RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (Full Version)

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Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 1:44:18 AM)

Production. I have noticed that Russia is losing 2 MS per turn, even on turns when there is no Raiding. Regardless, I have to think that Allied production is much greater than Axis production.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/43553B67A85C4477B44FCE5C2F1A52D2.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 1:46:55 AM)

Deployment Boxes. Not much there yet, but I plan to build 4 more Russian Infantry Armies over the Winter.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/F1BC3204770B4BBA8B82E4CC61AE90F5.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 1:48:46 AM)

Technology

[image]local://upfiles/14737/412E8426D50F4FBAA7E1D7F5AF85BC47.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 2:45:21 AM)

NOVEMBER 5, 1943

8 MS sunk, but the U-Boats suffer 7 hits.

Bad weather means no attacks, but the Axis evacuate Tripoli. So now all I need to do is capture and hold an Italian production city.

I am surprised that Moscow (which I only recaptured 2 turns ago) is already at full production.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/2E6DA3D3E98B436799324CF3DE1EFB50.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 2:47:34 AM)

NOVEMBER 19, 1943

The Germans have no U-Boats raiding this turn, but the Russians still lose 2 MMs to what I can only assume is a bug.

The American unit near Tirane is finally destroyed for lack of supply. I prefer to think they have joined Tito's partisans.

The Axis Mediterranean Defences will be tough to crack.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/91411CE0E45743BABC38DBB12F2C9707.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 2:53:23 AM)

Cold weather on the Russian front gives me the opportunity to again try my tactic for destroying enemy units. You may recall I said that it didn't always work. I wasn't trying to be prophetic, but this turn is a good example of that. One unit retreated even though I only had 2-1 odds (I assume it was not set to hold). And two other unit made their "Saving Throws" and retreated rather than being overrun. The end result is only 2 Axis units and several Russian units in poor shape.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/BB251BDF33AE4003946E377969D1EDAA.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/11/2021 3:00:01 AM)

DECEMBER 2, 1943

Again no raiding U-Boats and again the Russians lose 2 MS. Due to rain or snow all offensive operations are on hold.



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/12/2021 2:19:47 AM)

DECEMBER 16, 1943

4 MS Sunk and the U-Boats take 1 hit.

The only action is in Italy, where after multiple attacks and a paradrop the Allies gain a toehold in the boot.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/48C3D09F90574CF6832A587327D4D24F.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/12/2021 4:26:31 PM)

DECEMBER 30, 1943

9 MS and an escort sunk on the Arctic Convoy route to go along with 3 U-Boat hits.

No Attacks due to the weather. I thought about launching a Russian Winter Offensive to wear the Axis down. But even after several turns of bad weather decreasing Axis effectiveness, the best odds I could get anywhere were 1-2.



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/13/2021 1:33:41 AM)

JANUARY 13, 1944

4 MS and an escort sunk in exchange for 2 U-Boat Hits.

The Russians are able to make two 1-1 Initial odds Attacks and manage to retreat a German Armour. So 1 hex closer to Berlin. Of course, losses greatly favour the Axis.

Elsewhere the Axis and Western Allies just glare at one another from their trenches.

I have already complained about how pathetic port supply is, but here is a screenshot to illustrate what I mean. 0 Air Units and only 53 Divisions and 2 HQs in NW Europe, of which only 12 are Armour or Mechanized. Three size 9 ports + two size 2 ports and all units are within 4 hexes or less of a port. Yet 2 Corps (6 divisions) are receiving only basic supply. Oddly the two only receiving basic supply are closer to ports than most other units. Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong?

[image]local://upfiles/14737/31CFF6157887479996D11BD2130832FC.jpg[/image]



Nirosi -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/13/2021 4:24:12 PM)

To be honest I can not say if those ports should be able to supply all those units or not as my knowledge on that is very limited. However, I would not consider your situation a problematic one supply wise. Almost all you units are working 100%. Only 2 receive basic supply. And even they can still be useful. Assuming a rotation of the units in basic supply, it might even be possible to never notice a serious reduction in capacity.

It would be nice however if the formula to put units in basic supply would chose HQs and units far from enemy first. Or maybe use the priority setting for supply priority as well?

My personal preference would be to ajust in this case the recovery off all units. For example if you have 85% of required supply, all units would only recover 85% of what they usually do (and even max repair could be reduced by same %, for example 5 steps max for a large corps instead of 6). But I am not unhappy with the actual system despite sometime some weird results.

Nice game by the way!



