Interested Player

[Plumbersmack]

Hello all!

I have been watching Let's Play's of this game on YouTube and lurking in the forums. I really want to get into this game, but unsure of the massive scale/complexity, since I have next to no war-gaming experience under my belt. Does the game have have smaller scenarios that I can play to learn the game better, prior jumping into the entire theater? I also saw Uncommon Valor mentioned in a GoG thread, but cannot seem to find it for sale anywhere.

What would you guys suggest? Thanks!

[Canoerebel]

This game does have smaller scenarios that'll help you get up and running.

This may or may not help: Most of us have loved the Pacific War since we were boys. We knew we'd love this game long before it came out. The more detailed, the better. There was simply no question in our minds. And the game is everything we wanted and more.

There are probably a few folks that have learned to love the game despite not having the kind of passion, at least at first. But if you love the Pacific War, you're about to meet the beautiful, passionate and willing mistress of your dreams.

[Plumbersmack]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

This game does have smaller scenarios that'll help you get up and running.

This may or may not help: Most of us have loved the Pacific War since we were boys. We knew we'd love this game long before it came out. The more detailed, the better. There was simply no question in our minds. And the game is everything we wanted and more.

There are probably a few folks that have learned to love the game despite not having the kind of passion, at least at first. But if you love the Pacific War, you're about to meet the beautiful, passionate and willing mistress of your dreams.

And I assume have my heart broken again and again by my own folly?

I have loved WWII since I was in high school - however most of my PC gaming has focused more on RTS and FPS games, Hearts of Iron scratches some of my WWII itches, as does Post Scriptum, but neither has ever really fulfilled those desires. To add further fuel to that fire, Dan Carlin's Hardcore History's recent episodes on the Rise of Japan has strengthened that desire to go in depth.

I appreciate the reply and the input! Cheers!

[paradigmblue]

Come on in, the water is fine!

You don't have to have hardcore wargaming experience to enjoy WitP:AE. And, while the game is daunting in its complexity - I still learn a new mechanic or detail every month on the forums, it seems - starting to play is relatively easy. You'll make mistakes, to be sure, but jumping in is the best way to learn - with the manual handy, that is.

[Plumbersmack]

Thanks! I have been perusing the scenarios.... while Alaska intrigues me (I loved seeing the WWII history when I was there) - it seems like Guadalcanal will be a decent starting point. I will try not to get my carriers all sunk at once

[fcooke]

It is a great game and platform to learn about the Pacific War. And the Forum folk are a great resource. I would think you could find Uncommon Valor out there for free or near free. And then if you are really old school Pacific War is likely a free download. Anything before that I would have to pull out my old Commodore 64......

[Jorge_Stanbury]

you might want to start with the Aleutians campaign; it is simpler

Guadalcanal has complicated logistics because supply is scarce

[Plumbersmack]

I was noticing that - I may do. I figured out some simple mechanics already - but now I am scouring the rule book to figure out how to transport troops, supplies and oil and trying to figure out when it is necessary to send my carrier task forces in for resupply... XD Simple stuff. I know SOME things are automated - but, I have a long night of reading in store

I am replaying the second turn several times, and just seeing how things fall into place.

[RangerJoe]

You might want to try the Coral Sea scenario.

[Capt Hornblower]

You say you have next-to-no wargaming experience? Despite the enthusiasm of my fellow forumites, I'd advise caution starting off with WITP:AE. That would be jumping into the deep end of the pool.

If you like WW2 as a subject and you want to get into wargaming, I think you should look at Panzer Corps (I and/or II) and Order of Battle. (The latter has the advantage that the introductory Boot-Camp scenarios are free. You can get a taste of what wargaming is like without shelling out big time.)

Oh, and "Uncommon Valor" (one of my absolute favorite games of all time) can be found as a Discontinued item on the Matrix and Slitherine websites.

Hope this has been helpful.

[Plumbersmack]

Hehe - too late. I jumped into the deep end!

I do have some experience with OOB, Rule the Waves 2 and Harpoon (wwaaaayyy back in the day, I don't remember how to play it). So I am not COMPLETELY useless. But thankfully - the manual is pretty in-depth and it is teaching me alot - as is reading the forum and watching youtube. I am sure I will keep coming back. Especially when I am ready to PBEM.

[Cap Mandrake]

The Japanese side is waaay more complicated because of production. If you are playing Japan I would hire Mr Hata

[Mundy]

When I bought the first WITP, I was scared for years to try the grand campaign, only playing the smaller scenarios. They actually had the "UV" campaign in that one.

When I finally tried the big one, I simply waded into it. You find that it basically breaks down into several smaller wars.

[Plumbersmack]

I think so far I am understanding everything pretty well. Once I clicked through literally everything.

Still struggling with the production/supply/fuel logic - how I know where it is produced and where to send it. I even tore apart Japanese air attacking my beach landing (10 Zeros and 9 Bombers[betty?] lost). However, one of my CL's was struck by a torpedo and I can't figure out how to send it back to Sydney for repair. I guess I will figure that out too!

I am definitely wanting to do the Grand Campaign (as Japan) - but am equally excited to explore player made campaigns

[Plumbersmack]

I also just found the Useful info for Beginners compilation by Chuske - going to be pouring over that.

[Nomad]

Stick with it and ask questions. I have been around, with a big bread, since PacWar days( I actually have the SSI version and manual ). It is a lot to learn and you will problaly
be learning things many years into the future. But it is a lot of fun.

[RangerJoe]

Bookmark this link and go to it as needed:

links and info for new players

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4726264

[Plumbersmack]

Appreciate it Ranger.

[Plumbersmack]

Alright - think I am finally getting the hang of this. Now just wanting a few tips...

I am playing through the Thousand Mile War as the US - My subs are in key choke points and I am having quite a few of my ships moving around trying to force an engagement with his smaller fleet. So far, I have sunk 2 subs.

First Island has been invaded and they are losing pretty quick... and I am preparing to invade the second island (having gotten my BBs and CVE)...

Questions are:

1. How can I force a fleet engagement (also my fighters can't seem to find anything)
2. Is there a certain way to position subs to intercept their supply and/or fleet

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Plumbersmack
1. How can I force a fleet engagement (also my fighters can't seem to find anything)

You mean a surface-to-surface naval battle (e.g., BBs banging away at each other) or a CVTF vs. CVTF (ala Midway or Coral Sea) engagement? Totally different setup.

2. Is there a certain way to position subs to intercept their supply and/or fleet

This is easier. Move your subs to where you think their risk of detection (via enemy naval air search or enemy ASW assets) will be low, but where you think the enemy fleet / supply ships will transit. Select patrol. Select a small number of hexes to patrol. Set reaction distance to =1.

Spotted subs are woefully ineffective. Your ability to inderdict depends on stealth and sage pre-positioning. Then the attack algorithm takes a bunch into account that's out of your hands. Speed of enemy ships relative to your own. The presence or absence of organic escorts in the enemy task force. Depth of water that you are attacking from. Your sub captain's aggression and naval skill relative to the enemy ASW assets. Etc. etc. etc.