RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

Page: << < prev 4 5 [6] 7 8 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/19/2015 7:30:26 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 25: May 26th – June 2nd 1942

North Pacific:
Base Force reaches Amchitka and begins construction of an airfield. No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
Region is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
Region is quiet.

New Guinea/Solomons:
The Japanese keep ratcheting up the pressure in the SW Pacific. This week a Japanese CV TF, and SC TF and a couple transport TFs (totaling 25 ships) rounded the horn at Milne Bay and assaulted Port Moresby by sea. From the first battle report, it looks like they dropped off the 66th Infantry Group (~200 AV). At Port Moresby, I have over 450 AV, and that includes an Australian Calvary Regiment. After a day of fighting, the Japanese must have realized that they underestimated my garrison, because they packed up and left just as quickly as they arrived. I have fighter coverage in the area, but no Dive bombers or surface forces, so I couldn’t strike at the retreating transports. Later in the week, Intel reports that 4 more IJA infantry regiments began planning for Port Moresby….sounds like they may be back. Hornet and Saratoga are just completing repairs @ Sydney, so next time I’ll be able to give the IJN transports a proper reception.
Farther south, the IJN TFs that were spotted heading towards Noumea, turned out to be landing barges and Patrol boats. Not sure what they were doing, but after an allied CA/DD sunk about half of them, the rest tucked tail and headed for Rabaul. I attempted to press home my attack, but the IJN had two powerful surface TFs in the area, one of which had two BBs. Both TFs were probing the area E/NE of Noumea, darting back and forth looking for prey. I detoured all cargo ship traffic to the south to avoid the new threat. My precious few SBD Dauntlesses stationed @ Noumea struck at the TFs, but failed to score any hits.
However, near Lunga, a separate Dauntless squadron has had a field day hitting transports supplying the new Japanese bases at Tassafronga and Tulagi, a target-rich environment. Too many targets, not enough DBs…not a bad problem to have.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the Allied bases are isolated and low on supplies. Cebu is that last Allied controlled base in the Phillippines. Japanese airstrikes have intensified @ Cebu…possibly signaling an invasion…or possibly because the Japanese have nothing else to bomb in the region.
In the DEI, Allied control in Sumatra is limited to the West coast. All remaining forces are withdrawing to Benkoelen to make one final stand.

SE Asia/China:
The withdrawal from central Burma continues. The immediate danger has passed, but units have not quite reached the bases in India yet.
My Indian reinforcements (5/14th Punjab) land at Diego Garcia…and just in time, as the Japanese launch their first shock attack the following day. Losses were even (about 200 casualties per side), and the rest of the week, the Japanese went back to bombarding.

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-1-CVL South of Port Moresby. (5/26 thru 5/29)

Notable Base Captures:
-Ruteng [DEI] captured by Japan (5/27)
-Bacolod [Philippines] captured by Japan (5/28)
-Iioilo [Philippines] captured by Japan (5/29)
-Sinabang [Sumatra] captured by Japan (5/31)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,552 [+34]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (162), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (87)

Japanese: 2,487 [+99]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (559), Zero (407), Kate (276)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 268 [+8]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 264 [+14]
Notables: CV Kaga (or Junyo?), CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 7,718 [+170]
Japanese: 1,717 [+37]
A/J Ratio: 4.50 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 15,918 [+393]
Japanese: 17,584 [+410]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1

Other Notes:
-With all the fuel heading to the frontline in the SW Pacific, fuel reserves at Pearl Harbor have begun to dwindle to 216K (was 520K in March). To stabilize the situation, I have re-appropriated some AK’s from supply to fuel transport role (I probably should have been doing this earlier), and setting them up in CS convoys from LA to Pearl.
-In the sub war, I finally took the time to manually set all my sub patrols. Up to this point, I was content letting the computer set most of my patrols, but then I noticed it was sending too many to backwater areas (like the southern coast of New Zealand). So I re-evaluated my sub patrols (again, probably should have done this earlier), focusing on areas of highest probable IJN ship traffic, and making sure to stay in deep water.
-One interesting trend: In the last week, I have seen 3 different IJN subs attack my ASW TF’s….and two of the attacks were successful. Normally they shy away from my destroyers…must be some pretty aggressive sub captains.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 151

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/19/2015 10:54:38 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

Schlussel: Later in the week, Intel reports that 4 more IJA infantry regiments began planning for Port Moresby….sounds like they may be back. Hornet and Saratoga are just completing repairs @ Sydney, so next time I’ll be able to give the IJN transports a proper reception.

This is typical AI behaviour - PM is on the target list for the script it is using so it must keep trying until it takes it. If you demolish the next attempt to bring in troops it will likely try again with an even bigger force.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 152

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/20/2015 5:32:36 PM

RJL5188

Posts: 170
Joined: 11/27/2010
Status: offline

just finished reading your AAR...well done...im gonna steal some of your ideas for my own starting soon...in the meantime...go get those Japs!

< Message edited by rjl518 -- 12/20/2015 6:33:01 PM >

_____________________________

"Remember. This is a military operation. They NEVER go according to plan." ---Gen. Beck to Col. Stauffenberg (VALKYRIE)

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 153

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/22/2015 5:42:27 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

Schlussel: Later in the week, Intel reports that 4 more IJA infantry regiments began planning for Port Moresby….sounds like they may be back. Hornet and Saratoga are just completing repairs @ Sydney, so next time I’ll be able to give the IJN transports a proper reception.

