Game: Iron Tide:Panzers in the Ardennes

Thread: Re: Dec 10 scenario

Nathnkilgore — 2008-11-17T21:10:46+00:00

Edited initial placement of the 106th ID. A good source read that the handover of the positions manned by the 2nd ID were scheduled that very day. We figure the surprise offensive to have the 106 very near to the front, but not yet in place.

The 2nd ID should all have entrenchment markers placed on them for this scenario. Their dispositions, fields of fire, outposts would have been organized much better than the green unit coming in.

Thread: Re: Rules Translations

Nathnkilgore — 2008-11-07T16:35:05+00:00

I recieved a PDF of the first draft of the German version today. It is incomplete, but with only 2 pages left plus eratta.
Another Swiss BGGer has come forward to do the conversion proofreading. He is a fan of the game and should help a lot in finishing this up by Christmas.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-11-03T18:11:07+00:00

I guess I better drum up some more action pictures.

2 people pulled their rating completely off the page this week. I don't understand that. I see some people redoing their rating lower or higher, that makes sense.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

TXLawDog — 2008-11-01T04:42:45+00:00

I like this idea a lot, but I find the Third Battle of Kharkov (Jan-Mar '43) more historically interesting. Scoff away...

That said, I'll be buying the game anyway.

Thread: Re: "Shoot from the hip" style of gameplay makes this a winner

Nathnkilgore — 2008-10-28T01:41:16+00:00

Andrew, that's great to hear. I read and reread Cole's version and have constantly referenced it when looking back at specific events. Once you start down that road you find there are dozens of accounts and several movies to whet your interest. Its a fascinating struggle to watch unfold.

For just one example, a quite good bulge enthusiast was playing the German against me at a convention and when he did all the right moves countering my delaying ploys, he finally achieved a clean breakout. He looked at me almost apologetically as if he had stomped me but good. The irony here is that it is normal to expect this to happen in Iron Tide. What you do with a breakout is the history of the battle repeating itself. How it is handled on both sides makes the simulation experience complete.

Thread: Re: "Shoot from the hip" style of gameplay makes this a winner

Cleitus the Black — 2008-10-27T23:24:44+00:00

I agree with Nathan. I'd love to hear some other folks talk about what they like and don't like about this game.

Subsequent to writing this review I finished up a third solo session of the 20 turn scenario...and it left me liking the game even more. I recently picked up a copy of the US Army's "Green Series" book on the Bulge (By Dr. Cole) and when I start to read it I guarantee this game will hit the table again.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Nathnkilgore — 2008-10-15T23:34:40+00:00

Bill,
Typhoon came without artillery units and was factored into the units, combat table and so forth.
VitW added combined artillery units at the corps level and independent army level.
To add anything below these, Iron Tide stretched the fabric to include many divisional or attached units to give each side something to place on the board. The German units are slightly less powerful and mobile but affect the overall nature of the play of the game in a big way.
You really see this when watching a newer player not stage his units on roads or in optimal stacks in order to keep up with the spearheads. When faced with attacking without them and against a defender having them, it will take very little time to learn the pitfalls of this. I think the effect is to teach the valuable tactic of combined warfare and not counter fiddling.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

gb1469 — 2008-10-15T20:39:19+00:00

Wilhammer wrote:
Pete Atack wrote:
I wish a re-do of SPI Typhoon would make it out too. But yes - I'd order this without doubt.

...but,,, let it it start earlier, as the designer wanted.

Five maps and 1500 counters?

If there's a market, maybe someday...

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Wilhammer — 2008-10-12T14:12:22+00:00

Pete Atack wrote:
I wish a re-do of SPI Typhoon would make it out too. But yes - I'd order this without doubt.

...but,,, let it it start earlier, as the designer wanted.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Wilhammer — 2008-10-12T14:10:37+00:00

I like the artillery bombardment rules in Bitter Woods (optional) and those in the SPI classic Battles for the Ardennes.

American Artillery in that battle often stopped and/or seriously damaged attacking German formations, something not quite well portrayed by just allowing combat shifts. Artillery should be allowed to do some sort of independent, though 'spotted', attacks, even as defensive fire.

Sure, it is modeled in the combat system, and overall, probably works, but like Armor and Mech units (and the typical selection of Special German Units), I like to see it handled with a treatment that allows real life doctrinal choices.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Wilhammer — 2008-10-12T14:02:35+00:00

Nathnkilgore wrote:
Greg, I don't think the hobby can let all that work die on the vine. First, the Kharkov battles are popular due to the number of times it was captured. This makes great grist for the scenario mill.
Second, take the smaller route first is my opinion. You have got a serious amount of map in the overall campaign, and it shows a company the potential that publishing might bring.

