AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron

AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (Full Version)

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Marshall Art -> AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/27/2009 11:58:01 PM)
The following will be my AAR of Jesse’s game against myself (Axis). The AAR shall focus on the notable differences of AWD deluxe to stock AWD or the other mod, GG 4.040. Of course some noteworthy developments on the battlefields will be reported as well. The AAR will be somewhat delayed so that the FOW remains intact. *Also Jesse's comments were added in italics.* At first sight Europe of 1939 appears similar to the stock AWD. There are some differences however that may catch the Axis player offguard. There are already 2 French tank units on the map, and with several others in the production queue Germany really needs all tanks finished prior to the attack in the West if they want to make use of the combined arms modifier. Also the Allies are able to build units from the first turn in France which makes it much harder for Germany to conquer France. Thus I will order all tanks and some more infantry to be produced, leaving little left for other purposes like Uboats or aircraft. Germany could focus on building either Infantry or Arty to knock out France. I personally avoid going above 16 Infantry until they hit 6 EV. [image]local://upfiles/17642/7BF9EC5FF695432D8C2F3FE4BF9D15E0.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 12:03:39 AM)
A look at Germany's production queue: mostly the same, but note the production time for Heavy Bombers and ships. The AWD deluxe suppression system generally speaking limits attacking bomber losses (virtually down to zero) but also limits bomber effectiveness. Thus I refrain from building a lot of them except those in production already plus another Stuka. In the production Que more tanks have been moved to Western Germany. Thus when finished they are positioned to threaten France right away. This helps to keep the Western Allied player honest by making it more necessary to build units rather than convert them extra turns of French production into more tech. Of coarse its always an option to focus French production on tech, but Germany will suffer few casualties and use less supply as a result. Choices are provided with this setup. [image]local://upfiles/17642/6A033A917DDC46D6B66BA1E74504B212.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 12:07:53 AM)
The same applies to Artillery: less direct hits on opposing units, with lower land attack factors artillery will have a significantly smaller role in the unit mix. Nevertheless they are necessary to fortify coasts and to obtain the combined arms modifier. Take a look at the battle of Poland: [image]local://upfiles/17642/0E2B65DD61694F5687152A3A653FCD53.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 12:11:03 AM)
Before I jump ahead - take a look at the units on the map and in production: Japan enjoys much more naval units in queue but Russia also has more units mostly Infantry on the map. As already mentioned, the French have 2 tanks and the Allies have a lot of Artillery plus 6 Carriers. Japan now starts with 4 instead of 6 Arty. 2 transports replace them. This was done to weaken Japan's effectiveness against China. The extra Russian Infantry are tied up in the Siberian Garrison. The Allies really don't have much Artillery. It's mostly all French which won't be around long. [image]local://upfiles/17642/5C30B1C4F27749C88DF2C55E2A379888.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 12:13:41 AM)
Germany’s technology is superior in most areas, except H.B. range (3) and sub torpedo attack and range (9) – Japan has the edge there. I find it not worth to waste supplies on spies as Germany can quickly catch up in those fields. However Germany has a lot to loose against Russia and the Wallies thus I spend about 40 resources into SigInt and Security, forcing the Allies either to match or say goodbye to reliable Intel or any results from tech spying. The biggest changes I found lie in the missing tech points for German Armour and some started advances for sub speed and torpedo attack. [image]local://upfiles/17642/C1C52EED714A499F968C022C3F5822EB.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 12:17:03 AM)
