Recommended Preferences

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Recommended Preferences

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> Recommended Preferences

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Recommended Preferences - 4/6/2014 5:25:23 PM

cdoarm

Posts: 20
Joined: 4/6/2014
Status: offline

All,

As I gear up for seeking out my first head to head opponent after a very long absence, what is the community assessment on the best realism and game option settings? Realize I am going to get a possible range of responses but that is cool.

Thanks!

Post #: 1

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/6/2014 6:40:33 PM

tocaff

Posts: 4781
Joined: 10/12/2006
From: USA now in Brasil
Status: offline

Whatever you do don't use realistic weather as it has never worked properly.

_____________________________

Todd

I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768

(in reply to cdoarm)

Post #: 2

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/6/2014 6:56:16 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

If you are talking game settings,
Fog of War - On
Advanced Weater Effects - On
Allied Damage Repair - On
PDU - On
Unless you feel comfortable in changes the initial Japanese attacks around I would leave Historical First Turn On. But the Allied player may want it Off to save the British BB and CA.
1st Turn Surprise On This is needed if you want to recreate the PH strike.
Reliable USN torpeados - Off
Realistic R&D - On Way too gamy with this off imho
No Unit Withdrawls - Off

As far as the reninforcement options I use +/- 15 days for both sides. But totally up you you.

I hope this helps.

I would strongly recommend using either DaBabes B or C mods as both of these use the new map with stacking limits. This makes the game play a lot better. No more doom stacks in the DEI

. These mods also turn off supply being generated by refineries. However additional LI has been added for Japan to make up for the delta in supply generation.

I also recommend playing Japan using the Ironman Dababes which is the same as the Scenerio 2 in stock with the Dababes modifications. Of course if your oppenent is new to the game as well, then a Scenerio 1 version might work. But against someone that knows what they are doing as the Allies, some version of Scenerio 2 would be my recommendation.

YMMV

(in reply to cdoarm)

Post #: 3

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/6/2014 6:58:09 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: tocaff

Whatever you do don't use realistic weather as it has never worked properly.

Can you give more details as it seems to be working for me just fine. I played all my games with it on without anything that seemed odd or wrong. Of course I am using the betas too.

(in reply to tocaff)

Post #: 4

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/6/2014 7:34:07 PM

pws1225

Posts: 1166
Joined: 8/9/2010
From: Tate's Hell, Florida
Status: offline

In general I agree with Numdydar's recommendations except for Advanced Weather and playing DaBabes mods if you're a new or newly recycled Japanese player. The mod adds an additional layer of micro-management that may be over-kill for a newer player. You can use the stacking limit and extended maps from the Babes site and use them with the stock maps. I would highly recommend the stacking limit map but the extended map is nice too. And welcome back!

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 5

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/7/2014 5:31:50 PM

linrom

Posts: 100
Joined: 2/20/2002
Status: offline

Don't use PDU on. It's the most unrealistic setting, period.

(in reply to cdoarm)

Post #: 6

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/7/2014 6:04:26 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: linrom

Don't use PDU on. It's the most unrealistic setting, period.

In your opinion.

In mine, realistic USN torpedoes would be far more destabilizing than PDU on. They work from the first turn and have the potential to blow up the amphib bonus period and beyond.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to linrom)

Post #: 7

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/7/2014 7:14:08 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

Unlike a lot of options PDU On works equally for both sides. The Allies can have more squadrons of better plane types just like Japan.

But PDU On or Off is really no going to affect the outcome of the end game. To me it just lets us JFBs to have more fun with playing the game. You would never find anyone wanting to play Japan if all the Allied players insisted on historical game play because we all know how that worked out

Against the AI, then PDU On/Off can be set to fit your play style. But I would never play Japan in a PBEM with PDU Off again. Just way too difficult to keep track of what squadrons can upgrade to what/when.

