Empire of the Sun - DesertWolf101 (J) vs Andy Mac (A)

[Lowpe]

It takes two to play...and if his personal morale is broken, his play will degenerate even more.

You have outplayed him so far almost every step of the way. I would say, he can come back and avoid autovictory...but only if his play drastically improved or your drastically fell off. Without your opponent doing an AAR and getting sound tactical advice, I find the likelihood low.

I am a firm believer in AV for Japan. The lessons you think you will learn by continuing past AV, you probably won't, and more importantly you will miss the seesaw battles that is 1943 which is probably more important to learn than playing lopsided into 1945.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It takes two to play...and if his personal morale is broken, his play will degenerate even more.

You have outplayed him so far almost every step of the way. I would say, he can come back and avoid autovictory...but only if his play drastically improved or your drastically fell off. Without your opponent doing an AAR and getting sound tactical advice, I find the likelihood low.

I am a firm believer in AV for Japan. The lessons you think you will learn by continuing past AV, you probably won't, and more importantly you will miss the seesaw battles that is 1943 which is probably more important to learn than playing lopsided into 1945.

Even if I don't want it to be true, I do think you are right that there is now a substantial risk that my opponent's play will degrade due to low morale. For that reason, I will no longer press my opponent to continue and will accept whatever his decision is with regards to the game - yesterday he asked me to give him some time to sleep on it.

Not to sound ungrateful, but please consider the situation from my point of view. This would be the second campaign that would end very early for me and I have placed a lot of effort into planning them. I know its a strange thing to say, but I almost feel like I am being punished for playing well.

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It takes two to play...and if his personal morale is broken, his play will degenerate even more.

You have outplayed him so far almost every step of the way. I would say, he can come back and avoid autovictory...but only if his play drastically improved or your drastically fell off. Without your opponent doing an AAR and getting sound tactical advice, I find the likelihood low.

I am a firm believer in AV for Japan. The lessons you think you will learn by continuing past AV, you probably won't, and more importantly you will miss the seesaw battles that is 1943 which is probably more important to learn than playing lopsided into 1945.

Not to sound ungrateful, but please consider the situation from my point of view. This would be the second campaign that would end very early for me and I have placed a lot of effort into planning them. I know its a strange thing to say, but I almost feel like I am being punished for playing well.

That's alright, it's quite a well-known problem.

The "Opponents Wanted" section is a bit of a lottery, and for lurkers without AAR's it's challenging to have an objective assessment of skill level.

That's not been really helped by the fairly large influx of new players as a result of various streams on Twitch and elsewhere - while new blood is always welcomed AE has a very steep learning curve that is markedly different from other strategy games.

The only way around that is to either roll the dice on getting an opponent that sticks around, or headhunt a few people that you consider on the same frame to play the opposing side.

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It takes two to play...and if his personal morale is broken, his play will degenerate even more.

You have outplayed him so far almost every step of the way. I would say, he can come back and avoid autovictory...but only if his play drastically improved or your drastically fell off. Without your opponent doing an AAR and getting sound tactical advice, I find the likelihood low.

I am a firm believer in AV for Japan. The lessons you think you will learn by continuing past AV, you probably won't, and more importantly you will miss the seesaw battles that is 1943 which is probably more important to learn than playing lopsided into 1945.

Even if I don't want it to be true, I do think you are right that there is now a substantial risk that my opponent's play will degrade due to low morale. For that reason, I will no longer press my opponent to continue and will accept whatever his decision is with regards to the game - yesterday he asked me to give him some time to sleep on it.

Not to sound ungrateful, but please consider the situation from my point of view. This would be the second campaign that would end very early for me and I have placed a lot of effort into planning them. I know its a strange thing to say, but I almost feel like I am being punished for playing well.

It happens far too often. A few well known computer only players have previously cited being the recipients of similar outcomes to explain why they won't touch PBEM again.

My advice, irrespective of what happens in this game, is to start looking for another game (which you have done so in the Opponents Wanted sub forum) but refuse to play anyone who isn't of very high standard, dare I say of AE Grandmaster level, with a track record of coping with game adversity. You have shown more than enough to demonstrate you can cope with an AE Grandmaster.

Alfred

[Lowpe]

Normally the complaint swings the other way, that Japan goes for AV fails, and quits.

None of my games have turned out how I wanted them to. I have had Allied players quit short of AV. It is what it is.