A feature that is common for all scenarios in WAD 4.040 is the undeveloped resource. In AWD deluxe there a lots of them, one is even in E.Germany. Knowing that in most cases Germany will run short of resources I start developing it. It will take a full year to get it operational but is should pay off in the long run. The attack on Poland went well, with only one Infantry damaged. However, no medals. The vet sub sails out, misses and blocks the Canadian coast from traffic. I do not take Denmark as all units not engaged in Poland defend W. Germany. Let us take a look at the Japanese next. Japan’s tech situation is much different from Germany’s. Except for Fighters, subs and H.B. range it is at or even below the Allied standard. Thus some spying effort may be fruitful. Knowing that the Wallies must research ASW tech I add a RP there. The Japanese fighters start with fewer tech points in range, and one point less in Infantry LA. The infantry point was removed to offset the possible freebie's from China. On turn 2 China will have an Infantry LA of 6. Putting them ahead of the Japanese for a few turns. Plus the Chinese get a few carry over points so that they can profit from spies without wasting valuable production to place points in tech. [image]local://upfiles/17642/592E10B37EC2431D8305E0FDBB118076.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:16:44 PM)
Japan is facing a China that is full of developed and undeveloped resources, limited in production (only two factories, but they produce each turn) and has a small Army compared to AWD stock or GG. Especially the reduced insta-militia of only 1 per pop point appears to give the Japanese even more incentives to move inland. If the Japanese want a trail connection to Indochina they must capture several Chinese provinces (rail marked in the pic). [image]local://upfiles/17642/703BD982270A4F41A28F248FBA69B0F8.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:18:27 PM)
A note to the political events. While I like some of them, such as the incentive to attack Norway to increase chances to get Sweden and Finland onboard I wonder if the 100% chance of some events is warranted. There is not even a remote possibility that history might play out differently. What ones should not be 100%? Lets look at "Axis conquest of key British strongholds..." Sure it's guaranteed to trigger but that all depends on a lot of big Ifs. For flavor, Spain turns Pro-Axis only in games where the Axis take London, Gibraltar, or Cairo. Since none of these are standard conquests, I fail to see how your comment that there is no remote possibility for historical variety applies. Some games Cairo may not fall. Result: Spain stays leaning only. In another Cairo does, and Spain turns Pro-Axis. And in yet another Cairo falls, and Spain turns full Axis from a Coup. The last 3 events that are all 100% correspond to events that are all integral to my design. First the Vichy one. This ones needs to be 100% so that it's guaranteed to trigger on the turn Spain falls to the WA's. In this way, Germany can move into Southern France to garrison the Pyrenees Mtn without having to fight their way there. Considering that turns are 3 months it would not make sense for an event like this to have any delay before it triggers. The same logic applies to Russia responding to Germany moving into bordering territories. This event makes it possible for Russia to get some additional troops into the Caucasus region without delay. To be fair, the last one, Soviet Siberian garrison could be reduced from 100% to say 50% and then moved back a turn. But will that improve it? IMO it's just easier to remember the way I have it now. Besides Russia can swap 2 militia for every regular unit they remove from this garrison at any time after Barbarossa, so things are not as fixed as they seem. Added with 1942's results in mind: The Siberian garrison event I'd like to see moved ahead about one year, and given an 75% chance or so. Any reinforcements in 1943 come too late - as can be seen in this game. [image]local://upfiles/17642/2D2CBD0F9BD142F48DCD35E7F67DC876.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:23:52 PM)
Back to the map: I noticed in a few tries against the AI that there is a number of regions particularly in the Southermost Indian and Pacific Oceans that are blocked from traffic (Politically Frozen). Although I am not sure if that is intentional as there seems to be no unfreezing at any case this limits Allied transport routes in the South. The sailing close to Antarctica is over and Axis commerce raiders and subs have easier access to the Allied network. Yes, this is WAD. [image]local://upfiles/17642/83DC3BB1CB3B4B6DA42ADDD60E13CEE1.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:25:15 PM)
Faced with the option to battle China or prepare for the big war I choose the latter and finish some of the numerous ships Japan has started. That will not spare Foochow from its fate though. Kyushu has also an undeveloped resource which is even more valuable than those in the rest of Asia. Foochow yields no losses to the Japanese. Two medals and a promotion from Militia to Infantry are awarded to the Japanese.