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 8

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/8/2014 10:35:45 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
Joined: 2/21/2012
From: LI, NY
Status: offline

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

_____________________________

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once. Hume

In every party there is one member who by his all-too-devout pronouncement of the party principles provokes the others to apostasy. Nietzsche

Cave ab homine unius libri. Ltn Prvb

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 9

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/8/2014 10:48:04 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

One pref I learned of last year:
'Auto convert obsolete devices' should usually be ON.

When ON, squads that return to the pools from an upgraded LCU will gradually convert to the squad-type in current production.
When OFF, those old squads go to the pools and remain as the old type.

Depends on what you need, but affects all devices globally. It can be changed in mid-game, at least vs. the AI (dunno about PBEM).

(in reply to rustysi)

Post #: 10

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/8/2014 10:52:45 PM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
Joined: 10/28/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

I've played a few games as Japan in PBEM's. Seeing '45 is perfectly possible, as Obvert's game has highlighted.

The main advantage of Scenario 2 is that you're allowed to make a few more mistakes with Japan. You get more planes and more LCU's, so needless losses don't impact you to the degree that they would in stock.

(in reply to rustysi)

Post #: 11

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 12:02:51 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

I've played a few games as Japan in PBEM's. Seeing '45 is perfectly possible, as Obvert's game has highlighted.

The main advantage of Scenario 2 is that you're allowed to make a few more mistakes with Japan. You get more planes and more LCU's, so needless losses don't impact you to the degree that they would in stock.

You're allowed to make a few more military mistakes - with extra DDs, Shinano as a Taiho-class and therefore not worthless, some extra LCUs in the starting months (a few of which are very nice)... however, that all comes with a cost - more supply usage and more HI need for shipyards, armaments, vehicles, etc. And more HI for pilots.

I believe Scen 2 also has some additional engine and aircraft factories, but I could be wrong about that. Scen 2 also starts with large(r) stockpiles at places like Cam Ranh Bay and Truk, which is very forgiving for a new Japan player. It allows you to run your logistics on training wheels for a while, if you like.

I believe you also start with a higher Fuel/Supply stockpile in the Home Islands, which can help counteract the extra supply usage from the extra units and probable extra R&D/industry expansion.

Over the past few months, I've come to think that Scen 1 is better for Japan economically. Scen 2 definitely has the military goodies while still remaining largely historical.

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 12

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 12:20:16 AM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

I've played a few games as Japan in PBEM's. Seeing '45 is perfectly possible, as Obvert's game has highlighted.

The main advantage of Scenario 2 is that you're allowed to make a few more mistakes with Japan. You get more planes and more LCU's, so needless losses don't impact you to the degree that they would in stock.

You're allowed to make a few more military mistakes - with extra DDs, Shinano as a Taiho-class and therefore not worthless, some extra LCUs in the starting months (a few of which are very nice)... however, that all comes with a cost - more supply usage and more HI need for shipyards, armaments, vehicles, etc. And more HI for pilots.

I believe Scen 2 also has some additional engine and aircraft factories, but I could be wrong about that. Scen 2 also starts with large(r) stockpiles at places like Cam Ranh Bay and Truk, which is very forgiving for a new Japan player. It allows you to run your logistics on training wheels for a while, if you like.

I believe you also start with a higher Fuel/Supply stockpile in the Home Islands, which can help counteract the extra supply usage from the extra units and probable extra R&D/industry expansion.

Over the past few months, I've come to think that Scen 1 is better for Japan economically. Scen 2 definitely has the military goodies while still remaining largely historical.

I've only played Scen 2 except for one, first AI GC. To me the naval additions are not that threatening, but the extra LCUs, when combined with no-PPs to cross borders (allowing the heavy tank units in Manchuria to come into central China in a matter of days), are a bear to deal with from the Allied side.

But the biggest bennie IMO is the extra fuel. Alfred long ago laid out an analysis on probable usage in Scen 1 and 2 (from memory), using average, expected fleet movements. A lot of players drive CVs and BBs 3000 miles this way, then 3000 miles that way . . .

