Japanese research.

[stormbringer3]

There are some obvious choices. One choice I'm not sure about is starting the Amphibious Warfare line. What are the recommended lines to pursue?
Thanks for any opinions.

[Platoonist]

One choice I'm not sure about is starting the Amphibious Warfare line. What are the recommended lines to pursue?

I'd definitely invest in Amphib research. Japan gets a lot of SNLF units free in the production queue and this tech makes them more powerful and flexible. Great for maybe eventually invading Ceylon or the New Hebrides/New Caledonia. I'd also pursue ASW. (more for your maritime bombers than DDs so they can smack enemy subs more effectively) Infantry weapons. (want to keep that edge in ground combat) Submarine warfare. (if you want to go after the Allies long and exposed convoy lines) Command and control. (Japan starts at zero and seems to have a lot of mediocre commanders) Naval weaponry. (to keep the naval edge as long as possible) I usually refund the Heavy bomber chit. (strategic bombers are as expensive as carriers and you can only ever build two as Japan) Try to fit in Advanced fighters research whenever you can.

Just some suggestions. Your mileage may vary. Research is like being a kid in a candy store with three bucks.

[stormbringer3]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did refund the Heavy Bomber chit, but I didn't do Command and control. I also started Ground Attack Weapons but I'm starting to think that this was a poor choice. What's your thoughts about Naval Construction? This is my first start in this game so I'm learning the ropes. I've played WiE a lot over the years and WaW to a lesser extent but this game needs a different research focus especially vs. WiE.

[Platoonist]

What's your thoughts about Naval Construction?

The beauty of Naval Construction is the price of 35 MPPs. Plus, Japan already has a chit invested at game start. So, it fits in nicely between the more pressing big budget items. I'm still not sold on whether getting it pumped to a really high level is that critical.

Some players were under the misimpression that naval construction made any port into a major port capable of full repairs, but basically it just helps keep ships at the front in a better supply situation instead of having to steam back to Japan or China for maximum supply.

[Nginear]

I'm still not sold on whether getting it pumped to a really high level is that critical.

I agree...8 supply level for ships is not that harmful. And you never have to go far to resupply. I think it's a great feature/idea, but even this Pacific map isn't "that big" and supply is seldom something to worry about. Plus the fact you can make ANY backwater island a 12 supply is a bit OP to me....on top of the fact that the harbor still gives supply even when damaged and can't support a convoy.

I think harbors should have supplied 5, 7 for major harbor, and then upgrade from there. Or at least have that option in the editor.