Challenge for Allied Vet(CLOSED)

[bristolduke]

I have really enjoyed studying this game and looking at all the mods done by some very smart people. I have played against the AI somewhat, but the smaller fonts was limiting what I could see. Skacee's new map and Platoonists new icons (and a 40" monitor) have helped that a lot. I love seeing the variations and tried playing RA but realized my limited knowledge of the basic game play was affecting my ability to enjoy them. I have been working to solve that against the AI and studying Mile Solli's AARs. I'm in a position where I can get a couple of games going. I would love to play the other mods as well, but I can't see that as realistic at the moment. I thought of a unique challenge.

Vet vs Rookie. I have looked for some rookie vs rookie matchups but most seem to want an experienced Japanese player. While I have only ever played the Japanese side, I am hardly an experienced player. So, I have reversed it. A rookie Japanese player against a veteran Allied player.

Since one mistake with Japan is usually fatal, there needs to be some help on the Japanese side. But I also wanted it to be a challenge to the Allied player. Since it is not based upon skill, it needs to be a handicap event, like golf where the amateur gets strokes. In this case, the handicap is Scenario 21. A human mind instead of AndyMac's devilish AI. Can a rookie's mind, be better than a computer's?

I suspect there will be some House rules. The immediate one I thought of was that AndyMac modified some of the Japanese Bases Base Victory points. So instead of the Allies starting out with a 10,000 point lead, they only have a 2,000 point lead. The bases selected, would also indicate it is used to cause certain Japanese behavior. That makes auto victory a lot easier to achieve. So some balance there should be discussed.

I am sure there are others to be discussed. I saw one where day 1 Japanese invasions should be limited to within 15 hexes of a Japanese base, which may be appropriate here, etc.

So, is there an Allied vet who would find that type of challenge interesting?

By the way, if there is an Allied rookie reading this, I would be glad to play Scenario 1/2 with an equal skilled opponent.

[Gratch1111]

Allied rookie here who would like a shot. I have had the game for a year but only played it just now for about a month, however Im used to strategic games and knows a lot about ww2 so I think Im learning pretty quick. But just like you Im thinking about a human opponent.

[Skyland]

Hi, i'm interested as an "Allied Vet". I have played 3 PBEM previously.

[Pharnakes]

I might be up for it, I think I could consider myself a vet if I'm 6 for 6 so far, but I'm not familiar with this specific scenario you are suggesting. I looked in the scenario thread in the mod forums but can't find a scen 21, assuming it isn't outrageously biased against the allies I'm interested.

[spence]

I guess I'm an Allied vet since I have always played Allies in PBEM.

I'd be interested in playing Scenario 1 (Beta). I am not familiar with Any Mac's Mod where he's changed the VPs on various victory hexes so I'm not sure what I'd have to download.

If your interest is also piqued and you haven't already selected one of those who got here before me PM me.

[Nomad]

Here is a link to scenario 21 files by AndyMac. This is a tier 3 ironman scenario and Japan is very strong in this. I am an experienced Allied player and I would not play this scenario against a human player, it is hard enough against the AI.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 8&t=340194

[bristolduke]

I might be up for it, I think I could consider myself a vet if I'm 6 for 6 so far, but I'm not familiar with this specific scenario you are suggesting. I looked in the scenario thread in the mod forums but can't find a scen 21, assuming it isn't outrageously biased against the allies I'm interested.

Nomad shared the link. Scenario 21 and 22, Ironman T3 and T2 respectfully, definitely have the Japanese with more assets. The base victory point change can be undone easily in the editor. The 8000 increase in victory points is huge. In an AI game that helps make it very difficult. In a PBEM game I consider it unfair, which is why I am willing to reduce it. Th AI uses the move bonus to invade Canada, which is also something I would be against (and is easy to not do).

The other interesting change is there does not appear to be any garrison requirement in Manchukuo against the Soviets. Don't know what it means. Can the Soviets attack anytime?

Still not being confident in what I am doing, I am cautious. Which is why I believe some discussion on special house rules will be needed. You can review the mod and let me know.

[Pharnakes]

I had a look, and yeah, sorry that's definitely outrageously biased in my eyes. The thing is, you might start the game with a major disadvantage, but a year or so in you'd know everything you need to, and would still have massive amounts of stuff coming in. It looks like half the stuff comes in for free too, so even if the allied player could get a decent blockade of Japan going (a pretty massive if, at that), it wouldn't make much difference.

Ultimately I don't think this would make for a satisfying game for either side, the Japanese player could literally just throw shit at the wall AI style and eventually it'd stick, which is a pretty hollow victory. And for the allied player, no matter how brilliantly you played you'd know that it still won't be enough and non of your achievements will actually do anything. For your first game I'd strongly suggest you find someone relatively new, and if you feel you still need some boosts, try something like reluctant admiral that will give Japan significant bonuses without completely upending the game.

[bristolduke]

I appreciate your looking into it. Since both you and Nomad view it as unworkable, I would certainly trust that analysis. Maybe Scen 22 (Tier 2) or Scen 10 (Tier 1) would work better. I tried RA against a couple of vets and got destroyed in 3 months (That was a couple of years ago and it ended due to health issues). I played to a scratch handicap for years, so I can relate to giving lots of strokes. The opponent gets hot and there is nothing you can do. Still if the handicaps are right, it is a competitive match. I still like the concept, just need the right balance.

I did send a PM To Gratch111, that may be an equal rookie matchup.

Thanks
Again