But my basic memory of his numbers, and what I've always used to plan to, was that Scen 1 gives Japan about six months of fuel/oil, and Scen 2 gives about 12-13 months. Scen 2 does, as you say, impose HI and supply costs that exceed 1's, so some of the fuel goes there, but the starting economy does allow Japan to bypass PBang for months if they choose (right?

), and not crash the economy. This also complicates the Allied defenses quite a bit.

In the long run it probably averages out against the pilot tax, or near enough. But I still recall Canoerebel, playing Chez da Jez in Scen 2, going ballistic when Chez never seemed to run out of fleet juice.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 4/9/2014 1:22:07 AM >

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 13

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 12:25:42 AM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
Joined: 2/21/2012
From: LI, NY
Status: offline

Thanks guys. Hey Bull, funny 'fleet juice'

, I like that term.

_____________________________

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 14

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 3:23:03 AM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

As with anything, it all depends on who you are playing with. If the Allies take some risks and/or get unlucky in the early years, then Scenerio 1 can go later in the war. But against anyone that is good as the Allies, Japan could easily lose in '44 in Scenerio 1.

I only play Scenerion 2 as Japan in PBEM and yes the extra pilots do tax the economy to a certain extent. But with PP costs to cross boundires China still is hard to overrun with compent play. Against a good Allied player, I lost in early '45 playing Scenerio 2 which I was very happy with since it was the first time I played.

Of course if both of you are first time PBEMers, then Scenerio 1 might be good enough. If you wanted to give Japan a slight edge, then you could edit Scenerio 1 and just increase the fuel and oil stockpile in Toyko to match the valsue in Scenerio 2.

As a first time Japanese player in a PBEM, you really need to have a cushion to give you the ability to make some mistakes. Because turst me you will

. Which is why I would strongly recommend just playing some form of Scenerio 2. It will allow the game to go on even afer some errors on your part. of course, if both of you are willing to restart after getting into '43 and realizing how bad things are as Japan, then go for Scenerio 1

.

It is just not something I would ever do. Others here may feel otherwise

(in reply to rustysi)

Post #: 15

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 4:48:47 AM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
Joined: 2/21/2012
From: LI, NY
Status: offline

quote:

As a first time Japanese player in a PBEM, you really need to have a cushion to give you the ability to make some mistakes. Because turst me you will .

Mistakes... never. I won't make any mistakes. (The crowd roars with laughter).

Thanks Numdydar, input received and registered. That still doesn't mean I'll take it, but I know I'll probably regret it.

_____________________________

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 16

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 5:42:45 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

If you are playing as Japan in a PBEM, don't play Scenerio 1

Hi Numdydar, is it really that bad. I was hoping to play this Scen against someone someday. I mean I know its a losing proposition, but does it mean I'll get my head handed to me if I play well. Is it possible to get into '45 in this Scen? I have no illusions about marching down Pennsylvania Ave. or anything like that.

I've played a few games as Japan in PBEM's. Seeing '45 is perfectly possible, as Obvert's game has highlighted.

The main advantage of Scenario 2 is that you're allowed to make a few more mistakes with Japan. You get more planes and more LCU's, so needless losses don't impact you to the degree that they would in stock.

You're allowed to make a few more military mistakes - with extra DDs, Shinano as a Taiho-class and therefore not worthless, some extra LCUs in the starting months (a few of which are very nice)... however, that all comes with a cost - more supply usage and more HI need for shipyards, armaments, vehicles, etc. And more HI for pilots.

I believe Scen 2 also has some additional engine and aircraft factories, but I could be wrong about that. Scen 2 also starts with large(r) stockpiles at places like Cam Ranh Bay and Truk, which is very forgiving for a new Japan player. It allows you to run your logistics on training wheels for a while, if you like.

I believe you also start with a higher Fuel/Supply stockpile in the Home Islands, which can help counteract the extra supply usage from the extra units and probable extra R&D/industry expansion.

Over the past few months, I've come to think that Scen 1 is better for Japan economically. Scen 2 definitely has the military goodies while still remaining largely historical.