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:27:36 PM)
Fall 1939 – After the Soviet attack on Finland 2 Militia are created. Same as in stock AWD or GG, the vet sub gets an extra torpedo in the Atlantic. The sub damages another trannie, causing raised eyebrows in the U.S. [image]local://upfiles/17642/96744B36CBF44C3E973BDE9B3ECD6DC3.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:29:06 PM)
Looking at the total strengh of the French forces (6 tanks, 10 Infantry, 4 Arty), Germany (4 tanks, 16 Infantry, 6 Arty) remains passive and waits for Winter. An attack on TLC would have allowed France to counterattack at superior strengh since W. Germany needs to be defended besides occupying TLC with large forces. Significant success was made on the diplomatic front both Persia and Turkey joined the Axis camp. I have rarely been so lucky, hopefully I did not use up all of my luck... Japan starts the great pilot training excercise, hitting on infrastructure and resources. One CAG gets the vet status. Despite some investments no success from spying yet. Even the Chinese now have better infantry than the Tenno – an inquiry is started in the Army.

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:31:02 PM)
Winter 1940 – Jesse just commented on the Allies being short on resources on his Fall 39 turn. That may have to do with my attempt to reduce Allied WR until Russia hits its FM2 event at 13 WR points. So far no neutral has joined the Allied camp. My eyes are on Portugal because I’d really like to see it Axis to deter any possible action against Spain by the Wallies. Romania gets the same treatment as the Fins and 4 militia are created. Yugoslavia sees a coup and this will allow Germany to strike sooner than usual. With its last (3rd) torpedo the vet sub goes elite, time for a parade in Kiel. Opposing the French forces (6 tanks, 13 Infantry, 5 Arty) are now 6 German tanks, 17 Infantry, 6 Arty. Time to subdue TLC. Jesse screens the Dutch coast with 2 Fighters and a BB to escort the Durch DD to English ports. Without losses the Wehmacht marches in, leaving only a screening force in W. Germany. The Winter weather an fortress bonus should help prevent any French advance into Germany whereas the troop count in TLC almost matches the French strengh. Portugal remains neutral. [image]local://upfiles/17642/937B9CF0CEF846B581030A032F58DF2A.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/28/2009 10:33:41 PM)
The soviet spies bring home several blue prints. The Abwehr is pursuing them with increased vigor. Axis reconnaissance revels large portions of the US Pacific fleet. The position of the large surface fleet off San Francisco prevents any attack on the carrier fleet except if this fleet is defeated first. But even then heavy AA defense will reduce the CAG effectiveness to a level where it is questionable if just one carrier can be hit. Two fighters on Midway seem out of place as only with range 2 they can get back to Hawaii. I am still pondering ideas what to do with the Japanese Carriers if Japan is supposed to strike. For now, the CAG pilots are still training in China... Japan steals Infantry and HB land attack – from China! As you mention, the 2 fighters on Midway need to be at range 2 to be effective from there. Previously, they were not effective at all sitting back on the continent. A smart player will make sure they are teched up before Fall 1941. My decision to place them fighters on Midway was to give the US some air power that they could project on the very turn of Pearl Harbor. Placing them on Hawaii would not work for obvious reasons, and leaving them on the continent puts them out of action for to many months. Given a 3 month turn length, I think it's preposterous that the Japanese can camp around Hawaii after their air strike. They should turn tail and be happy with what they got, which this change models well. [image]local://upfiles/17642/B0A4EF06CEC14C55A20B4B5DA4EE45DA.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/29/2009 10:05:26 PM)
Spring 1940 – The assault on France is a novelty as Germany has to fight for combined arms. The French TacAir in W. France is damaged and the bonus helps to reduce losses which still appear higher than in the stock game. A lot of rolls were close so even higher losses might have occured. A German victory was never in doubt however. Now is the time to lure Portugal into the Axis camp – success! I still have some luck left... Average losses in France are usually around 3 depending on German build choices. [image]local://upfiles/17642/6A44A23263AC46AEA70D2B0BA502A1A7.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/29/2009 10:19:05 PM)
An update from the military forces screen – Russia is mass producing artillery, so are the Wallies – hmm I thought the role of Arty was reduced to what is should be? The war in Russia will tell... Japan steals Infantry and HB land attack – from China again! No success with spying from the Wallies yet.

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/29/2009 10:19:55 PM)
Summer 1940 – After the Russian FM jumped to 2 it is time to say hi to the leaders of the Yugoslavian coup. Italy and all SE Europe minors join the Axis as a result. As Denmark and Norway are invaded, too, several South American counties moved towards the Allied camp. No more resource problems for the Allies? Also it seems the Russians spying on Germany has come to an end. [image]local://upfiles/17642/C6A06203D98046E6918FC730105931EA.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/29/2009 10:21:20 PM)
Japan does the same as last turn and likely the next to come – bomb the hell out of China but stay away from any ground action. Two CAGs get the vet status and one goes gold. I consider elite CAGs the most important weapon the Japanese can put on the table against a superior US fleet. If the first Japanese blows against it are to be meaningful they must come as hard as possible. The +4 modifier can make a big difference between hit or no hit. Finally Japan’s Infantry is at the level of China.

