RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (Full Version)

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RangerJoe -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/26/2021 8:36:59 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Axe1999

In my game Im pretty sure Yamato ate 20-30 bomb hits, all armor hits. Had to sortie three Standards to finish it off.

Btw how can you edit size of your carrier wing? I only have option to allow for resize in '43 to 18 (exactly 2 torpedo strikes)


Once the resizing that is set in the coding is done, then you can resize the air units. Check your Royal Navy FAA units now and you can resize them. Eighteen Albacores/Swordfish are just the right size for US Navy Fleet carriers. [:D]

If there is no future size change, you should be able to resize the air units on a carrier if the have carrier capable aircraft. I don't think that the Royal Air Force air units that can change to naval aircraft can resize, however. Those extra large air units are great for training pilots.



RangerJoe -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/26/2021 8:40:19 PM)

Check section 7.3 here:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2260137



porpoisehead -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/28/2021 11:39:03 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Axe1999

Didnt actually know about chunks of 4, looks like I havent been paying too much attention on combat replays.

Anyways, thanks a lot for the tips, nice to see people following


Thought I'd drop a note to say that I'm following, too! I'm pretty new to the game as well so this thread is really entertaining and illuminating.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/28/2021 1:25:19 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: porpoisehead

Thought I'd drop a note to say that I'm following, too! I'm pretty new to the game as well so this thread is really entertaining and illuminating.


Welcome, the more the merrier :)

Personally this game has been way different than anything Ive experienced before, Im about 300 hrs in and still feel like a complete and total beginner, huge contrast to some other wargames I played (mostly HOI series).

I can post these a bit more often to give some insight into my thinking and logistics, training, background stuff if you'd like to see that.



Schlussel -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/28/2021 4:23:54 PM)

Hey there Axe, just started following this one. Nice job so far, you've seriously dulled the Japanese sword (or is it katana? [:D]). The initiative looks to be swinging your way. Just a word of caution, your carriers are still very vulnerable to those darn Betties until your pilot experience and coordination increase. But keep doing your thing, sometimes the best lessons are learned when you make a mistake (I know I've had my share of them).

As far as the carrier air group resize, I believe those are hard coded, so you probably have to wait until the date indicated to resize them. Although I'm sure another forumite will chime in if I'm wrong.



BBfanboy -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/28/2021 5:59:03 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Hey there Axe, just started following this one. Nice job so far, you've seriously dulled the Japanese sword (or is it katana? [:D]). The initiative looks to be swinging your way. Just a word of caution, your carriers are still very vulnerable to those darn Betties until your pilot experience and coordination increase. But keep doing your thing, sometimes the best lessons are learned when you make a mistake (I know I've had my share of them).

As far as the carrier air group resize, I believe those are hard coded, so you probably have to wait until the date indicated to resize them. Although I'm sure another forumite will chime in if I'm wrong.

There are some hard coded resizes at certain dates, but in PDU ON you can turn off the coded ones by selecting "No Resize Allowed", and, earlier than the coded resize, you can resize a unit aboard a carrier if the right conditions exist. I just dock or disband my carriers at a large enough base with lots of supply. But check the pools to see if resizing will still leave enough aircraft to cover losses.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (4/28/2021 8:47:01 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Hey there Axe, just started following this one. Nice job so far, you've seriously dulled the Japanese sword (or is it katana? [:D]). The initiative looks to be swinging your way. Just a word of caution, your carriers are still very vulnerable to those darn Betties until your pilot experience and coordination increase. But keep doing your thing, sometimes the best lessons are learned when you make a mistake (I know I've had my share of them).

As far as the carrier air group resize, I believe those are hard coded, so you probably have to wait until the date indicated to resize them. Although I'm sure another forumite will chime in if I'm wrong.


Hello, if you read my first post you know your AAR actually inspired mine [:D] just dont have time or patience follow the template you used (weekly one)

Timor area and Solomon Sea is a grave of Japanese hulls I think HMAS Canberra and CL Java based out of Darwin have 100+ xAK kills combined. Im toning it down now to get at least some challenge in '43.