You could advertise for a pickup player. If I didn't have two games going, I would be seriously tempted...what a challenge![:)]

[RangerJoe]

Personally, I think that if people only only okay the Allied side against the computer that they only know learn what they can do to it. Because a good Japanese human player will frequently go faster and farther with the Japanese than what they face against the computer, the Allied player thinks that the Japanese are vulnerable when they may not be, they think that they have to do something to stop this then attempt an offensive action, feel bored with playing defense when against the computer they could attack somewhere, or any more possible reason, the Allied player will over extend and be punished accordingly. A good AE player who has played both sides well knows the capabilities of both sides and then can take action accordingly and be a very difficult player.

Think of this as a learning game. If he does not want to continue this game, start over again if you want to, maybe his play will improve his skills in the early game. If so, suggest an AAR to solicite assistance and constructive criticism.

[Alamander]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Personally, I think that if people only only okay the Allied side against the computer that they only know learn what they can do to it. Because a good Japanese human player will frequently go faster and farther with the Japanese than what they face against the computer, the Allied player thinks that the Japanese are vulnerable when they may not be, they think that they have to do something to stop this then attempt an offensive action, feel bored with playing defense when against the computer they could attack somewhere, or any more possible reason, the Allied player will over extend and be punished accordingly. A good AE player who has played both sides well knows the capabilities of both sides and then can take action accordingly and be a very difficult player.

Think of this as a learning game. If he does not want to continue this game, start over again if you want to, maybe his play will improve his skills in the early game. If so, suggest an AAR to solicite assistance and constructive criticism.

Less important than differences in grand strategy between PBEM and a game against the AI is just the daily application of tactics and diligence in observing what is occurring. The AI always matches your altitude; doesn't care how many radar or AA devices are at a base. It does not fighter sweep ahead of concentrated raids. It doesn't construct SAGs specific to known threats. It doesn't set HQ traps at bases (like Mike did to me at Kweiyung), where a strong force is backed by an army and a command HQ with high prep. It does not outflank you, cut your supply lines, or isolate and bypass strongholds.

I would be tempted to play Desertwolf too, if I did not have a good game going now in which we are flipping 2-3 turns per day. Maybe in the future. You should not have a problem finding a good opponent though with a little patience. Remember that it is a game and the purpose is enjoyment. While some may enjoy driving their enemies before them and hearing the lamentations of the women and so forth, playing lopsided is not, in my opinion, very enjoyable. I think that you, and your opponent, would better enjoy your time in more evenly matched games.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It takes two to play...and if his personal morale is broken, his play will degenerate even more.

You have outplayed him so far almost every step of the way. I would say, he can come back and avoid autovictory...but only if his play drastically improved or your drastically fell off. Without your opponent doing an AAR and getting sound tactical advice, I find the likelihood low.

I am a firm believer in AV for Japan. The lessons you think you will learn by continuing past AV, you probably won't, and more importantly you will miss the seesaw battles that is 1943 which is probably more important to learn than playing lopsided into 1945.

Even if I don't want it to be true, I do think you are right that there is now a substantial risk that my opponent's play will degrade due to low morale. For that reason, I will no longer press my opponent to continue and will accept whatever his decision is with regards to the game - yesterday he asked me to give him some time to sleep on it.

Not to sound ungrateful, but please consider the situation from my point of view. This would be the second campaign that would end very early for me and I have placed a lot of effort into planning them. I know its a strange thing to say, but I almost feel like I am being punished for playing well.

It happens far too often. A few well known computer only players have previously cited being the recipients of similar outcomes to explain why they won't touch PBEM again.

My advice, irrespective of what happens in this game, is to start looking for another game (which you have done so in the Opponents Wanted sub forum) but refuse to play anyone who isn't of very high standard, dare I say of AE Grandmaster level, with a track record of coping with game adversity. You have shown more than enough to demonstrate you can cope with an AE Grandmaster.

Alfred

Wow Alfred, that is high praise and a lot to live up to, especially coming from you - thank you! [X(]

I already did receive a positive response for my query in the Opponents Wanted sub forum. Mark Maloney (DesertedFox) will be playing as the Japanese and I will be taking the Allies. From what Mark has told me about how he has defeated all his adversaries before the end of 1942, he sounds like an impressive player. I don't think he has done any AARs though so it will be hard to assess how we match up against each other until the game is going.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Normally the complaint swings the other way, that Japan goes for AV fails, and quits.

None of my games have turned out how I wanted them to. I have had Allied players quit short of AV. It is what it is.

You could advertise for a pickup player. If I didn't have two games going, I would be seriously tempted...what a challenge![:)]

I mentioned to you before how I would love to play against you Lowpe. Most of all I would love to read your AAR of the battle against me after the campaign is over and see all the places where I went wrong. Maybe someday!

