AAR: TRP Mod, Machiafisch (Axis) vs. calcwerc (Allies)

[calcwerc]

France will not make any tech investments, as it is highly unlikely they will complete even their first research before being eliminated by the Axis. Free France will later inherit that research, but cannot advance it further, so I generally avoid selling any research either. Perhaps this could be done when the Germans are closing in on Paris to prevent an early collapse, but I usually forget at that point—and in any case, the community might consider it gamey.

So, what should France’s first unit purchases be? My plan is to build all HQs, infantry garrisons, divisions, and corps, as well as the anti-tank and anti-air units, all medium and tactical bombers, the fighters, and the elite infantry. I will not build any fleet, nor a rail gun, and probably not the strategic bomber (though this is debatable). My first purchase is the engineer. If I can manage to hold the Germans for a while, I may end up with two active engineers—since another arrives by event—constructing fortresses around Paris. This can delay the Germans, and in this campaign, every turn counts.

french.png (3.31 MiB) Viewed 548 times

In addition, I purchase a colonial infantry corps from Senegal (there are also ones in Syria and Morocco that should be built early, as transporting them to France takes considerable time).

[Lothos]

France will not make any tech investments, as it is highly unlikely they will complete even their first research before being eliminated by the Axis. Free France will later inherit that research, but cannot advance it further, so I generally avoid selling any research either. Perhaps this could be done when the Germans are closing in on Paris to prevent an early collapse, but I usually forget at that point—and in any case, the community might consider it gamey.

So, what should France’s first unit purchases be? My plan is to build all HQs, infantry garrisons, divisions, and corps, as well as the anti-tank and anti-air units, all medium and tactical bombers, the fighters, and the elite infantry. I will not build any fleet, nor a rail gun, and probably not the strategic bomber (though this is debatable). My first purchase is the engineer. If I can manage to hold the Germans for a while, I may end up with two active engineers—since another arrives by event—constructing fortresses around Paris. This can delay the Germans, and in this campaign, every turn counts.


french.png

In addition, I purchase a colonial infantry corps from Senegal (there are also ones in Syria and Morocco that should be built early, as transporting them to France takes considerable time).

Actually not exactly accurate, if you invest in French Research that the UK already has their is a good chance you will have it by the time France surrenders. I usually spend on one of the doctrines (forgot which one).

I leave the rest researching on the off chance you get a breakthrough. I only sell them at the last minute if I am desperate for MPP and France is on the verge on surrendering.

I have had games where all the tech being researched was completed.

[Umeu]

Yes, I am happy to comment on that!

First, these are the house rules for the mod:
W: Communist Chinese, when entering Chinese territory, must be within 5 hexes of a Communsit Chinese hex
- W: Other than China & Com. China no other country (on the Allied side) can enter China/Com. China territory.
- W: China & Com. China units cannot leave Chinese territory until all of China is liberated.
- W: Japanese Fleet should not attack (or be within 20 hexes) of the US west coast for 6 months after the war starts
- B: Cannot use ships to block ports to prevent invasions etc... Example: Russia using subs to block Brunei from invasion
- B: Germany cannot declare war on the Low Countries till May 1940
- B: Hungary units should never enter Romanian territory
- B: Romanian units should never enter Hungary/Bulgarian territory
- B: Bulgarian units should never enter Russian and Romanian territory
- B: Finland units must stay within Russia and Scandinavia
- B: Allies, no bombing or camping any of the Spanish ports that the Axis use to re-supply subs while Spain is Neutral
- B: Everyone, no camping any transport hexes including the Gibraltar pass
- B: Paratroopers, after used must wait at least 2 full turns before you can Paradrop again (on the 3rd turn you can do it)
Additionally, we will play with the house rule that Japan cannot conduct amphibious invasions over a greater distance than the equivalent of Taiwan to Batavia.

The house rules are there for balancing reasons. Keep in mind that the mod is still in development (a Battle of Britain event is just being added, which might significantly change how the Axis is played).
Regarding this specific house rule: yes, France does take longer to fall compared to the base game. This is because Allied players generally won’t repeat the historical mistakes of spring 1940, as they already know the strength of the German army. Still, the duration of the campaign depends heavily on player skill. I have taken France by the beginning of July, and I have no doubt that some of the best ELO players, with their optimized moves and supreme tactical play, could practically reinvent Blitzkrieg.
Personally, I hope this house rule regarding the Low Countries will remain unchanged, as it creates a much more realistic atmosphere than the standard autumn ’39 attacks in the ELO League. Instead, I see potential for weakening France somewhat in terms of units—especially engineers. However, that adjustment hasn’t been made yet, so we’ll have to see what happens in future versions.

thanks.