KB is hurt definitely with 4 carriers sunk and all of the airgroups mauled but it still has some teeth with 3 fleet CVs left if used together, and Betties are a danger, just a bit less with increased AA in DBB scenario. I lost quite a bit of SBDs as well, and replacements are painfully slow. Shouldnt have any more CV battles till Hellcats arrive either way, but that depends on AI.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:01:05 AM)

Sitrep - November '42

SWPAC
Advance up the Solomons continues. On November 4th 1st Marine Division with supports of some armor and artillery made ladnfall on the island of Bougainville. Shortlands base crumbled under first deliberate attack, despite entire Jap division and some armor defending it. I think that is consequence of month long prep bombardment from both sea and air, with interdiction of supply convoys by dive bombers. Advance continues north to Torokina which will be my main base on the island, with its 1(1) port and 2(5) airbase already built up, it will come handy next year for flattening of Rabaul.

On New Guinea advance is painfully slow. Our forces clashed at Salamua three weeks ago but it proved to be a hard stalemate, with lvl 3 forts and Jap division and regiment defending it. Im bringing some reinforcements but movement over Owen Stanleys and through the interior of the jungle means it will be a few more weeks till I can make an effective attack.

China/Burma/India:
China looks pretty much the same as it has been Dec 7th. Slim line has been almost fully built up, with almost every base having lvl 6 or lvl 7 forts. Still no action on the line, big fat stack of 12 Jap units marched hex away from Akyab and has been stationary there for about a month. A week ago, SigInt warned about a possibility of seaborne invasion of Akyab so I transfered some TBs from Ceylon which sank two of their transports and I assume scared the others away, since they havent been seen since.

NoPac/CentPac:
Very quiet theater so far. I started building up Tabiteuea just south of Tarawa as future jumping off point so I can bypass Canton and Baker, but I made a mistake of sending a BF without radar there, so Betties are getting through my CAP and mauling my Seabees there. In the north, Japs REALLY want Dutch Harbor, they had 5+ failed invasions resulting getting their transports mauled by coastal guns. Adak has been developing really nice and in the future it will become major sub base and jump off point for liberation of Attu and Kiska. It will be fully maxed out in a week or two.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:06:57 AM)

India

[image]local://upfiles/77507/B3EB1312ADC340B3826DC81495352118.jpg[/image]



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:07:33 AM)

SWPAC

[image]local://upfiles/77507/033684ED53274FF1B26F7119BC9E483D.jpg[/image]



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:08:33 AM)

Intel Screen

[image]local://upfiles/77507/82194B79A75A4344A66D650F6CAB8738.jpg[/image]



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:10:25 AM)

Ships sunk (Kaga confirmed sunk when she reacted to Guadalcanal invasion, I doubted she would survive 6 bombs and 2 torps, I guess this confirms it). One less to worry about

[image]local://upfiles/77507/7AAD984AFD3D4E30B851FEB6FD1449AD.jpg[/image]



Taxcutter -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 9:14:42 PM)

You're doing real good. The losses you imposed have robbed AI of the initiative. The Slim Line will do nicely til you get an urge to open the Burma Road.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 9:37:43 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

You're doing real good. The losses you imposed have robbed AI of the initiative. The Slim Line will do nicely til you get an urge to open the Burma Road.


Honestly Im completely content with CBI theater staying as is till the end of war, I have next to no interest in land warfare aspect of the war. Ive noticed in bunch of other AARs that Japan cant really hold Burma but I dont really plan on exploiting that till late war.

Turning point was pretty much my own mini Midway around Guadalcanal in June where Japs lost 3 fleet carriers, and combined losses of 500 cargo vessels, as per Tracker.



Taxcutter -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 9:51:11 PM)

You could let indeed CBI go comatose. That would certainly shorten up your orders phase.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 10:10:38 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

You could let indeed CBI go comatose. That would certainly shorten up your orders phase.


Oh yeah definitely. As it is now, I can go through turn in about 20 mins, so Im keeping very good pace.



BBfanboy -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:44:55 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Axe1999


quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

You're doing real good. The losses you imposed have robbed AI of the initiative. The Slim Line will do nicely til you get an urge to open the Burma Road.