A Quad for our times would be great - simplified OTVITW system covering Kharkov and others, similar to SPIs PGG based Quad from years back.

Also, I wonder why a 'force strength chit pull' system is not used outside of WW2 - I could see such a system being used in a modified form form to simulate straggling during the Age of Gunpowder.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

gb1469 — 2008-10-09T00:23:50+00:00

Spring Prelude: Kharkov 1942

To get things at one and a half maps the scale should be about 3 miles/hex. This leads me to use the stacking and unit scale of Operation Typhoon. I estimated a little low on the counters, now it looks to be closer to the 800 used in Op Typhoon. The rest of Iron Tide rules should work as a port, as I really want to keep the addition of artillery. We will have to see how it plays out...

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Nathnkilgore — 2008-09-29T21:18:14+00:00

Greg, I don't think the hobby can let all that work die on the vine. First, the Kharkov battles are popular due to the number of times it was captured. This makes great grist for the scenario mill.
Second, take the smaller route first is my opinion. You have got a serious amount of map in the overall campaign, and it shows a company the potential that publishing might bring.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

gb1469 — 2008-09-29T05:36:51+00:00

Greg, You have made quite a few changes. Going to two colors and two numbers is cutting into the variation it seems.

Yeah, I decided to go back to two colors and three numbers for Fall Blau... so everything is back on track for that one.

Fall Blau started with Op Typhoon and got modified heavy due to the scale difference. However, the idea for this Kharkov project is to start with a direct port of Iron Tide and go from there.

Laying the maps out lengthwise, it looks like I can fit the play area on one and a half maps. That would give a total of three single map scenarios and one campaign game to cover both maps. Might be able to throw in quite a few optional units, but we'd have to see how the OOB breaks down for the counters.

Of course, if Fall Blau doesn't work out, this will probably "die on the vine"...

Image

silvanus321 — 2008-09-28T20:42:09+00:00

Box cover inspiration from the movie "Battle of the Bulge"

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Nathnkilgore — 2008-09-22T07:03:13+00:00

Wilhammer wrote:
One thing, and only one thing, I do not like about Iron Tide is the lack of artillery bombardment.

Bill, I changed a lot of basics that people got used to in the Typhoon/VitW system. Artillery, at least the way it alters the game in the Gamers Ardennes and in WaRII scares me out of the idea.
IMO the altering of the odds by two and sometimes three column shifts seems powerful emough.
The game underwent literally years of testing in this respect and most of the students of the battle who play the campaign seem to agree with my treatment of the overall result.
However, if you were to implement a house rule that allowed an unused artillery to barrage an enemy concentration within range to have a chance at disruption if the target was spotted. This would deplete the ammo for the next friendly turn, but wouldn't prevent movement.
Its worth a shot unless it becomes a game breaker in favor of the Allies.

Greg, You have made quite a few changes. Going to two colors and two numbers is cutting into the variation it seems.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

gb1469 — 2008-09-21T18:32:40+00:00

Thanks for the responses!

Bill, are you talking something like what is in the SCS Ardennes, where you can use the artillery to separately disrupt the enemy before combat attacks?

As for details, which some responses are leaning toward, I'm envisioning a two map, 420 counter game, with at least three one map scenarios, a couple two map scenarios, and a full campaign game. Scale is close to the scale used in Op Typhoon with German regiments and Soviet divisions and brigades. Anything else is speculation, as I have to finish Fall Blau first, before I can get heavily into this one...

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Pete Atack — 2008-09-21T00:45:44+00:00

I wish a re-do of SPI Typhoon would make it out too. But yes - I'd order this without doubt.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

kemosavage — 2008-09-20T19:48:10+00:00

I love the game system, but you are right about the arty. It all seems to click even with its absence. This is my favorite Bulge game, and I've
played them all.

Thread: Re: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

Wilhammer — 2008-09-20T19:16:28+00:00

One thing, and only one thing, I do not like about Iron Tide is the lack of artillery bombardment.

