Unity of Command II Teaches You Operational Art

It would be silly to end this year without a mention of Unity of Command II (UoCII). Right beneath the great graphics, the efficient interface, the tough computer opponent and the well-thought game mechanics you will find grognard-worth wargaming riches. Don't get confused by the looks, this is not Panzer General. Unity of Command II is a true wargame for the 21st century. 

Combat Mission Afrika Korps - When it Comes to Support by Fire, You Better Do It with the Right Tools

Well, pardon the old engine circa 2003, but there is still quality tactical gaming for me in this one. Besides that I just want to make a small point. So sorry if I offend any retinas with this. 😀

Graviteam's Tank Warfare Tunisia 1943 - A Makeshift Screen Mission for Two Mechanized Companies of the 10 PzDiv

 This content is from the Sidi Bouzid campaign in the beforementioned war game. I am playing as the Germans and at the start the only formation present is the 10 PzDiv. The 10th has a relatively complex task: to push forward towards Lessouda via the Lessouda-Sbeitla road and to encircle the enemy strongpoint located in the escarpment north of Lessouda.

Falcon BMS 4.35: The Wild Ride of Wild Weaseling

Benchmarksims continues to deliver with stoic quietness. Two decades after the original Falcon 4.0 hit the shelves, the combat flight simulator is alive and well.

John Tiller's Software Panzer Campaigns: Gold Versions Getting the New 2D Graphics Revamp

 

Scheldt '44 has brought new 2D graphics, with better resolution and visibility plus a new zoom level. This is great for aging eyes.

Visualizing Battle Spaces with Armored Brigade

Almost nine years ago, I wrote about the so-called "battle spaces" and how not being observant of them can ruin your day.

FM 17-15 (Tank Platoon) has an interesting section about the so-called "battle spaces":

... battle space is the three-dimensional area in which the platoon can acquire enemy forces and influence them with effective fires.

 In a new blog entry, a visual example of how battle spaces change and what to make out of that.

Now live at my new website RSWars.com.

Cheers,

F/A-18E Superhornet by VRS

In search for a thorough flight simulation of the F/A-18, I turned into the VRS F/A-18E Superhornet (AKA the Superbug), which I flew in the Prepar3D v4.4 simulation environment.

I'm floored at the thoroughness of the simulated F/A-18E. The whole thing reminds me of the venerable Falcon BMS. The fully functional clickable cockpit, the flight model (full fly by wire), the weapons systems, the avionics. I have tried military aircrafts in FSX and X-Plane, but they always felt incomplete and like forced into an environment they don't belong. The VRS Superbug is very unique and likely the best military aircraft for FSX and Prepar3D.

Read more about this at my new website RSWars.com.

Graviteam Tactics Under the Cruel Star: The Loss of Homenki Farmstead

The newest DLC, "Under the Cruel Star" is now out for Graviteam Tactics Mius Front. The Soviet's 11 Cavalry Division will smash against units of the Leibstandarte entrenched in the vicinity of Bulakhi. The DLC is a 10 turn (playable from both sides) affair fought in snowy terrain (February 1943) in a map of around 48 square kilometers.

The amount of troops involved in this DLC is relatively small, and Under the Cruel Star may be a great entry point for newbies and for re-approaching the game after previous unsuccessful attempts.

I just played my first battle as the Germans. Read all about it in my new website.

Cheers,

DCS AV 8B Harrier USS Tarawa Landing

I had to try this for myself and although it was enjoyable it was quite a shocker when I followed the stock advice found in the official forums and from a couple of the DCS YouTube stars. The main practice that earned me the drink very frequently was the continuous trimming. Honestly, I don't get this "trim, trim, trim!" so-revered crutch for everything difficult in DCS. It was already brought up for air refueling in the DCS Hornet, and proven unnecessary by many, including myself. But yeah, let's keep flying with the trim instead of with the stick ...

Read the rest of the story and watch a related video at my new website.

Cheers,

The Simplicity of Things Lethal – Steel Beasts ProPE Leopard A15’s Tank Commander

 I'm putting myself more and more in the virtual commander's hatch and learning to lead my crew into victory. And also to death, as you will see in a blog post.

Blog entry available at my new website!

Cheers,