Week 4 Workshop: the Battle for Moscow

Fig. 1 Map of BOM

1. Weather impact rules

In winter, the movement of both the German and Soviet armies is reduced by 1, but the German combat capacity is reduced by an additional 1. Soviet troops no longer receive bonuses, but they are exempt from the extra combat power penalty.

Balance effects:

Attacker (German): Winter slows down the advance speed and combat effectiveness of the German army, but does not completely disable the attacker capability of the German army. This adjustment allowed the Germans to continue their attacker during the winter, but it was difficult to achieve a quick victory. The Germans needed to choose their time and location more carefully to avoid getting bogged down during the winter.

Defense (Soviet): Although the Soviet Army received no bonus, its relative stability during the winter allowed it to hold off the Germans during the winter. This made the winter a defensive window for the Soviets, helping them to regain the solidity of their defenses as the German attacker waned.

Summary: By slowing the German advance, but not significantly improving the Soviet army's fighting power, weather rules could maintain a delicate balance between the two sides.

 

2. Defensive improvements to commander units

Rule Content: Commander units only give a +1 defense bonus when their own team is attacked, not an attack bonus. The commander position can be moved, but the move takes one turn to take effect.

Balance effects:

Attacker (German): The commander's defensive bonus limits the Germans from using the commander to attack too strongly, but can increase their defensive strength in key positions. The Germans could consolidate their gains by placing commanders in occupied cities or key positions, making the front more secure.

Defenders (Soviets): The Soviets can use the commander's defense bonus to build a stronger defense line at key points against German raids and attacks. Even if the overall fighting strength of the Soviet army was not strong, the defensive advantage provided by the command could help to resist the German attack.

Summary: Defensive Commander bonuses make the game more balanced by protecting key locations when necessary without making the attacker side too strong.