Thread: Quick survey of interest in expanding system used in Iron Tide (back) to the Eastern Front.

gb1469 — 2008-09-20T18:56:07+00:00

[poll=14455]

Thread: Re: "Shoot from the hip" style of gameplay makes this a winner

Nathnkilgore — 2008-09-15T19:17:37+00:00

As much as I love Andrews job on the review, this shouldn't be the benchmark set for ANY reviews. He quite outdoes himself and I bet many people wondering about the game have read and been informed by this.
What I am asking here is a few of you who also know the game and have some mileage under your belts on details, short and long game, scenarios variants and the like, are more than welcome to add a no frills review for the next Bulge season approaching us. I would like varied opinion if possible.
Several reviews have been published including Paper Wars, Fire and Movement magazine, and Vai Victus. There is even a Japanese review published that I seem to have had translated some time ago but lost somewhere.
The Paper Wars also has in one issue a transcript of a live talk of some of the designers of Bulge Titles did a couple of years back and it seems very informative for any wishing to venture into a Bulge game and would like some of your questions asked. The editor John Burtt sent me both issues free. Great people in this business IMO.

Thread: Re: Iron Tide Still in Stock

gb1469 — 2008-09-08T16:44:10+00:00

Boulder Games -

IRON TIDE (ziplock) (Pacific Rim) ... $39.80 In Stock

Come on people... it's a great Bulge game!

Heck, I may have get a second copy!

Thread: Re: Iron Tide Still in Stock

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-30T21:01:35+00:00

Thanks Keith.
It would be nice to see the remaining stock sell out. There is still a few hundred left and no fire sale in sight.

Thread: Iron Tide Still in Stock

Modoc — 2008-08-30T13:30:55+00:00

Hey guys,

I just surveyed several sites and wanted to post who still had Iron tide in stock.

Boulder Games: Boxed (48.80) zip lock (39.80)
Thought Hammer: Boxed (52.50)
War Game Depot: Boxed (58.87)
Noble Knight Games: Boxed (59.95) zip lock (49.95)
Stalag 17 Wargames[ [Canada]: Boxed (50.00)

Hope this helps someone out, especially before the impending cost increase.

Modoc

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-22T16:19:00+00:00

Now I get a 1 rating from a guy that rates every single one of his collection of 15 games a 1. I wonder where BGG gets them?

Thread: Publisher price increase announced

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-21T05:38:41+00:00

If you are sitting on the fence deciding whether or not to buy Iron Tide, your chance at finding a discounted game are slipping away. The present stock of the suppliers will be the last of the cheaper units. The price increase will be to the tune of $10 higher if you wait, so look for the deals, but act quickly before they are all gone at this price.

Thread: Re: Dec 10 scenario

gb1469 — 2008-08-11T20:54:36+00:00

Nathan, looks good! Will have to try this out after I get through Cobra III and TDC with Erik...

Thread: Re: More Fog

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-11T08:23:12+00:00

Optional Hidden Fuel Depots:
Random placement in Iron Tide is a d6 on a table with 1-2 =Spa, St
Vith, Manhay one depot on ea. 3-4=La Roche, Bastogne, Vielsalm, 5-6=
Bullingen Werbomont Martelange

Depots have to be on a road but not in a town, some latitude for
placement, within 4 hexes of the secret die roll?

Discovery would be adjacent or stacked with by a combat unit. A
revealed commando discovery by a new search die roll if the depot was
within 3 hexes, 1, 2 uncovered, 3, 4 NE, 5,6 commando destroyed.

Thread: Dec 10 scenario

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-11T08:10:18+00:00

Dec. 10 Scenario Battle of the Bulge (universal)
German
Dec 10AM- All at start units available
Dec 11PM Pz Lehr 901 and 902 enter reduced- include all attachments for the division , 3FJ/8, Von der Hedyte parachute unit, 4 Commando units, 653 PzBn.
All other units enter the game 12 turns earlier than scheduled
Special cases:
Units stacked with and including KG Peiper will have their tactical movement doubled for the 10AM game turn. A battalion (regiment if no battalion is provided), of 3FJ may be picked up by the KG and ride 'free' on this ride (only once), at the mechanized rate. Enemy ZOCs are ignored for this 'once only' move.
Allied
Dec 10AM- all at start units begin in designated locations except the following: remove the 106 ID and place the units of the US 2nd ID in their places. Remove 9/CCA, 9/CCR add to reinforcement schedule.
Dec10AM enter at Mersch 9/CCA, 9/CCR, 106 ID (all), begin at Ettlebruck.
Dec 11AM per designated schedule
Dec 11PM enter road edge north of Monchau all units of the US 78 ID, 709 tank Bn
All reinforcement enter identical to regular campaign except 12 turns early.
All special conditions, fuel shortages, replacement schedule and release dates are also rescheduled 12 turns earlier.
Special cases:
Units of the US 9th ID and 83rd ID will enter the game 6 turn early due to ongoing offensive operations off map.
The 101st and 82nd AB will be restricted if KG Peiper captures Werbomont or Manhay. In this case only, these two divisions will be forbidden to move south of Houffalize until game turn 12.
Victory Point changes
For the purposes of this scenario the Meuse river towns of Huy, Andenne and Namur are doubled in their victory point values. Points equal to this total are removed from all towns south of Houffalize.
Balance these points so that Bastogne retains at least 2 points of value. The rest are selected at will until the total is reached with the point in mind that as few as possible objective towns be set to zero as possible. This will give weight to the focus of the German objective.
Final Victory conditions are unchanged. Sudden death victory conditions for the capture of Leige still apply as the case may be per the simulation.
Weather: Overcast except for turns 5 and 6 which are Mist. Historical weather continues from 16 AM through until the end of the scenario.
(Untested)
Yes, in this variant KG Peiper and a 3FJ parachute infantry unit will be able to move on turn 1, in stealth, through the front line while the rest of the front remains static preparing for the battle to come.
Use this variant with any of your regimental scale Bulge simulations. It was crafted with the help of Danny Parker, designer and author of several Bulge titles and books on the subject. There are several ideas in this variant that may carry you past your stalemate and onto the rear area objectives that you may not have seen so far. It makes the game 12 turns longer and is expected to extend the bad weather period that the German planners wanted.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