I've only played Scen 2 except for one, first AI GC. To me the naval additions are not that threatening, but the extra LCUs, when combined with no-PPs to cross borders (allowing the heavy tank units in Manchuria to come into central China in a matter of days), are a bear to deal with from the Allied side.

But the biggest bennie IMO is the extra fuel. Alfred long ago laid out an analysis on probable usage in Scen 1 and 2 (from memory), using average, expected fleet movements. A lot of players drive CVs and BBs 3000 miles this way, then 3000 miles that way . . .

But my basic memory of his numbers, and what I've always used to plan to, was that Scen 1 gives Japan about six months of fuel/oil, and Scen 2 gives about 12-13 months. Scen 2 does, as you say, impose HI and supply costs that exceed 1's, so some of the fuel goes there, but the starting economy does allow Japan to bypass PBang for months if they choose (right? ), and not crash the economy. This also complicates the Allied defenses quite a bit.

In the long run it probably averages out against the pilot tax, or near enough. But I still recall Canoerebel, playing Chez da Jez in Scen 2, going ballistic when Chez never seemed to run out of fleet juice.

I should look up the extra fuel at start for Japan in Scen 2 vs. Scen 1. Some of that extra, beyond just the additional HI, is going to be used shuttling those extra LCUs around, and using those extra DDs and such.

I actually think I could have waited as long as I did in Scen 1 also, or at least nearly as long. I did have another Japan game going a while back, the one I took over, and it was Scen 1. In January I still had 90 days of Fuel in Japan, and I could have delayed the taking of Palembang several months if that had been necessary with just fuel from Java/Borneo. I think. I'm not sure I have those saves on my computer anymore. I do know that it isn't THAT dire.

Also of note - I think the Scen 2 stockpiles of Resources may be much higher as well. Somewhere on the order of double the surplus...around 60 days at game start instead of around 30.

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 17

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 11:54:11 AM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

I believe the Resources thing is correct, from memory. I tried to find Alfred's post on this--probably 20 search terms--and nothing came up.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 18

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 3:35:23 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

Well resourses have never been a problem in any of my games as Japan. It is always the damn Oil/Fuel

Japan has enough resource locations close to the HI so they never have to pull those from further away. Of course that does not stop me from doing that too

.

But that is because I tend to roleplay a bit. This is because the game does not model different resource types, like Rubber, Nickel, etc. One resourse to rule them all. So I 'pretend' I need resources from the DEI, etc. to reflect that Japan needed materials that could not be gotten from the areas they controlled at the start of the game. So by having resouce TFs travelling from the DEI to the HI allows me to reflect that, plus it also reflects better on the sub/ASW part of the game by having increased traffic between the HI's and elsewhere.

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 19

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 3:47:53 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar

Well resourses have never been a problem in any of my games as Japan. It is always the damn Oil/Fuel

Japan has enough resource locations close to the HI so they never have to pull those from further away. Of course that does not stop me from doing that too .

But that is because I tend to roleplay a bit. This is because�the game does not model different resource types, like Rubber,�Nickel, etc. One resourse to rule them all. So I 'pretend' I need resources from the DEI, etc. to reflect that Japan needed�materials that could not be gotten from the areas they controlled at the start of the game. So by having resouce TFs travelling from the DEI to the HI allows me to reflect that, plus�it also reflects better on the sub/ASW part of the game by having increased traffic between the HI's and elsewhere.�

It's true that Resources aren't a choke point for Japan later on, but the 30 days stockpile vs. 60 days stockpile makes a big difference. I know from experience that being down to only 10 days of stockpiled Resources on mainland Japan is trouble - you will begin to have industry that fails to produce at this point, usually the LI at Yokohama or Tokyo. This is no bueno. So that's only 3 game weeks to have your Resources convoys in full swing. It essentially requires you to jump on Hokkaido's surplus on Day 1, rather than taking a longer term mindset - draining Hokkaido's bank a little more slowly and being able to set up long term convoys that much earlier.