Honestly Im completely content with CBI theater staying as is till the end of war, I have next to no interest in land warfare aspect of the war. Ive noticed in bunch of other AARs that Japan cant really hold Burma but I dont really plan on exploiting that till late war.

Turning point was pretty much my own mini Midway around Guadalcanal in June where Japs lost 3 fleet carriers, and combined losses of 500 cargo vessels, as per Tracker.


I am also not thrilled by land warfare - but when I tried to play the game without doing anything with my LCUs other than dig in, I quickly found that I needed air bases and ports to extend the reach of my navy and air forces. With the land war strategically tied to the naval and air war I found it much more interesting to play.



RangerJoe -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/1/2021 11:54:50 PM)

The way to handle the CBI will be to wait until you get at least the 1943 squad upgrades mostly finished, then invade at Pegu which would help to cut off the Japanese in Burma. Then march on Rangoon, Bangkok, and up the valley with your armoured forces.

Hold him by the nose and kick him in the . . .



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/2/2021 8:34:44 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
I am also not thrilled by land warfare - but when I tried to play the game without doing anything with my LCUs other than dig in, I quickly found that I needed air bases and ports to extend the reach of my navy and air forces. With the land war strategically tied to the naval and air war I found it much more interesting to play.


I probably should have phrased it differently, I dont like CBI theater style type of combat that much, or land combat on that large of a scale. I still like doing PNG crawl over Owen Stanleys and pushing through Bougainville with my marines.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/2/2021 9:02:57 AM)

Few words on some random behind-the-scenes stuff, any tips or suggestions are welcome

Logistics
CS convoys are a life saver here. Im running 2 CS convoys to SWPAC from CONUS and 2 to Pearl Harbor. With EC2 ships coming faster than I can find tasking for them. But realistically I think I can handle SWPAC with Australias supply alone. Fuel could always be better but its not limiting factor for now, my main fleet base is Noumea with 800k and it gets 2 fat TK CS convoys, one goes to Lugainville as kind of a forward base, and one to Sydney to keep its industry going. One CS TK goes to Pearl Harbor to stockpile for future operations in CentPac, even though I dont really need fuel that much there currently, so its pretty small convoy (around 50 000 fuel).

From CT I originally went to Calcutta, but IJNs submarines apparently switched their attention form my USA-Oz route to Bay of Bengal, as they are no where to be seen, so I rerouted my CS to Madras and Bombay. India is swimming in supply and fuel, Karachi alone has 1.5M unused fuel, and 1M+ supply in Madras. My biggest issue here was supplying Akyab, since it cannot pull that much through that coastal road I had to send convoys from Calcutta. Problem is, IJN would react with surface raiders. After a second time that happened, I sortied 2 old Royal Navy BBs under LRCAP that dealt with the threat. Another convoy goes CT-Perth, and fuel to CT comes with xAKs from EC, along with injection of 200k supply per trip.

Pilot Training
Following some forum advice, I organize my training as followed:
Fighter pilots get 70 air + 50 exp, and if there is time 70 def. 4EBs hit ground targets, and originally 2EBs, ABs and similar were training in naval attack but even with NavB at 70 I dont get that many hits, so I repurposed them for ground bombing and left naval bombing to dive bombers. Each of those respective skills is trained to 70. My carrier SBDs get trained in naval search as well. I lost a lot of them in a big carrier clash so big retraining is in order.

Grand Strategy
Regarding my grand strategy and basic timeline Id like to do it relatively historical, even though Im pretty confident I could do some of this stuff right now. Gilberts in mid-late '43, then Marshalls, then summer '44 assault on Marianas. In SWPAC, Im pretty sure invasion of Rabaul is off the table, since recon suggests 60k+ troops there. Its not ideal, since I have to leave some bombers behind to keep it shut down but its not a big deal. After Rabaul is isolated, I hope till the end of '43 I can think about push for the Philippines from the south, and start getting my bases to do that. After bases are secured, two pronged push on Philippines late '44 early '45, followed by Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Submarine warfare
Even with huge dud rate Mk 14 is bagging some nice tonnage. I swarmed entrance to the Inland Sea and entire south of HIs, South China Sea as well as passage between Indochina and Borneo, Makkasar straight, Java sea, Palembang and Balikpapan, sinking few dozen TKs so far. Cant wait for first reduction of dud rate in about a month, because now if I understood correctly its 80% of the hits, so more like 90% accounting for the misses.