This is typical AI behaviour - PM is on the target list for the script it is using so it must keep trying until it takes it. If you demolish the next attempt to bring in troops it will likely try again with an even bigger force.

Yikes! that's what I'm afraid of.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rjl518

just finished reading your AAR...well done...im gonna steal some of your ideas for my own starting soon...in the meantime...go get those Japs!

Welcome to the thread rjl518! I appreciate your interest in my AAR and the kind words. Like they say "Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery." Looking forward to reading your upcoming AAR so I can do some flattering of my own. haha.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 154

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/22/2015 8:59:08 AM

janh

Posts: 1216
Joined: 6/12/2007
Status: offline

Schlussel you almost got me interested to start a new game. I have been waiting for new scens as Andy was apparently reworking them, but the thread seems silent for a while. Thus far AI has given you a good impression of itself, at least if you ignore the air losses it has suffered.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rjl518
just finished reading your AAR...well done...im gonna steal some of your ideas for my own starting soon...in the meantime...go get those Japs!

But here is the thing that keeps me waiting, since I have seen that in all my previous games, unfortunately, just at different locations for different sides. IJN at PM, Allies at Nomuea, Suva, Christmas, Ceylon,... I would expect AI will do the same for you at PM: Come piecemeal with small TFs, 1-2 light escorts with a pair of (loaded) xAK or xAKL, a small CA/L TF now and then... drop off the few loaded troops to evac them right after again, all the while suffering grievous losses (unless you stop at anti shipping activities and leave PM to AI). The AI will not pause to assemble a major force, as a human player would. Or even cancel the hopeless operation. If AI got the target in the script, either an offensive or a defensive/retake one, it won't stop until the target based changes owner, or the script reaches end date.

Check out the scrips Andy wrote to learn how the logic of his linked scripting works, and you can get more out of an AI game by avoiding its weaknesses. My suggestion is the same that many other AI suggested in many threads: to let AI have PM, especially if you wish an interesting game that will well exceed 43... Curious how this will work out, though. Might make me start another GC finally.

(in reply to RJL5188)

Post #: 155

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/26/2015 3:26:56 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: janh

Schlussel you almost got me interested to start a new game. I have been waiting for new scens as Andy was apparently reworking them, but the thread seems silent for a while. Thus far AI has given you a good impression of itself, at least if you ignore the air losses it has suffered.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rjl518
just finished reading your AAR...well done...im gonna steal some of your ideas for my own starting soon...in the meantime...go get those Japs!

But here is the thing that keeps me waiting, since I have seen that in all my previous games, unfortunately, just at different locations for different sides. IJN at PM, Allies at Nomuea, Suva, Christmas, Ceylon,... I would expect AI will do the same for you at PM: Come piecemeal with small TFs, 1-2 light escorts with a pair of (loaded) xAK or xAKL, a small CA/L TF now and then... drop off the few loaded troops to evac them right after again, all the while suffering grievous losses (unless you stop at anti shipping activities and leave PM to AI). The AI will not pause to assemble a major force, as a human player would. Or even cancel the hopeless operation. If AI got the target in the script, either an offensive or a defensive/retake one, it won't stop until the target based changes owner, or the script reaches end date.

Check out the scrips Andy wrote to learn how the logic of his linked scripting works, and you can get more out of an AI game by avoiding its weaknesses. My suggestion is the same that many other AI suggested in many threads: to let AI have PM, especially if you wish an interesting game that will well exceed 43... Curious how this will work out, though. Might make me start another GC finally.

Welcome to the thread janh! Thanks for following and commenting.

Yes the AI is really putting up a good fight. I am playing on the hard difficulty, but that just gives the AI some supply advantages. Even so, I have had to refrain from some ahistorical moves that would prevent the AI from reaching most of its goals in the DEI and South Pacific.
So far the only instance I have noticed the "piecemeal attack"s is at Baker Island, where on 3 or 4 occasions, the AI has sent a pair of AKs. Each time they drop off a small land unit, it bombards for a few turns, realizes it is hopelessly outnumbered, then loads backup in the AK's and retreats. In this case, I let the Japanese ships do their thing without striking at them with my carrier forces. After a bit, they AI stops coming (its been a month since they've attacked Baker), and like you mentioned, I'm assuming it's because the script ran out.

This will also be my plan at PM. However, as you have seen, they haven't come in piecemeal yet. The last attack had a large amphib TF supported by a 10 ship Surface TF and a CV.

I checked out those threads on Andy's AI scripts, and they were very informative, thanks for the suggestion. The AI is great, but like many have said, it's still an AI and cannot react as dynamically as a human due to limitations of the software. Andy has done a great job with what he had to work with.

My plan is to eventually try a PBEM with one of the smaller scenarios, but for now I am thoroughly enjoying battling the AI.

If you take the plunge into a GC game, I wish you luck!

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to janh)

Post #: 156

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/26/2015 7:58:52 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

I am playing on the hard difficulty, but that just gives the AI some supply advantages.

Actually for a stock scenario like this, "Hard" difficulty puts the AI on equal footing with a player. At any difficulty setting below, the AI is at a serious disadvantage to the human player.

For game balance, you will want to move to VERY HARD for 3 - 5 days every 2 weeks to keep the AI in the game, particularly as you are playing the allies. Else the AI will fall apart about mid-42.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 157

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/28/2015 2:47:12 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Actually for a stock scenario like this, "Hard" difficulty puts the AI on equal footing with a player. At any difficulty setting below, the AI is at a serious disadvantage to the human player.