I know I've commented before on Resources for Japan and where you can get them. About half of Honshu's deficit can come from Hokkaido and the Sakhalins. You can get another quarter from Manchukuo/China. But the other 25% has to come from further away. It's easy enough to just have returning supply convoys pick them up - Supplies out to garrisons/supply hubs, Resources back to Japan.

Never Run Empty should be a gunwale sticker for your merchies.

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 20

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 4:22:10 PM

mike scholl 1

Posts: 1265
Joined: 2/17/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: tocaff

Whatever you do don't use realistic weather as it has never worked properly.

I'll second this. Unless you want to play in a Pacific-wide Monsoon, leave this off!

(in reply to tocaff)

Post #: 21

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/9/2014 9:27:47 PM

LoBaron

Posts: 4776
Joined: 1/26/2003
From: Vienna, Austria
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Numdydar

quote:

ORIGINAL: tocaff

Whatever you do don't use realistic weather as it has never worked properly.

Can you give more details as it seems to be working for me just fine. I played all my games with it on without anything that seemed odd or wrong. Of course I am using the betas too.

It is working perfectly fine. I made exactly the same experience as you, no issues at all and a much more realistic game, most of all with regards to predictability and a/c misison frequency.

But different people, different opinions. I guess thats what this switch is for in the first place.

< Message edited by LoBaron -- 4/9/2014 10:30:30 PM >

_____________________________

(in reply to Numdydar)

Post #: 22

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 6:57:47 AM

Alfred

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

I believe the Resources thing is correct, from memory. I tried to find Alfred's post on this--probably 20 search terms--and nothing came up.

That would be because the detailed analysis was contained in a lengthy email sent to you quite some time ago. On the forum I don't recall ever providing the detailed calculations which that personal email contained but I have on several occasions provided my summary to the forum. Post #2665 in this thread enunciates the conclusions.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2729136&mpage=89&key=palembang%2Cfuel�

When I post to the forum strategic/tactical pieces I don't often provide the detailed calculations I make although I generally do list the factors I have taken into account because the reader should also take them into account. When people attack my conclusions as being bereft of any realistic foundations they are usually just ascribing to me their own modus operandi, overlooking that I've put much more prior thought into my posts than they have. Recommendations based solely on personal praxis gleaned from only 1 or 2 PBEM games played to conclusion is of very limited value as the lessons "learnt" are very much dependent on the quality of the opponent and what consequently occurred in that particular match.

Alfred

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 23

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 12:38:30 PM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

I believe the Resources thing is correct, from memory. I tried to find Alfred's post on this--probably 20 search terms--and nothing came up.

That would be because the detailed analysis was contained in a lengthy email sent to you quite some time ago. On the forum I don't recall ever providing the detailed calculations which that personal email contained but I have on several occasions provided my summary to the forum. Post #2665 in this thread enunciates the conclusions.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2729136&mpage=89&key=palembang%2Cfuel?

When I post to the forum strategic/tactical pieces I don't often provide the detailed calculations I make although I generally do list the factors I have taken into account because the reader should also take them into account. When people attack my conclusions as being bereft of any realistic foundations they are usually just ascribing to me their own modus operandi, overlooking that I've put much more prior thought into my posts than they have. Recommendations based solely on personal praxis gleaned from only 1 or 2 PBEM games played to conclusion is of very limited value as the lessons "learnt" are very much dependent on the quality of the opponent and what consequently occurred in that particular match.

Alfred

I just finished a long trip down memory lane, re-reading many of our past emails and I'm not able to find this one. I do recall the main points. Just can't find the dang thing. Not surprisingly, often the email title has little to do with content.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 24

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 4:12:34 PM

Chickenboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Iroquois
As I gear up for seeking out my first head to head opponent after a very long absence, what is the community assessment on the best realism and game option settings? Realize I am going to get a possible range of responses but that is cool.

"Best" settings will vary person by person. I think MOST people will play with Japanese PDU on, Allied damage control on, Allied faulty torpedoes on and historical arrivals of naval vessels. Beyond that, the respective settings vary.

I'd probably recommend PDU on for your new game-as it removes the handcuffs of the PDU off gameplay and 'opens up' the world of aircraft research for you to experience.