gb1469 — 2008-08-03T16:55:50+00:00

He withdrew his rating and hopped back on the pony.

Well, I guess that's somethin'...

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-08-02T18:01:05+00:00

gb1469 wrote:
Yeah, serious issues there... rates TDC and IT a 1 and My Little Pony a 10!

He withdrew his rating and hopped back on the pony.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-29T19:35:46+00:00

Try the 6 turn Colin. Also to save time since it is a large game, divide the set up, the first 10 turns, and the last 20 into sections. This sets up in maybe 20 minutes, plays in a couple of hours. It also teaches the campaign goals better than the 10 turn scenario.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

ibn_ul_khattab — 2008-07-29T04:05:03+00:00

Sorry true, he has a lot of great comments about games, just a little bit of an "odd" rating system

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-29T04:01:06+00:00

Colin don't rock the boat....
He rated Iron Tide a 10 and I need more of those...

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-29T03:58:29+00:00

OMG Greg! I did have to hold back comment or get chastised by the gods of BGG here, but you have no such limits.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

ibn_ul_khattab — 2008-07-28T23:26:18+00:00

Don't worry nathan at least zebulon hasn't rated the game. I really want to get Iron Tide to the table, just so much stuff to do, hopefully soon.

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

gb1469 — 2008-07-28T23:15:12+00:00

Yeah, serious issues there... rates TDC and IT a 1 and My Little Pony a 10!

Thread: Re: More ratings please?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-28T01:08:26+00:00

Back to number 6 thanks to some Meepleheaded non owner of any hex based wargame that rated IT a 1. Go away kid you bother me!

Thread: Re: More Fog

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-26T16:44:20+00:00

Adding to this house rule, the German Commandos may be similarly designated as hidden and only revealed when acting on their ability whether is succeeds or not.
Commandos may become hidden "free", if using the house rule, and their proximity to Allied units is not considered grounds for uncovering their hidden status.
Commandos must be able to move legally and some notes are probably necessary to prove their end locations at each turn.

Thread: Re: Rules Translations

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-26T16:14:12+00:00

Update to the update. Looks more like end of September for the German translation due to mountains of unforseen duties. Those of you counting can expect this second translation to help Iron Tide break into Germany a bit more. I wonder if the French have a version to submit? The game was reviewed in Vae Victis magagine a few years ago, and several French gamers own the title.

Thread: More Fog

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-26T15:31:19+00:00

This is a house rule option that might be of some interest to those of you that seriously dislike "Eye in the Sky", knowing the exact positions of enemy forces at all times. If you use this rule and like it, I'm sure it can be used in other games to flavor the simulation a bit.
One friendly stack may be designated as hidden and removed from play on all game turns that are Overcast and Mist . Note on paper the route this stack moves as closely as possible to prove later to your opponant the legality of its secret moves.
Until this stack is revealed, either by moving adjacent to an enemy unit, or disruption of a unit moving by strategic movement, (within 3 hexes), no other friendly stack may be designated as hidden.
If a unit using strategic movement is blocked by a hidden unit, the moving unit must stop in the hex before violation and may not move during the remainder of the friendly movement phase. The location of the hidden unit is then revealed and the stack is replaced on the map.
The first thing players will notice is that it will benefit the German player to a great degree during the first few turns when the bridges and positions of German units are so important. Hidden units within demolition range of a bridge are automatically revealed during the enemy demolition segment if the bridge(s) are targeted and no other eligible, friendly stack is present. It should be noted that it will help the Allied player in several conceivable ways in the mid and late game turns when they are on the rebound.

