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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 5:01:15 PM   
Canoerebel


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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Take it. You need the strait to lunge further into the DEI.


Oddly enough, Merak isn't necessary. The Allies have freely and abundantly navigated the Sunda Straits from Oosthaven into the Java Sea and back without impediment or loss.

Now, had Steve built up the Merak airfield, the situation might be entirely different. The pucker factor would be high if I had all these capital ships and juicy convoys at Oosthaven, one hex from a huge airfield filled to overflowing with crack bombers and fighters. But Merak is still a level one field, another one of those inexplicable oversights that have occurred in the game.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 5:15:51 PM   
Canoerebel


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10/25/42
 
Samas, Sarawak:  Massed waves of IJ bombers, mainly Sallys, return to hammer this Brit-owned base for the third day in a row.  Over this period of relentless pounding, the Japanese have managed to eliminate one of the nine support squads posted here.  We believe that if Japan keeps this up for several more weeks it will be able to invade and take this base by committing a force of six preying mantises, four barnacles, and a club moss.

DEI:  The skies were filled with IJ patrols and recon.  This might be a function of good weather allowing more activity, or it may (in tandem with the cruisers and BB Kirishima sighted near Vietnam yesterday) indicate the Indians are on the war path.  Billiton Island airfield went to level four.  You can see that it will soon control passage through the Java Sea, so Japan's has nearly lost the ability to navigate this end of this important waterway.  A strong detachment of Chindits, prepped for Kuching, will arrive at Ketapang in two days.  Lots more base forces and engineers coming into Oosthaven over the next five days.  Lots of SigInt of small units prepping for Palembang, but no big units.

Burma:  The Very Happy Stalemate at Magwe continues.  Lots of SigInt over the past week showing troops inbound to Cam Ranh Bay, including two divisions.  This makes no sense to me, but I assume they might be bound for Burma - but there is no rail between this base and Bangkok, so it would take an awful long time to get there.  Perhaps Cam Rann is a staging point, or perhaps this is some kind of deception. 

NoPac:  No sign of imminent enemy action against the Allied bases in the Kuriles.  Sharp action between Allied and top-quality IJ fighters over the past week - a serious increase in IJ commitment.  I still think Steve will move on these islands before the end of the month, but the ending is rapidly approaching.  The Allies have Wasp and a CVE in the Bering Sea just in case an opportunity arises.  Two more CVEs are on the way from Tacoma, but they will arrive just in time for winter.

CenPac: Lots and lots of IJ shipping at Lunga. But since this theater is absolutely irrelevant, I'm glad to see it there.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 1/25/2012 5:16:22 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 5:34:30 PM   
Cribtop


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If he's landing at CRB, it is more likely a staging point for a move in Sarawak or South Borneo. He can safely navigate to Bangkok as easily as CRB, and would have if those troops were headed to Malaya or Burma. Could be deception, but I doubt it. Maybe we'll finally get some action.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:22:49 PM   
hkbhsi

 

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CR,

I have been reading your AAR religiously even though this game has clearly been over for a long time now.

I am mostly a Japan player and I will not try to defend Chez's gameplay, as it is obvious that he made a few horrible mistakes at the beginning that hampered is campaign from the get go. That, coupled with your brilliant play, doomed the game from the start.

There is only one comment that I'd like to make in Chez's defence: you have always wondered why he didn't challenge you in the air in Sumatra, saying that scenario 2 is a "star war".

My experience tells me that Japan air power is not related to scenario 2: even in scenario 1 if you manage the economy reasonably well you can produce a million planes without any problem as the difference in industrial capacity is very small.

What is really limiting Japan in this game is PDU OFF, as most of its air force is still obsolete and Chez is forced to use crappy Oscars and Nates (instead of the uber Tojo), and most of his bomber groups use Idas and Sonias. As soon as he run into trouble he didn't have the forces needed to wage an effective air war over Sumatra.

It is true that scenario 2 gives Japan some advantages in other areas (mainly a few more divisions and some DDs) but regarding air power there is no difference between the 2 scenarios.