Conversions
Four pipers were converted to DEs, since Im struggling to see the use of APDs. Some of new EC2s get converted to xAPs, which are now more needed as operations ramp up and a lot of shipping is in SWPAC. Every AG and xAK capable of converting to AKE has been converted, those come in extremely handy. Few of those in Munda allowed me to continue daily bombing of Shortlands with only one TF. In a few months APA and AKA conversions are coming, and some Canadian AMCs are converting to landing ships.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/2/2021 11:57:51 AM)

A small gift for the Japanese on the first year anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. Massive two day air raid of 325 Allied bombers on the base of Rabaul that left 250+ IJN and IJA aircraft burning wrecks on the ground.



BBfanboy -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/2/2021 4:11:34 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Axe1999


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
I am also not thrilled by land warfare - but when I tried to play the game without doing anything with my LCUs other than dig in, I quickly found that I needed air bases and ports to extend the reach of my navy and air forces. With the land war strategically tied to the naval and air war I found it much more interesting to play.


I probably should have phrased it differently, I dont like CBI theater style type of combat that much, or land combat on that large of a scale. I still like doing PNG crawl over Owen Stanleys and pushing through Bougainville with my marines.

So it looks like you are taking to heart the advice to "Never get involved in a land war in Asia!" [:D]



RangerJoe -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/2/2021 7:23:25 PM)

APDs are nice for invasion convoys as escorts and to drop 60 units of supplies for the invasion forces.

They can also perform Fast Transport missions as well. That makes it a nice way to capture a small, poorly or undefended base which can then be built up. They can also be used to move some air support squads and supplies to a completely (0) port and (0) airfield base for flying boat and float plane operations without risking a ship at the base. They can also help evacuate units.



CV10 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/3/2021 9:10:26 PM)

It looks like you have SWPAC in good order and are pasting the Japanese at Rabaul. I don't have much advice to offer aside from keep doing what you're doing.

Looking towards your eventual CentPac drive: APAs, AKAs, and LSTs are all worth their weight in gold, particularly in CentPac. Atoll invasions that require a mandatory shock attack can be dicey affairs and making sure your full assault force lands with sufficient supply before they have to attack is essential. Pre-invasion bombardments are also crucial and can make the difference between success and disaster. It also helps to embed a cruiser into the amphibious TFs; they tend to draw enemy CD fire and can be effective in suppressing enemy CD guns.




Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/4/2021 12:07:31 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: CV10

It looks like you have SWPAC in good order and are pasting the Japanese at Rabaul. I don't have much advice to offer aside from keep doing what you're doing.

Looking towards your eventual CentPac drive: APAs, AKAs, and LSTs are all worth their weight in gold, particularly in CentPac. Atoll invasions that require a mandatory shock attack can be dicey affairs and making sure your full assault force lands with sufficient supply before they have to attack is essential. Pre-invasion bombardments are also crucial and can make the difference between success and disaster. It also helps to embed a cruiser into the amphibious TFs; they tend to draw enemy CD fire and can be effective in suppressing enemy CD guns.




Oh I definitely cant wait for the March upgrades to troop ships so I can get to play with some new toys [:D]
Hellcats and Essexes are also closer by the day, not that I need them that much right now, old carriers did pull their weight in '42



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/4/2021 12:09:39 PM)

I have a question I can't find answer to. Do Marines get any bonus to amphibious operations, or it's all the same if Army troops make the landing? Aside from exp difference and some extra firepower USMC divisions have, do they get for example, less disruption, faster unload?



RangerJoe -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/4/2021 1:37:42 PM)

Not that I am aware of.



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/11/2021 12:10:29 PM)

January '43 Sitrep

January started pretty quiet, with some SS re-basing, a lot of ship upgrades, and ferrying reinforcements across the map. Only area of interest was SWPAC.

