RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

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 >> After Action Reports >> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

Page: << < prev 25 26 [27] 28 29 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/14/2017 6:17:03 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I was hoping to provide regular AAR updates on recent events, but I just don't have time available to do it justice.

Oct. 4 sees the Allies landing on Woleai...and it doesn't go well. I know invading atolls is tough and you just can't try and take them on the cheap as I attempted to. Granted, Erik has recently reinforced the base and my original invasion force was based on a weaker garrison. Despite heavy pre-invasion battleship bombardments and 100% prep, my assault force of 127 raw AV gets adjusted to 0 and I get slapped with 1-99 odds. The 8th NZ Bde. is crushed with all squads destroyed or disabled. I thought the bombardments would be enough, but the reinforcement of the defending garrison was decisive. I suffer so many disastrous attacks even when I'm 100% prepped for a target that I'm starting to think prep is meaningless.

However, I'm not out of the fight yet. I have a Marine defense unit fully intact with 40 AV on the base. The 8th NZ has recovered 6 AV. It's an atoll and perhaps a counterattack by the Japanese won't go so well for them either. If Erik allows me the time to rearm my BB's at Manus, I'll head back to hammer the defenders, land some armour and see how things go. If my troops are wiped out prior to being able to support them, I have a plan B. The capture of Woleai is an attempt to establish a forward patrol base for early warning of an approach by KB, nothing more.

In the meantime, preparations for the amphibious assault against Noemfoor are underway. Troops are loading up at Rabaul, the fleet is rendezvousing at Manus and then it's on to Noemfoor. I will not delay for any setbacks. My planned landings will go ahead regardless of success or failure. The main objective here is to put constant pressure on the Japanese and draw KB out for an engagement. I expect things to be messy, bloody and chaotic over the next three months. As long as I inflict more losses on the Japanese than I suffer myself and eventually get established on Mindanao before the end of the year, I'll be happy.

My opening salvo didn't go as planned, but this is just the beginning.

More to follow when I can. I'll try to go into more detail when time permits.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/14/2017 6:18:14 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 781

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/14/2017 6:41:21 PM

dave sindel

Posts: 488
Joined: 3/13/2006
From: Millersburg, OH
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I was hoping to provide regular AAR updates on recent events, but I just don't have time available to do it justice.

Oct. 4 sees the Allies landing on Woleai...and it doesn't go well. I know invading atolls is tough and you just can't try and take them on the cheap as I attempted to. Granted, Erik has recently reinforced the base and my original invasion force was based on a weaker garrison. Despite heavy pre-invasion battleship bombardments and 100% prep, my assault force of 127 raw AV gets adjusted to 0 and I get slapped with 1-99 odds. The 8th NZ Bde. is crushed with all squads destroyed or disabled. I thought the bombardments would be enough, but the reinforcement of the defending garrison was decisive. I suffer so many disastrous attacks even when I'm 100% prepped for a target that I'm starting to think prep is meaningless.

However, I'm not out of the fight yet. I have a Marine defense unit fully intact with 40 AV on the base. The 8th NZ has recovered 6 AV. It's an atoll and perhaps a counterattack by the Japanese won't go so well for them either. If Erik allows me the time to rearm my BB's at Manus, I'll head back to hammer the defenders, land some armour and see how things go. If my troops are wiped out prior to being able to support them, I have a plan B. The capture of Woleai is an attempt to establish a forward patrol base for early warning of an approach by KB, nothing more.

In the meantime, preparations for the amphibious assault against Noemfoor are underway. Troops are loading up at Rabaul, the fleet is rendezvousing at Manus and then it's on to Noemfoor. I will not delay for any setbacks. My planned landings will go ahead regardless of success or failure. The main objective here is to put constant pressure on the Japanese and draw KB out for an engagement. I expect things to be messy, bloody and chaotic over the next three months. As long as I inflict more losses on the Japanese than I suffer myself and eventually get established on Mindanao before the end of the year, I'll be happy.

My opening salvo didn't go as planned, but this is just the beginning.

More to follow when I can. I'll try to go into more detail when time permits.