As a Japan player I would much prefer to play Scen 1 with PDU On as opposed to scenario 2 with PDU OFF: the first choice gives clearly a better chance of being competitive, especially in the crucial 42-43 timeframe.

Sorry If I went off topic and derailed your AAR.

Alex.






< Message edited by hkbhsi -- 1/25/2012 6:24:19 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:39:45 PM   
Canoerebel


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Thanks for the comment, hkbhsi.  I may not be giving Steve enough latitude for the effect PDU Off may be having on him.  That's mainly because I don't know whether it effects both sides equally or one side more than the other.  When we started, I was under the assumption that it was a neutral feature - both sides would be limited in producing next-generation aircraft - but would stop some of the ridiculous massed early use of 2nd and 3rd generation fighters.

Miller, who is a credible voice for the IJ player, has stated several times in here that he thinks PDU Off really hurts Steve.  I'm am unable to form my own opinions on the matter, so I will defer to folks like him and you who have strong and seemingly well-informed opinions.

If PDU Off really hurts Japan more than the Allies, then henceforth I will play with PDU On even though the Star Wars aspect of AE is one of the few remaining features that really bugs me.  I'd much rather have a tight contest and Scenario Two provides that...at least with PDU On.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:45:14 PM   
GreyJoy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Thanks for the comment, hkbhsi.  I may not be giving Steve enough latitude for the effect PDU Off may be having on him.  That's mainly because I don't know whether it effects both sides equally or one side more than the other.  When we started, I was under the assumption that it was a neutral feature - both sides would be limited in producing next-generation aircraft - but would stop some of the ridiculous massed early use of 2nd and 3rd generation fighters.

Miller, who is a credible voice for the IJ player, has stated several times in here that he thinks PDU Off really hurts Steve.  I'm am unable to form my own opinions on the matter, so I will defer to folks like him and you who have strong and seemingly well-informed opinions.

If PDU Off really hurts Japan more than the Allies, then henceforth I will play with PDU On even though the Star Wars aspect of AE is one of the few remaining features that really bugs me.  I'd much rather have a tight contest and Scenario Two provides that...at least with PDU On.


Well...it's pretty easy imho to understand why PDU OFF hurts Japan so much...the Star War effect is clearly related to the fact that Japan can field an unlimited number of Tojos Sentais in 1942...when the Ki-44 is a Ferrari against a Trabant...

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:48:03 PM   
Canoerebel


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Yeah, it really bugs me that Japan can mass produce and use the Tojo in early or mid 1942, facing P-39s and Mohawks, while the Allies have no ability to produce early.  That was what I was trying to reign in when I asked for PDU Off.  But if it's too hurtful to Japan, then I think I'd rather play with PDU On and just accept that we're playing Star Wars.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:54:21 PM   
Grfin Zeppelin


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I scen 2 the Tojo comes 4/42 in scen 1 9/42 In both cases its impossible to accelerate it even a single month (certain bugs/exploits excluded)

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 6:59:01 PM   
zuluhour


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From the peanut gallery, superior S & T from the outset allows you to dictate the situation.

ps. If thats your HQ and your hiding a "looker" in there, I think we better call the FBI as their has to be restraints involved.

pss. I had to go way back and reread the opening two months of the campaign to discern my comment above. I would have to agree he has either formed one concrete ring around the home islands (The Kuriles situation tends to throw this opinion out the window) or has turned quite a few turns over to you allowing to much time to slip by. Sitting at Allied HQ in late Nov. '42 (for the first time) I see some wonderful things coming our way along with increased output for replacements. The first LST has arrived. Spitfires. faster battleships, better escort DDs, upgraded LCU firepower, the list goes on. I wish I had more than one flattop!

psss. One question. You mentioned, and I remember early on, you jumping on the IJA in China, should he be recovered by now or has the situation continued? I have a very bad feeling in China right now, mostly from the expanse between the Pearl and southern tribs of the Yangtze rivers. Next time around for this HQs is to look for an answer there.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:01:59 PM   
Chickenboy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi
As a Japan player I would much prefer to play Scen 1 with PDU On as opposed to scenario 2 with PDU OFF: the first choice gives clearly a better chance of being competitive, especially in the crucial 42-43 timeframe.

