WW2-Global

[oljb007]

rocoteh,

I quit my 1.5 Diety Japan game as world domination by me was iminent. russia was falling easily to my force of B5N Kate's.

I have given some thought to Japan and I am in a conundrum about them. The units they get in the beginning are the units they use throughout the game. Lacks flavor as previously mentioned. However, it is also stated and agreed that Japan needs to be able to expand rapidly as she starts with nothing and this accurately follows history. it works fine as is but lacks "flavor". The Duval with a bombard of 24 is sufficient and then maybe the Kate could come in later with a little more bombard and little more range. SNLF's could also maybe be broken into groups. maybe first gen could be attack 18 then upgrade a little later to 20 and then possible even a better one later on with 24 to match the russian tank versions in '41-'42. just some thoughts. Otsu's are nice and were desperately needed to counter the DDF;s but now maybe their price could upped a little as they are quite cheap and easy to SPAM. its tough to say, if the US comes with IOWA's its nice to have a blitz capable ship for japan.

all in all Japan is pretty good as is, the Kate's might be a tad strong to have off the get go but its pretty good. Just needs some "flavor"

A big change that I think should be implement is the idea of a house rule with japan. I would recommend that only Japanesse cities build "people based" units (SNLF, infantry, machine gunners) while mainland china and other captured cities can't. Captured cities are used for building equipment; aircraft, tanks and ships. The "people" should only come from Japan itself. This simulates the concept that Japan has limited population to draw upon for its military!

I follow this rule with my german game, only concsripting from main german cities as you wouldn't get conscripts from capture russian cities!

hope that helps or gives some insight.

 

[Overlag]

overall its a shame Civ3s AI doesnt do seabourne attacks better. Japans strengh is needed to allow it to take all those islands... but instead it ends up attacking india 100%, and as of now in my game, its entering Africa!!!! yet its still strugging to take islands in the pacific. Same can be said for american AI, its still mainly stuck on its home land...i think thats why the AI goes for south america.

But theres no way you can fix that is there?

 

[Grizx]

Rocoteh

Update and screenshots on Britain 1.7 SID

As of Week 1, 1942.

After defeating major Geramn attack from Trukey into Mid East,
went on limited offensive to capture Turkey.

Germany invaded Spain and captured/razed Gibraltar.
I concluded Gibraltar wa pretty much indefensable with the forces I had,
so did not fight real hard for it.

Took Sardinia instead. Willl use it for air attacks on Europe.

Heavy German attacks against Istanbul repulsed with artillery and air.
Also defeated German attacks through the Khyber pass and Caucasus.

German forces now trying to outflank Istanbul position and they have armored
columns as far East as Tibet.

Germany is building Hindenburgs. Hindenburgs pose a real problem for Britain
as the King George V BB's are totally outclassed. (This is fine. Keep the
HIndenburgs. It is an intersesting challenge to sink them and it can be
done. Have sunk about 8 of them so far.

In Asia/Pacific Hong Kong is still holding out. Went on limited offensive to
establish land link with Singapore down the Malay peninsula. British forces
now poised outside Hanoi (belongs to French). Am hoping Japan will take
Hanoi so I can take it from them and establish land corridor to Hong Kong.
Japanese forces continue to try and reach India through Tibet.

Japan has several Yamato's and DDF's off Singapore attempting to invade
Borneo. I still have only limited naval forces there, but British strength is
growing.

Main effort has been building economy behind strong defensive positions at
choke points. Almost all cities are now at or nearing full production capacity.

Germany is very strong and much will depend on wether Britain remains at
peace with USSR. Fighting both Germany and Russia would be very
uncertain, but might pull it off with the economy as strong as it is and with
the good defensive positions I have.

This has been a very good game so far. Very challenging, and several close
calls.
I think you have Britain just about right, and I cannot think of any changes I
would make to Brtiish forces. Well. perhaps better graphics for a recon plane.

Screen shots below.

Great scenario.

Grizx

 

[Grizx]

Ver 1.7 SID Britain

Week 1 1942

 

[Grizx]

Ver 1.7 SID Britain

Week 1 1942

 

[Grizx]

Ver 1.7 SID Britain

Week 1, 1942

 

[Grizx]

Rocoteh,

Re: the recent posts on Germany, Turkey, and USSR.

