Gary Grigsby's War in the East anyone?

Anyone here playing Gary Grigsby’s War in the East? Couldn’t find a thread on it so I’m guessing it’s not overly popular on here.
I can certainly understand why. I’ve been very skeptical of it, mostly because I have a rather poor opinion of board game like strategy games. Hexes put me off them, and I generally don’t like the abstraction used for representing unit strengths and so forth.

I have sort of observed it from a distance ever since it launched and lived vicariously through others by following the debates and discussions as well as reading several AAR’s over at the Matrix forum. Finally I relented and got the game. Two days in and I am seriously impressed. My fears were unfounded and for me, WitE is a very good amalgamation of board game mechanics and the processing power of the modern computer. It’s modeling manpower and unit strength down to squads (which breaks down into specific weapons and other gear) and individual tank and vehicles.

I have to say this is one of the best operational level games I’ve played. It is immensely satisfying creating huge pockets as the German player and very exciting trying to slow down the German juggernaut in -41 as the Soviets.

Highly recommended!

 

I thought the original Steel Panthers and SP II produced by SSI and designed by Grigsby were exceptional.


Dave

 

The original WiTE for DOS was rather good (and is till freely downloadable) though it'as a bit tricky getting it to run. Not tried the new edition though even if they just added an improved interface (and windows and the modern high-res screen should make it easy, it's probably still woth the buy. the old WiTE was BIG and had a non trivial learning curve that is not a good combination with a long game (I really hate it when after hours of play I sudddenly realize you forgot to setup something absolutely required).

 

I've found it to be quite manageable so far to be honest, but I suck at it. Gorgeous map is an understatement I think. just finished off Road to Leningrad scenario and my forces got stalled just outside the city. Mostly because of my infantry being stuck in the rear mopping up pockets formed by the advancing panzer. Had to pause a bit too long bringing up the bulk of my infantry corps and the Soviets had time to regroup and solidify the from around Leningrad. I did manage to isolate the city proper though, so had it been the full campaign I would have taken it as the defence was crumbling when the scenario ended.

Let me know if you have any questions about the game and I'll do my best to answer.