I have to find a new host for the files for this site. The host where I store the images and game files is being transferred to another owner. Therefore, you'll not be seeing the images and "stuff" for a while.
In other news, I embarassed myself today by completely forgetting what the password I used for my saved tournament game. I sent the file to Panther and I hope they can dig the password out of the file for me.
So, rather than finish up round one against Isacco, the Milano Master of Disaster, he and I started a new game against one another: "Battle of the Boxtel Bases." I took command of the vaunted Axis forces, and Isacco lead the Allies. We played for two hours and I have to admit that he is getting the better of me. Before we could finish, my son woke up from his nap, and my wife strolled in to remind me of the things I needed to get done, so I had to save the game and bid Isacco farewell till next time.
All this while he was driving a Guards armored regiment right across my flank, threatening to envelope the entire 1034 infantry regiment in Boxtel proper. I had recognized the threat and had given them orders to pull back from the city, but they were so war weary, I couldn't get them to move. Grrrrrrr.
Mercifully, I won't have to watch the disaster unfold for another week or so.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Another Hero Gone
Last week, Bill Kasson passed away. He was a childhood friend of my father, and they served together in the U.S. 71st Infantry Division during WWII.
The picture above is of my father (left) and Bill. The photo was taken at Stanford University after they finished basic training. They were enrolled in specialized training programs at Stanford when suddenly they shipped to Europe as replacements for the many soldiers who were wounded or killed in the early fighting of the invasion of France.
In the photo, they look excited and proud; ready to embark on the adventure of a life time. And what an adventure it was - across France, into Germany, and ending the war in Austria. Bill carried the 45-lb base of a 81 mm mortar a good part of the way, through eight river assualts, a handful of battles, and the liberation of a concentration camp.
Military life meant much to Bill - much more than it did to my dad. While my father was proud to have served and the war figured into his life in many ways, he never had the desire to wear a uniform again and never wanted to spend another night outdoors. Bill, however, spent 30 years in the military reserves and ultimately lead his reserve unit.
During the war, my father and Bill served in different regiments and saw little of each other. One of my dad's favorite stories was how, after crossing the Elbe in a small boat, he scrambled ashore to where a G.I. extended a hand down the river bank to help him up. It was Bill.
They were able to re-enact the happy moment in the 1980s when they followed the Division's path across Europe. Spending time with Bill remembering the old days brought my Dad much joy. In 1986 my dad died. Bill remained a devoted friend of the family ever since, and we will miss him.
I'd like to think that, as Bill went to go home to the Lord, my dad was waiting to extend a hand and help him up those final few steps.
The picture above is of my father (left) and Bill. The photo was taken at Stanford University after they finished basic training. They were enrolled in specialized training programs at Stanford when suddenly they shipped to Europe as replacements for the many soldiers who were wounded or killed in the early fighting of the invasion of France.
In the photo, they look excited and proud; ready to embark on the adventure of a life time. And what an adventure it was - across France, into Germany, and ending the war in Austria. Bill carried the 45-lb base of a 81 mm mortar a good part of the way, through eight river assualts, a handful of battles, and the liberation of a concentration camp.
Military life meant much to Bill - much more than it did to my dad. While my father was proud to have served and the war figured into his life in many ways, he never had the desire to wear a uniform again and never wanted to spend another night outdoors. Bill, however, spent 30 years in the military reserves and ultimately lead his reserve unit.
During the war, my father and Bill served in different regiments and saw little of each other. One of my dad's favorite stories was how, after crossing the Elbe in a small boat, he scrambled ashore to where a G.I. extended a hand down the river bank to help him up. It was Bill.
They were able to re-enact the happy moment in the 1980s when they followed the Division's path across Europe. Spending time with Bill remembering the old days brought my Dad much joy. In 1986 my dad died. Bill remained a devoted friend of the family ever since, and we will miss him.
I'd like to think that, as Bill went to go home to the Lord, my dad was waiting to extend a hand and help him up those final few steps.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
New Map Resource
The library downtown just got a new map scanner and they have a good collection of Military Service maps from 1942. Spent some time there today getting ready for the next project. Can you guess battle what it will be?
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Links and Info
The Game
Airborne Assault: Highway to the Reich - This is what this blog is all about. A great new game that lets you call the shots during Operation Market Garden. Whether you lead the Allies or defend as the Germans, you'll need to think steps ahead and react quickly to achieve victory in real-time battles against an advanced AI or live opponent.
NEWS - the upcoming "Conquest of the Aegean" is nearing completion and should be available this fall. Read more here.
Panther Games - The creators of Airborne Assault: Highway to the Reich and its predecessor, Airborne Assault: Red Devils over Arnhem.
The Matrix Games forums for HTTR - Matrix is the publisher of HTTR and hosts an active forum for the game and its follow-on Conquest of the Agean. Query the developers and you'll likely get a response. You can find an online opponent there, and it's also a great place for tips from many very good players.
The Usenet "games - war historical" Message Board - This is the unfiltered usenet group (via Google Groups) that discusses a wide variety of topics... sometimes even wargames. Often Airborne Assualt. Good detailed info is often posted by the developer and updates are provided frequently.