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 12:13:22 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Nirosi

To be honest I can not say if those ports should be able to supply all those units or not as my knowledge on that is very limited. However, I would not consider your situation a problematic one supply wise. Almost all you units are working 100%. Only 2 receive basic supply. And even they can still be useful. Assuming a rotation of the units in basic supply, it might even be possible to never notice a serious reduction in capacity.

It would be nice however if the formula to put units in basic supply would chose HQs and units far from enemy first. Or maybe use the priority setting for supply priority as well?

My personal preference would be to ajust in this case the recovery off all units. For example if you have 85% of required supply, all units would only recover 85% of what they usually do (and even max repair could be reduced by same %, for example 5 steps max for a large corps instead of 6). But I am not unhappy with the actual system despite sometime some weird results.

Nice game by the way!


Historically, in March 1945 the Western Allies had approximately 75 divisions in France (about 50% more than my current). Many of these divisions were lined up along the Rhine, far from any ports. The Allies controlled fewer big ports close to the front than I do in my game. They did not control either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. They also had the equivalent of at least 20 air units in France. THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY SUPPLY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER! In fact they had an overabundance of supply.

You are correct that only two of my units are currently affected. But I have a number of other units that I want to deploy into NW Europe (both land and air). But any excess units I so deploy will all have only basic supply. So I have a choice: One is to use what I have got and then rotate units out to keep my numbers the same. The problem with this is that the German Forces opposing me are at least as strong as I am. So making any progress will be difficult. The other option is to move in the other 10 or so land units I have available and than attack with greater force. Of course this will mean that now 12 of my units (about 1/2 my force) will only be receiving basic supply. So no reinforcements for them and no increases in effectiveness. So this will last for a few turns and then I will need to move units back to the UK. But even if either of these strategies work, the point is that Allied combat ability is being seriously impaired when there is no historical justification for it.

I do have a 3rd option and that is to invade elsewhere and use my 10+ units there. But I really should not be forced to do this. The ports I have taken should be enough to support a much larger force (at least double).







Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:48:07 AM)

JANUARY 28, 1944

7 MS and an escort sunk for 4 U-Boat Hits.

Very Costly Russian Attacks. I lose 25 points and the Germans lose only 6.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/60130AF5691E49B3905F7010FA3DC773.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:49:40 AM)

After several assaults the Allies gain another hex in the Toe.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/9BCED0BBAF854E87B473F0F5E8AAD91D.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:52:36 AM)

FEBRUARY 11, 1944

No U-Boat raiding this turn. But I am sure he will be back eventually.

German Mechanized replace Italian units in the Toe. But with help of shore bombardment I send one of them running. Wish it has been overrun though.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/AF908E8805F84825A079EB6996ED1D24.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:53:34 AM)

I manage to retreat a unit in Russia as well. at very high cost.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/2EEDE665A4994FFE8704CD1B9B81DE38.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:55:11 AM)

FEBRUARY 25, 1944

Still no U-Boats. Rain in Italy, but the Allies gain two hexes anyway as the Axis pull back.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/3E28525CA9494483B38494355F7AE274.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 2:56:56 AM)

Another disastrous turn in Russia. The Russians lose 24 points to the German 5 and don't even gain a hex.

I believe there was only 1 blizzard turn this Winter. So that is not good.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/FD81FA93BDA549FA97C41FB3301C4B02.jpg[/image]



Nirosi -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 3:06:23 AM)

quote:

The Allies controlled fewer big ports close to the front than I do in my game. They did not control either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. They also had the equivalent of at least 20 air units in France. THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY SUPPLY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER! In fact they had an overabundance of supply.


Well in that case, if the historical ports are indeed not enough for historical deployment (but as I said, I'll leave that debate to players knowing more than me about supply in WWII), I agree that the ports size or effectiveness should be improved to better reflect historical capacities.

Probably better, if needed, to play with port size than port effectiveness (not to change the supply level in other places such as in Africa for example).



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/14/2021 11:45:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Nirosi

quote:

The Allies controlled fewer big ports close to the front than I do in my game. They did not control either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. They also had the equivalent of at least 20 air units in France. THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY SUPPLY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER! In fact they had an overabundance of supply.


Well in that case, if the historical ports are indeed not enough for historical deployment (but as I said, I'll leave that debate to players knowing more than me about supply in WWII), I agree that the ports size or effectiveness should be improved to better reflect historical capacities.

Probably better, if needed, to play with port size than port effectiveness (not to change the supply level in other places such as in Africa for example).


