springer
Posts: 414
Joined: 5/14/2009 Status: offline
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Tweber can correct me on this if I get it wrong, but there is no chance of redeployment at the beginning of each scenario. I see this as one of the challenges of the game. My corps structure starts out all jumbled up and I have to sort it out while still maintaining forward momentum, which must always remain the priority. (In some scenarios, the AI is so aggressive that I have to engage them immediately with the nearest units at hand, and never have a chance to sort out the command structure properly.) With respect to replacements, they can be bought with the card on the first turn of each scenario only. And yes, you have the option to buy on the first turn of every scenario. After the first turn, the option disappears for the remainder of that particular scenario. My own preference was to not purchase the replacements at the beginning of the scenario. I had no problem going forward with units that are understrength in infantry (i.e., around 10 infantry per regiment) because (and I'm probably only saying what most AT vets already knew long before I learned it) understrength units are still incredibly valuable. You only need one decent unit to do the heavy lifting during an attack, but the understrength units are still quite valuable for creating those low-cost concentric attacks that are the hallmark of AT tactics. Understrength units are particularly useful if their artillery support is highly experienced and participation in these concentric attacks will get their experience up to 80 XP plus in no time. I didn't buy units because I wanted to build up my PP for the refit after the campaign (then I can choose between buying units or buying upgrades.) I think my strategy might have been mistaken. Buying units on the first turn is smarter and cheaper than waiting for the refit. The reason is that I think the cost of troops is cheaper than during the refit. I think that in scenario 2, you pay 60 PP for two infantry regiments, an armor regiment, and an artillery regiment. During the refit, this would cost 88 PP. So, if you buy at the beginning of the scenario, the armor regiment cost only 30 PP (instead of 34 during the refit) and the artillery regiment is free. (I can imagine Fritz Todt with an American accent: "Buy three regiments now, and we'll throw in some artillery for free. This is a limited offer so don't wait") Also, purchasing units in a scenario gives them more time to build up valuable experience before the refit. The the only potential limitations I see to buying at the beginning of the scenario is a loss in choice during the refit, the 60 PP wouldn't be available for upgrades and you can't tailor your reinforcements as carefully (e.g., during refit, you may want to buy 4 infantry regiments with the 60 PP instead of the reinforcement "combo platter" that is offered on the first turn of the scenario. Or, you might want to invest in more air power). By the way in the '42 scenarios, it's probably worthwhile to buy replacements each time, since there is no '43 campaign or refit. Though I'm jumping ahead, here's another question I'd like to see player's opinion on. What is the optimal refit strategy? I think the upgrade to Fighter II is an essential part of any AT strategy. Beyond that, I'm unsure. Is it better to focus on creating upgraded units or to expand the size of the army? For example, is it better to spend 120 PP turning Infantry I into Infantry II, or is it better to use the PP buying 8 infantry regiments or nearly 3 tank regiments?
< Message edited by springer -- 1/7/2010 5:15:30 AM >
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