Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

[SqzMyLemon]

I was hoping to post an update last night if I received a turn, unfortunately I didn't get one. The pace of the game is crazy slow right now. Since the last update, we've only finished 4 turns. With Smeulders' other opponent away on a trip I thought more turns would be forthcoming, but that hasn't happened. Bart indicated a while ago his preference for summer activities which meant he'd get to the game sporadically, but this pace is slower than even I anticipated. Luckily my other PBEM is humming along and I've been able to get back to catching up on RL non-game related activities, like life for example. [:D]

I've just surpassed 1,000,000 HI points in the pool. I'm worried about oil stocks, which remain low in the Home Islands. I'll post numbers from tracker later. I've mentioned my merchant fleet overhaul a few times, as more tankers arrive in the Home Islands over the coming weeks, I expect to start seeing a larger increase in both fuel/oil stocks in Japan soon.

I'll also provide some ship production updates and what I will be receiving over the next 3 months including three new CV's, a CL and 6-8 DD's. I'm also due to receive more new tankers (11600 capacity) over the next 30 days. Air and ground reinforcements are scarce until July.

In terms of actual gameplay, there is little happening. Since the fall of Meiktila there has been no Allied activity whatsoever. This means fort construction and a recuperation for Allied bomber forces in preparation for their next target in Burma. This has also allowed me to recover somewhat. All Tojo's are in Burma and can be committed when necessary. I'm still waiting for the last component of Nate's to convert to the Tony Ia. Unlike naval air units that can convert with just one new aircraft model available, I've not been able to convert the Nate's over unless I have exactly the number of aircraft to fill the unit. For example, I have 10 Tony Ia's available, but it won't let me convert the Nate's to Tony's because I need 14 to fill the unit out. Frustrating and has caused an unnecessary delay while I wait for production to catch up.

In the Solomons, I continue to redeploy troops from Lunga. The 16th and 48th Divisions remain to be withdrawn and they will reach Tassafaronga in a day or two. The base now has a level 1 port and is not quite as vulnerable as Lunga, so I'm hoping this will speed up the process and provide a little more security for the transports.

@ Khyberbill:

We are playing a fully patched game, but my understanding from Bart is that our game isn't affected by all the changes. We started too early and some of the changes, particularly in Burma concerning supply and Monsoon restrictions, can't be applied to our game without updating the DB, which will mess things up. That's my understanding of things at least. I could be mistaken of course, but from what I can see neither of us is restricted, or affected, by supply flow issues or Monsoon effects, whatever those actually are. [&:]

@Mike:

I hear you there. I'm trying to conduct all my operations with this in mind so I don't get burned again. Let's face it, the AI does stupid things with one's forces and it's worth the effort to try and minimize it's disastrous effects as much as possible. Unfotunately, that means I have to learn and game the mechanics. He who knows the game engine wins, tactics don't have much to do with it anymore in my experience.

The AI handling of my forces is one of the biggest disppointments I've encountered so far in this game. I feel like I've lost all tactical control and forced to rely on the hope that the AI will "do the right thing" when my forces are engaged. The less I can let it screw with me, the better, so that means fully understanding what it will do at any given time. A steep learning curve to say the least.

Anyway, just a quick post since I see this AAR had fallen to page 3. Until something happens, or the turns start arriving regularly, the AAR will most likely continue to not be updated as often as in the past.

[JocMeister]

Whats this "life" you speak of? [;)]

I know what you mean about the "AI" as I have had some seriously frustrating moments aswell. I try to imagine it like subordinates making a mess out of things...helps a little!

[SqzMyLemon]

And just like that I received the next turn from Bart. [8D]

Unfortunately, it sounds like the game will be on hiatus and there's a possibilty of the game not continuing. Bart has indicated the game isn't very fun for him at the moment, nothing game related, but he just can't dedicate the time or interest lately. Having been there myself, I completely understand game fatigue. It's been a very long haul for us both and he indicates perhaps a break to recharge the batteries will help.

I haven't responded to him yet, but will do so to see where things probably stand. I have no issues if he wants a break or to stop the game. Either is fine with me. I'll wait to hear back from Bart before I take any action on my part, in terms of possibly looking for another game, or just putting this one aside until Bart is ready to continue.

Joseph

[obvert]

I know you're making models. Some of them are undoubtedly finished. I bet they sure look good finished. [:)]

At least you have one good game going. I do admire you for sticking with the other one. It's tough when so many things just don't feel right. Most of the time I'm just too curious to quit. I want to see exactly how my best laid plans will be taken apart piece by piece.

