AFV shrapnel (same hex, adjacent hex)

[lansoar]

Posting this in the WinSPWW2 forum as given the tech of the time, a lot more closer engagements involving MG's.

I've noted that WinSP**** has greatly enhanced/represented the chance for nearby AFV types to get hit by shrapnel either aimed at a specific target or during Indirect bombardment.

For the latter, its so prevalent that I learned I could in fact "game" the feature to try to gain more suppression on the unit or units that I was really targeting (say for example a high value AFV like a SU-152)

In one scenario if I tried to hose the example AFV (the SU-152) with MG fire to suppress it I'd often miss or get a low # of strikes, but quickly found if I targeted other less threatening vehicles in the same hex or adjacent hex (depending on weapon type) I got significantly more "hits" by shrapnel on the unit I was really concerned about.

Its not game breaking, but I generally dislike gamey exploits and like to report them for comment. Secondly, since I do like to see detailed combat, it can really slow down resolution with all this shrapnel hits occurring from indirect means. Any chance the Message level can filter them out?

Thx!

[Mobhack]

And if you see the "hit by shell splinters" message then that hit will never take the hit vehicle past buttoned status, so you are wasting shots if you get those in the main.

[lansoar]

noted.

Does buttoned status have a significant or minor impact. I'm familiar with the state as it's classic SP....how does it work in this iteration in terms of impacting said unit?

[Mobhack]

Buttoned (hard) == pinned (soft)

-Degraded chance to hit, to spot, etc
-For AFV it costs more to move (+1MP?), soft can't move till rallied up.
-No. of available shots can reduce (esp for AAMGs).
-AFV easier for infantry to close assault.
-Mine clearance rate reduced.
-Ammo resupply rate reduced.
-Negative morale effects due to the suppression for rallying
-Vehicles more likely to bog down crossing obstacles (if sticking preference is on)
-More likely to trigger mines etc

Buttoned-down AFV are closed down, i.e. hatches shut.

A little bit more than minor effect but not paralysing.

[lansoar]

Thx for the list.

This makes a lot of sense for a post I'm whipping up regarding the 1940 Germany vs France scenerios.

Seems a lot of the negatives of Buttoned status apply to offensive action. For units defending in Static. Yes, some, but given the results of the scenarios I've played, it doesn't much impact as one might think.

Not a bad thing though. I remember, the classic SP...the original that is......Steel Panthers 1...the classic tactic to rout defender or attacking AFV's for that matter. Hit them enough time with MG fire.....get them into Retreating or Rout status......they lose all ability to attack and run away. Ah memories...the classic 1941 scenario vs Russia where the charge is led by German Halftracks hitting low morale/2 man turret T-34s with many MG hits putting them into buttoned/retreating/routed status and having them run away....as the Halftracks chased them.....the tanks following up to do the cleanup

I prefer the WinSPWW2 battlefield much better.

The resilience of the French tanks though.....esp in defense, but also in offense has raised new questions. I'll post a new thread on it. Thx again.