I feel your pain, Sqz. I have really struggled with atoll invasions. It took me 3 attempts to take Wake Island. The first one was too weak, the 2nd was stronger but I did not have enough combat engineers. The third time was way overkill, but it did the job. When I hit Marcus Island, I had lots of BB bombardments, a CV strike force hit the ground forces for 3 days, had plenty of armor and artillery along, and I thought enough engineers. But level 5 forts did me in. My forces werent wiped out, but seriously hurt. So now I am preparing another hammer blow...

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 782

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/14/2017 7:36:11 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: dave sindel

I feel your pain...

It's all good. I honestly didn't think I'd suffer 0 AV and those odds. I expected to get hurt getting ashore, but not as thoroughly as the game demands. Considering the defender's AV was knocked down to 16, was less prepped and suffered a disruption penalty, I was hopeful. It's obvious the defense was hurting too with such a reduced AV. It seems to me it's the way combat works in the game. There's almost always a unit that gets wiped out in every combat. I don't like it, but I don't really understand how everything works anymore which is why I struggle and get poor results.

I didn't expect to take the atoll in the initial shock attack and figured it would be a case of who could best provide follow up support to turn the tide. In this case, I decided to pull back the battleships to rearm. It's a race now to hammer the defenders before my troops get destroyed.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/14/2017 7:39:53 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to dave sindel)

Post #: 783

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/16/2017 8:45:29 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Oct. 6/44:

The main fleet continued to retire towards Manus to rearm the BB's. There are a couple of Japanese subs in pursuit so I've set a number of ASW patrols.

I bombard Sarmi with CA Wichita and a number of DD's. The day before Sarmi showed 129 Japanese fighters and of course when I bombarded they were gone. I should have stuck to my original plan of bombarding Biak or Noemfoor, because both bases had aircraft present. I know where the 129 aircraft at Sarmi rebased to...Noemfoor

. A DD hits a mine at Sarmi with 45 flotation damage. Those Fletchers are tough.

I sent two Fletcher Class DD's to Manokwari and they sink a PB and two small xAKL's.

Allied troops have landed at Bathurst Island. The first deliberate attack doesn't clear the defenders, but the base will fall soon.

No Japanese air activity against any of my recent moves. No sigh of KB.

The next turn is away and I've decided to turn the fleet around and support Woleai. In light of previous amphibious operations, this is rather predictable of me and I wouldn't be surprised if Erik sends in KB for just such a move by me. I've been burnt every time I've done it so he may be set to pounce. I've set my CV's to a purely defensive role with CAP at range 0. If Erik does strike I'll be relying on my CAP to limit the damage. If there is no sign of KB I'll be sending 3-4 bombardment TF's against the defenders at Woleai. I'm bringing in a Tank Bn. to reinforce.

In the meantime, the Noemfoor amphibious forces will be approaching Hansa Bay. I'll divert my CV's to support the operations against Noemfoor right after the Woleai bombardments.

I also have another amphibious invasion force en route to Aru Island. I'm a little worried about this one because only 8 CVE's are providing air cover. I'll determine whether to go in based on when I'm detected and whether it may be more prudent to land at Aru after the Noemfoor operation.

The next amphibious TF will begin loading at Rabaul. Target...Yap. That should be followed by landings at Sorong and Peleliu. If all goes well of course.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 784

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 1:37:25 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Manus at 99,111

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, hits 2

Allied Ships
CV Intrepid, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Indiana
CA Boston
CA Salt Lake City
CA Houston
CLAA San Diego
CLAA Juneau
DD Bullard
DD Nicholas
DD Newcomb
DD McGowan
DD Laws

SS I-16 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Intrepid

And just like that. I can't get an Allied submarine within 6-8 hexes of a Japanese base or ship without being sunk by air or naval ASW, yet it takes only one Japanese submarine to take out another of my CV's. I have the crappiest luck in this game when it comes to getting CV's torpedoed and suffering massive damage every time.

I could rant and rave as usual, but this time I'll just say whatever enjoyment I may have had moving forward just died. I'm just a punching bag for the AI and Erik and can't catch a single break.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/17/2017 1:43:52 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 785

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 2:24:40 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Allied Fleet will retire to Hansa Bay and rendezvous with the Noemfoor amphibious force. Then it's on to glorious annihilation at the hands of the Japanese who can do no wrong in this game.