I agree. Although I may not be a credible voice for the Japanese side of things (Canoerebel: ), PDU off is prohibitively restrictive to the Japanese side, whilest being a minor annoyance to the Allied side, in my opinion.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:03:12 PM   
hkbhsi

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

I scen 2 the Tojo comes 4/42 in scen 1 9/42 In both cases its impossible to accelerate it even a single month (certain bugs/exploits excluded)


In scenario 2 the Tojo arrives on 6/42 and it is possible to accellerate it by at least a month if you invest in it. In scenario 1 you can accellerate it by 2 or 3 months depending on luck and commitment.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:07:25 PM   
Chickenboy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi


quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

I scen 2 the Tojo comes 4/42 in scen 1 9/42 In both cases its impossible to accelerate it even a single month (certain bugs/exploits excluded)


In scenario 2 the Tojo arrives on 6/42 and it is possible to accellerate it by at least a month if you invest in it. In scenario 1 you can accellerate it by 2 or 3 months depending on luck and commitment.

My understanding is similar to Graffin Zeppelin's. Is there some novel patch by which your Scenario 2 availability results differ?

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:10:18 PM   
Grfin Zeppelin


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Yes its June indeed.To accelerate them is still impossible without using exploits afaik.

Ah wait maybe its possible with realistic R&D off.

< Message edited by Gräfin Zeppelin -- 1/25/2012 7:11:33 PM >


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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:15:42 PM   
hkbhsi

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

Yes its June indeed.To accelerate them is still impossible without using exploits afaik.


Contrary to other models, there is no possible exploit to accellerate the Tojo, as it is the first in line. I have been able to have it in production by april 15 in my game, only by heavy investment in research.


< Message edited by hkbhsi -- 1/25/2012 7:16:27 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:16:59 PM   
Grfin Zeppelin


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quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi


quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

Yes its June indeed.To accelerate them is still impossible without using exploits afaik.


Contrary to other models, there is no possible exploit to accellerate the Tojo, as it is the first in line. I have been able to have it in production by april 15 in my game only by heavy investment i research.


Realistic R&D on or off ?

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:20:38 PM   
hkbhsi

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin


quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi


quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

Yes its June indeed.To accelerate them is still impossible without using exploits afaik.


Contrary to other models, there is no possible exploit to accellerate the Tojo, as it is the first in line. I have been able to have it in production by april 15 in my game only by heavy investment i research.


Realistic R&D on or off ?


ON with 10x30 factories doing research and not with the bug from one of the betas.

< Message edited by hkbhsi -- 1/25/2012 7:22:44 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:22:53 PM   
Grfin Zeppelin


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Ah thanks, yes thats certainly possible. Thats a huge effort and not worth it imo but I dont wanna hijack Conoes AAR with with Tojos.

< Message edited by Gräfin Zeppelin -- 1/25/2012 7:24:46 PM >


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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:34:40 PM   
Chickenboy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gräfin Zeppelin

Yes its June indeed.To accelerate them is still impossible without using exploits afaik.


Contrary to other models, there is no possible exploit to accellerate the Tojo, as it is the first in line. I have been able to have it in production by april 15 in my game, only by heavy investment in research.



I'd say that this is phenemonal acceleration versus modest-heavy research investment. I've certainly seen other research programs with more than 3x30 research factories-I'd describe those as heavy.

My interpretation of your advancement is that you can, with a moderate-heavy research commitment, still deploy your Tojos in 4/42. Most players will at least ascribe moderate research to the Tojo line, so I'd say that this is probable for most players with scenario 2.

So, in 5 months of game time, you've been able to shave off 1.5 months of airframe availability by research. Were you able to get this airframe historically only on or around 1/43, you'd probably have shaved between 3-4 months off of the availability by this approach. You should be able to pull forward the Tojo IIb and IIc by considerably more with your fully repaired factories.

Man oh man, do I wish I had a more solid understanding of Japanese production before I started my current PBEM...

< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 1/25/2012 7:35:25 PM >


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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:45:18 PM   
pws1225

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Man oh man, do I wish I had a more solid understanding of Japanese production before I started my current PBEM...


Ditto that!

