Can't seem to win on scenario

[gtrpastor]

I recently got the game, and it has been really fun and really challenging. I don't mind a challenge, but I also don't like getting stuck on a scenario after several attempts.

I haven't been able to beat the Coral Sea scenario (in the Allied Campaign). I've learned a few lessons (i.e. don't send the fleet north). But I can't, for the life of me figure out a few things...

For instance, how can I prevent the allied port from falling when my naval fleet there is greatly outgunned?

Perhaps my greatest frustration is that the scenario begins with the carrier pre-loaded with three planes, only one of which is a fighter. The other two are for attacking ships. I prefer to use ships to attack ships. I purchased fighters and tried to deploy them from my reserves, but it says that I don't have enough air support. Is there a way to get more air support?

I don't really want any spoilers, but if anyone has helpful hints to help me around my mental block I would greatly appreciate it.

[lparkh]

I believe you get more air support from buying carriers. But maybe I state the obvious.
Speaking historically using air power *should* be the best way to win a wwii pacific naval conflict
Speaking in terms of game mechanics I find pretty effective is: whack destroyers with dive bombers first then you can close with capital ships while pounding carriers and enemy capital ships with torpedo planes.
Also i don't see either how save the port without air. I'm thinking you might land at airfield after long flight?
Btw i lost scenario too and switched to Japanese campaign since then.

[gtrpastor]

Thanks for the reply lparkh.

Also, I guess I should have looked at the other thread about this scenario before I posted. There are some suggestions there as well.

[lparkh]

Good luck!

[Texican]

ORIGINAL: speef

I recently got the game, and it has been really fun and really challenging. I don't mind a challenge, but I also don't like getting stuck on a scenario after several attempts.

I haven't been able to beat the Coral Sea scenario (in the Allied Campaign). I've learned a few lessons (i.e. don't send the fleet north). But I can't, for the life of me figure out a few things...

For instance, how can I prevent the allied port from falling when my naval fleet there is greatly outgunned?

Perhaps my greatest frustration is that the scenario begins with the carrier pre-loaded with three planes, only one of which is a fighter. The other two are for attacking ships. I prefer to use ships to attack ships. I purchased fighters and tried to deploy them from my reserves, but it says that I don't have enough air support. Is there a way to get more air support?

I don't really want any spoilers, but if anyone has helpful hints to help me around my mental block I would greatly appreciate it.

It's been said before in some other threads, but I suggest a CVE deployed on west side of map. Planes from any CV can fly to it, cycle through, and really do a number on the Japanese invasion fleet. Maybe stick a DD with the CVE. There are subs in that area. (By the way, you will also find this CVE critically useful in the later Operation Cartwheel scenario).

And, I'd use planes to attack ships. The IJN should outclass the USN in surface actions at this stage.

[gtrpastor]

Texican, I guess I'm not sure what a CVE is...

But I did finally beat this scenario. One key is deploying a fleet on the western side of the map (which I didn't know I could do when I started).

I was disappointed that no matter what I did, I couldn't deploy more fighters. I purchased an extra aircraft carrier, but still couldn't deploy my available fighters due to a lack of air support.

I also barely won, my aircraft carrier was reduced to 2!

IMO, this scenario is way off balance. Far too many enemy planes to defend against.