Relative movement rates v the AI, and the Soviet winter

[vimhawk]

I've raised something like this in another HOI variant before, but would like to seek the opinion of IC players.

I've always wondered if the AI received any bonus in movement rates, but what is really getting to me is the relative speeds that *appear* to be occurring in the Soviet winter. I don't have any objective analysis but my observation would suggest that Soviet units are moving massively more quickly than my German ones. And I mean far more than you can account for by the Sovs having all the relevant tech bonuses and my German units not having them. I get the bit about "General Winter" but of course HOI doesn't model "German" and "Soviet" units per se, I gather they are simply supposed to be a product of the various technologies in play - and that cannot possibly account for the incredible speed differences I am observing. I've seen Soviet units pushed back and move two provinces before my original attacking units have got to the province they originally won. OK I know there are weather factors, and stuff like mud really counts against you... but its if the weather penalties don't apply to the AI... is this true? I've had a single Sov division beat the defence, move into the province (before the defeated defenders have retreated... contrary to the experience explained above) and sit there, be immediately counter attacked by 10 divisions and not be displaced. Yes its muddy, but the problem is it doesn't seem to work the other way. If mud counted against the Sovs how did they win in the first place and move in so quickly?

Anyway, just feeling a little frustrated as my massively superior (by numeric division numbers) German army is getting outmanoeuvred all over the place in Winter 1942. Yes there is historic precedence but as I said above, that doesn't fit in with how it should be in HOI does it?

[tigger 65]

Hi,

I have had exactly the same thing happen to me on my last 3 German games, after making good progress to the Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad line by the end of August 41 my entire army gets put out of supply by a handful of Russian Divisions. Exactly as described above its impossible to move let alone counter attack forget playing a fighting withdrawal cutting off advancing unite its a massacre.

[Conanteacher]

Don't forget that there is a bonus for moving along "friendly lines",
which means that you can advance faster towards a province you own than towards an enemy one.
In case the Soviets attack you, you will be able to move out quicker than them.
*Provided, of course, that you are fighting in Germany or Poland, because if you are near Stalingrad other factors contribute to your delay.