You guys weren't kidding when you said that the AI now has more strategic abilities. It's REALLY aggressive. Played a little bit of a new Scen 17 before I switched to 19, and it went for both PM AND Lunga, with secondary operations for Gili and Tulagi. All of this was simultaneous.
It's really fun. 
All the extra info is great! Now I actually know what's happening when my CAP makes an intercept or when Lee bumps into Tanaka.
All the little damage messages that replace the ubiquitous "CRITICAL HIT" were a particularly nice touch. What I'd really like to know is whether or not they're chrome, because they don't seem to be. I had Hobart take a torp and counterflood. She wound up with half the damage I'm used to seeing from those.
It's really nice to be able to stick an AG on 30% training and have it train more than 3-8 pilots.
No more tin foil cruisers, and surface combat is much better in general. It seems the bigger ships are using their main batteries more. At last an end to the 5" wars.
I've never seen the IJN use this many torpedoes, either. Are commander ratings more important in surface combat now? I had Tanaka and Callaghan really tear each other up in 4 separate combats in as many weeks. All four battles lasted at least two separate engagements (getting at least two combat reports in one phase is what I mean).
My SC's and ASW a/c no longer frustrate me. 'Nuff said.
Mines are a more strategic weapon, and the AI won't hesitate to use them now.
Scenario 19 is by far the best yet. All that Japanese airpower makes it much harder. It's a lifesaver for all of us dedicated Allied players.
My sincere thanks to all you guys at Matrix and 2by3 for making a great game even better.
