Malta options?

[marcdhanna]

Playing the Axis against AI and noticing how Malta is nerfing my resources in North Africa.

Review of the manual and other threads indicates the best Malta strategy is to take it out, but it looks like enormous air resources must be used to accomplish this.

Historically the Axis suppressed Malta from time-to-time in order to to reduce it's effectiveness. Is there a way to do that in the game via blockade or air attacks that don't consume the entire air flotilla/Italian Navy?

Or is this effect built into the game, and if I don't take Malta I have to grin and bear the 20% chance of resource reduction in the relevant ports? Thus nothing can be done short of invading/occupation?

Thanks.

Also interested in some PBEM to get beat up and learn something from someone experienced as the Axis, not sure how to go about finding an opponent tho. any helpful ideas welcome thanks. [edit I posted an opponent wanted in the PBEM section]

[PvtBenjamin]

It is important to take Malta. There is a thread in here somewhere that explains the process. Its marginally harder in v1.16 but still quite easy if you follow the thread. Be sure to buy a Maritime Bomber and move in case some one challenges the navy. If the ports in NA get reduced it can be a big problem (transports) and supply is scarce.

Just start a PBEM game with standard rules someone will be happy to oblige you. Don't get frustrated its a blast once you find a player of equal skill.

[marcdhanna]

Thanks for the reply -- yes I found that thread on taking out Malta.

What I want to know, though, is there any means of suppressing Malta short of doing that. Historically the Axis did not attempt it. Are you basically saying that strategic gameplay for the AXIS basically mandates it?

That's a bit annoying if so.

Thanks also for the PBeM tip in fact there must be a lot of love for this game as I have picked up a couple of games -- although I'm not sure playing in more than one is allowed...

[PvtBenjamin]

Malta will continue to reduce Axis supply in NA as long as the Allies occupy it.

You can reduce Malta's supply but that won't impact the NA supply reductions if occupied by Allies.

[marcdhanna]

Thanks it will be interesting to see how Malta gets crushed in my current game as the allies [;)]