PDU off is, in my opinion, something for more experienced players to grapple with. Same with the other settings I've identified above.

As far as scenarios are concerned, you can have an enjoyable game with scenario 1 or 2. Scenario 1 is probably more 'realistic' than the fuel-laden and forward-deployed monty hall scenario 2. But the latter does typically provide more frenetic late 1942 action and the real possibility of the Allied loss of game by auto-victory.

Realism or nail-biting excitement? This is at the root of your decision tree, IMO.

_____________________________

(in reply to cdoarm)

Post #: 25

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 7:54:39 PM

Xargun

Posts: 3690
Joined: 2/14/2004
From: Near Columbus, Ohio
Status: offline

If you are going to play Japan at this point I would recommend firing up Scen 1 or 2 - your choice and play against the AI for at least two months and see what mistakes you make with the economy. Take notes of what you do and then why you shouldn't have done it. Trust me, nothing is worst than being in a PBeM game in early 42 when Japan says he has to restart or quit. The economy can ruin the game very quick if you over due it to early and trust me... you will.. We all did. How do you think the Japanese Economic Masters around here learned it all - trial and error. I learned a lot that way and by reading everything I could find on the subject. What everyone else does with their economy will not matter 100% in your games as every game is as different as the opponent, but some things are the same. Play some against the AI and play with the economy. Learn where your initial resource/oil sources are and get some experience with convoys. Then start a PBeM afterward - yourself and your opponent will thank you.

Btw I find it funny that a lot of people complain about lack of fuel. I have never had lack of fuel. I always have lack of resources.

< Message edited by Xargun -- 4/10/2014 8:56:59 PM >

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 26

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 8:55:03 PM

Numdydar

Posts: 3211
Joined: 2/13/2004
Status: offline

I find that astonishing. In Aug '43 I have 21M in Japan HI and 35M in total resources across the entire map

. Not once has any of my LI or HI shut down due to lack of resources.

While I have a lot of fuel (over 1M in Sinapore), is is definately not in the HI

50K of oil in the HI and 250K of fuel.

Which is why I said oil/fuel is the main driver and not resouces

(in reply to Xargun)

Post #: 27

RE: Recommended Preferences - 4/10/2014 9:31:19 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Xargun

If you are going to play Japan at this point I would recommend firing up Scen 1 or 2 - your choice and play against the AI for at least two months and see what mistakes you make with the economy. Take notes of what you do and then why you shouldn't have done it. Trust me, nothing is worst than being in a PBeM game in early 42 when Japan says he has to restart or quit. The economy can ruin the game very quick if you over due it to early and trust me... you will.. We all did. How do you think the Japanese Economic Masters around here learned it all - trial and error. I learned a lot that way and by reading everything I could find on the subject. What everyone else does with their economy will not matter 100% in your games as every game is as different as the opponent, but some things are the same. Play some against the AI and play with the economy. Learn where your initial resource/oil sources are and get some experience with convoys. Then start a PBeM afterward - yourself and your opponent will thank you.

Btw I find it funny that a lot of people complain about lack of fuel. I have never had lack of fuel. I always have lack of resources.

If you shipped in more resources, you'd be lacking fuel!

Basically, do the math. Tracker helps with this. The boils down to a permanent deficit on Oil, unless you shut down Refineries which then requires you to shut down HI to "balance" the inputs/outputs. You can do so - I did so in my AI game. Oil is the "how long can I produce stuff" constraint - there is just so much less of it than anything else. Once you run out of Oil stockpiles, you'll be producing less Fuel, and your Fuel stocks will run out sooner.

Taking a historical area of the map (SRA, Burma) plus Sian/Lanchow, Japan runs out of Oil in Scen 2 sometime in mid-late 1943, as there will be a permanent deficit of around 400. I used to be intimately familiar with this numbers, but haven't quite gotten to that point in my PBEM, as I am still repairing Oil centers. Soon, though... I may do some calculations soon.

(in reply to Xargun)

Post #: 28