The Drop Zone - The granddaddy of AA fan sites. This was the fist (and, until I started doing this, the only) Airborne Assault fan site going. Currently, you can follow the HTTR Tourney at this website. The Drop Zone was started after the launch of Airborne Assault: Red Devils After Arnhem. Most, if not all, files are for AA:RDOA and will not work with the current game. But, it still contains a wealth of information about the game and is well worth a look.
El Savior's Airborne Depot - A very informative fan site and home to the Battle of the Bulge mod for HTTR. Plus El Savior hosts a number of other scenarios.
Scenarios/Mods
Hedgerows Mod - Mini-site for my Hedgerows expansion pack.
Crossing the Moselle River - Great map and scenario by Count Sessine. Go to the downloads section of the Airborne Depot.
Heartbreak Ridge - One of the great Airborne Assault: Red Devils Over Arnehm scenarios that has been converted by JeF for the new game.
Hohenstaufen Holiday Scenario - Modified Arnehm scenario that asks "What if the 9th SS Pz Div was rotated out of the Arnehm area prior to the Market Garden op?" If you were in the British 1st AB Div, you would answer: "Only if..." By Paul Roberts. Send him a message via the Matrix forums for the file.
World War HQ - Currently hosting two AA:HTTR mods and will likely host more soon. Mine I hope.
Airborne Assault: Highway to the Reich - This is what this blog is all about. A great new game that lets you call the shots during Operation Market Garden. Whether you lead the Allies or defend as the Germans, you'll need to think steps ahead and react quickly to achieve victory in real-time battles against an advanced AI or live opponent.
NEWS - the upcoming "Conquest of the Aegean" is nearing completion and should be available this fall. Read more here.
Panther Games - The creators of Airborne Assault: Highway to the Reich and its predecessor, Airborne Assault: Red Devils over Arnhem.
The Matrix Games forums for HTTR - Matrix is the publisher of HTTR and hosts an active forum for the game and its follow-on Conquest of the Agean. Query the developers and you'll likely get a response. You can find an online opponent there, and it's also a great place for tips from many very good players.
The Usenet "games - war historical" Message Board - This is the unfiltered usenet group (via Google Groups) that discusses a wide variety of topics... sometimes even wargames. Often Airborne Assualt. Good detailed info is often posted by the developer and updates are provided frequently.
Game Patches and Downloads - The official page for game downloads and patches. Includes a couple of good map graphics map packs by Bil Hardenberger, game reference charts, and tools for scenario creation.
Fan SitesThe Drop Zone - The granddaddy of AA fan sites. This was the fist (and, until I started doing this, the only) Airborne Assault fan site going. Currently, you can follow the HTTR Tourney at this website. The Drop Zone was started after the launch of Airborne Assault: Red Devils After Arnhem. Most, if not all, files are for AA:RDOA and will not work with the current game. But, it still contains a wealth of information about the game and is well worth a look.
El Savior's Airborne Depot - A very informative fan site and home to the Battle of the Bulge mod for HTTR. Plus El Savior hosts a number of other scenarios.
Scenarios/Mods
Hedgerows Mod - Mini-site for my Hedgerows expansion pack.
Crossing the Moselle River - Great map and scenario by Count Sessine. Go to the downloads section of the Airborne Depot.
Heartbreak Ridge - One of the great Airborne Assault: Red Devils Over Arnehm scenarios that has been converted by JeF for the new game.
Hohenstaufen Holiday Scenario - Modified Arnehm scenario that asks "What if the 9th SS Pz Div was rotated out of the Arnehm area prior to the Market Garden op?" If you were in the British 1st AB Div, you would answer: "Only if..." By Paul Roberts. Send him a message via the Matrix forums for the file.
World War HQ - Currently hosting two AA:HTTR mods and will likely host more soon. Mine I hope.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Love / Hate
The best time and worst time I've had playing this game is against a human opponent.
Having gotten fairly well crushed in my first game in the tourney (my worst time?), I am facing my opponent again in round two. Today we played for almost two hours, but had to stop before the match was over. I enjoyed the game a lot, but can't stop wondering how things will go in the final hours.
There isn't much time left... and my situation is looking okay thus far. BUT, I'm wondering when he'll unleash the knockout blow. Because we are playing a scenario that came with the game, I know full well what forces he has to work with. And so far, I've only seen maybe half or less of his forces.
The question is where will they come? And will I have enough time to react? This is the part I truly love and hate... stay tuned!
Having gotten fairly well crushed in my first game in the tourney (my worst time?), I am facing my opponent again in round two. Today we played for almost two hours, but had to stop before the match was over. I enjoyed the game a lot, but can't stop wondering how things will go in the final hours.
There isn't much time left... and my situation is looking okay thus far. BUT, I'm wondering when he'll unleash the knockout blow. Because we are playing a scenario that came with the game, I know full well what forces he has to work with. And so far, I've only seen maybe half or less of his forces.
The question is where will they come? And will I have enough time to react? This is the part I truly love and hate... stay tuned!
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