SWPAC
Rossel Island fell after first deliberate attack by Americal Division. It probably could have been bypassed but I didnt want to leave possible seaplane base to Japanese to leave them eyes over Coral Sea. That triggered sortie of Musashi and Hyuga from Truk to Rabaul area. Musashi was sunk by USN carrier aircraft after three days of pounding, while Hyuga was wounded. I assumed it was going back to Truk and swarmed the area with subs and bingo, two torps into her already burning hull and she goes down. I think IJN battleship force is down to only Yamashiro.

-10% dud rate was really a huge difference, Im getting 3 sinkings per turn on average just by my subs.

Near future plans in SWPAC are to secure Huon Gulf and slowly start effectively encircling Rabaul by taking Umboi, Manus, Kavieng, maybe even go historically and land on Cape Gloucester and Arawe. Rough idea in attached pic.

[image]local://upfiles/77507/F3A78F9029DD428AA2E2527A2DC12B4F.jpg[/image]



Schlussel -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/13/2021 12:00:20 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Axe1999


quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Hey there Axe, just started following this one. Nice job so far, you've seriously dulled the Japanese sword (or is it katana? [:D]). The initiative looks to be swinging your way. Just a word of caution, your carriers are still very vulnerable to those darn Betties until your pilot experience and coordination increase. But keep doing your thing, sometimes the best lessons are learned when you make a mistake (I know I've had my share of them).

As far as the carrier air group resize, I believe those are hard coded, so you probably have to wait until the date indicated to resize them. Although I'm sure another forumite will chime in if I'm wrong.


Hello, if you read my first post you know your AAR actually inspired mine [:D] just dont have time or patience follow the template you used (weekly one)

Timor area and Solomon Sea is a grave of Japanese hulls I think HMAS Canberra and CL Java based out of Darwin have 100+ xAK kills combined. Im toning it down now to get at least some challenge in '43.

KB is hurt definitely with 4 carriers sunk and all of the airgroups mauled but it still has some teeth with 3 fleet CVs left if used together, and Betties are a danger, just a bit less with increased AA in DBB scenario. I lost quite a bit of SBDs as well, and replacements are painfully slow. Shouldnt have any more CV battles till Hellcats arrive either way, but that depends on AI.


Yeah I did read that, thanks for the compliment. In all honesty, I wrote everything out like that more for me than the readers. There is something about putting pen to paper (metaphorically speaking) that helps me get things straight in my head.

Oh right I forgot about the AA change in DBB, that will help things for sure.

As far as the AI's use of his carriers, he's definitely stingy, but he will risk them on important objectives (Port Moresby in my game). However, once the Japanese expansion phase of the war is over, he seems to just keep them at heavily fortified ports (Rabaul, Truk, Marianas). When you move in on said base, his carriers usually bug out. The AI evaded a major carrier clash in this way, until I was able to ambush his carriers as they retreated from Guam.

Good luck with you upcoming operations to isolate Rabaul. Give 'em hell Admiral![sm=00000106.gif]



Axe1999 -> RE: Another noob AAR vs JAP AI (5/16/2021 7:49:12 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
Yeah I did read that, thanks for the compliment. In all honesty, I wrote everything out like that more for me than the readers. There is something about putting pen to paper (metaphorically speaking) that helps me get things straight in my head.

Oh right I forgot about the AA change in DBB, that will help things for sure.

As far as the AI's use of his carriers, he's definitely stingy, but he will risk them on important objectives (Port Moresby in my game). However, once the Japanese expansion phase of the war is over, he seems to just keep them at heavily fortified ports (Rabaul, Truk, Marianas). When you move in on said base, his carriers usually bug out. The AI evaded a major carrier clash in this way, until I was able to ambush his carriers as they retreated from Guam.

Good luck with you upcoming operations to isolate Rabaul. Give 'em hell Admiral![sm=00000106.gif]


Same thing for me actually, I even do all my planning and tracking in Excel. Started pen-to-paper, but then I found copy paste function too useful to continue with manual method [:D]

Three of the remaining carriers seem to be chilling in Hollandia. I can probably get them in port since I have 5 fleet CVs in the AO and overwhelming air superiority, but I want to leave some fun for the Essexes haha



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