I'll try to save CV Intrepid, but I'm already resigned to her sinking.

What ****ty luck just when the game looked like it might be fun again.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 786

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 4:46:46 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Of course I was in no frame of mind to put any thought into my next turn. So instead of waiting, I go ahead and flip the turn in 5 mins. I left the crippled CV to her fate, didn't even provide any air cover. I put her chances of survival at zero.

I really hate this game right now.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 787

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 5:11:08 AM

paradigmblue

Posts: 784
Joined: 9/16/2014
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Status: offline

Hey, sometimes we all have to take a step back and realize that it's all just pixels.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 788

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 9:27:48 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Erik's ended the game.

I know I'm wrapped too tight for this game and it appears I'm not a good opponent since every game I've played has been dropped by my PBEM partner. I get it, it's me.

I'll bow out now. Thanks for the friendship and moral support (and the constructive criticism) over the years. It's probably for the best. I've been dealing with a dying Grandmother for two years, a Mother with Parkinson's that is getting worse everyday and a career that is dead in the water. I looked into this game for enjoyment, but poor play and results over the years have just added to the stress in my life.

Thanks again. I'll miss being part of the community here.

Joseph

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 789

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 2:40:39 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

I quit playing golf because I didn't find any enjoyment in a game others did, frustrated at my lack of what i wanted to achieve lead to my decision. Some have walked away from this game because of the same things you feel and are going through, frustration, other things needing your attention, family, friends, career. Some come back, some do not, but all will be missed.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 790

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 2:45:42 PM

Mike McCreery

Posts: 4232
Joined: 6/29/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Erik's ended the game.

I know I'm wrapped too tight for this game and it appears I'm not a good opponent since every game I've played has been dropped by my PBEM partner. I get it, it's me.

I'll bow out now. Thanks for the friendship and moral support (and the constructive criticism) over the years. It's probably for the best. I've been dealing with a dying Grandmother for two years, a Mother with Parkinson's that is getting worse everyday and a career that is dead in the water. I looked into this game for enjoyment, but poor play and results over the years have just added to the stress in my life.

Thanks again. I'll miss being part of the community here.

Joseph

You are welcome to stay or come back at any time. Actively playing a game is not required to spend time in this community. Thanks for the AAR's!

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 791

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 7:01:02 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

Oh, man...my heart goes out to your family.

RL sucks sometimes, and I take satisfaction that it will always get very bad for my games, but it is just pixels.

I seem to always blunder my carriers into subs, btw.

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 792

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 9:59:20 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I thought I better clarify a few things, and I'll try not to repeat myself which I know I do regularly.

Last night Erik basically said he was done with the game. My voicing frustration about the latest Allied reversal proved to be the final straw for him. I admit to being too self-absorbed to the point I didn't realize how uncomfortable Erik was becoming. On his end, all is good, he's kicking ass and taking names and every time he does something good I diminished that for him by complaining about the results. I understand that now and generally I tend to not talk about the game with my opponents for exactly this reason. It's impossible for there to be a consensus on how a turn goes in this game...one or the other always sees it in the best/worst light for themselves.

Erik changed his mind and offered to continue if I wanted and I really want to continue...but. The way this game is playing out is not enjoyable for me. Losing isn't fun and even when I don't make a mistake I still lose. I can't take it anymore. I took over a really crappy situation, I've suffered some pretty tough reversals in this one and they just keep coming. Sadly this game is turning into a metaphor for how crappy my life is right now and has been for some time. I look forward to coming home, relaxing and losing myself in setting my orders, but then I watch the replay and it just keeps going wrong. I can handle the little things, but the constant negative game changing events on my side whenever my carriers are involved isn't fun anymore. I wish I was better at handling the emotions this game instills, but I'm incapable of that right now. These aren't just pixels to me, they represent turning things around in my life and that is sad, because this game is unforgiving and I just set myself up for constant disappointment playing it. I have enough of that in my real life and I wish this game didn't constantly add to it.