Anyway, great to see you posting here and elsewhere.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

I know you're making models. Some of them are undoubtedly finished. I bet they sure look good finished. [:)]

At least you have one good game going. I do admire you for sticking with the other one. It's tough when so many things just don't feel right. Most of the time I'm just too curious to quit. I want to see exactly how my best laid plans will be taken apart piece by piece.

Anyway, great to see you posting here and elsewhere.

I promise to post some pictures soon . I've been a little derailed in the model department lately with beautiful weather and house renovations being the primary culprits on this end.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind if Bart decides to end the game. My feelings have been well documented and I'm not looking forward to continuing under the limitations imposed because of PDU off either. That being said, I'm good to go if Bart decides to continue after a break. It will really be up to him at this point.

I am enjoying my other PBEM as the Allies. It's moving along briskly and we have reached July 1/42. I'm going to lose China and my opponent has just invaded NZ so it's a pretty daunting task ahead of me. I may decide to do a one sided AAR on that game after all if this one ends. If this game against Bart doesn't continue, I'm not sure if I'll pick up the gauntlet right away again with Japan, there is definitely some game fatigue on my end. I definitely want to try them again though. I'm looking forward to applying the lessons learned coupled with the experience gained over the years.

I get ahead of myself though. Right now things are just on hiatus and it's up to Bart whether this game continues. I may or may not be looking for another opponent in the foreseeable future. [8D]

[SqzMyLemon]

I haven't heard back from Bart since responding to his desire for a break, then again it's been less than a day. I ran the last turn and nothing of note happened. The current date is March 19/43.

I'm not in any hurry to send off the next turn obviously and most likely won't update the last five turns in the AAR, or provide the planned economic/production update mentioned earlier. I'll post here as soon as I learn whether the game will continue or not, but we're looking at a hiatus for the rest of July at least, according to Bart. Sorry for the delay, and possible end to the game, for those who have been following and enjoying the AAR.

Joseph

[SqzMyLemon]

I was bored last night and started pre-planning a Japanese turn one. How bad is that! [:D]

I started to document my production changes and merchant fleet organization in anticipation of another game at some point. Having it written down will definitely speed up completing those first few turns.

[SqzMyLemon]

With the end of July almost upon us, I should be hearing from Bart on the status of this PBEM soon. I haven't touched this game for 3 weeks and haven't completed the next turn pending a decision. I'll post as soon as I know. If anyone out there is wanting an opponent for another matchup, keep me in mind if this game should end.

[SqzMyLemon]

I've just heard from Bart and he's decided to stop playing this PBEM for reasons along the lines of time commitment and lack of interest. I can understand where he is coming from, if the desire, interest and commitment isn't there, there really is no point continuing. I know I've had my issues with play style and the game itself, but overall I enjoyed the chance to get my feet wet and gain valuable experience while playing Bart.

To all those that have followed along and offered suggestions, advice and tolerated my rants on occasion, I want to extend a big thank you. To those that followed along and never posted, I thank you as well. I hope you all enjoyed the journey up to this point and might have also learned something along the way from my trials and tribulations.

What next? I think I'll concentrate on my other PBEM in the short term and start preparing for another go around with Japan here with a Babes mod or stock Scenario 1 with stacking limits and extended map. I am looking forward to another go and applying everything I've learned to try and improve my play on the Japanese side of things.

I'll be on holidays after tomorrow, so I'll probably take the next 18 days to kick back, decide on the mod to play, look for an opponent and plan Turn 1 as Japan. [:D]

As much as I was prepared for the game ending and the desire for it to happen, it's too bad that it ends just as the most interesting part of the game was ahead of us. I was looking forward to the CV and surface battles that were ahead.

Thanks for following along everyone. Any comments, as always, are most welcome prior to wrapping this one up.

Joseph

[JocMeister]

Its a sad thing the game came to an end. But I don´t think much good would have come from pressing on as none of you seemed to enjoy it very much right now.

I really enjoyed your AAR. It was well written and easy to follow. I didn´t post much but I read it from start to finish! I think it was very interesting to see just how hard playing with PDU off was making it for you. Most players today take it for granted that they can up/downgrade at will and arn´t shackled by the historic paths. And I don´t think showing some emotions in an AAR is a bad thing. This game can be so infuriating at times and you have to vent it somewhere! [:D]

What would you say was the biggest lesson learned in this PBEM?