The suggestion on USSR border posts I think is a very good one. With the right graphics and a defense of 1 it might work well. I would recommend putting them along all USSR borders - Germany, Turkey, Persia, China, Japan.

I remember seeing grapahics for a barbed wire type emplacements which would make a good border post on CGD, I think. Better than some soldier standing there.

Also an intersting thought on the tile West of Istanbul. My only concern there is that it might make it too easy for Britain in the Middle East. But it might be worth a try, except you will need to put Istanabul on the European side of the strait.

Might also try putting more of those victory location makers on USSR cities. I'm not sure but the Ai does seem to pay some attention to those.

I still think the real key to a stronger German AI is to make all possible terrain improvemnts on tiles held by Geramny at the start and to replace pigs with cattle for the extra shield. I made those changes in the game I am playing now (see above) and this is the best/strongest German AI I have seen yet. You might even add some more city improvements in German cities too.

RE: Latin America. I think you nerfed Mexico too much. Granted, the US in my current game has not invaded Mexico, but it needs to invade at least Mexico to be competitive. I am probably going to have Britain invade Mexico just to start a war and get the US going.

Impassable terrain just South of Panama is also working well.

Grizx

 

[Grizx]

Rocoteh

British German force compaison as of
Week 1, 1942
Ver 1.7 SID Britain

Navy:
Germany - 2 Hindenburgs, 3 Type VII, 10 1941 DDF's, 1 Type IXBritain - 14 KG V BB's, 3 BB's, 2 Battle Cruisers, 7 CA, 23 LC, 117 DD, 4 B1/B2 CV, 3 B3 CV, 20 subs, 6 transports, 3 1941 DD.

Air Force:
Germany - 76 FW 90, 12 ME 109, 1 JU 88
Britain - 69 Spitfire, 14 Typhoon, 5 Halifax, 3 Bristol, 30 Skua, 2 Mosquito, 42 Lancaster,

Artillery:
Germany - 2 Mobile rocket launchers, 4 artillery
Britain - 26 mobile artillery, 1 heavy artillery, 12 artillery,

Armor:
Germany - 11 SS Panzer, 62 Stug III, 18 Panther, 1 Pz IIIg, 1 Pz II,
Britain - 1 British tank, 1 Cruiser, 81 Matildas, 63 Crusaders, 1 Valentine

Anti Air:
Germany - 37 Flak 88mm
Britain - 43 Flak

Infantry:
Germany - 1 HMG, 34 German Inf, 20 SS Inf, 20 Pz Grenadier, 26 Garrison, 15 Special Fortress, 2 Hungarian Inf, 3 Bulgarian Inf, 5 Romanian Inf
Britain - 70 British Inf 1943, 47 British Inf, 1939, 3 British Militia, 20 ANZAC, 71 HMG, 83 Garrison, 11 Marines, 28 Parachute, 43 Special Fortress

Don't know if this is useful, but thought you might like to see what Germany is building.

Also German forces are pretty concentrated with internal lines of communication, British forces are spread all over the world with long/extended fronts and cannot easily support each other.

Also, bear in mind that over the last several turns Britain has destroyed about 15 Panthers, 10 SS/Inf, 10 PZ IIIg, 5 U-boats, 2 Hindenburgs, 5 DDF's 2 transports, 7 Pz Grenadiers 10 ME 109's, 5 FW 90, and 12 JU-88. So Germany is at a bit of a low point after its recent offensives.

Grizx

 

[Rocoteh]

overall its a shame Civ3s AI doesnt do seabourne attacks better. Japans strengh is needed to allow it to take all those islands... but instead it ends up attacking india 100%, and as of now in my game, its entering Africa!!!! yet its still strugging to take islands in the pacific. Same can be said for american AI, its still mainly stuck on its home land...i think thats why the AI goes for south america.

But theres no way you can fix that is there?

Overlag,

I wish there was a way to fix it, but there is no one.

This is a problem within the game-engine. I can see it my personal
mod also. Even if I give Japan 4 settlers at start it will never make
a strong expansion.

Again, CIV 4 is the hope.

Rocoteh

 

[Rocoteh]

oljb007,

On lack of flavour units:

OK, I will see what I can do.

On restricting which units can be produced outside Japan with
a house rule:

However its not my impression from most playtest-reports
that most people think its to easy to play Japan.