Thread: Re: Iron Tide map question

Gwalchmai — 2008-07-13T22:27:55+00:00

I hear a blowtroch can smooth out the rough edges on plexi. I also read about using a fine sandpaper. I think I will try the latter so I don't burn the condo down. Then, I think I will be ready for a game or two. Thanks for the advice...

-Mike in VA.

Thread: Re: Iron Tide map question

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-13T18:50:31+00:00

Plexiglas is very hard to cut for me. They have that full glass cutter setup. At 35 dollars a sheet I would let them recut or replace it. BTW I always use plexiglas or that sheet plactic that comes in rolls. The stacks need stability as you will see they get 6 high in places. Once you get moving inland the stacks spread out and it gets more managable. I am a tweezer buff too from habit.

Thread: Re: Iron Tide map question

Gwalchmai — 2008-07-12T15:31:49+00:00

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I think I may just repair the map and get over it. I hate returning things. If someone wanted too they could scrutinize any new product and pick out flaws. I still wince at the price tag vs. the contents though but I'm sure the gameplay will make up for it. On the other hand I may have to retuen my plexi to Lowes. They measure funny there

-Mike in VA.

Thread: Re: Iron Tide map question

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-11T18:33:07+00:00

Mike,
Its more of a question to put to the publisher. I know that replacement parts from damage are part of the quality policy at PRP. If you are extremely unhappy, that is the way to go. I would hate for a tear in the fold to ruin your experience with Iron Tide.
BTW I believe he answers questions like this promptly on the Consimworld.com company support page. http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?50@835.IMgdeqqrbcs.1@.ee700...

Thread: Iron Tide map question

Gwalchmai — 2008-07-11T03:15:43+00:00

Hi,

I've been away from board/bookcase/war games for a long while and just picked up Iron Tide. From the old days I would have to say I like mounted boards better than a $50+ poster. I know its really about the game though and the designers are not in it for the money. I will give it a chance. I have a question though...

The map came out of the box creased/slightly warped and torn in the corners of some of the folds. Should I repair the damage, leave it and play or send it back? If this game cost $25 I probably wouldn't care as much but it didn't Its sitting under some plexi right now.

-Mike in VA.

Thread: Re: What no Microbadge?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-09T05:09:11+00:00

Goal!!!!!!!!

Thread: Re: What no Microbadge?

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-06T07:20:14+00:00

Just .26 more and it's mine!

Thread: Re: Joe Balkoski wants a copy of Iron Tide!

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-05T06:43:08+00:00

As a follow up on this thread I want to tell anyone interested in the Normandy and related period battles that my reading of the US 29th infantry division involvement with the battle of reducing the fortress of Brest is excellently handled by Joe Balkoski.
I highly reccomend 'From Beachhead to Brittany', as well as Utah and Omaha books that tell the US part in the D-Day invasion story in a detailed, informative way. He became the 29th division historian as a result of his detailed research and care in explaining the terrible events as they took place. Once you realize that most of the participants in the actual invasion were used up by the time of the Brest operation, you begin to see the cost of WWII in a very real personal way.

Thread: Re: IT Boxed Version in stock at Boulder Games

Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-05T06:11:44+00:00

I added a link for Thoughthammer, who are offering the game at a nice price also.
Just a footnote that most of the suppliers have ample stocks of Iron Tide available. This is up from a few months ago and who cares why? Its great news for me to see that the game is steadily moving to game tables.

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Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-04T20:19:06+00:00

Updated CyberBoard setup

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Nathnkilgore — 2008-07-04T20:12:25+00:00

After publication example of play: River Demolition

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Cleitus the Black — 2008-06-18T20:44:41+00:00

Dec 23 Overall Situation: the bulge that gave the battle its name

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Xookliba — 2008-06-10T12:26:20+00:00

cyberboard gamebox

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Nathnkilgore — 2008-06-08T08:48:14+00:00

MonsterGame.con Iron Tide table

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Nathnkilgore — 2008-06-03T22:48:07+00:00

Turn 18 at Monstercon 2008

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Cleitus the Black — 2008-04-12T21:37:15+00:00

The CRT has several useful charts. And the paper holder "thingie

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Cleitus the Black — 2008-04-12T21:35:44+00:00

Overall situation on Dec 20- the US airborne divisions hold strong but can't defend the entire line

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Cleitus the Black — 2008-04-12T21:34:35+00:00

The Germans make their schwerpunkt in the North, in hopes of a breakthrough to Liege