I offered Erik my password and the opportunity to find another replacement. I wanted to see how this played out and I feel I deserve to see it through, but not at the risk of losing my mind. I'm at that stage. I wish I had kept my mouth shut and never said a thing to Erik about the game. I really do and it's tainted the game beyond all recovery in my opinion.

Erik's a great person and he's got a better temperament then I do. I envy that. He wants to finish the game so I hope someone will step up and take over for me. At least I can say I handled some aspects of this game well. Your aircraft pools, supply and fuel are looking good despite being down more CV's then you should be. A better player than me will have this turned around in no time I'm sure.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/17/2017 10:00:15 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 793

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 10:38:45 PM

paradigmblue

Posts: 784
Joined: 9/16/2014
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

These aren't just pixels to me, they represent turning things around in my life and that is sad, because this game is unforgiving and I just set myself up for constant disappointment playing it.

I'm sorry if I came across as flip in my comment. You need to do what is best for your happiness. Bottom line.

If the game is contributing to your unhappiness, you shouldn't feel any guilt about letting it go, and no one here will blame you for it.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 794

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/17/2017 11:02:44 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

No need to apologize.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to paradigmblue)

Post #: 795

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 6:46:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I've learned that Erik and Dan will finish out the game. I wish them both a fun filled game.

I'm worried that Dan will make me look mediocre, but I hope at whatever stage they pick up the timeline my efforts will help Dan right the ship better than I attempted to do.

Leaving the game for awhile is the right thing for me to do, but I do/will regret letting Erik down.

I'll be concentrating on other things on my end for the foreseeable future. I hope to dedicate much more time to my model building hobby than I've been able to. I need to get back to the activities that I find relaxing.

Thanks for the kind thoughts from those that posted. On that note...I'm outta here...for now.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/20/2017 6:47:36 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 796

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 6:54:13 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline

Indeed, Joseph, I'm privileged to step in for you. This developed very quickly, but already I've sent "my" first turn back to Eric, March 2, 1944.

To be honest, I was worried as to what I'd find. I knew you were frustrated. I expected that you'd have lost enough interest that the Allies might be in a bit of disarray. And even though it might prove a bit uncomfortable to write in an AAR what I found on reviewing the map, I was planning to do so.

I was most surprised on opening the file that the Allies are in fine shape. From a map standpoint, they're a bit behind, having lost China and western Oz and not yet closing on the Empire, as an Allied player wants to do by 1944. But my goodness, the Allied navy, air force, army and merchant marine at in excellent shape. The attention you gave to logistics everywhere is quite evident. Instead of finding a battered and bloodied Allied position from which it might be exceedingly difficult or impossible to have hope, the infrastructure is in place.

I'll post in detail in an AAR when I start in a day or two. I'll note changes that I make and why. But I'll make it clear that I am "inheriting" very good work. You did a fine job, despite the frustrating air war and those eight-hex strikes.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 8/20/2017 6:59:41 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 797

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 7:32:55 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

Obvert sent me a few of the game files, and I wanted to take a look at them. In the hopes that this enlightens some AFBs out there, and with Squeeze's permission, let us take a closer look at how the Intrepid got torpedoed.

The big picture and land based search. My point here is the Deathstar's final hex was covered in black search arc, but a fragile search arc. Flying boats can be scrubbed because of the weather, and the range was far. Of the land based (runway search) that is more reliable, it was on 14 planes total across two squadrons with mediocre pilots(excellent at recon however).

All of the land bases had plentiful AV support, wasn't overstacked, plentiful supply.

But, really no help in spotting subs from land bases in this case. Range too far, chance the PBY's don't fly, plus some spotty weather.

As you can see the Deathstar itself has no assigned search arcs - a very common practice.

Of the three DEs working ASW forward of the Amrada, 1 ship is totally out of depth charges...could have just happened. There is no dedicated ASW TF in the armada.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lowpe -- 8/20/2017 7:55:28 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 798

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 8:00:05 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

A typical air strategy used is pictured below. Other task forces do have ASW out past 2 hexes, but it is small Kingfisher squadrons with an ASW skill average of less than 30 (although I did find one squadron with skill 55).

There was one task force with a movement of 3, all the rest were 4. It is easy to see how subs moving at night into the advancing Allied armada wouldn't be spotted until after the morning attack.