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 7:52:58 PM   
Schlemiel

 

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It has already been mentioned, even in this thread, that it would be nice to have some kind of middle ground option between PDU On and PDU Off, perhaps using PP cost (is there a way in the engine to model increasing PP cost for the more squadrons converted, or perhaps have a per squadron pp cost to do a player defined upgrade (which would essentially be the same thing)?)

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 8:17:00 PM   
bradfordkay

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Yeah, it really bugs me that Japan can mass produce and use the Tojo in early or mid 1942, facing P-39s and Mohawks, while the Allies have no ability to produce early.  That was what I was trying to reign in when I asked for PDU Off.  But if it's too hurtful to Japan, then I think I'd rather play with PDU On and just accept that we're playing Star Wars.



Steve and I have been playing with PDU Off in our Scen 1 game and I feel that it does hamper the Japanese player more than the allied because of what you guys mention. The Japanese player cannot cancel all obsolete production and concentrate only on the best planes. To me this is fair because the allied player is unable to adjust production at all and is forced to fight with limited numbers of obsolete aircraft long into the game. However, "fair" might not be enough to allow for a balanced game...


With PDU off, the allied player cannot change all of his stateside squadrons to obsolete aircraft, freeing the few P38s he has for frontline use. I was happy to see that some of the navy and marine fighter squadrons that start with F4Fs had Brewsters in their upgrade path, allowing the historical swapout of Buffaloes for Waldcats in the carrier squadrons.

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fair winds,
Brad

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/25/2012 10:09:30 PM   
JeffroK


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I still think the JFB have the ability to stomp on Allied airpower if they do it from the start and keep up the pressure.
Their advantages are the high experience of their pilots and the long range of both Zero & Hayabusa.

But I havent seen any attempt to do so, Chez has stuck his head in his shell and now CR is rattling it.

I also think, but are such a numby at japanese production am unsure, that numbers of these fighters can be kept high unless you allocate everything to R&D (and lose the war in the mean time)

None of this explains the failure to garrison all of these DEI bases with even a Battalion.


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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 2:03:20 AM   
princep01

 

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Zuluhour, your above comment is the finest example of eastern gibberish I have seen in a very long time. I read it thrice and am yet to discern any plausible meaning. Care to try again? I'd really like to understand what you were attempting to convey.

< Message edited by princep01 -- 1/26/2012 2:07:22 AM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 2:20:57 AM   
zuluhour


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My Dear Prince, pardon me Dan,

S&T = strategy and tactics

The first ps is in reply to another thread, quite funny. I have to visit the southland again, its been to long.

I am just sorry to see the thread which holds some responsibilty for me starting an AAR and a PBEM lose momentum. To put it out there point blank, I was looking forward to a well thought out, bloody, nail bite'n campaign and even from a TWIT at Zulu HQ just seems like the emperor is blowing gas.







Oh yeah, I don't believe for one second that PDU on or off has anything to do with the situation here. Its gut feeling, which is all we have to work with at Zulu HQ, but none the less there was plenty of time to confront fortress Palembang and occupy the DEI completly, it may have been exceptionally brutal in the casualty department but the window was there. Nemo's advice, which is particularly difficult for TWITs at HQ to digest, was seemingly perfect in timing and method. Dan weighed the advice, proved expert at logistics and force allocation and took the decisive action. Pretty cool thing in a war game like WITP-AE with all the cool stuff going on and so much at your finger tips, overwhelming at times.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by zuluhour -- 1/26/2012 2:34:53 AM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 3:11:29 AM   
njp72

 

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Completely agree Zulu, PDU on or off has nothing to do with it.

As a Japanese player in either scenario 1 or 2 you can wrought great havoc on capable allied players if you are prepare to risk/employ your assets in a concentrated and coordinated fashion.

There is hardly a surface on the map where Japan can't establish local superiority within a couple of days during the first 6 to 12 months of the war. After that well..........

My 2cents worth

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 3:13:59 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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quote:

ORIGINAL: bradfordkay

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Yeah, it really bugs me that Japan can mass produce and use the Tojo in early or mid 1942, facing P-39s and Mohawks, while the Allies have no ability to produce early.  That was what I was trying to reign in when I asked for PDU Off.  But if it's too hurtful to Japan, then I think I'd rather play with PDU On and just accept that we're playing Star Wars.