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/30/2009 10:38:32 PM)
Fall 1940 – It became obvious for Mussolini that Italy can only get their share of victory if they join the Axis, so in a combined effort Greece is subdued. Looking towards Eastern Europe, troop movements started towards the Soviet border in preparation of a large scale excercise... Since Winter 1940 German factories are occupied with tank production, now the short runners like Infantry and Artillery are also on the list. The downside is that Britain remains rather unmolested, except for a sortie of Uboats following a breakthrough in Evasion tech. They should have 2-3 turns to get a few trannies and possibly reach vet status before the Allies advance their ASW tech and even the playing field. The Atlantic sees the first 2 wolf packs creating havoc. Unfortunately there must have been US citizens on board of some damaged ships. [image]local://upfiles/17642/BFBD85B9394E44329144D2C6A17653DE.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/30/2009 10:40:23 PM)
In Africa Jesse has prepared everything for a quick strike against the Italian positions. As the Axis cannot afford to give up all of Africa at this point some reinforcements are sent to North Africa, knowing that they will have to hold ground for at least two turns before more troops can arrive. The additional sea zones, combined with only 2 transports available, severly hinder Italian supplies. The CV in the Cicilian Sea blocks Italian ships from pursuing the Greek DD which flees to Egypt. The risk of loosing a BB was not worth to try sinking the DD against enemy CAG cover. Japanese HBs damage one of the Chinese factories. At land attack of 4 Chinese production was halfed. Only the Chingking factory is still operational due to fighter cover. So far, Japanese spies were highly useless, as only Chinese tech was acquired. [image]local://upfiles/17642/4DE64FAF75BF465F837AE12690687150.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/30/2009 10:45:07 PM)
Winter 1941 – After the Uboats proved they are untouchable for the Allied DDs more transports were hunted. A transport got a lucky hit on the Italian sub though. All preparations are complete for a Spring attack on Russia. As my favourite rush into Lenigrad is no longer possible in AWD deluxe I plan on advancing on a wide frontline, trying to kill as maky units instead just damaging them. Knowing it is not going to be a war of weeks the factories are still humming but also a much larger portion will be devoted to land unit research: tank and Infantry EV and LA. Russia is busy throwing gun barrels into the front line. [image]local://upfiles/17642/253E1AB72B40462B8692B3E75BB93619.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/30/2009 10:46:31 PM)
In an attempt to match the Russian Arty I add a couple of TacAir. Not only can they destroy infrastructure prior to an attack, they also can suppress enemy Arty without much fear of being hit, reducing my need for population wasting for Axis artillery. The Russians can build a lot of Arty, but they need to be distributed across the frontline, so I should have enough TacAir to overcome them. Finally, the Japanese have deciphered the Wallies’ production and research code, so to speak. Not too much going on there, mostly TacAir production, 2 CVs (only 2 making 8 total – I should have 6 CVs ready by 1942...) and Infantry EV+LA, fighter EV, TacAir LA, H.B. EV+LA research besides DD ASW+EV. Looks like my CAGs will have an edge initially...