Rocoteh

 

[Rocoteh]

Grizx,

Thank you for the very interesting reports and screenshots.

Its very positive that Germany-AI is strong in this playtest.
That is unusual.
As you say the outcome is uncertain and this will really be interesting to follow.

"The suggestion on USSR border posts I think is a very good one. With the right graphics and a defense of 1 it might work well. I would recommend putting them along all USSR borders - Germany, Turkey, Persia, China, Japan.

I remember seeing grapahics for a barbed wire type emplacements which would make a good border post on CGD, I think. Better than some soldier standing there." Grizx

I will consider to block all Soviet borders. Will check out the graphic you mention.

"Also an intersting thought on the tile West of Istanbul. My only concern there is that it might make it too easy for Britain in the Middle East. But it might be worth a try, except you will need to put Istanabul on the European side of the strait." Grizx

The land tile will remain. Fortress units have been added in the tile.

"I still think the real key to a stronger German AI is to make all possible terrain improvemnts on tiles held by Geramny at the start and to replace pigs with cattle for the extra shield. I made those changes in the game I am playing now (see above) and this is the best/strongest German AI I have seen yet. You might even add some more city improvements in German cities too.

RE: Latin America. I think you nerfed Mexico too much. Granted, the US in my current game has not invaded Mexico, but it needs to invade at least Mexico to be competitive. I am probably going to have Britain invade Mexico just to start a war and get the US going." Grizx

Notes have been taken.

Comment on forces available: It seems still hard to get Germany-AI to
produce standard infantry.

Thank you and welcome back.

Rocoteh

 

[Cowabunga]

Regarding Japanese Technology,

The Japanese actively researched and developed aircraft technology throughout the war. They had an answer to the B-29 bomber - the Kaitan (sp?). They did not have the resources or fuel at that stage of the war to produce it in mass numbers, but those few that flew were regarded by B-29 crewmen as a major problem.
Additionally, the employed human torpedoes called Kaiten. They were among the first homing torpedoes...
They also employed a version of the V1 called the Baka bomb. In place of gyro guidance, it employed a human pilot. The name Baka was a code name given to the weapon by American intelligence. Baka is the Japanese word for "stupid".

They also employed a version of the Me-163: Mitsubishi J8M/Ki-200 Shusui -- rocket powered interceptor.
Japanese copy of German Me163 rocket powered interceptor fighter specially designed for use against B-29. The prototype flew on 7July45. The War ended before production.



Very respectfully,

Cowabunga

 

[oljb007]

Rocoteh,

Re: the recent posts on Germany, Turkey, and USSR.

....

I still think the real key to a stronger German AI is to make all possible terrain improvemnts on tiles held by Geramny at the start and to replace pigs with cattle for the extra shield. I made those changes in the game I am playing now (see above) and this is the best/strongest German AI I have seen yet. You might even add some more city improvements in German cities too.

....

Grizx

Grizx,

I was looking at those screenshots and was amazed at the expansion of germany! I went back to double check that you were playing britain!

I am in the beginning of german 1.7 SID and am going have to compare my results to that of your AI! good suggestions but what are thoughts on russian strenght then as a result of your changes?

 

[Rocoteh]

Regarding Japanese Technology,

The Japanese actively researched and developed aircraft technology throughout the war. They had an answer to the B-29 bomber - the Kaitan (sp?). They did not have the resources or fuel at that stage of the war to produce it in mass numbers, but those few that flew were regarded by B-29 crewmen as a major problem.
Additionally, the employed human torpedoes called Kaiten. They were among the first homing torpedoes...
They also employed a version of the V1 called the Baka bomb. In place of gyro guidance, it employed a human pilot. The name Baka was a code name given to the weapon by American intelligence. Baka is the Japanese word for "stupid".

They also employed a version of the Me-163: Mitsubishi J8M/Ki-200 Shusui -- rocket powered interceptor.
Japanese copy of German Me163 rocket powered interceptor fighter specially designed for use against B-29. The prototype flew on 7July45. The War ended before production.



Very respectfully,

Cowabunga

Cowabunga,

Thank you for your comments.

Yes I think adding some what-if weapons such as those you mention
could add some flavour to the units Japan can build.

