Whoops I did it again.... (Game Over July 14, 1942)

[Mike McCreery]

Japanese ships get caught in port again at Tulagi and slaughtered.

[Mike McCreery]

In this combat I had the advantage of clear weather with 0% moonlight and got to within 5,000 yards before being spotted by the Japanese and their beginning to get underway.

The TF never made it out of port due to accurate gunfire from the CL's.

I would LOVE to tell you that I planned this to happen with no moonlight but it was just lucky timing. The Tamagawa Maru was carrying fuel so the torp was wasted.

[HansBolter]

Gotta love the Omaha's. They are plucky, underrated fighters.

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Gotta love the Omaha's. They are plucky, underrated fighters.

Yep, and then they do a fair bit to the airfield given their use of shells on the TF.

[Mike McCreery]

From Mike:

"I am going to quit this game. I am sorry for wasting your time. I am more interested in historical simulation and this is not it. Zeroes being unable to shoot down anything and a Dutch army that I cannot hope to beat is just to unhistorical for me."

End of Game July 14, 1942

Credit to Pax Mondo for calling this a long time ago...

[Mike McCreery]

The Japanese advance in China was stalled early in the game and never managed to take significant ground beyond the plains of eastern China. At game end the Chinese had moved a large stack into Nanchang and were in combat to take the base.

In the pacific, Naru island was taken but Ocean island was never taken nor was Tabituea or any of the surrounding Atolls. At games end Tabituea had approximately 750AV that was prepping for assaults on Tarawa and nearby islands.

Near Rabaul the Allies had a strong foothold on Lunga with 650+AV that was supported but supply was an issue as the Japanese had captured Tulagi with a strong force that was building up the base.

The Australians had already put a division on Horn Island, a regiment at Merauke and had 390 AV at Port Moresby.

In Burma a force had built up a good position at Mytinka and bombers were ferrying supply from Ledo to Chengtu.

[Mike McCreery]

Capital ship losses were light for both sides.

[Mike McCreery]

Plane losses also appeared to be light and my opponent was ahead in points.

[Mike McCreery]

Japan leads nearly 2-1

[BBfanboy]

Having read a couple of your previous AARs I am not surprised that you have stymied the Japanese so early. You have the experience to recognize where you can take advantage of Japanese weaknesses.

I don't think your opponent was mentally ready for the kind of daring you typically show and probably is not experienced enough to use the tools he has to best advantage. I think that made him blame the game for lack of accurate simulation. It's hard to admit when you are overmatched.

This game does require a few times out of the gate before you get the hang of all the challenges. I am somewhat sympathetic to the IJ player because of the economy thing (that is more than I want to tackle!) but good old fashioned persistence in the face of adversity seems to be a trait that is fading away.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

From Mike:

"I am going to quit this game. I am sorry for wasting your time. I am more interested in historical simulation and this is not it. Zeroes being unable to shoot down anything and a Dutch army that I cannot hope to beat is just to unhistorical for me."

End of Game July 14, 1942

Credit to Pax Mondo for calling this a long time ago...

I am really sorry that it did turn out this way ... better luck in your next match.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Having read a couple of your previous AARs I am not surprised that you have stymied the Japanese so early. You have the experience to recognize where you can take advantage of Japanese weaknesses.

I don't think your opponent was mentally ready for the kind of daring you typically show and probably is not experienced enough to use the tools he has to best advantage. I think that made him blame the game for lack of accurate simulation. It's hard to admit when you are overmatched.

This game does require a few times out of the gate before you get the hang of all the challenges. I am somewhat sympathetic to the IJ player because of the economy thing (that is more than I want to tackle!) but good old fashioned persistence in the face of adversity seems to be a trait that is fading away.

Truth is, against a competent allied players, even scenario 2 is going to be tough going for the IJ. Now here is the really hard truth: it is historically accurate.

With hindsight, the allies have the most to gain. Nimitz was cautious because of what he didn't know, and not wanting to deal with the politics of any armed setback after PH.
A player does not have those handcuffs, and so .... a good allied player like wargmr here can take a few risks in '42 and have them pay off quite nicely.