I don't want to keep showing pictures on other things I have discovered but here is a general wrap up:

To sum up: Pilot skill very spotty. No search arcs detailed for the path of the Armada. No forward screening ships and subs acting as scouts. Not a single ASW task force present in the Armada. Only one 3 ship DE forward patrolling on ASW (reaction 1) and one of the ships totally out of depth charge ammunition. Planes on ASW search had very short ranges. Planes on naval search was set at 10% search.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 799

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 8:17:36 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

Last picture...

And one last thing, there are almost 20 SC, DE or KV sitting at Rabaul. Plus of course destroyers can be set to ASW work too.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 800

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 8:33:12 PM

Aurorus

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

To be effective against submarines, naval search arcs must extend beyond the 1-pulse movement range of the TF in question. In the combat resolution phase of each pulse, task forces move first, then there is the air phase when the naval search planes fly, which will detect submarines. In the next pulse, TFs will move again and complete this move before search planes fly. Let us take an example where search planes fly 2 hexes in the night pulse for a TF that will move 4 hexes in a pulse. The TF completes its move of four hexes, then search planes fly out 2 hexes. In the next pulse, the TF will move 4 hexes again, 2 hexes beyond the area scouted by the patrols.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 8/20/2017 8:34:07 PM >

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 801

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 9:55:33 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

All valid points Gents.

What you don't know is what my preparations were during the first landings against Woleai and the turn previous (except Lowpe will go check now and prove me wrong

). I almost always have my CV's follow a few ASW TF's when moving forward, and set any number to follow as well. I admit to being lazy the turn in question, but there is a whole number of reasons why my forces were disposed the way they were. Everything went off kilter the turn of the first shock attack. I never would have withdrawn my carriers towards Manus and used them to shepherd my BB's to rearm had the attack at least not kept me in the game at Woleai. ASW efforts on my part would have been much stronger. The decision to return to provide support for Woleai was made in a snap decision and by that time my ASW taskforces were redeployed. The smart thing to do was return to Manus and start over.

The reason for the large submarine TF's was to wait and see the Japanese reaction before deploying individually. Another thing, I simply could not end up within 6 hexes of any Japanese position otherwise I was spotted by Japanese air ASW and attacked, or else the Super E's would be dispatched to sink my submarines outright. Remember the mission was to establish a forward air base for future operations. So of course I'm a little thin.

You also have to remember I was severely burnt with losing 50+ SBD's to CAP on ASW patrol. I had my settings set closely so that the AI would not send bomber after bomber to Woleai to be shot down if Erik deployed CAP. Some of the decisions a player makes on settings are based on what he knows the AI may do.

I admit to not taking the time to reset my ASW moving back to Woleai. If you read my comments, it's not so much getting torpedoed that bothered me, my point of contention was why when I do get torpedoed is the damage always so massive. I can accept being weak in the ASW setting for the relevant turn, what does come down to luck is the number of torpedo hits and the damage incurred. I lost this carrier outright to the damage from the hits. As far as I know I had a good Captain, whose to say if whatever checks were made he doesn't avoid all the torpedoes. Even when you do everything right in this game (and I obviously wasn't in this case) that doesn't mean you still won't suffer bad results.

What broke me was the damage, not the fact I was hit in the first place. You also have to factor in that I had lost however many CV's, CVL's and CVE's without beign able to fire a shot back. That stings. I also had great success against Japanese submarines wherever they were committed before. This one turn was a breakdown in my orders and settings. I was punished for it like I was every other time I made a mistake in the game.

Appreciate the comments. Of course there were holes in my settings. Some players have the time to set everything perfectly. Others get caught up in moving the game forward and cut some corners. Like I said, this game punishes every mistake, but sometime the results are based purely on luck. Had this carrier suffered the two torpedo hits and not been danger of sinking outright I would have not said a word. I would have tried to get her back to port and moved on. Again, it was the extent of the damage that put me over the edge. It's all moot though...isn't it.

Things are still a little raw for me so I don't mean my comments to sound confrontational.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/20/2017 10:09:40 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Aurorus)

Post #: 802

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/20/2017 10:24:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Indeed, Joseph, I'm privileged to step in for you. This developed very quickly, but already I've sent "my" first turn back to Eric, March 2, 1944.