Best Regards

Rocoteh

 

[Rocoteh]

I plan to release the first AI-version of WW2-Global
one week from now.

It will be human controlled Germany versus AI-controlled
Allied and Soviet.
Playing Germany will not be easy!

Rocoteh

 

[oljb007]

I plan to release the first AI-version of WW2-Global
one week from now.

It will be human controlled Germany versus AI-controlled
Allied and Soviet.
Playing Germany will not be easy!

Rocoteh

 

[Cowabunga]

Rocoteh,

you can get more specs on Japanese aircraft here: http://www.acepilots.com/planes/specs.html The plane I thought was the Kaitan is, I believe, the NCK2-J.

Very respectfully,

Cowabunga

 

[Grizx]

oljb007, Rocoteh


You asked about USSR strength.

Here are the USSR forces at the time I posted the German and British forces
in my earlier post above.
As you can see the USSR has some very formidable forces.

It is possible that Germany has done well becasue I have not played Britain
ery well.
During 1939 and the first half of 1940 Britain was fighting both Germany and
ussia. (The USA had declared war against Russia)

I felt I was very lucky to hold on to the Middle East against their combined
ttacks and to also hold on to Hong Kong, Burma, Port Moresby and Singapore
against the Japanese. Was also able to destroy and contain the Kriegsmarine
in the North Sea.

But that was all defensive and I was not able do do much directly against
Germany. Although I did destroy something over 50 Pz IIg Divisions
and numerous infantry/SS Divisions in repelling attacks on my positions in the
Mid-East and Persia. Excuses, excuses.

I did manage to capture Turkey from the Germans, but have been on the
defensive at Istanbul since taking it in order to build my economy and forces.
I had actually planned to go on the offensive against Germany using my
advantage in bombers, but I found that Germany has over 76 FW-90's which,
combined with their 88's are too geat a risk for my bombers. I have far too
few Spitfires spread over to large an area, so am now turning to mass-
produce them in order to take out the FW-90's.

Brtiain has been at peace with Russia for some time now and I take every
opportunity to trade with Russia to keep them friendly. If the Russia and
Germany AI's gang up on Britain now, I am toast.

That is one of the reasons I have played this SID game somewhat
conservatively, focusing on defensive choke points for Brtiain.

The German AI, in spite of the advantages I gave it is probably right now
inferior to the USSR, although that is partly a result of losing forces in
attacks n Britain. The USSR probably has better defensive capabilities than
Germany's Goffensive capabilities; but others could judge that better than I.

Clearly the German AI does not want to take on Russia.
So I am not sure that the German AI has been overpowered by the changes I
made. In fact I would tend to make more changes by adding a few more city
improvements to German cities. Not too many - the German AI came very,
very close to breaking through into North Africa and Persia. And if it had
continued its fight against the USSR instead of diverting forces to attack
Britain, then Moscow would have fallen, I think.

USSR Forces

Navy - 1 BB, 15 1939 DDF, 2 CA, 2 C3 CV, 53 subs, 5 transports

Air Force - 21 Yak, 22 Pe-8 bombers, 7 I-16, 3 Paratroop planes, 2 Recon

Artillery - 5 Mobile Rocket Launchers, 14 Heavy Artilery

Armor/Motorized - 46 KV1, 81 T-34, 15 Motorized Rifle Divisions (1939),
88 Motorized Rifle Divisions (1941), 14 T-26

Infantry - 131 HMG Div , 115 Russian InfantryDiv , 73 Paratroop Div
2 Garrison, 16 Special Fortress,

Anti-Air - 40 Flak

Other- 3 Fortresses, 57 workers

 

[Grizx]

Hindenbergs in the North Sea. Early 1942

These are very hard for the British to sink. Hindenbergs will chew right through King George V BB's.

What has worked so far is to use Lancaster and Halifax bombers to get them down to very low red and then use a KGV BB to finish them off. Even then, your KGV is going to take some heavy hits. Or, finish them off with Typhoons, which can sink ships, but it will take several typhoons - (bomb factor only18)

(Note: Lancasters and Halifax bombers cannot sink ships on their own.)

Grizx

 

[Grizx]

Rocoteh

I just noticed that Geramn SS Panzer Divisions and Stug III's can enter mountain tiles with no roads.

Is this planned or is it a bug?

Grizx