Steve and I have been playing with PDU Off in our Scen 1 game and I feel that it does hamper the Japanese player more than the allied because of what you guys mention. The Japanese player cannot cancel all obsolete production and concentrate only on the best planes. To me this is fair because the allied player is unable to adjust production at all and is forced to fight with limited numbers of obsolete aircraft long into the game. However, "fair" might not be enough to allow for a balanced game...

With PDU off, the allied player cannot change all of his stateside squadrons to obsolete aircraft, freeing the few P38s he has for frontline use. I was happy to see that some of the navy and marine fighter squadrons that start with F4Fs had Brewsters in their upgrade path, allowing the historical swapout of Buffaloes for Waldcats in the carrier squadrons.


I'm also playing PDU off in scenario one. I've found against Hurricane's and P-38's the Zero's/Oscar's just don't cut it. In scenario 1, the Japanese can field a maximum of 85 Tojo's for the entire Pacific until the Tojo IIb comes online in 5/43 (unless accelerated of course). Hardly any chance of sweeping the skies and establishing air superiority with a total of 3 air units equipped with the Tojo IIa. Bombers aren't much better. I'd say I have a ratio of 60/40 Sally's vs Lily's. I can equip one, yes one Sentai, with Helen Ia's for a total of 30 aircraft until the Helen IIa comes online in mid-43. I'm guessing these upgrade restrictions still apply in scenario 2 if PDU off is in play.

Throw in the large numbers of units permanently restricted to Nate's, Sonia's and Ida's you get a good training program, but forget about any usefulness other than in China. The number of units that are forced to wait on upgrading to mid/later 43 models means for all of 1942 you are severely handcuffed with a lot of Nate's and Sonia's.

This doesn't explain Chez's play overall, but in my experience playing two games as Japan with both PDU on/off, I think off severely restricts the Japanese player. Establishing a historical perimeter is no problem, start thinking about anything else against a GOOD Allied opponent that requires air superiority, forget it.

Personally, I won't play PDU off ever again regardless of what side I play.

_____________________________

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Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 3:35:05 AM   
Canoerebel


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Thanks for the comments regarding PDU, gents. I am listening carefully. One of my favorite things in AE (and WitP) has been the occasions when I really had my back against the wall, facing a Japanese auto victory and pulling my hair out. That kind of delicate balance between excitement and fear, and the challenge of coming back, is exhilarating. (Never mind that I contributed very much to my predicaments, as some folks might accurately point out.)

I hope you gents won't mind me being frank with you about my performance in the game as I see it. I am going to be honest about where I see strengths and flaws. No need in replying, because that will just devolve into a long, "No, you're really good," "No, you suck worse than you think," cascade.

The situation in this game has come about from a variety of factors. I did some really good things early on, I had some luck early on, I was smart enough to act on an excellent suggestion about Palembang (thank you, Nemo), and every action has been met by an equal and opposite inaction on the part of my opponent. It just seems like everything I've touched has turned to gold and frozen my opponent solid. It must be said that much of what has happened wouldn't have happened against many players.

I am not walking away from this match with an elevated opinion of my abilities. I don't think what I've done here would work against the vast majority of experienced IJ players. I've been most fortunate.

On a scale of 1-10, measuring a combination of experience and skill, I'd rate myself a 6 or a 7. The rating of any player who plays as the Allies is probably going to get a decent bump due to the inequities between the two sides. Taking that into consideration, a 6 is probably a better measure.

I have done some really fine work in predicting where the game would be months down the road. I knew where I was going and I was able to do it when I said (with the inaction by Japan contributing much to that record). I've also managed to skillfully, in my opinion, build on the position in Sumatra and the Java Sea without sticking my nose out to far and taking a drubbing in the process. The Allies are in a very, very strong position. I am proud of that. With all the work that has gone into doing so much all over the map, I don't want to see the game end.

But the truly elite players of this game - the 8s and 9s and 10s - would have pushed forward and already eviscerated Japan. Where I took a cautious course, they would have been bold and, given their skill, would have succeeded.