Enjoy you holiday and try to get some sun! Only three days left of mine...four weeks just fly by when you are on a vacation.

Dropped you a PM [:)]

Cheers,
Jocke

[obvert]

Also sorry to see the end of the game, as it would have been great to watch as you repulsed an Allied push in the South Pacific.

It did feel like maybe you and your opponent were not on the same page about some things and that the game wasn't much fun for either of you anymore.

Have a great vacation and rest up for your next match! [;)]

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

Have followed the AAR since the start. Sad to see it end, but hope you find the time to start a new AAR with a new opponent and use the experience you learned here.

[jeffk3510]

Sorry to see it end. It was enjoyable following it.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Its a sad thing the game came to an end. But I don´t think much good would have come from pressing on as none of you seemed to enjoy it very much right now.

What would you say was the biggest lesson learned in this PBEM?

Hi Jocke,

There was definitely frustration on my end over certain aspects of the game, including PDU off, however I think the real game killer for both of us was the lack of action for such a long period of time. That being said, I really enjoyed the Guadalcanal counterinvasion and was able to refine some tactics during that period of play. I also love the entire Japanese production side of things so that aspect of the game was constantly a challenge and fun for me.

As to the biggest lesson, there are many, but one that stands out is have a plan. I really didn't have one, so once the historic perimeter was taken I really didn't push my opponent at all. That definitely contributed to the lack of action. I also made a decision to not compromise my forces solely for actions sake. I saw nothing to gain by trying to force the action with operations that strategically didn't help my position.

The other important thing is logistics and planning the defence. I wasn't prepared to launch a counterinvasion anywhere, and only the conservative nature of my opponent allowed me to recover. Against a more aggressive opponent I would have been in big trouble quite early. I started fortification and expansion of bases from game start, but never really developed a unified defence and was pretty lax with force allocation.

Being my first game it's understandable, I didn't know Japan's capabilities or the Allies' for that matter. There are so many things I'd do differently to improve my play now in hindsight. That's what it's all about though, lessons learned and the ability to apply them moving forward. It's too bad the game is such a monster, you just can't finish a game quickly and start another one. It takes a big commitment and the compatibility of opponents is a huge factor in the fun factor of a PBEM. I'm glad for the experience and as much as our game petered out, I'm glad Bart and I were able to get as far as we did relatively hassle free for the most part.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Also sorry to see the end of the game, as it would have been great to watch as you repulsed an Allied push in the South Pacific.

ORIGINAL: TheLoneGunman

Have followed the AAR since the start. Sad to see it end, but hope you find the time to start a new AAR with a new opponent and use the experience you learned here.

ORIGINAL: jeffk3510

Sorry to see it end. It was enjoyable following it.

Thanks Gentlemen. I'm glad to know you enjoyed following the game. I definitely plan on another AAR. The whole social side of undergoing an AAR makes it worth the effort.

[Ingtar]

Your AAR helped push me to buy the AE without waiting for another chance for an upgrade.

[JocMeister]

Lack of plan really stands out for me as well. Its such a difference between having a "strategic plan" and then actually executing it. Its easy to think "I want to defend Oz" but much harder to actually do it. To decide where to put what and then get it there is 95% of the "plan". Much of it as you say come from inexperience. Not knowing what is possible and not. In my game vs Erik I certainly learned some hard lessons that I could never have learned against the AI.

I´m glad you don´t feel any regret about the game. Its a shame it came to an end but as you point out it was probably a very good learning experience! I´m sure what you learned during the game will make your Jap opponent in your allied game sweat a grand deal more! [:D]

[fcharton]

Hi Joseph,

Your AAR was the reason why I decided to try Japan, without any prior experience of the game. I am going to miss it.

Having dropped a game, last year, due to lack of mutual interest, I understand your position. There is no point in going on for the purpose of honoring a commitment both regret.

Enjoy the holidays, and come back with an evil plan, PDU On, and a new AAR with those great maps.

Francois

[PaxMondo]

Joseph,
 
Best of luck in your next game.  This was a great AAR and look forward to your next one.  I have more learning to do!

[crsutton]

I just got caught up after not reading for a month. A good AAR and really fun to read. Thanks for that. I know that writing an AAR is a big time commitment.

I suspect that PDU on is a must for the Japanese player vs any good Allied opponent, so you are probably better off ending this one now. Good luck in your next one. One of my two campaings frittered out this year and I am looking forward to playing a Da Babes scenario myself.