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Alamander

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Personally, I think that if people only only okay the Allied side against the computer that they only know learn what they can do to it. Because a good Japanese human player will frequently go faster and farther with the Japanese than what they face against the computer, the Allied player thinks that the Japanese are vulnerable when they may not be, they think that they have to do something to stop this then attempt an offensive action, feel bored with playing defense when against the computer they could attack somewhere, or any more possible reason, the Allied player will over extend and be punished accordingly. A good AE player who has played both sides well knows the capabilities of both sides and then can take action accordingly and be a very difficult player.

Think of this as a learning game. If he does not want to continue this game, start over again if you want to, maybe his play will improve his skills in the early game. If so, suggest an AAR to solicite assistance and constructive criticism.

Less important than differences in grand strategy between PBEM and a game against the AI is just the daily application of tactics and diligence in observing what is occurring. The AI always matches your altitude; doesn't care how many radar or AA devices are at a base. It does not fighter sweep ahead of concentrated raids. It doesn't construct SAGs specific to known threats. It doesn't set HQ traps at bases (like Mike did to me at Kweiyung), where a strong force is backed by an army and a command HQ with high prep. It does not outflank you, cut your supply lines, or isolate and bypass strongholds.

I would be tempted to play Desertwolf too, if I did not have a good game going now in which we are flipping 2-3 turns per day. Maybe in the future. You should not have a problem finding a good opponent though with a little patience. Remember that it is a game and the purpose is enjoyment. While some may enjoy driving their enemies before them and hearing the lamentations of the women and so forth, playing lopsided is not, in my opinion, very enjoyable. I think that you, and your opponent, would better enjoy your time in more evenly matched games.

What's the latest update on that game Alamander - what date are you in and what are the main highlights right now?

[RangerJoe]

A desert Fox against a desert Wolf? That fox had better be cunning!

[Alamander]

It is October 13th 1942. I took, as you may recall, the North Island of New Zealand and built a search-plane network that cover the Pacific from the Kuriles to the southern edge of the map. He has not tried to advance through the Pacific at any point, although he is building up some minor bases around Pago Pago, so he has not abandoned the Pacific entirely and apears to be biding his time. Subs, Netties from Suva, and a CV flotilla have inflicted some minor losses in the area as he lands troops: some APDs, a couple little APs: nothing signficant.

It looks like a large portion of the U.S. expeditionary force has gone west, however. He has a large force at Prome with about 750 tanks, about 200 AA guns, and probably 800 infantry AV. He just landed what looks to be another 3-4 divisions at Chittagong (in what is a rather frustrating development for me, since I was actively searching for this group or 2 weeks-with forces I would rather not divulge- and they must have slipped through just as I was returning to base, thinking they had landed at Goa or somewhere else).

He just took Port Hedland back after having flattened it with B-17s long ago. Vals from Broome and Betties from Koepang sank a couple other insignifant APs during the op. Vals banged up a CL, and I got torpedo hits, just today on De Ruter and Pensacola: 1 each. In a strange development, ops losses for the day show 2 Dutch seaplanes down (the Cwhatever planes that are on a couple of the Dutch CLs) and 4 seagulls (which, I think, is the seaplane complement for many U.S. CAs), so I am wondering if I sank De Ruyter and Pensacola with 1 torpedo each. I botched another operation at Groote Eyland, north of Australia, by underestimating the strength of his 4-E force in Australia. They were able to significantly disrupt my units, so my attack failed. I will either have to reinforce or evacuate. So hard to keep track of those allied 4-Es, even when the map is basically divided into isolated theaters: Australia, U.S., India, China.

With the appearance of Pensacola and a few other U.S. ships, it looks like some U.S. CAs went the Magellan route to link up with Brit CAs at Capetown and he now has a large surface fleet operating out of Australia. Have not seen the U.S. CVs the entire game. I am sure they are warming up the bullpen for a 1943 appearance.

Mike stopped my drive on Chungking with an excellent and well-prepared defense of his flank at Kweiyung. He was able to evacuate the Chungking pocket in good order to my great frustration. He has become quite good at the ground war over his many games and put a lot of thought into his defense of China. I am now driving on Sian. My best guess is that I will not take Chungking in this game, but that I should be able to drive the Chinese all the way to the gates and take most of the rest of China. We shall see. If he is able to drive me from Burma in 1942, that may change things on the ground in China, or not. I have committed nothing, except a couple of bomber units to China beyond the restricted units that start the game there. I have not sent a point of supply there from the Home Islands, and the whole war is being waged on internal supply and that from Manchuria.