To be honest, I was worried as to what I'd find. I knew you were frustrated. I expected that you'd have lost enough interest that the Allies might be in a bit of disarray. And even though it might prove a bit uncomfortable to write in an AAR what I found on reviewing the map, I was planning to do so.

I was most surprised on opening the file that the Allies are in fine shape. From a map standpoint, they're a bit behind, having lost China and western Oz and not yet closing on the Empire, as an Allied player wants to do by 1944. But my goodness, the Allied navy, air force, army and merchant marine at in excellent shape. The attention you gave to logistics everywhere is quite evident. Instead of finding a battered and bloodied Allied position from which it might be exceedingly difficult or impossible to have hope, the infrastructure is in place.

I'll post in detail in an AAR when I start in a day or two. I'll note changes that I make and why. But I'll make it clear that I am "inheriting" very good work. You did a fine job, despite the frustrating air war and those eight-hex strikes.

Thank you Dan. Coming from a person and player of your calibre that means a lot. I have immense respect for players such as yourself and all the others (I won't try naming them all as to not leave anyone out) who play this game so well.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 803

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/21/2017 6:41:13 AM

Aurorus

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Erik's a great person and he's got a better temperament then I do. I envy that. He wants to finish the game so I hope someone will step up and take over for me. At least I can say I handled some aspects of this game well. Your aircraft pools, supply and fuel are looking good despite being down more CV's then you should be. A better player than me will have this turned around in no time I'm sure.

I do not know your personal situation, but I think that you are being far too hard on yourself in your assessment of your performance in this game (and perhaps in life as well). You stepped into a game, mid-way through, in which much of the most important work for the allies had not been done properly. Under these circumstances, you were not going to be able to have the same sort of success that someone would who had been managing the allies with strategic planning for long-term objectives in mind from Dec. 7th 1941. Moreover, you were playing a good opponent.

I think one lesson that you can take away from this, if you wish, is that your worth is not determined by measuring yourself against other people. Everyone's circumstances are different and every situation is different. You picked up a bad hand in this game and played it pretty well. Even Canoerebel confirms this. Maybe this applies to your life as well. Some people always seem to be fortunate, but fortune, by its very nature, is combination of place, circumstance, and coincidence. The best that we can do is manage with what we have been dealt. In this, I think you did well in this game, and I sincerely hope for the best in your life as well. Please do not be a stranger to the forums.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 804

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 8/26/2017 3:15:08 PM

Chickenboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Erik changed his mind and offered to continue if I wanted and I really want to continue...but. The way this game is playing out is not enjoyable for me. Losing isn't fun and even when I don't make a mistake I still lose. I can't take it anymore. I took over a really crappy situation, I've suffered some pretty tough reversals in this one and they just keep coming. Sadly this game is turning into a metaphor for how crappy my life is right now and has been for some time. I look forward to coming home, relaxing and losing myself in setting my orders, but then I watch the replay and it just keeps going wrong. I can handle the little things, but the constant negative game changing events on my side whenever my carriers are involved isn't fun anymore. I wish I was better at handling the emotions this game instills, but I'm incapable of that right now. These aren't just pixels to me, they represent turning things around in my life and that is sad, because this game is unforgiving and I just set myself up for constant disappointment playing it. I have enough of that in my real life and I wish this game didn't constantly add to it.

SqzMyLemon,

It was my honor to face you in our PBEM a couple years ago. To this day, I'm embarrassed about my need to back away from the game due to RL issues as well as some burnout. You handled that graciously and I am grateful about the aplomb you showed then in allowing my graceful exit from the game.

For what it's worth, I found you to be a thoughtful and diligent opponent. You had a singular ability-almost a gift-for logistics and preparation. When playing the Allies, I know you were preparing yourself for an excellent mid-late game position and switch to offense. When playing the Japanese, your efforts and understanding of logistics ensured your existence in the mid-late game and strength in field.

I did find that, in our game and others, you were very hard on yourself. Granted, you had some tough luck (sinking Saratoga with a single TT hit for example

) at times, but you really seemed to beat yourself up when things went pear shaped. I wish you wouldn't do that.