What is the month/time that France usually falls or should fall, in your experience? There are lots of things I like about the mod at first glance, but it seems also there is less strategical freedom, and the focus is more on the tactical/operational side, which is less appealing to me. But maybe that's not a correct assumption.

[calcwerc]

France will not make any tech investments, as it is highly unlikely they will complete even their first research before being eliminated by the Axis. Free France will later inherit that research, but cannot advance it further, so I generally avoid selling any research either. Perhaps this could be done when the Germans are closing in on Paris to prevent an early collapse, but I usually forget at that point—and in any case, the community might consider it gamey.

So, what should France’s first unit purchases be? My plan is to build all HQs, infantry garrisons, divisions, and corps, as well as the anti-tank and anti-air units, all medium and tactical bombers, the fighters, and the elite infantry. I will not build any fleet, nor a rail gun, and probably not the strategic bomber (though this is debatable). My first purchase is the engineer. If I can manage to hold the Germans for a while, I may end up with two active engineers—since another arrives by event—constructing fortresses around Paris. This can delay the Germans, and in this campaign, every turn counts.


french.png

In addition, I purchase a colonial infantry corps from Senegal (there are also ones in Syria and Morocco that should be built early, as transporting them to France takes considerable time).

Actually not exactly accurate, if you invest in French Research that the UK already has their is a good chance you will have it by the time France surrenders. I usually spend on one of the doctrines (forgot which one).

I leave the rest researching on the off chance you get a breakthrough. I only sell them at the last minute if I am desperate for MPP and France is on the verge on surrendering.

I have had games where all the tech being researched was completed.

You are absolutely right, of course. I will still prioritize building units rather than gambling on a breakthrough, but France will usually manage to complete several techs before they surrender. I should edit that in.

[calcwerc]

thanks.

What is the month/time that France usually falls or should fall, in your experience? There are lots of things I like about the mod at first glance, but it seems also there is less strategical freedom, and the focus is more on the tactical/operational side, which is less appealing to me. But maybe that's not a correct assumption.

I’d estimate September, give or take, assuming both players are of roughly equal skill. That said, this may well change as the mod continues to develop—especially with the new version featuring the Battle of Britain. In my view, there’s a bit less strategic freedom at the very start, but more than enough once you reach the midgame.

I’ve seen that you’re a very strong player, and perhaps the vanilla game suits you better for now—mainly because I expect most of the top players are still focused on the version they’ve invested so many hours practicing. It might be a bit harder to find opponents in the mod who can match your level. But I hope that will change

[calcwerc]

Round 3

In Poland, he pushes forward from the north and easily wipes out my weakened corps in Warsaw. Still, Poland has too many units left to surrender just yet. By next round, though, they’ll be out of supply—ripe for him to harvest morale and experience for his troops. Damn!

Poland.png (3.51 MiB) Viewed 460 times

[calcwerc]

He presses forward in the north and is closing in on Yenan! But his leading corps is now down to less than 5 supply—perhaps we can destroy it?

In the Chengchow region, he continues to push relentlessly. He hasn’t even taken the time to upgrade his corps, as I probably would have. I must try to organize a retreat—without letting it turn into a full-blown rout.

First.png (3.39 MiB) Viewed 450 times

[calcwerc]

Success! But we must quickly close the gap. I’ve ordered two more garrisons for Communist China.

South.png (3.18 MiB) Viewed 449 times

[calcwerc]

This is how the Chengchow front looks at the end of my turn. In southern China, nothing new has developed, and I haven’t spotted any more of his submarines in the Atlantic. I’m rushing my ships into positions where I think they are most likely to strike at the convoys.

Chengchow.png (3.29 MiB) Viewed 449 times

[calcwerc]

Round 4

A few Polish garrisons refuse to surrender. Unlucky for my opponent.

Poland.png (3.35 MiB) Viewed 419 times

[calcwerc]

In Chengchow, he destroys one of my retreating corps and pounds the stationary corps in the mountains. I now regret having withdrawn troops from there earlier—it has opened the gates to Yenan.

northchina.png (3.27 MiB) Viewed 417 times

Instead of maneuver warfare, I focus on reinforcing my exhausted forces.

northchina2.png (3.19 MiB) Viewed 417 times

[calcwerc]

There are some movements in the south—he is clearly getting into position before the fighting erupts there. Since I’ve spent so many resources on the northern front, I haven’t been able to order the new troops that will soon be badly needed in the south.

southchina.png (3.4 MiB) Viewed 417 times

[Lothos]

Yea you are in serious trouble, if he kills the Com. Chi fortifcation (which appears he is trying to) he can make a run to the capital.

