |
I only have Beyond Overlord, is this going to work for me? |
| A: |
Yes, the profiles do have an option to select the version of Combat Mission that they play, be it Beyond Overlord or Barbarossa to Berlin (Africa Korps will also be supported). You can also choose both games should you own both and wish to be listed as a potential opponent in both. |
| Q: |
How much does it cost to join? |
| A: |
Nothing. Nada. Zip. Totally free. |
| Q: |
Do you need a credit card number, or personal information such as my social security number or mother's maiden name or anything like that? |
| A: |
Uh no. Not needed, don't want it. You don't even have to give your real name. All that is needed is a "handle" (nickname), email address and a secret word (password). The email address is needed so that other members can contact you if they want to send you a request to play a game or to provide feedback for a scenario that you may have uploaded. |
| Q: |
Is my email address going to get put on some spam list, or will you be spamming me? |
| A: |
No and no. Your email address is never broadcast "in the clear". A form is used for all correspondence and your email address is pulled from a database when it is needed This way spam "bots" can't get to it. I have no time nor desire to spam you either. |
| Q: |
Ok, how do I join? |
| A: |
Click the link on the left that reads Join or on the link at the bottom of each page titled the same. Also, there is a link to join when you click on the Opponent Finder link.
You have two methods of joining. The "Short Form" and the "Long Form". The short form is for those that will only want to download or upload scenarios and browse the opponent finder list but not be listed for others. The long form will have you fill out your profile form and you will be listed for others to find (exception: deactivated accounts below) |
| Q: |
How do I deactivate my account or what does that mean? |
| A: |
If you're booked up on PBEM games, or otherwise don't wish to be bothered by people emailing you requesting a game at this time, you can deactivate your account. This will "hide" your profile from showing in any of the opponent finder searches. Simply modify your profile and then select the radio button that says "deactivated". When you're ready to rejoin the listings, simply activate your account again in the same manner (selecting "active" instead). |
| Q: |
How come nobody shows up when I do a search for an opponent...it says 0 found? |
| A: |
As the database populates with more and more players this will become a non-issue, but in the meantime, lower your requirements on the search criteria and then search again. |
| Q: |
I found an opponent here, we just played and this guy was the perfect opponent! -Or- I have a buddy/opponent that I've played against for years, I see that he's joined here. Should I give him praise on the homepage "notes" or where? -Or- I just *tried* to play with some guy from here and he was abusive, took months to get turns back to me or otherwise was a totally unpleasant experience. How do I fry this guy? |
| A: |
If you bring up the details sheet for this person by clicking on their handle (nickname) in any of the opponent finder search results, you should see a button that reads "Rate this player". You can give a Positive, Negative or No comment rating and then your actual comments. |
| Q: |
Is the Opponent Finder a "ladder" or some other form of organized play? |
| A: |
No. It's just a way to match two people together according to their playing style and opponent preferences. |
| TIPS |
| When searching for an opponent using the Opponent Finder, if you do not want to include one or more of the options available as part of the search criteria, then just leave it alone and go to the next option. By default, the options as shown will find all available opponents for each option unless you pick or enter other criteria for it. So, to find all records, just hit the "Search Using Criteria" button without adjusting anything. |
| SCENARIO FINDER/SCENARIOS IN GENERAL |
| Q: |
What is the Scenario Finder? |
| A: |
The scenario finder section is a place for scenario creators (authors) to upload their unproven scenarios in order to have it distributed and tested/played by others. Hopefully feedback will be provided to those authors so that they can make adjustments in order to come out with a final version of their work. |
| Q: |
Isn't there other, more popular places for people to upload their scenarios to? |
| A: |
Fortunately, or unfortunately, yes there are. The difference here though is that The Proving Grounds is for scenarios that are not finished pieces of work. The idea is to have a way to distribute the scenario more easily for the authors and to have a place where feedback/comments/suggestions can be provided for that scenario. After the scenario is finished, it should then be removed from The Proving Grounds and uploaded to those sites that are a permanent archive for finished work. |
| Q: |
What format should scenarios that I upload be in? |
| A: |
Scenarios must be either .cme, .cmf, .zip or .sit files. If the programming is working right, no other file format will be allowed. Please don't upload a 10mb .mp3 file to prove that I'm wrong. |
| Q: |
How do I update a scenario that I've already uploaded here? |
| A: |
Instructions for updating an already uploaded scenario:
1. Author's of uploaded scenarios can go to Scenarios then Authors Login to manage their scenario list. If you don't have cookies enabled, you will be asked to log in at this point.
2. From here, you will find download stats (who/when) as well as the options to Modify or Delete each scenario.
3. Deleting your scenario will remove it from the site, as well as all the discussions and reviews for it. Do this after the scenario has finished it's run here and has been moved to another site.
4. Modifying your scenario: The first screen you'll see is one that looks just the scenario parameters screen that you saw when you first uploaded your scenario. Change any values here that you need too. Don't forget to bump up the version number if this is an updated scenario file (next step).
5. After updating the parameters, press submit and the next screen will give you the option of uploading a new version of the file. You can also click on " That's it, the file that is there is fine, I just needed to change some of the information." to leave the updating at that point. If you do need to upload a new file, you'll see the browse button, find your new version and upload.
Important: Make sure that the filename of the udated version is exactly the same as the one that you uploaded originally. This is so that it will replace the older version with the new. Otherwise, the old file will not get overwritten and the association will still be pointing to it, thus people continue to download the old version. There are several warnings on the upload page, so heed those and you should be ok.
6. Optional: If you made some changes to your scenario, but aren't sure if those were better changes or not because you still like the original version, upload your update as a separate and new scenario. Do this just as you did originally, add new scenario, but be sure to give the scenario name something unique from the other so that it does not overwrite the original (actually, I have it coded so that it won't overwrite the original, but still...). This way, people can review both versions and see which is reviewed better. Keep one, toss the other, or keep both on the site as two separate scenarios. |
| Q: |
Why is there a place to leave a "review" (in the scenario finder) and a "discussions area"? What do I write in each of those? Are "spoiler" ok? |
| A: |
At the bottom of each scenario details screen is a button to click on for "posting a quick review". Use this area for posting comments about the play of the scenario, was it enjoyable, good map, well balanced, etc. This is to help others decide if this is a scenario that they want to try. The "Discussions" area is just that, a place to discuss in detail the making of the scenario with the designer and others that have played it. Spoilers are fine and should be posted here. Other things to discuss are "why something was added or not added, possible changes to improve the scenario, strategy and tactics in playing the scenario, etc. |
| Q: |
How do I start a scenario discussion area for a scenario that I just uploaded? |
| A: |
You don't need to do anything, a discussion will be started already and the first post will be made (inadvertently) by yourself. |
| TIPS |
| As with the Opponent Finder, when searching for a scenario using the Scenario Finder, if you do not want to include one or more of the options available as part of the search criteria, then just leave it alone and go to the next option. By default, the options as shown will find all available scenarios for each option unless you pick or enter other criteria for it. So, to find all records, just hit the "Submit" button without adjusting anything in either the Basic or Advanced search. |
| I'll write more as the questions come in. |
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