Perhaps the biggest problem is that the game doesn't have enough diversity in port size. For example, the port of Tripoli in Libya (a size 6 port) could in WWII handle only about 46,000 tons per month. But this is what I found on Wikipedia about the port of Antwerp:

"The capture of Antwerp would have solved all supply problems. The port could handle 1,000 ships at a time weighing up to 19,000 tons each. Antwerp had 10 square miles of docks, 20 miles of water front, and 600 cranes. Senior Allied commanders counted on Antwerp handing 40,000 tons of supplies a day – when it was captured."

So Antwerp could handle in one day almost the same amount of cargo that Tripoli could handle in an entire month. So the difference in port size between them should be about 25X, not just the 1.5X that it is. And don't get me started on the difference between Antwerp and Tobruk. This is why, after capturing Antwerp (and clearing the Walchern Islands) the Allies made no attempt to capture Rotterdam or Amsterdam. Even in the Spring of 45 no serious attempt was made to capture them because the Allies didn't need them. So make Antwerp a size 125 Port (and increase the size of other ports like Marseilles, Cherbourg, etc) and the problem goes away. Perhaps couple this with ports repairing over time once captured.




Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 2:29:06 AM)

MARCH 10, 1944

3 MS sunk along with 3 U-Boat Hits.

Continued foul weather in Russia. I have given up attacking in the snow and I am waiting for clear weather. I have a good turn in Italy though, capturing 3 hexes.


[image]local://upfiles/14737/F43C20A874214DA1964EEB11BFEDA31B.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 2:30:41 AM)

MARCH 24, 1944

6 MS sunk and 6 U-Boat Hits.

Rain and snow every where.



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 2:39:25 AM)

APRIL 7, 1944

No U-Boats raiding this turn.

Still waiting for a clear turn in Russia. I don't even require it in both the Arctic and the North Moderate Zone. I would be happy with either.


The Axis have added coastal defences across Italy. Smart move as the best odds I can get are 1-2. So instead I sink a sub that was on the coast. Several of my units in Italy, including all air units, are in basic supply. As you can see my TAC bombers are now next to useless. The only possible way to advance is with shore bombardment. But the Axis have rebuilt the Luftwaffe and I am nervous about moving in my capital ships.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/119C1CBECC184C54870BE6BED9ACF629.jpg[/image]



boldairade -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 12:16:55 PM)

I thought coastal defenses only protected against attacks from a coastal hex?



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 4:03:05 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: boldairade

I thought coastal defenses only protected against attacks from a coastal hex?


Apparently not. They can also apparently be built one hex inland. The multiples for his units are now 1.6 in the rough hexes and 2.5 for the unit in the mountain. I have never built coastal defenses before; but I will now. Will be useful in Russia to protect the hexes around Leningrad.



Nirosi -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/15/2021 4:28:39 PM)

From what I understand, they will protect from attack coming from beaches or costal hexes (hexes where ships can also go). So there are quite a few hexes where they can be used for. But if there are no beaches or real coastal hexes (in game terms) adjacent, they should not work.

Not quite sure how they work if there are attacks from units in multiple hexes but with only some of them been in coastal/beach? All bonus, none, proportional?



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/16/2021 2:46:11 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Nirosi

From what I understand, they will protect from attack coming from beaches or costal hexes (hexes where ships can also go). So there are quite a few hexes where they can be used for. But if there are no beaches or real coastal hexes (in game terms) adjacent, they should not work.

Not quite sure how they work if there are attacks from units in multiple hexes but with only some of them been in coastal/beach? All bonus, none, proportional?


That may be how it is supposed to work; but I am pretty sure that is not the way it is working.



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/16/2021 2:51:58 AM)

APRIL 21, 1944

Continued bad weather everywhere except in Italy. I attack the Italian Mountain corps and get hammered pretty badly. I suffer 23 hits to my two attacking units (circled in red) while inflicting only 8 hits. I did much better in the air battles over this hex: Destroying 27 Axis Air while losing 11. But I don't see me advancing here at all. Even with shore bombardment he is just too strong.

I would welcome any ideas.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/99048E68D0FB486C90CE634AF3D53AAC.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/16/2021 2:54:12 AM)

In NW Europe I now have 6 units (over 25% of my force) receiving only basic supply.

[image]local://upfiles/14737/A3AAB372BFD640ACB9BDAEBE187756CB.jpg[/image]



Harrybanana -> RE: The Last Two Years (No Stjeand for now) (9/16/2021 2:56:59 AM)

In fact there is not much weakness in the Axis lines anywhere. My only hope is to make another invasion to stretch the Axis lines. But I suspect all of his ports are well garrisoned.

AGN

[image]local://upfiles/14737/3A0216697E854B69981D8DA718230743.jpg[/image]



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