[OFP] The Red Grinder by Krieg

Review by Walter_E_Kurtz

Overview

The Overview does everything expected of it. It is neatly laid out and the picture is suitably stylish, with a border.

Intro

Utilising camera and playmove scripting, this is fine as an introduction to the mission, but not memorable in any way.

Briefing

The many possibilities in a briefing are taken advantage of: multiple pages for a detailed plan and intel report, markers on the map with working links from the briefing, objectives that tick off correctly, etc. The detailed plan and intel report are worth reading as they provide pertinent information and are not too long.

Mission

The task is a straightforward armoured thrust from Levie, down the valley to Saint Pierre. If you've played OFP for any length of time, you've probably destroyed more Russian tanks than you've had hot dinners. This time, you are the big metal target.

The enemy are equipped with more than just LAW launchers - M1A1s, Carl Gustavs and field guns, a hit from any of which can be fatal to you in the turret. Fortunately, you do have help: a T72 squad called Red Wolf, but you have no control over them once you let them off the leash, and a support group once you take Durras. Looking after your own squad, and preventing Red Wolf from expending themselves in frontal assaults, are key.

Since you are the squad leader and tank commander, you are free to play this mission in a manner that suits you: as driver, gunner or commander. Making the right choice according to the situation will give you the best chance of victory.

There is some randomisation in that not every unit will be present each time you play. However, it is only at the unit level, thereby contributing to battlefield confusion, rather than unanticipated groups counter-attacking or unexpected pockets of resistance.

Outro(s)

There are both an OutroWin and an OutroLose. The OutroWin has a fabulous flight down the valley, showing your trail of destruction, lit by a crimson sunset - first class!

The OutroLose has much in common with the Intro, and demonstrates that there will be no rewards for failure.

Overall

I'll admit that an overall score of six is on the harsh side. This reflects my view that it is nigh-impossible to make an excellent tank mission: they don't last long enough and repairing / rearming is dull. It may also be that I played too many beta versions and longed for something to surprise me.

Krieg, the author, can take away a moral score of seven, but the tendency of Red Wolf to do their own thing and lack of anything aspiring beyond the ordinary lead me to deduct a point.

Anyone who has completed the CWC campaign and enjoyed the tank missions should have a fine old time with this one.