For game balance, you will want to move to VERY HARD for 3 - 5 days every 2 weeks to keep the AI in the game, particularly as you are playing the allies. Else the AI will fall apart about mid-42.

Really? I didn't know that, I always thought VERY HARD gave the computer important combat advantages....and I already give it lots of advantages by being a noob and making noob mistakes.

In the interest of a good fight, I will do what you suggested, I'll just make sure I move to VERY HARD on days I don't have a big CV battle or amphib invasion occurring.

Thanks for the info Pax!

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 158

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/28/2015 9:25:51 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Actually for a stock scenario like this, "Hard" difficulty puts the AI on equal footing with a player. At any difficulty setting below, the AI is at a serious disadvantage to the human player.

For game balance, you will want to move to VERY HARD for 3 - 5 days every 2 weeks to keep the AI in the game, particularly as you are playing the allies. Else the AI will fall apart about mid-42.

Really? I didn't know that, I always thought VERY HARD gave the computer important combat advantages....and I already give it lots of advantages by being a noob and making noob mistakes. In the interest of a good fight, I will do what you suggested, I'll just make sure I move to VERY HARD on days I don't have a big CV battle or amphib invasion occurring.

Thanks for the info Pax!

VERY hard does give the AI advantages, most relevant here is the additional supply. That's the key. The AI can't move supply around to islands, VH allows extra supply to get to isolated areas and keep the AI troops viable.
That's why at NORMAL the AI falls apart in a few months. Island garrisons starve, it's offensive jump off points starve, etc. VERY hard allows it to keep working.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 159

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/29/2015 1:02:24 PM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

Schlussel: Later in the week, Intel reports that 4 more IJA infantry regiments began planning for Port Moresby….sounds like they may be back. Hornet and Saratoga are just completing repairs @ Sydney, so next time I’ll be able to give the IJN transports a proper reception.

This is typical AI behaviour - PM is on the target list for the script it is using so it must keep trying until it takes it. If you demolish the next attempt to bring in troops it will likely try again with an even bigger force.

Unfortunately this tends to break the AI. It can be a long time before it gets its act together for another try.
It also will often continue sending in follow on forces such as bases and engineers, not realizing the initial invasion failed.

There is also no guarantee that the next attempt will take into account the size of defending force discovered in the first attempt and will often continue attempting to take the base with inadequate forces.\

Once you prevent the AI form taking something, you can't expect it to react dynamically like a player would.

Its going to continue following its scripts.

In my current Focus Pacific game the AI has made six attempts at Canton, never bringing more than two carriers and never succeeding in getting through my naval screen.

_____________________________

Hans

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 160

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/29/2015 8:13:23 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 26: June 3rd – June 9th 1942

North Pacific:
58th (Sep) and an AA unit arrive @ Amchitka. No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
Two IJN surface TFs appear in the region, possibly hunting for allied shipping. My PBY coverage @ Johnston and Baker Islands give me ample warning and I am able to divert supply convoys around the threats.

Southern Pacific:
Region is quiet.

New Guinea/Solomons:
While the Japanese backed off their invasion of Port Moresby, it looks like they are continuing to funnel troops and supply into the battle of Milne Bay. The force level of each side is about equal, and neither side has yet to commit to a deliberate or shock attack. Up to this point, Japanese airpower has kept allied re-supply convoys from reaching Milne Bay, while their own convoys have had minimal resistance. To disrupt the status quo, I sortie the Yorktown and Hornet to the area. When they arrive next week, I plan to use the force to disrupt any IJN shipping around Milne bay, and then protect a supply convoy that is incoming from Noumea. Also, instead of having a few larger xAKs, I have composed this supply convoy of 5 smaller xAKs, hopefully this will allow the supply to unload faster. In addition, spreading out my supply amongst more ships will prevent losing all of it to a lucky Betty raid.
With Japan’s surface forces seemingly occupied with Milne Bay, I have snuck a transport TF to Lunga and dropped off the 7th Marine. This has doubled the AV at Lunga to about 300, which is much more reassuring with the Japanese building up their new base on the other end of Guadalcanal. I set both infantry regiments in Lunga (along with some support units in Noumea) to plan for Tassafronga. I am in no position to assault yet, but I figure I will be ready in about a month and a half. I am in no rush though, because my Dauntlesses based @ Lunga are having a field day sinking IJN transports trying to resupply their forces on the north end of Guadalcanal.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the Allied bases are isolated and low on supplies. Cebu is still the last Allied controlled base in the Phillippines. Japanese airstrikes are consistent.
In the DEI, Allied control in Sumatra is limited to the West coast. All remaining forces are withdrawing to Benkoelen to make one final stand.

SE Asia/China:
The withdrawal from central Burma is finally complete. Retreating units made it out, but lost a lot of their heavy equipment in the process. Next I will strat move them to Calcutta to facilitate their reinforcement (although I hear its slow anyway).
Some good news: the Japanese have abandoned their Diego Garcia operation, transports have re-loaded troops and headed back east towards the DEI.

