This is a situation that needs to be addressed now before the
game expands and it becomes a big thorn. Namely I am talking
about the troop transport capacity of some vehicles.
I don’t know if anyone else noticed this, but the SdKfz251 can
only transport 1 lousy infantry unit. This is silly since each infantry
unit represents on average 4-6 soldiers according to what I read.
Plus these vehicle traditionally carried upto 12-16 soldiers.
Considering that a T-34 can carry a troop as well - then there is a
serious flaw here that will come back to bite the designers.
A better way to do this is allow most vehicles to carry one
infantry on board (as long as they dont use any special
tactic or move at high speed for the danger to those
riding on top). The larger tanks better suited to transporting
men (like the T-34) should be allowed to carry troop + team
or some small tactical/maneuver advantage. Its simple
rules like this that make a game tactically viable.
Smaller versions of the Half-track existed, and if introduced
should be allowed to carry one infantry or pull one gun and crew
OR the errata should be issued now to allow the SdKfz251
to carry at minimum 2+1 infantry - with only one of those
units being allowed to fire out of this vehicle.
Trucks when introduced at some future point would then have
some realistic tactical usage if they carried from 2 to 5 troops.
What will happen when you introduce Bren Carriers or the
small vehicles that were crew type carriers?
Another point that another player brought up to me is what
happens when infantry try to dismount but they can’t due
to the stacking limit in the hex they are in?
Being a game designer I understand the balance of playability
and reality - but guys this sucks. I can also see how in the
mechanics of this game right now the use of tanks over troops
is going to be a problem – which will kill the balance.
The power gamers will rule the field with armor and ruin
general play. Maybe changing the game so that built armies
of 200 pts must reflect traditional platoon organizations
would be smart. Even limiting to min 25% points spent on
infantry units.
If the authors are listening I hope they make the change soon
and put the errata up to support it. Otherwise the 251 is simply
not worth the point cost.
Anyone else noticing this - please add your two cents so the
designers get the message.