Even playing the AI, this is really obvious. Playing as the allies, it is fairly easy to have the IJ on the run by mid 42 with no hope of an IJ recovery. On the flip side, while as the IJ you can run rampant against the allies, you have to get deep into '43 before you are close to saying that, and even '44 before it is game over. 2 years difference. Mostly because of the allied replacement pools

I think that is why most of the 'popular' mods are ones that give the IJ the most benefit ... anyway, just my $0.02.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

From Mike:

"I am going to quit this game. I am sorry for wasting your time. I am more interested in historical simulation and this is not it. Zeroes being unable to shoot down anything and a Dutch army that I cannot hope to beat is just to unhistorical for me."

End of Game July 14, 1942

Credit to Pax Mondo for calling this a long time ago...

Sorry to hear. Never feels good to have the rug pulled out, especially when you're doing so well.

Well done in this one and look forward to your next.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
but good old fashioned persistence in the face of adversity seems to be a trait that is fading away.

Crikeys, he was doing a lot better than I am!

Plenty of fight left in Japan here. Sorry to see it end, but Wargamr is one tough hombre to fight against.

[Aurorus]

Japan is harder to play than the allies. Of course, there is the economy, but there is also no time to learn basic tactics when playing Japan: in the land-war, in the air-war, and so forth. The problem is not the game is "ahistorical;" the problem is that your opponent lacked sufficient experience to play against a veteran player. I think this is the most common reason why games end early: disparity in player ability. For this reason, I think it is important to seek out opponents with a comparable level of experience.

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

Japan is harder to play than the allies. Of course, there is the economy, but there is also no time to learn basic tactics when playing Japan: in the land-war, in the air-war, and so forth. The problem is not the game is "ahistorical;" the problem is that your opponent lacked sufficient experience to play against a veteran player. I think this is the most common reason why games end early: disparity in player ability. For this reason, I think it is important to seek out opponents with a comparable level of experience.

On the flip side you learn much more against a player of significantly better skill and experience. NJP and MrKane have beaten me black blue and bloody but the things I have learned have made me a much better player.

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
but good old fashioned persistence in the face of adversity seems to be a trait that is fading away.

Crikeys, he was doing a lot better than I am!

Plenty of fight left in Japan here. Sorry to see it end, but Wargamr is one tough hombre to fight against.

I appreciate the compliment. Especially from such a skilled player as yourself!!

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

Japan is harder to play than the allies. Of course, there is the economy, but there is also no time to learn basic tactics when playing Japan: in the land-war, in the air-war, and so forth. The problem is not the game is "ahistorical;" the problem is that your opponent lacked sufficient experience to play against a veteran player. I think this is the most common reason why games end early: disparity in player ability. For this reason, I think it is important to seek out opponents with a comparable level of experience.

I started a game with another player with me playing Japan. It lasted 21 turns. I did not realize the complexity and also that Japan is a paper tiger, extremely powerful in 1 direction but vulnerable as well. I was simply not enjoying the game. That is why I have no hard feelings against Mike. If he wasnt enjoying it then we both would have been miserable to continue.

Also, the ability to find someone of equal experience is a tough one given the relatively small pool of people who have the skill + time + desire + availability.

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

Japan is harder to play than the allies. Of course, there is the economy, but there is also no time to learn basic tactics when playing Japan: in the land-war, in the air-war, and so forth. The problem is not the game is "ahistorical;" the problem is that your opponent lacked sufficient experience to play against a veteran player. I think this is the most common reason why games end early: disparity in player ability. For this reason, I think it is important to seek out opponents with a comparable level of experience.

On the flip side you learn much more against a player of significantly better skill and experience. NJP and MrKane have beaten me black blue and bloody but the things I have learned have made me a much better player.

I agree with you. Your experience against Mr. Kane was probably invaluable, and you are a much better player for it. This will make it more difficult for you to find opponents of comparable ability. I do not hold grudges or have hard feelings when someone quits. I enjoy playing the game, even if it is only for a few months. I think of it as a scenario and a learning experience.

What is unfortunate here, however, is that your opponent believes that the "game engine" is responsible for the difficulties that he encountered. Rather, he should think of this as a learning experience, examine what worked and what did not work well, and adjust his tactics and strategy accordingly so as to be better in his next game.

[Yaab]

Well, Bandoeng is my favourite Alamo for Java.