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-No sightings

Notable Base Captures:
-Hollandia [New Guinea] captured by Japan (6/3)
-Sangi [Philippines] captured by Japan (6/8)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,571 [+19] Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (164), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (87)
Japanese: 2,574 [+87] Biggest Losses (#): Betty (415), Kate (334), Val (302)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 275 [+7] Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java
Japanese: 276 [+12] Notables: CV Kaga (or Junyo?), CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 7,861 [+143]
Japanese: 1,769 [+52]
A/J Ratio: 4.44 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 16,185 [+267]
Japanese: 17,873 [+289]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1

Other Notes:
-Despite not getting many hits, my ASW forces are doing their job…haven’t had a ship torpedoed at all this week. Not sure if I’ve scared them off, or the IJN subs are refueling/re-arming all at the same time. Whatever the reason, I’ll enjoy the respite for the time being.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 12/30/2015 4:47:47 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 161

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/30/2015 3:43:27 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

VERY hard does give the AI advantages, most relevant here is the additional supply. That's the key. The AI can't move supply around to islands, VH allows extra supply to get to isolated areas and keep the AI troops viable.
That's why at NORMAL the AI falls apart in a few months. Island garrisons starve, it's offensive jump off points starve, etc. VERY hard allows it to keep working.

Good stuff! I just had a chance to search the forum and noticed you have said this before in other threads. Appreciate the advice Pax, and I apologize if I made you repeat yourself.

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Unfortunately this tends to break the AI. It can be a long time before it gets its act together for another try.
It also will often continue sending in follow on forces such as bases and engineers, not realizing the initial invasion failed.

There is also no guarantee that the next attempt will take into account the size of defending force discovered in the first attempt and will often continue attempting to take the base with inadequate forces.\

Once you prevent the AI form taking something, you can't expect it to react dynamically like a player would.

Its going to continue following its scripts.

In my current Focus Pacific game the AI has made six attempts at Canton, never bringing more than two carriers and never succeeding in getting through my naval screen.

I'm hoping this is not the case, or maybe the "Capture Port Moresby" script has an end date...say late Sept. '42 as in the real war.

I have yet to use the editor and look at Andy's AI scripts, I figure I'll do that after I finish this grand campaign. I don't want to ruin any surprises the AI has in store for me.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 12/30/2015 4:49:12 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 162

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/3/2016 12:14:42 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 27: June 10th – June 16th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues @ Adak and Amchitka. Adak is up and running as a sub base. Most subs based here patrol off the Japanese home islands…and the shorter trip from Adak (versus Pearl) means subs can stay on patrol longer. No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
Towards the end of the week, the KB (approx. 5 CV’s) shows up East of the Marshall Islands. I deter all the supply convoys in the area, but the next day, the Japanese CVs close the distance lightning fast and two of my convoys are attacked east of Baker Island. The first was a small supply convoy, but the second was transporting the entire 32nd Inf. Division to the SW Pacific, with a fairly large escort (2-CA’s 3-DD’s). After two Japanese airstrikes, both cruisers were sunk (Trenton & Vincennes) along with 2-AP’s. Despite other ships rescuing survivors, an estimated 7,200 casualties were reported along with lots of the 32nd Division’s heavy equipment…ouch! I was able to flee unscathed with the rest of the division, but it looks like the Japanese have bigger fish to fry...a day later I spot an amphib task force following the Carriers, and both TF’s look to be headed towards Canton Island. My CV’s are in the SW Pac. and the only meaningful surface forces in the region were sunk along with half the 32nd Division… the Japanese transports have a clear road all the way to Canton.
I must admit, I thought the Japanese would just continue to focus on Port Moresby and the SW Pacific. And while the AI may still be putting effort into the Southwest, this thrust with the KB is a painful reminder of how complacent I have become with my supply/troop transport convoys. The one good thing from this attack is knowing where the bulk of the Japanese Carriers are…though I’d prefer to find them with search aircraft and not from sailors radioing SOS.

Southern Pacific:
Region is quiet…but not for long. The KB and friends should reach Canton by the 18th.

New Guinea/Solomons:
The battle of Milne Bay continues with both sides funneling in resources, and with my supply running out, my troops AV begins to drop. But there is hope, while the Japanese still mount daily bombing raids, I have managed to slip in a resupply convoy under the cover of LBA and a CV TF. As the carrier based fighters flew CAP the bombers (Dauntlesses & Devastators) sunk a small IJN supply convoy supplying the attackers. I’m able to keep my carriers on station for a few more crucial days since I know the Japanese CV’s are not in the area. RIP, Trenton and Vincennes.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the last Allied base at Cebu is under increased attack from Japanese bombers. Not invasion fleet sighted…yet.
In the DEI, Benkoelen is invaded by sea and the Allied defenders are overwhelmed quickly. Retreating forces head north towards Padang, but without any infantry regiments in combat shape on Sumatra, the future looks grim.

SE Asia/China:
The Japanese consolidate their position in Burma. In the east, they oust a small Allied force at Laisho. In the west, they launch an amphibious assault on Ramree Island. Now the frontline runs right along the Burma/Indian border, and should stay that way until monsoon season ends.

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-3 CV’s near Rekata Bay [Solomons] and 1 CV near Rabaul (6/9)
-3 CV’s near Kavieng [New Britain] and 1 CV anchored at Rabaul (6/10)
-1 CV anchored at Rabaul (6/11)
-3 CV’s East of Marshall Islands heading SE (6/14)
-2 CV’s north of Howland Island [Cent. Pac] (6/15)
-5 CV’s north of Baker Island [Cent. Pac] (6/16)

Notable Base Captures:
-Lashio [Burma] captured by Japan (6/9)
-Memboro [DEI] and Ramree Island [Burma] captured by Japan (6/14)
-Babar [DEI] captured by Japan (6/15)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,624 [+53]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (164), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (87)

Japanese: 2,737 [+163]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (726), Zero (365), Val (332)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 285 [+10]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 291 [+15]
Notables: CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,006 [+145]
Japanese: 1,838 [+69]
A/J Ratio: 4.36 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 16,649 [+464]
Japanese: 18,354 [+481]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1

