[REVIEW] MG Boy's Against Men

[Fredrocker]

Scenario from MG Module by Pete Wenman.

This scenario is based on the actions of the 21st Independent Parachute Company under the command of Major "Boy" Wilson against the 9th SS Panzer Pioneer Battalion, under the command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans Möller over the period 21st-23rd September.

Playable - All Three Ways

Well I played this scenario against our illustrious leader - Sir Bootie, and Sir Bootie Surrendered with about 15 minutes left, I was proud of my Victory (My First), my chest puffed out and I popped open a beer... Then upon review of the final map and the forces on it, I digressed back into my shell and felt like a turtle who just squashed and ant... Hell poor Bootie didn't stand a chance...

The scenario might play well Both vs AI, but I would avoid it as an H2H battle... The map is too narrow to construct a decent flanking offense, and the SS Panzer Pioneers' were just way to tough against the Allied Troops... (Granted it was fun blowing holes through building walls with satchel charges, but...).. The objectives just keep appearing as the SS Pioneers' just advance up the map... Cautious (Which is how I play) and you still will win as the Axis... Again very unbalanced...

So in the end I got the Victory, but I would offer Sir Bootie another challenge since I felt like he got taken advantage of...

Some Positives - The Map is awesome as a small village, and bet if setup for a Company or less QB with 1 or 2 Key objectives it would play real nice...

 

[Bootie]

I found this one to static for my liking. The map was to narrow and I got steamrolled... there is no real tactical options the defender can play as he basically digs in and hopes to kill as many enemy as possible before they walk over him. The map is too narrow for defence and offence. I wont play this again.

 

[Hedgehog]

In the view of your comments I would say a scenario to miss...........Thanks for the heads up Gentlemen

 

[Cargol]

I m playing it mirrored in a PBEM fashion and so far although it's still early, some 15 minutes in game,
i m doing well in both games.As Allies i m holding my ground causing casualties to the Germans(even killed a Stug with a well aimed Piat shot) and as German i m advancing from both flanks going from building to building gaining few meters of ground in every turn.
It seems that it will be difficult to hold as the Brits but not impossible.
What it worries me is the ammo count as my first line of defense is quickly running out of it and i need retreat soe of my soldiers due to the ammo shortage.

 

[Odin]

Got to agree, the scenario is way too biased towards the Germans. The paras need more AT defences for H2H, even if not strictly historically accurate. While the narrow map, although nicely modelled, offers few options for tactical manoeuvre turning the game into a bit of a meat grinder.

Also I've been reading Kaupfraum Arnhem and it appears that although the 9th SS Pioneer Battalion, used for this scenario, fought well during Market Garden it was in fact made up of men pulled from auxiliary units and not the crack troops depicted in Boys against Men.

Having said all this I am about to complete a video AAR using Boys against Men!

 

[Fredrocker]

I m playing it mirrored in a PBEM fashion and so far although it's still early, some 15 minutes in game,
i m doing well in both games.As Allies i m holding my ground causing casualties to the Germans(even killed a Stug with a well aimed Piat shot) and as German i m advancing from both flanks going from building to building gaining few meters of ground in every turn.
It seems that it will be difficult to hold as the Brits but not impossible.
What it worries me is the ammo count as my first line of defense is quickly running out of it and i need retreat soe of my soldiers due to the ammo shortage.

Hey Cargol... what intrigues me now that you said 'mirrored' ... I bet it could be fun... cause map and force pick is great.... I had a battle... and someone tradhed it over at 'The Blitz' cause they probably didn't read it was to be a 'mirrored' battle or back when I designed it for a 'Tag Team' comp...

That said.... try this one mirrored........

 

[Odin]

I've just uploaded a video AAR for Boys Against Men. Warning there may be a few spoilers!

Enjoy