There are too many nitty-gritty details about the game that I'm not interested in and that doesn't suit my preferences. You cannot be a top-level performer without doing and knowing the things I shrug off. I am good, but I am not great.

But I sure do love this game!

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 4:04:23 AM   
bradfordkay

 

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From: Olympia, WA
Status: offline
Dan, one difference I have seen in your game with Steve versus the two I have played with him is that in my games he almost never attempted an invasion without either serious IJN support or air superiority. Admittedly, I never pull the AVG out of the CBI theater, but in our games he always built up Khota Bahru and Kuching so as to dominate the air/seas around Singapore and Palembang with Zeros and Bettys.

I've learned a little form you in how to be more of a risk taker but I honestly think that something else was going on in your game. It seems as if he was totally concentrated in the South Pacific, thinking that the NEI would fall as usual with little that the allied player could do. In our games the conquest of the SRA has always cost him a carrier or two (usually from the mini KB, not one of his fleet carriers) as well as having taken slightly longer than IRL, but I hadn't ever thought of bringing in reinforcements to the area - figuring that doing so would be throwing away good troops.

I will say that in both of my games with him he has settled on a defensive perimeter and then hunkered down, waiting for my offensive with the intent to make it as costly as possible. In our CHS game, his defensive perimeter included all the bases on the northern coast of Australia, Thursday Island, Port Moresby and the Solomons. Since the defense of northern Australia cost him so much in our last game, this time he declined to invade at any of those locations and left Port Moresby alone - choosing instead to quickly grab New Caledonia and the new Hebrides before I could build a cohesive defense there (I chose to build up Fiji first - those two level 9 airfields make that a very strong bastion). In both games there was a fairly long sitzkrieg where he was building his defenses and I was building up the forces for an offensive. Thus I am not so surprised at his relative inaction at this point of your game as the rest of y'all appear to be. I figure that he has realized that he isn't going to grab the whole SRA and is trying to build something of a defensive line for when you return. I do wonder at why he hasn't cleared Borneo, however...


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fair winds,
Brad

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 2428
RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 4:48:53 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel
"No, you suck worse than you think,"


You're right. No sense in replying.

_____________________________


(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 2429
RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 1/26/2012 5:06:23 AM   
Schlemiel

 

Posts: 154
Joined: 10/20/2011
Status: offline
quote:


But the truly elite players of this game - the 8s and 9s and 10s - would have pushed forward and already eviscerated Japan. Where I took a cautious course, they would have been bold and, given their skill, would have succeeded.

There are too many nitty-gritty details about the game that I'm not interested in and that doesn't suit my preferences. You cannot be a top-level performer without doing and knowing the things I shrug off. I am good, but I am not great.


In what way, if any, do you believe these things to be related in your own self-analysis?  Do you believe you are more cautious because you do not know the "nitty-gritty details" (see your more aggressive behavior in this game now that you understand details better)?  Do you believe your caution to be an inherent trait that is separate from the details?  Did you choose to be more aggressive as a defensive gesture (make Japanese autovictory harder by risking and losing assets to slow that progress and buy you time)? 

I'm also curious about your analysis of your game strategy in this game and your relationship with strategy itself.  It seems to me that the strategy you chose for this game forced you to learn mechanics that you were otherwise (intentionally) unfamiliar with.  In your opinion, did your non-interest in learning mechanics influence your strategic analysis for the when and how you began your expansion?  That isn't necessarily a negative question, by the way, as considering yourself in your strategic analysis is important, and being aware of your own lack of awareness is important to avoid the forum favorite Dunning-Kreuger at times, it seems to me.  Do you believe you might have shied away from more aggressive strategies because you sensed on some level they would require you to learn yet more mechanics?  In you own self-reflection, do you think you have used your experiences with Q-Ball and now Chez to get "that kind of delicate balance between excitement and fear, and the challenge of coming back, is exhilarating" as a way to force yourself to learn things that only interest because they are necessary for your survival?  I realize these are probably leading questions, but I'm quite curious about how you see your own perception on that, based on what you've said.

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 2430
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