Other Notes:
-Intel reports he 66th Inf. Group (the unit that assaulted PM last week) is headed back to Tokyo. Maybe they suffered more casualties that I originally thought.
-An allied sub intercepted an IJN TF north of Phuket and put two torpedoes into CV Kaga…but both failed to explode. ’Phuket’ is a very appropriate term for my reaction to this. Also this confirms the Kaga is still operational, and was not sunk near Milne Bay last month. Interesting that an IJN CV is north of Singapore, the shipping in the Bay of Bengal is put on alert…I don’t want a repeat of what occurred in the Central Pacific.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 1/4/2016 7:26:56 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 163

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/10/2016 12:54:07 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 28: June 17th – June 23rd 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues @ Adak and Amchitka. Besides an intel report of a few Japanese units planning for Kiska, there’s nothing else of interest in the region.

Central Pacific:
The central pacific, normally teeming with allied shipping, is unusually quiet. The presence of the KB has forced all shipping to swing well south to Penrhyn Island before heading east towards Australia and New Caledonia.

Southern Pacific:
The KB and friends arrive off Canton on the 18th and launch a few airstrikes that put the small airfield there out of action. Following closely behind is a small IJN transport TF (approx. 4 AK’s) that drop off an SNLF and supporting troops on Canton. The Japanese waste no time and launch a shock attack, but they are rebuffed by 2nd Marine Reg., fighting behind level 3 forts. The Attackers lose a reported 400 casualties, with minimal losses on the Allied side. Obviously discouraged, the Japanese load back up on their transports and high-tail it outta Dodge.

New Guinea/Solomons:
The supplies received @ Milne Bay the week prior are a life saver…boosting Allied AV, but most importantly, it’s boosting Allied morale. The supplies are only about a week’s worth though, so Allied bombardment of enemy positions is still on hold until more arrives.
Mid week, an IJN surface TF appears in the air patrol dead zone between Noumea and Sydney, and destroys a large (20 AK) transport convoy. Luckily the ships were empty, but the loss of those hulls will stretch the Allied supply capability even further. Currently I need every spare AK in the region to stockpile supply @ Lunga and Luganville for the planned advance up the Solomons.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the Japanese army lands @ Cebu. My garrison actually outnumbers the attackers, but with no supply, the Japanese have the upper hand.
In the DEI, the Allies are on the run. Padang is now the last Allied outpost on the island, and the total Allied AV on Sumatra is a whopping 27.

SE Asia/China:
With the front stabilized, this region is quiet…with the exception of the occasional bombing of allied positions at Akyab and Cox’s Bazaar. No IJN CVs spotted in the area, but shipments between Colombo and Calcutta are on hold for the time being.
On the Allied side, Blenheim bombers continue to target the Japanese force near Akyab. Not many casualties being reported, but hopefully the attacks are draining the enemy’s supply and morale.

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-4 CVs South East of Baker Island (6/17)
-6 CVs near Canton Island (6/18)
-7 CVs near Canton Island (6/19)
-7 CVs near Canton Island (6/20)
-6 CVs near Baker Island (6/21)
-6 CVs near Tarawa heading North West (6/22)

Notable Base Captures:
-Benkoelen [Sumatra] captured by Japan (6/17)
-Ataipe [New Guinea] captured by Japan (6/21)
-Wewak [New Guinea] captured by Japan (6/22)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,680 [+56]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (166), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (95)

Japanese: 2,891 [+154]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (638), Kate (341), Zero (306)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 314 [+29]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 304 [+13]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,059 [+53]
Japanese: 1,904 [+66]
A/J Ratio: 4.23 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 17,058 [+609]
Japanese: 18,838 [+545]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1

Other Notes:
- 25+ Allied cargo ships were sunk this week. None were loaded with anything, but they are still valuable losses.

-Lexington reaches Pearl Harbor to repair the damage it received from its foray into the SW Pacific. Estimates are she will be in dry dock for about 2 months.

-CV Soryu and CVL Shoho show up on the ship loss report. They are reported sunk at the battle of the Solomon Sea in May ’42. Both took multiple bomb hits (10 and 8 respectively) and were last seen sporting heavy fires and heavy damage. I assumed they were sunk, but this pretty much confirms it…I think.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 1/10/2016 1:55:55 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 164

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/18/2016 3:33:03 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 29: June 24th – June 30th 1942

North Pacific:
Quiet [insert cricket chirping here]

Central Pacific:
A week after the KB made its appearance felt in the region, things are somewhat back to normal. The main exception is that shipping traffic is continuing to swing further south…just in case.

Southern Pacific:
With Canton’s airfield and port fully repaired, port and fortification expansion can continue.
IJN sub appears off Pago-Pago and sinks an allied tanker. A PBY squadron is rebased to Pago-Pago to help scare off any further attacks, and an ASW TF is dispatched from Pearl and will be based in the Samoas for the foreseeable future, as many Allied convoys pass through this area.

New Guinea/Solomons:
The supply convoy that reached Milne Bay last week is still unloading…the going is slow since the port is still level 0 (Level 1 should take about two more weeks at the current pace). So far the Milne’s fighter CAP has been able to protect the supply convoy. I also have the Hornet and Yorktown nearby to protect aganst surface threats, but they won’t hesitate to bug out if the KB is spotted.
A Base force and a Marine Tank Battalion are loaded @ Noumea and heading to Lunga. The buildup is anticipation of an overland advance toward Tassafronga, which is slated to begin in about a month.
Speaking of Noumea, the 32nd Infantry Div. has arrived and is taking replacements. I appointed a new leader with higher admin ratings to speed up the rebuilding process.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff @ Cebu continues. I try a deliberate attack, but lack of supply heavily reduces my modified AV. It's back to bombarding for these guys.
In the DEI, the Allied presence in Padang is in name only, garrisons are isolated and starving.

