Mike Scholl -> NEEDED---Two Games (9/11/2003 5:48:56 PM)
|
One thing that is quite clear from reading the posts and threads in this forum is that MATRIX needs to offer TWO distinct versions/scenarios for WITP to keep people happy. On one hand, they have the "Historians" that want as much realism/accuracy as possible in the game, even if it means playing the Japanese Side is going to be pretty depressing for the participant. On the other are the "Gamers" who are willing to forgo some reality/history if it makes for a more even and exciting contest. The two are not mutualy exclusive in one game. If 2by3 developes the system and basic scenarios to be as accurate and historical as is possible, then it should be a relatively simple matter to offer an "alternate history" version of each that simply modifies the Historical Scenario according to a fixed storyline. It's just a matter of altering the starting forces/reinforcements to match the "alternate history". I'm not reccommending a total break with reality.., just one which stretches credulity and assumes that in the early 1930's the Japanese Government, Army, Navy, and Industrialists reach a consensus that a war is inevitable and begin working TOGETHER to prepare for it. Simply removing the infighting and petty bickering between these factions would have made a big improvement in Japan's readiness. Toss in a program of rationalization for military production, and an effort to increase strategic stockpiles while reducing the reliance on foriegn shipping, and you end up with a Japan that is much more "fun" to play. Keep the War in China and all the other historical actions so that the scenarios have the same base, but in "alternate history" production is increased, rationalized, and simplified. Improved pilot schools provide a larger flow of compatantly trained aircrews, the Navy gives up it's hugely expensive "Super-Battleship" program in favor of additional CA's, DD's, and CV's, The Army and Navy cooperate on weapons, equipment, and common usage wherever possible, and industry modernizes it's plants to improve labor/materials usage and costs. All this could have allowed a 10-15% increase in "force pools" available at the start of the War, plus (and more importantly) an increase in the quantity and quality of the flow of reinforcements and replacements. By no stretch of reality can you make Japan into an industrial super- power like the US. But you could certainly at least DOUBLE it's historic output during the 1st half of the war, which would keep it "competative" (and therefor "fun) for a year longer at least. This would allow the folks who want "play balance" rather than absolute historical reality a set of scenarios they might have a chance of "winning". And the alternate "Whole War" scenario wouldn't be so depressing to contemplate. Good play and a bit of luck might see the Japanese still clinging to their "inner defense perimeter in the summer of 1945. And without the scenarios being so far "out of whack" as to produce utter disdane from the "Historians". And after (if ever) both groups have exhausted the games possibilities in their own view, they can always try out the other version for a new perspective. Anyway, it's a possibility which could bring an end to a lot of the disputes in the forumn itself.., and maybe allow more concentration on improving the basic game. That's my 2 cents worth anyway. Who knows, maybe it's even a nickle's worth.
|
|
|
|