653Nv1.7 Axis AAR

[sPzAbt653]

This DE has been added in order to provide the player the Historical or Non-Historical Option. Because of the events earlier in this game pertaining to Spain, I can assume that Hitler and Mussolini had discussions as France was collapsing concerning the pursuit of a Mediterranean Strategy. We know that Mussolini considered this to be Italy's sphere of influence and that he didn't want any interference from Germany [until the historical Italian collapse in Libya], but with a new understanding and promises of territory from Vichy France and the UK, for this scenario we assume that Mussolini agreed to German assistance, and canceled his ego ride into Greece.

Therefore, I will say NO.

[sPzAbt653]

UK Destroyers finally showed up, and took a beating, and the U-Boat menace rolls on.

When events transpire properly, Yugoslavia will join the Axis as they did historically. However, the Allied coup will always follow, as it did historically. [Hint to players, don't waste Diplo on Yugo early, it will only result in an Allied coup].

[sPzAbt653]

Gibraltar falls ! The Panzers knocked it down to 1 and the Spaniards took some loses but finished it off. Now I will Operate my Strat over to Malta and start getting serious about Egypt. The clock is ticking. [USSR is only at 19% [:)] ].

[sPzAbt653]

Without Malta, the supply situation is terrible. My Panzers will be arriving soon. The HQ in Sicily will also move to Libya, after Malta is taken.

[sPzAbt653]

Air Assault on Malta !

[sPzAbt653]

All that bombing, only one loss [:(]

Strats caused 2 losses, so that is a good sign that in a few turns it may be reduced to zero.

[sPzAbt653]

Down two more, both unit and supply, but it's already Feb. '41 and I've done nothing to get into Egypt. Supply there is terrible and unloading takes extra turns. However, encouraging that Russia is only at 21%.

[sPzAbt653]

Bad weather over Malta, no attacks this turn [:(]

Well, the below restriction kind of adds a layer of tedium to Barbarossa, as you can't pile everybody up on the border, you have to arrange things and have your marching orders straight. But I guess it has to be done. There is a corresponding one of these in southern Poland.

[sPzAbt653]

Close.

I've loaded the FJ's onto Amphibious Transports, because in some previous games Gibraltar has been reduced to 1 and they can't airdrop, but they can attack if Amphibbed [;)]

[sPzAbt653]

Like this:

[sPzAbt653]

WOOHOO !

This game is going to give me a heart attack.

[sPzAbt653]

Lots of news happening.

[sPzAbt653]

The Panzers, HQ's and Inf that I started buying after France have been showing up and filling out the East Front. Many are hanging back so as to avoid the penalty for being close to the border. The USSR is currently at 30%.

The purchased OOB is now historical for Barbarossa, so I am building some Subs.

[sPzAbt653]

Ok, finally time to jump off into Egypt. It took me like 8-9 months to get Gibraltar and Malta, which kind of messed up this whole thing. I certainly can't attack Russia anytime soon, so hopefully it will stay low on the mobilization scale.

The PzArmee Afrika HQ will unload and make the supply situation workable.
Opie seems to have his front line defended by a Maritime Bomber unit [:-]

[sPzAbt653]

I got a little excited with DAK and left it in a bad position. Opie should wipe it out on his turn [:(] But I'm taking risks, I need Egypt !

[sPzAbt653]

Wow, he didn't even try. Even at reduced strength, DAK must cause severe Panzerschrek !

Let's see if I can eliminate some units.

[sPzAbt653]

I got two, an Engineer and a Mech Corps. Now that I've broken thru Alamein, and with Opie's poor reaction last turn, I think I will get Egypt. But can I do it quickly and have some time to get at Russia before the weather turns bad ?

[sPzAbt653]

The technical details that I am facing are this:

If Russia reaches 90% or more, it could enter. It is getting some increase every turn just because of the time frame, plus whatever else it might get due to events. Therefore, once it gets close to 90% I have to jump, or else he might get the jump on me.

When I move the bulk of my force up to the border, Russia could get up to a 10% increase, therefore if it gets close to 80% I have to go. And that only gives me one turn to move up.

So I'm thinking if he hits 75%, I have to move up, and then next turn DOW the USSR. The main point here is that with an ally, the UK will not replace Churchill and possibly sign an armistice. [:(]

[sPzAbt653]

Now I've got this, it's one of the Options added in to 653N that allows the human player to explore options, as opposed to being tied to historical events.

I kind of feel like I should take it, in order to continue this playtest of the UK bowing out. On the other hand, I would feel like I am bypassing my failure to get Gibraltar and Malta in a reasonable amount of time.

I'll have to think about this [&:]

[KorutZelva]

Don't be a coward. The finns almost beat them by themselves, what does the mighty Wehrmacht has to fear? [:D]

PS: After the allied coup, what's the yugo mobilization? From the diplo hit I see its not fully active yet.