SE Asia/China:
Betty bombers have been steadily picking off Allied supply ships going from Colombo to Calcutta. I reorganize the convoys so that they just run from Colombo to Madras…the thought being the supply should flow along the railroad to Calcutta.
In Burma, my bomber group @ Chittagong targets some IJN ships docked @ Ramree Island and sinks 2 small support ships. Also I occupied Kalemyo on the Indian border and begin developing the airfield there. The hope is this base can be used in ’43 as a jump off point to invade central Burma. No guarantees, but one can hope right?

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-4 CVs North East of Otong Java heading West (6/26)

Notable Base Captures:
-Little Andaman [SE Asia] captured by Japan (6/26)
-Taberfane [DEI] captured by Japan (6/29)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,705 [+25]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (166), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (95)

Japanese: 3,016 [+125]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (712), Zero (477), Kate (293)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 319 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 313 [+9]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,073 [+14]
Japanese: 1,909 [+5]
A/J Ratio: 4.23 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 17,300 [+242]
Japanese: 18,980 [+142]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1

Other Notes:
- Engineer battalions at Canton, Johnson, and Christmas Islands are scheduled to withdraw at the end of the month. Replacement battalions are en route.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 165

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/22/2016 5:13:22 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – July 1st 1942

Central/North Pacific:

Surface Forces: 2-CV, 10-BB, 11-CA, 30+-DD (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 268K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.

Long Term Plans: Advance west along the Aleutian Island Chain, ultimately occupying and developing Attu as a search plane base.

New Guinea/Solomons:

Surface Forces: 3-CV , 1-CVL, 1-BB, 11-CA, 16-DD (@Noumea)

Fuel Reserves:
207K @ Noumea
15K @ Port Moresby
80K @ Sydney

Near-Term Plans: Evict Japanese forces from Milne Bay.

Long Term Plans: Operation Cumberland: The advance up Solomon Island Chain to secure forward bases (Shortlands/Buka) to threaten Rabaul. Operation also includes a diversionary attack across the Owen-Stanley Range toward Buna on New Guinea.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 166

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/22/2016 5:15:25 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – July 1st 1942 (Continued)

SE Asia/China

Surface Forces: 3-CV , 2-BB, 9-CA, 6-DD (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 419K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Fortify/develop bases along Indio-Burmese border to check Japanese advance.

Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied so they cannot be used elsewhere.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 167

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/22/2016 5:18:48 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – July 1st 1942 (Continued)

Base Status:

Adak:
Port Size: 6.42 (+0.45)
Airfield Size: 5.70 (+0.50)
Supplies: 49K (51 Weeks of normal operations)

Akyab:
Port Size: 2.61 (+0.34)
Airfield Size: 5.83 (+0.77)
Supplies: 4K (1 Week of normal operations)

Amchitka: Port Size: 2.34
Airfield Size: 1.00
Supplies: 5K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Baker Island:
Port Size: 2.92 (+0.30)
Airfield Size: 1.25 (+0.04)
Supplies: 20K (44 Weeks of normal operations)

Cox’s Bazaar:
Port Size: 2.76
Airfield Size: 5.81
Supplies: 8K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Johnston Is.:
Port Size: 2.04 (+0.16)
Airfield Size: 2.07 (+0.01)
Supplies: 12K (35 Weeks of normal operations)

Luganville:
Port Size: 4.56 (+0.27)
Airfield Size: 5.76 (+0.47)
Supplies: 20K (24 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 3.42 (+0.51)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (+0.70)
Supplies: 18K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 2.53 (+0.15)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 17K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 0.68
Airfield Size: 1.29
Supplies: 2K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 5.05 (+0.34)
Supplies: 5K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 3.52 (+0.23)
Airfield Size: 6.22 (+0.40)
Supplies: 49K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 168

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/22/2016 11:13:36 AM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

VERY hard does give the AI advantages, most relevant here is the additional supply. That's the key. The AI can't move supply around to islands, VH allows extra supply to get to isolated areas and keep the AI troops viable.
That's why at NORMAL the AI falls apart in a few months. Island garrisons starve, it's offensive jump off points starve, etc. VERY hard allows it to keep working.

Good stuff! I just had a chance to search the forum and noticed you have said this before in other threads. Appreciate the advice Pax, and I apologize if I made you repeat yourself.

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Unfortunately this tends to break the AI. It can be a long time before it gets its act together for another try.
It also will often continue sending in follow on forces such as bases and engineers, not realizing the initial invasion failed.

There is also no guarantee that the next attempt will take into account the size of defending force discovered in the first attempt and will often continue attempting to take the base with inadequate forces.\

Once you prevent the AI form taking something, you can't expect it to react dynamically like a player would.

Its going to continue following its scripts.

In my current Focus Pacific game the AI has made six attempts at Canton, never bringing more than two carriers and never succeeding in getting through my naval screen.

I'm hoping this is not the case, or maybe the "Capture Port Moresby" script has an end date...say late Sept. '42 as in the real war.

I have yet to use the editor and look at Andy's AI scripts, I figure I'll do that after I finish this grand campaign. I don't want to ruin any surprises the AI has in store for me.