[calcwerc]

Round 5

Poland surrenders, at last, and aside from that, Europe has settled into the Sitzkrieg. Even in the Atlantic, all remains quiet.

In northern China, however, Japan has crushed the Communist mountain defenses. China is now bracing for an unexpected final battle for Yenan. Fortunately, Japan has only two bombers at this stage, and until reinforcements arrive in spring 1940, every effort will be made to strengthen the defenses. This, however, may give the Japanese opportunities to exploit weaknesses in other areas.

The situation at the beginning and end of my turn, respectively. The Communists have ordered an artillery unit.

First.png (3.38 MiB) Viewed 332 times

Last.png (3.38 MiB) Viewed 332 times

[calcwerc]

Round 6

Im Westen nichts Neues.

In southern China, he is not—contrary to my expectations—advancing directly on Nanning, but instead rushing three infantry corps up on its right flank. I have few troops in that area. In the southeastern sector between Canton and Changan, I’ve only seen garrisons moving slowly, so I abandon my fully entrenched line in the south to counter his offensive.

South China1.png (3.36 MiB) Viewed 300 times

South china2.png (3.38 MiB) Viewed 300 times

[calcwerc]

On the Yenan front, I move troops into position in front of the city. My hope is for bad weather and enough time to dig in. I also swap the infantry corps with the mountaineers (not shown on screen), since they should defend better in the mountains.

On the Chengchow front, I reinforce the engineers but avoid launching any counterattacks. I might have been able to destroy the marine corps, but doing so would likely have cost me units in return—and I simply cannot afford to lose any troops in China at this stage.

Finally, I purchase my first unit for Nationalist China: an anti-aircraft division.

North China1.png (3.52 MiB) Viewed 300 times

North China2.png (3.41 MiB) Viewed 300 times

[Umeu]

can you share some info on the MPP income, NM morale etc, for reference?

[calcwerc]

Round 7

The mountaineers in front of Yenan are wiped out, and this position may soon become untenable for the Communists. Most likely, he will intensify his efforts in this sector. In other regions, he is cleverly replacing infantry corps with garrisons, allowing him to build up a Schwerpunkt where my defenses are weakest.

NC1.png (3.44 MiB) Viewed 255 times

In the south, I am strengthening my lines, though no fighting has broken out yet. Surely, he will use infantry to de-entrench my positions and then follow up with carrier strikes. I generally try to place my units in forests to benefit from cover.

[calcwerc]

This is the Allied income at the beginning of my turn.

Screenshot 2025-09-15 at 23.00.36.png (3.64 MiB) Viewed 253 times

And at the end:

Screenshot 2025-09-15 at 23.16.18.png (3.3 MiB) Viewed 253 times

I haven’t fully grasped the economy of this game yet—it varies with the time of year, and each nation’s economy gradually gears up as the war progresses. In addition, different nations have unique building costs for certain units. For example: Germany can rebuild submarines at a reduced cost; Russia fields much cheaper garrisons, infantry, and motorized infantry; the USA build ships faster; Japan benefits from inexpensive light infantry; Nationalist China, Italy, and some Axis minors can build cheaper infantry corps. There are more convoys and more trade by event with neutral nations. Just to mention a few things.

Upgrades are costly, and deciding which units to upgrade—and when—is one of the most important economic strategic choices in the game.

In my experience so far, Germany manages to keep its NM high throughout the game. The United Kingdom, by contrast, tends to struggle, and the USA also cannot afford to neglect it. Italy remains, as in the base game, highly vulnerable. Japan starts below 100%, but will likely reach a stronger position by 1941–42. Naval battles play a major role in shaping NM—especially in this mod, where the number of ships is significantly higher.

[calcwerc]

Round 8

Winter is coming to northern China—and thank goodness for that. He is probably using the pause to reinforce his troops, so another offensive is likely on the way. I will try to slip one of my infantry divisions into position in front of Yenan, though I’m upgrading it to elite status first, so the move may take a few turns. Fortunately, my first reinforcements for both the north and the south will soon be arriving.

Screenshot 2025-09-16 at 13.15.16.png (3.3 MiB) Viewed 214 times

In the Atlantic, he has been striking the Canada convoy, but so far I’ve had no luck tracking down his submarines. My guess is that they are headed for the Mediterranean.

Screenshot 2025-09-16 at 13.28.41.png (3.4 MiB) Viewed 214 times