Luzon is down to Bataan, and that should be cleaned up pretty quickly, which will net me about 12-1500, I would guess, army VPs. Current VPs stand at about 23,600 to 6,600: so the army points at Bataan will get me to around 25,000, probably a little less: still short by about 2k. Auto-victory really isn't my major focus though, as I want to play into 1945 and see how my supplies, pilots, fuel, etc. holds up and see how some of the later war plane models perform. We plan to continue on regardless of auto-victory.

My supply stockpile is building quite nicely and I should be at a little less than 5 million on Jan. 1, 1943. I am building more forts than most Japanese players do, I suspect, with the supplies that I have saved from my limited approach to China and my frugal use of anything but light bombers. Fuel is in pretty good shape too, considering that I have gone to the very edge of the map with SAGs, CVs, and multiple amphibious groups. My reserve pilot pool is filling out nicely, and that has been an emphasis of mine this game, because I have neglected it in the past. I view supersizing air-groups as gamey, so pilot training takes a lot of micro-managing on my part. All the micro-managing that I do with pilot training, putting every best practice into play for most groups, also has allowed me train more and better pilots using less supply.

[DesertWolf101]

Campaign Results

I have not heard back from my opponent so my assumption is that this campaign has now concluded. Below are the final results. Clark/Bataan remain under Allied control but completely out of supply and my army was poised for the final assault to take Chungking, very likely before the end of March, 1942.

[DesertWolf101]

Major Japanese Ship Losses

[DesertWolf101]

Major Allied Ship Losses



P.S. The Enterprise is misreported as the Hornet in the screen.

[DesertWolf101]

My Thanks

Thank you for patiently reading the AAR, and thank you especially for all the advice and explanations I have received on my first game as the Japanese.

[Evoken]

Congratz on the win!

[Alfred]

Hmm,
 
A misplayed Allied game.  One which sees the Allied position in a worse position than is usual at this point in time.  I wonder if there is someone willing to take over the Allied side.  Someone who likes picking up games.  A strong player who dislikes greatly all the clicking on Allied units for the first couple of turns.  A person who is a self described NOOB when it comes to handling Allied 4E but has extensive experience at the receiving end of them as a Japanese player.  Someone who has never had the joy of Allied replenishment at sea in 1945 using AEs.  An Allied player not afraid of launching an early amphibious operation to capture Marcus Island.  More importantly, one who likes to write up a well patronised AAR and whose efforts receive official approval from Matrix.
 
Nope, just can't think of anyone who might meet that job description and whose dance card might just have opened up with a recent cancelation.
 
Alfred

[mind_messing]

Another well deserved win - well done commander!

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Hmm,

A misplayed Allied game.  One which sees the Allied position in a worse position than is usual at this point in time.  I wonder if there is someone willing to take over the Allied side.  Someone who likes picking up games.  A strong player who dislikes greatly all the clicking on Allied units for the first couple of turns.  A person who is a self described NOOB when it comes to handling Allied 4E but has extensive experience at the receiving end of them as a Japanese player.  Someone who has never had the joy of Allied replenishment at sea in 1945 using AEs.  An Allied player not afraid of launching an early amphibious operation to capture Marcus Island.  More importantly, one who likes to write up a well patronised AAR and whose efforts receive official approval from Matrix.

Nope, just can't think of anyone who might meet that job description and whose dance card might just have opened up with a recent cancelation.

Alfred

Don't say that, not sure I can handle another AAR where we're on page 20 before the first turn...

[DesertWolf101]

Game Resumption with a Twist

After a period of reflection and some negotiations, my opponent and I resumed this game about two months ago. Given previous ups and downs with the campaign's status, I did not want to update on the resumption until I was more confident that the game had a good chance of going on. We are now in early May 1942 and I am fairly confident my opponent is determined to go on and, in his own words, looking forward to 1944.

A key part of this resumption is my pledge to attack the Soviet Union, and I intend to do so before the end of 1942. I fully acknowledge that this is likely a pretty foolish decision on my part, but I have to say it is an exhilarating prospect nonetheless. My greatest concern with regards to poking the bear is that this is Scenario 1 and supply shortages are a real risk. My second greatest concern is my low experience, having never played the Japanese before. On the plus side, I am doing really well in China which hopefully should make it easier to channel forces and resources into the northern campaign. An early strike into the USSR should also hopefully give me the space and time to make inroads before the Allied war machine really kicks into high gear.

What do you think then - am I doomed to failure or is there a possibility for success?