I can't recount how many times I have stymied the AI at Port Moresby only to be thoroughly disappointed in how pitiful the AIs defense of NG and the Solomons ends up as a result.

In my current game I finally convinced my self to evac PM and let the AI have its head in NG and Solomons so my coming assault will at least be more of a challenge.

_____________________________

Hans

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 169

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/25/2016 7:30:42 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

VERY hard does give the AI advantages, most relevant here is the additional supply. That's the key. The AI can't move supply around to islands, VH allows extra supply to get to isolated areas and keep the AI troops viable.
That's why at NORMAL the AI falls apart in a few months. Island garrisons starve, it's offensive jump off points starve, etc. VERY hard allows it to keep working.

Good stuff! I just had a chance to search the forum and noticed you have said this before in other threads. Appreciate the advice Pax, and I apologize if I made you repeat yourself.

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Unfortunately this tends to break the AI. It can be a long time before it gets its act together for another try.
It also will often continue sending in follow on forces such as bases and engineers, not realizing the initial invasion failed.

There is also no guarantee that the next attempt will take into account the size of defending force discovered in the first attempt and will often continue attempting to take the base with inadequate forces.\

Once you prevent the AI form taking something, you can't expect it to react dynamically like a player would.

Its going to continue following its scripts.

In my current Focus Pacific game the AI has made six attempts at Canton, never bringing more than two carriers and never succeeding in getting through my naval screen.

I'm hoping this is not the case, or maybe the "Capture Port Moresby" script has an end date...say late Sept. '42 as in the real war.

I have yet to use the editor and look at Andy's AI scripts, I figure I'll do that after I finish this grand campaign. I don't want to ruin any surprises the AI has in store for me.

I can't recount how many times I have stymied the AI at Port Moresby only to be thoroughly disappointed in how pitiful the AIs defense of NG and the Solomons ends up as a result.

In my current game I finally convinced my self to evac PM and let the AI have its head in NG and Solomons so my coming assault will at least be more of a challenge.

Yeah that's quite a dilemma Hans, I'd be interested to hear how it plays out. In my game, the AI hasn't come back for Port Moresby, it seems more interested in keeping its invasion of Milne Bay well supplied.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 170

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/25/2016 6:42:09 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

"Advance west along the Aleutian Island Chain, ultimately occupying and developing Attu as a search plane base."
A pair of AVD/AVP (loaded, disbanded in port) will support a Cat sqn at any dot base, dump 1K supply there to eliminate the pesky red exclamation point. More important, develop Shemya & Agattu to lvl 5 airbase, to support 4EBs against Paramushiro. IIRC only the LB-30 Liberator has adequate normal range for that mission. One year from now, you could be deep into the Kuriles, strat-bombing the engine-factories at Sapporo, & prepping for landings on Hokkaido.

"Speaking of Noumea, the 32nd Infantry Div. has arrived and is taking replacements."
In general, you'll receive replacements & rebuild damaged devices faster, if you divide the division into thirds, even if some of the sub-unit commanders are chumps. However, *never* allow upgrades to a divided unit - if the components get out-of-sync, they can't re-combine until each one has upgraded its TOE.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 171

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/26/2016 10:14:53 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

The thing I worry about attacking Japanese possessions in the kuriles, is that the I hear the Ai doesn't react too well to them. What are your experiences when employing this tactic against the ai?
As for the dividing of the 32nd, the plans are already in motion. Thanks again for the tips jmalter!

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 172

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/28/2016 5:05:35 AM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

"I hear the Ai doesn't react too well to them."

You heard correctly, all I'm getting are fairly regular 12-Betty raids from northern Honshu against my shipping at Shikuka & Shimushiri-Jima, there's been no naval reaction at all. IJ AI action against the Aleutians was limited to 3 attempts to invade Attu, & a CA/CL/2xDD raiding-party that sortied to the north of Adak several times.

IMO the AI devotes so few resources to this theater that one doesn't risk breaking the game by eliminating them.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 173

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/28/2016 5:44:38 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 30: July 1st – July 7th 1942

North Pacific:
Base building continues. An AA unit arrives in Seattle and is on its way to Adak. No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
Engineers arrive @ Johnston and Baker so base expansion can continue. No other items of interest in this theater at the moment.

Southern Pacific:
The IJN sub that attacked last week has seemingly disappeared, or is stalking its next target. An Allied ASW TF arrives near Pago-Pago and assists in the search for possible underwater threats to allied shipping.

New Guinea/Solomons:
The supply convoy @ Milne Bay continues to unload, and excess supply at the base approaches 3k. Currently the force disposition is about even (AV is 135 to 123 in favor of Japan), but Allied bombardment attacks from the ground and air are becoming more effective. I’m considering trying a deliberate attack next week to test the Japanese defenses and drain their supply further.
Near Noumea, an IJN surface TF composed of 1-BB and a few DD’s attacks allied shipping and sinks 5 AK’s. Luckily the AK’s were returning from Sydney and were empty. To exact a bit of revenge, I send my 2 CV’s returning from Milne Bay on a detour to hopefully scare the IJN Surface units off...and boy did the Japanese get a scare. Over the next three days, my carrier-based Dauntlesses score a reported 18 bomb hits on the BB Kongo as the enemy TF retreats towards Rabaul. None of the hits penetrated the belt or deck armor, but the Japanese battleship has heavy fires, and those can cause some serious damage if they get out of control. Whatever the Kongo's fate, I have re-secured the vital supply line to Australia...mission accomplished.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff @ Cebu continues. My forces outnumber the attackers, but lack of supply keeps me from any offensive action.
In the DEI, the Allied base @ Padang is invaded by sea and quickly capitulates. There are still a few Allied bases in Sumatra, but LCU’s on the island are now non-existent.

