Multiplayer Balance (PBEM++)

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

I'm looking to start new game. I'll take you on with Allies. Host game, send password in message. Can do some turns tonight. I'm on Yankee time.

[sveint]

Sorry full up at the moment, I need to finish some games first. And I am far from the best player, I got absolutely crushed in my first PBEM game as the Axis.

I'll happily do a game once I free up some time though, will PM you then.

[BillRunacre]

ORIGINAL: sveint

My opinion has now changed. German units outnumber Soviet units in every game, and in every PBEM game I have going Germany is crushing the Soviets. Doesn't matter if I play the Allies or the Axis.

Can I just ask (and this isn't necessarily just for your games, these questions apply to everyone who may think the Axis have the edge) but is the UK sending as much as possible via convoy to the USSR?

This can be amended in the Convoy screen and could make a difference if they are not.

Additionally, is the US sending supplies to the USSR via the Pacific, and are the Japanese interdicting them or not?

Thanks

[taffjones]

Hi Bill/Hubert
In my opinion the PBEM game balance is fine.
I think it is the skill level of your opponent that is the main deciding factor, I have 3 games on the go at the moment in 2 of them we are players of equal skill.
In the other my opponent is a much better player than me and he is handing me my head on a plate. The plus side is I am learning a lot from seeing what he does (just wish I knew what he is doing tech wise and what is happening under the fog of war).
I would wait before making any changes until more players have played more games to give better feedback.
Thanks for another great game.

[taffjones]

I have just seen "SlickandJake's" proposal for a ELO ranking system in the multiplayer section, this could help decide the issue.
I remember a lot of people in the WiE forum saying the game favoured the "Axis". But the ranking system set up showed the "Allied" side won most games and that included "The Sugar war machine" chewing up players and bumping up the "Axis" win ratio.

[sveint]

This is of course just anecdotal evidence but I sent max convoy and even did a '41 invasion of France as the UK in my most recent game. Soviets still struggling.

I think balance is mostly fine, it is just strange that there are literally more German than Soviet units on the east front. All other theaters seem fine too.

[James Taylor]

A little late to the party, but as a veteran of 2002 SC days, this is the same old dilemma every iteration of the game has faced.

As simply as I can put it, this comes down to understanding and executing the game mechanics. Contrary to the initial feelings, this is not an easy game to play.

Knowing how to build Axis experience and proper allocation of forces as different threats unveil themselves is the key to success from their perspective.

The Allies have to bide their time and a lot of Allied players become anxious and try to press instead of accumulating the necessary force needed to eclipse the overwhelming Axis experience factor.


For the most part that experience factor is the thing that I believe contributes to this perceived unbalance. I wish there was a way for the Allies to train there force to minimal levels of experience, say one medal or just short of, might help their staying power. I would also like to see the ability to reinforce one strength point a turn without losing that built up(oh so precious) experience level as it would tend to take more forces off the front line which should eventually help the Allies.


So, is it balanced? If not, its close, very close for players of similar experience levels. Still too early to conclude, IMO.

[gamer78]

According to my land unit number graph in pbem playing Allies: Apr 1943
Ger: 100-110 USSR:53 Uk:46 USA: 36

Leningrad, Moscow, Smolensk, Stalingrad, Baku, Sevastopol aren't captured by Axis for now.

[Elessar2]

Hmm. Training Mode. Sit in the home country and gain .25 experience per turn, up to a maximum of .5 or even 1? As an optional rule I can see no harm.

Or asymmetrical:

Turn Exp. Gain
------------------
1 .4
2 .3
3 .2
4 .1