You are a gifted and noble partner and player. You are an intelligent and kind person. You are a 'good man'. I am very sorry to hear about all of the real life issues you are experiencing and hope that they resolve soon for your sake. Hang in there dude.

Please visit us here when you feel up to it. In spite of the fact that you are Canadian

, your counsel and presence is always welcome as far as I am concerned. Take some time off, as I did.

Come back when you get the itch again. Oh, you'll get it. I'd bet on it.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 805

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/8/2018 7:35:35 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Just an update on life and WitpAE.

I had a chance to talk with Erik recently and wish we had done so years ago. We discussed the game briefly, but didn't go into any great detail about our matchup. It was nice to discuss a few things including what I had intended to have done, had we continued our game. We also talked a little about models. I have a number of kits I'm hoping he'll take off my hands

. I think we talked for roughly 30-45 minutes in total. We hope to have a chance to have another conversation soon. I enjoyed our conversation and it only reinforced how I feel about Erik.

I understand Dan's none to happy with my ship naming, so it gave me a chance to explain to Erik my theme of action heros and the inspiration for CV Death From Above

. Sorry Dan, I take no responsibility for Emperor Norton though, that was pure Torsten. I had fun with the naming so Dan will just have to deal.

Erik suggested I post some more personal information and I've been hesitant to do so. In the end I decided to as I've talked with a number of people on the forum for years, had a chance to meet one in person and consider the community one of the best there is online. I consider some people here my friends. Well enough pre-amble...here goes nothing...

Some of you know from previous posts in my AAR how stressful things have been for me personally, it turns out I've another problem to deal with. Long story short, I've been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and the prognosis is not good. I'm only 49, but the tumour is in the worst possible location and that currently makes me inoperable. I've undergone one biopsy so far to determine the pathology and treatment options, but sadly the first results indicate they did not get good samples and I will have to repeat the biopsy. I'm still waiting for news on when the second biopsy will happen. My treatment options totally depend on the pathology. The current hope is that once I begin treatment, chemo or radiation will reduce the tumour and allow surgery to be undertaken. If I don't respond to treatment and surgery is not an option, the news is dire. I will have no idea on the amount of time I have left, if that is the case. Needless to say I'm scared and being realistic I need to get my affairs in order. I hope that those of you I have talked with/met, played against and consider friends will reach out and say hello. It would be nice to talk again. I value your friendship, support and a chance for distraction from the life changing event I'm going through. Feel free to PM and we can discuss catching up somehow.

I feel awkward writing this, but then again what do I have to lose by reaching out

.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/8/2018 7:36:15 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 806

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/8/2018 7:42:49 PM

adarbrauner

Posts: 1496
Joined: 11/3/2016
From: Zichron Yaaqov, Israel; Before, Treviso, Italy
Status: offline

Oh my goodness

Life is a big gift.

Thank you for having posted.

I'm very sorry

Unbelievable

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 807

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/8/2018 7:54:00 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline

Hey, Joseph, I'm glad you dropped in, even though you saddled me a few horrendous CV names. You are fortunate the old AE Kangaroo Court is no longer in session, else you'd have been exiled to Athabasca.

That's shocking news about the possibility you have cancer. I hope things take a turn for the better very quickly, mainly that you'll get some truly good news from the biopsy. I'll be pulling for you. I know the entire community will.

Best wishes!

(in reply to adarbrauner)

Post #: 808

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/8/2018 7:55:59 PM

DanSez

Posts: 1023
Joined: 2/5/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

... what do I have to lose by reaching out .

Nothing.
But you chance to gain the prayers of others. Maybe there is a mo-jo Mother Theresa part time war gamer with a direct line to the All-Being that could help adjust some critical die roles coming your way.

Peace Brother. May it be so.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 809

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/8/2018 7:57:00 PM

adarbrauner

Posts: 1496
Joined: 11/3/2016
From: Zichron Yaaqov, Israel; Before, Treviso, Italy
Status: offline

What bad with such names???

Death from Above in particular, is the best

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 810

Page: << < prev 25 26 [27] 28 29 next > >>

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)