SE Asia/China:
The modified supply route in India seems to be working. Supply dropped off @ Madras is flowing to Calcutta and the bases on the Burma border. More Japanese LCU’s are spotted near Akyab but they are staying on their side of the river for now.

In China, I am still in defensive/supply conservation mode.

KB Watch:
-No sightings this week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Billton [DEI] captured by Japan (7/1)
-Doho [DEI] and Padang [Sumatra] captured by Japan (7/3)
-Taliaboe [DEI] captured by Japan (7/6)
-Manus [Admiralty Is.] captured by Japan (7/7)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,760 [+55]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (170), Buffalo (129), Wildcat (96)

Japanese: 3,137 [+121]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (669), Zero (486), Val (294)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 325 [+6]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 324 [+9]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,105 [+32]
Japanese: 1,925 [+16]
A/J Ratio: 4.21 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 17,865 [+565]
Japanese: 19,149 [+169]
A/J Ratio: 0.93 to 1

Other Notes:
- The first squadrons of B-17E’s arrive on the east coast. The squadrons only have 1 or 2 planes each, but they begin to draw more airframes from the pools…it will be awhile before production is able to fill out these squadrons, nevertheless, they are maxed out with eligible pilots and they begin an intensive airfield attack training program.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 174

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/28/2016 5:52:24 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

"I hear the Ai doesn't react too well to them."

You heard correctly, all I'm getting are fairly regular 12-Betty raids from northern Honshu against my shipping at Shikuka & Shimushiri-Jima, there's been no naval reaction at all. IJ AI action against the Aleutians was limited to 3 attempts to invade Attu, & a CA/CL/2xDD raiding-party that sortied to the north of Adak several times.

IMO the AI devotes so few resources to this theater that one doesn't risk breaking the game by eliminating them.

Yeah that matches what I've read on other threads on the issue. I've employed Pax Mondo's suggestion of upping the difficulty to Very Hard for a few days every week to assist the AI's difficulty in maintaining supply in its island bases. The AI has given me a good fight so far and I hope to keep that going.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 175

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/30/2016 8:01:33 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

**FLASH REPORT July 9, 1942**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to open road to Rabaul

Code-name: Cumberland

Plan: Much like in the ACW, where the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson opened the road to Nashville, the recapture of the Solomon Islands and Buna will provide the same access to Rabaul.

Phase 1: [Aug-Sept 1942]
-Advance overland from Lunga to Tasafronga, capture base, and begin building airfield to base CAP for further advance up Solomon chain.
-Reinforce Milne Bay and defeat Japanese presence at the base.
-Re-Take Terapo to secure flank of Port Moresby.

Phase 2: [Oct.-Dec. 1942]
-Assault & capture Tulagi and build up port facilities to support logistics
-Assault & capture Munda and build up airbase for CAP.
-Advance overland from Port Moresby towards Buna, and lay siege to base.

Phase 3: [Jan. 1943 to July-ish 1943]
-Capture Buna, advance up northern coast of New Guinea to threaten Lae, if possible.
-Capture Shortlands and surrounding bases on Bougainville.

**END TRANSMISSION**

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 176

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/31/2016 10:55:30 PM

Major Shane

Posts: 195
Joined: 7/19/2007
Status: offline

This is a great AAR to follow. Thanks for keeping us posted regularly.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 177

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/31/2016 11:34:41 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

I can't recount how many times I have stymied the AI at Port Moresby only to be thoroughly disappointed in how pitiful the AIs defense of NG and the Solomons ends up as a result.

In my current game I finally convinced my self to evac PM and let the AI have its head in NG and Solomons so my coming assault will at least be more of a challenge.

In the main AI script, PM is a major script. Denying it to the AI will cause issues. Either let it take it OR play at VH level. If the AI still can't take from you, then you need to progress to the Ironman series; Ironman, Nasty, and Nasty Nasty.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 178

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 2/2/2016 12:56:55 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: m_shane_perkins

This is a great AAR to follow. Thanks for keeping us posted regularly.

Thank you sir. As Nic Cage would say "That's High Praise!"

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

I can't recount how many times I have stymied the AI at Port Moresby only to be thoroughly disappointed in how pitiful the AIs defense of NG and the Solomons ends up as a result.

In my current game I finally convinced my self to evac PM and let the AI have its head in NG and Solomons so my coming assault will at least be more of a challenge.

In the main AI script, PM is a major script. Denying it to the AI will cause issues. Either let it take it OR play at VH level. If the AI still can't take from you, then you need to progress to the Ironman series; Ironman, Nasty, and Nasty Nasty.

It's puzzling so far, the AI has only tried once to take PM...and that was back in May. The only thing I can think of, is that one of the 12 scripts doesn't feature PM as a major target. If that's not the case, and the AI comes back for the port as many have stated...i'll take your advice and go to the VH difficulty....there's something in me that can't just give up PM without a fight.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Major Shane)

Post #: 179

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 2/2/2016 1:01:37 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Didn't you massacre several troop convoys shortly after the AI's first attempt at PM? If you got the troops the AI was going to use for attempt 2 it might be stuck in "gee, what do I do now?" mode.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 180

Page: << < prev 4 5 [6] 7 8 next > >>

Page: << < prev 4 5 [6] 7 8 next > >>

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

1.844

Slitherine

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition