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atheory -> RE: Chutes and Ladders (Grauwolf(j) vs Mundy(a) LST Bottleneck Mod (5/18/2017 5:38:55 AM)
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Other than scenario analysis, this AAR will cease from the day to day reporting.
As we approach March 1942, here are some observations.
1. There is almost a retraining of the mind that needs to take place. Throwing out what you typically know about the first few months of play that we're use to with other scenarios.
a) Forward bases in so-pac lack stockpiles, so forward operations require much more effort and planning.
b) No first turn transports, already discussed.
c) Limited LCU's vs Game mechanics make it challenging to achieve historical Japanese results. By limited, I mean there is nothing to counteract the allied player from pulling all his forces into Singapore and Bataan. And while supply still lacks for allies, it still requires much effort to neutralize these bases. There are no forward fighting that would help to whittle down allied units before these sieges take place. This leaves just enough LCUs for a push in one direction early on. Splitting them up between SRA and So-Pac as I have done seems to slow down overall progress and is best to concentrate on the SRA first.
2. Issues with allies, or maybe not.
a) Mundy has excelled at maximizing, from what I can see, the allied potential early on. He was able to flood Burma with 50+ units, over 120k which probably equates to 2000+ AV. Not to mention by parking 400 aircraft, even without adequate support at Rangoon, could neutralize any of my own air efforts in that area. He even withdrew Dutch units to the area. I was a little surprise by the lack of aggressiveness here by my opponent. With my army firmly committed at Singapore which still hasn't fallen, it would have been interesting to see if he could have taken Bangkok. Although I'm sure just building up defenses around Rangoon will probably make it virtually a fortress by the time I'm ready to hit there.
b) With the Japanese bottlenecked in China with Garrison requirements and more bases lavishly placed about, Mundy was able to put together a 1500+ AV chinese army and push into Vietnam. While chinese units aren't the greatest, they easily swept aside the units stationed in that area. Reinforcements are required to stop the taking of Hanoi/Haiphong. I only mean to illustrate that with such effort to limit the speed of Japanese expansion, it comes at a dear cost to what the allies can do in the same time.
3. Japanese economy is unforgiving. Meaning there isn't much wiggle room for error from what I've seen. This isn't a bad thing. It just requires one to look closer at what one is getting into here. It's really a domino effect, 1st build LI to beef up supply production, by then you're probably out of engines, and should be able to expand here. But be careful with your HI, it's not as abundant as one is accustomed to.
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