McPherson Ridge Scenario Question

[kaplan71]

Hi there --

I just started playing the game, and the scenario that I started off with is the McPherson ridge battle as John Buford. I have positioned my calvarymen at the top of the ridge, but I notice that some of the units, especially those in Devin's brigade, do not fight the enemy but simply mount their horses and gallop away from the battle. This occurs even if I take control from the AI down to the regiment level.

Is this by design, or am I missing something here?

[DrMike1997]

There is already a thread or two on this. In the battle Devins men did not engage Heth's bgde. This is their way of modeling this. If you wish to over ride the historical set up you must take command of Devins troopers and get them to stick.

[Tankerdco]

I am sorry to report that Gamble does the same thing. I leave Gamble un-TC'd, order to hold and his troopers mount up every time and retreat without firing a single shot.

[Shirkon]

Tankerdco wrote:

I am sorry to report that Gamble does the same thing. I leave Gamble un-TC'd, order to hold and his troopers mount up every time and retreat without firing a single shot.

This is how they should act in accordance with the script. Devlin's troopers were sent off to the north as a screen as the battle began and weren't brought back until about 30 minutes before the 1st Corps troops arrived. Believe me, with their repeaters the troopers you have can handle Heth's boys. Give them some kind of cover and they will hold until they run out of ammo.

[kaplan71]

Hi there --

Thanks to all who replied to my posting. I will try it again, and make sure that ALL regiments have the Take Control from AI button activated. I'll let you know what happens this time.

[Taiaha]

Just a quick tip here. I pushed Buford to the VP immediately and had Devlin join him there with troops to secure the VP and distribute any bonuses across the entire command. I was playing this on normal difficulty and ended up with a whopping 6600 points. I'm scared to play it on any other difficulty setting now for fear it will tarnish my now vastly overrated sense of my own command abilities.

[MarkT]

Each scenario is designed to be played multiple times with various outcomes. After all who wants to play, or who will play the scenarios ever again once they win. Soo every time you play it it could be different. Some you may like, some you may not.
The difficulty settings are there for you to use, but just historical adjustments may make it better.

MarkT

[Slick Wilhelm]

MarkT wrote:

Each scenario is designed to be played multiple times with various outcomes.
MarkT

Hi Mark,

What exactly does that mean? Does it mean that the Confederate strength and/or behavior is random? Does it mean that Devin's scripted actions can be different each time? Or something else not mentioned?

Thanks!

[kaplan71]

Hi there --

I tried again to have Devin's brigade maneuver in position and fight. The steps I took were the following:

1. Took control from the AI of Devin himself.
2. Directed his brigade to the right of Gamble's brigade in line formation.
3. Took control from the AI of all regiments within the brigade.

Once again, the regiments within the brigade immediately withdrew from the enemy without firing a shot.

This situation is not making the scenario very playable.

[MarkT]

"This situation is not making the scenario very playable"... The first message you receive it from Devin stating that he is withdrawing to the north-east.... If you spend your time trying to have Devin return 100%, then you are correct, YOU are making the scenario unplayable. Focus on Gamble. If you need Devin then figure it out.
or
Waste a scenario to figure out how to control him then play it.

The Idea here is to play with Gamble and use Devin if needed.

Devin's individual regiments may be told to withdraw multiple times within the scenario because they are suppose to. They are also very weak compaired to Gamble, and may not have a stomach for the fight.

As far as Gamble moving around, that is the AI trying to get an upper hand...