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (7/30/2009 10:48:11 PM)
Spring 1941 – Finally the greatest assault in history is underway. At total of 55 Axis units (11 tanks, 22 Infantry, 2 Paras, 9 Arty plus air units) smashes into less than half that number of surprised and outgunned Russian units. It is never going to be easier... Almost at no cost the regions West of Smolensk and Kharkov are taken. The E. Poland is encircled and surrenders. The only downside is that the Russian TacAir survived. They sure will be a pest in the next turns. Allied DDs finally have upgraded ASW, the hunters will be the hunted... I move most Uboats into the South Atlantic, if the DDs want to chase subs they will need a lot of supplies to get them. This time the US tension rose by 3, getting close to FM2. Jesse made an effort to keep his transport pool at a constant level (60+ trannies), which explains that apart from fighters not too many Allied units have appeared so far. Japan keeps stockpiling fuel and bombing China. Both Chinese factories are now defended by 3 AA, making it highly difficult to score a hit. [image]local://upfiles/17642/29E8B21C0F6747F6968DC98D3800CFD0.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:31:52 PM)
Summer 1941 – As the Spring 41 turn was the first turn the Allies really made offensive moves I start with a recap: After the Allied CAG damaged a Tac Air and sunk a trannie in the Med the British attacked Tobruk but were beaten back badly. Considering mostly Italian Militias repulsed a combined arms attack a huge success for the Axis. As payback a Brithish BB damaged the Axis Arty after the battle. Being cut off both Axis units damaged were destroyed. [image]local://upfiles/17642/25A5218D43C74712B04036CF7E39BC12.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:34:34 PM)
The Wallies made no effort at all to hunt down subs which actually plays into my cards as the subs can continue to harass trannies, the extended range of 10 gives them space to strike from remote waters and retreat back to them. The Murmansk convoys started but were left without any cover, thus the German BB and DDs sortied making easy prey. 11 suply points were used up to kill 6 Pop points and 6 resources, not a bad deal. Not mentioning the vet status obtained by the BB and one DD. [image]local://upfiles/17642/A6BC0764AB4640D5991A381808709DA6.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:38:38 PM)
In Russia Minsk was temporarily retaken by Ivan as only one blitzing tank defended it. The Red Army formed strongholds in Leningrad, Kalinin and Rostov, with 15-20 units each. As I was not in position to threaten Leningrad I moved into Smolensk, Kharkov, retaking Minsk. A stubborn milita repulsed tree attacks in Kursk, damaging one Para and one Infantry with autohits. I guess that is bayback for my earlier diplomatic successes... The bulk of my forces stands now in Minsk and Kharkov. The Red army has a comparable size in units plus 40+ militias, what a mountain to climb. But with only 30 supplies (mostly from Wallied convoys) it is very immobile. Thus I should be able to launch an attack next turn at favourable odds. The Soviet black sea fleet was taken out in Maikop port. [image]local://upfiles/17642/D613B88A032D4157B70714AAC8029064.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:42:29 PM)
Something very strange happened when a wolfpack attacked Force H off Gibraltar. Two subs hit the same trannie, both sinking them and getting vet status. So far so good. But why did the US tension go up by two if only one trannie actually was sunk? Looks like a bug to me although Jesse did not recall that the WR actually rose by 2 instead of 1. [image]local://upfiles/17642/36415EDC9EC8422088EB5D91BCBFB4FB.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:44:31 PM)
The US reached FM 2 so it is getting time for Japan to get an attack plan together. I felt that there were only two options; either only strike PH but leave the US coast fleet unmolested – this ensures the PH fleet is gone and allows a retreat to safe waters at little cost – or try the risky move: Attack the US coast fleet with surface ships, break through and strike the CVs in San Francisco Harbout despite AA defenses. This for sure will cost some Japanese BBs and DDs, and does not guarantee a single hit on the CVs. But it is worth the risk as PH can still be blocked and attacked a turn later, while possibly up to 4 Allied CV might be damaged or sunk, giving Japan parity or even more. I started researching CAG torpedo and ship attack, EV and BB ship attack for this purpose about 1-2 turns ago. Of course the mishap in the Atlantic reduced the time Japan has to prepare.

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:46:24 PM)
Fall 1941 – The Russians face another enemy as Finland joined the Axis. The Red Army has further reinforced Rostov, Leningrad and Moscow but vacated Kalinin. The Wallies managed to sink their first Uboat. Axis spies return with excellent results: both production plans of Russia and Wallies reveal a focus on Infantry, fighters, tanks (Russia) and Trannies and HBs (Wallies). [image]local://upfiles/17642/B891794B966F46AB9D50123E398F575B.jpg[/image]

Marshall Art -> RE: AWD deluxe AAR: Marshall Art - Lebatron (8/6/2009 8:48:21 PM)
As no offensive action promised favourable results I moved the bulk of the German Army into Kursk and Smolensk. Despite a breather for the Red Army my move attempts to threaten Moscow and Gorki, hoping to lure the Russians to leave their stronghold and burn supplies. Knowing that Winter is approching I need to be able to withdraw into safe postions, too. With more Infantry and tanks in queue plus some tech advances over winter I need to resume the attacks in Spring 42. Clearly the vast territory favours a defender. Finland cannot be saved if the Russians attack. My attempts to take out the Russian TacAir fail, with one attacking Bomber and only one defending Bomber being damaged. AA fire is frustrating the pilots, but more bombers were flown in. As each AA fires on up to 2 bombers I need twice as many bombers plus extra to give those extra pilots the best chance for a hit. The standoff in N. Africa continues as both sides did not attack. [image]local://upfiles/17642/1A64C1D0158E49A18365A58960787BFE.jpg[/image]

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