Bolt out of the Blue 5.3

[Elxaime]

Thanks - that was super fast.

My initial sense so far is this version will play VERY differently that the prior for at least four reasons:

1. The ability to move through ZOC at least one hex will help attackers
2. However the raising of Trench effects to 50 percent will help an established defense
3. Warsaw Pact can no longer rely just on grinding attrition due to having a recovery rate 1/5th of NATO and no replacement rate
4. On the other hand, the improvement of infantry assault values, especially versus armor, will help the more numerous Pact overrun attempts by NATO to deploy a few AFV to delay them

On the strategy guide, looks spot on. I like the fact that Hamburg is again a potential hedgehog with the addition of a supply source. I haven't scouted the whole map but there seem to be more of these, making hedgehog defenses more viable. This makes sense - I always thought it strange that NATO troops would immediately feel isolated effects when a road was cut to a heavily garrisoned prewar base - at least in the time frame of this scenario. I also think it is great to move the victory locations closer to the Federal Republic of Germany border, as it was too easy previously for NATO to apply a politically disastrous early retreat strategy.

Looks like fantastic work. Now I just need to find an opponent willing to undertake the time and commitment to finish this monster!