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Review of "Division Azul" Campaign

GET THE CAMPAIGN!

The Division Azul campaign, or at least the first three scenarios, is much
more balanced.  The superior range of the Russian artillery, and the under
strength nature of the Division Azul core units make each battle a
challenge.  Be prepared to lose units that are out there alone, or if you do
not scout well.  Adding quality German units to the mix is essential.  For
example, I bought a Waffen SS with a halftrack for the first scenario, and
ended up having to reinforce it during the battle, over 200 experience, and
a leader.  The TB was also helpful to deal with Russian artillery that had
greater range than mine.

The prototype PzIIIJ-2 prize for a BV was very handy.  As a number of
people have pointed out, the early German tanks are no match for the Russian
tanks.  The PzIIIJ-2 is a marked improvement over what you can buy.  I lost
a German tank in the first scenario to a combination of artillery, tank and
recon attacks.  The prestige allocation worked well.  I had to make
decisions on what to buy, and making some of the core Division Azul units
over strength (e.g. bringing the engineers and fighter up to strength 10 as
soon as possible) is both a temporary and expensive improvement, but
necessary if you want to keep core units, especially your fighter.  I did
not try to see whether converting to German units would change the base
maximum.  New units purchased carry a 10 base strength.

I ran into a problem after the Lake Ihmen scenario.  That played well, and
the terrain is a great boon to the defender.  The limited deployment for the
Division Azul increases the difficulty.  I picked well in selecting my
units, and managed a BV on the last turn.  At the end of the scenario, I was
not able to advance to the next scenario.  After the victory, all I would
get was an empty Novrogrod map.  I checked the Builder's Paradise Forum and
have e-mailed the designer, but have not heard back from him, and my quick
check of postings turned up no comments.  It is disappointing, because the
campaign was interesting...

John White

 



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