Carrier Warfare?

[MacCready]

Hi,

Just wondering if this game will include the full array of naval forces availible at the time including of course,aircraft carriers.
As well as the launching and recieving the various aircraft and assigning them missions,targets,etc.

[norsemanjs]

It looks like this game will have an extensive array of the naval forces involved in the conflict for the areas east and north of Australia during 1942.

From what we've seen so far, there will be airstrikes from carriers or airbases and a wide variety of targets/mission types for these strikes. You will be able to assign fighter escorts for airstrikes as well as combat air patrols.

[MacCready]

That sounds fantastic.Im wondering why the game is centered around that time and place.
Was this a major turning point in WW2?
I mean considering that they are also working on the full pacific theatre game as well..

[lucascuccia]

One of the reasons, that South Pacific 42-43 is portrayed is that both sides were very equal. Both side had minor carrier forces. The japs only had the Zuikaku, Hiyo, and Junyo. The Shokaku was in dry dock from the Battle of Santa Cruz. The US had only the Saratoga, Enterprise, and the Victorious (UK). Most air forces were just land based and most naval battles were just crusier battles and destroyer battles. Land battles were at the most single division on single division. It makes for a fun fight.

Midway is the real turning point just before this campaign starts (June 1942). By the time Later 1943 and 1944 roll around, the Americans have too much of everything for the Japanese to handle.

[Joel Billings]

Most of what you said is true regarding why the South Pacific is a good place to have a game. However, we actually have scenarios that start in May 1942 and assume that Midway doesn't happen. This leads to a greater commitment of carriers to the South Pacific during the summer of 42(10 IJN carriers vs 6 US carriers). This gives the IJN a chance of even invading Australia if they want to.

Joel

[Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by MacCready:
That sounds fantastic.Im wondering why the game is centered around that time and place.
Was this a major turning point in WW2?
I mean considering that they are also working on the full pacific theatre game as well..

I had assumed that another reason was to act as a testing area for progamming that will eventually be used in WITP. That would give us all a chance to play Uncommon Valor first so Matrix would know what works and what needs further adjustment. Is it correct that WITP will be based on a similar game system to Uncommon Valor (with perhaps the sacrifice of some level of detail)?

Which is not at all to imply that Uncommon Valor will not be a entertaining game in it's own right.

[Joel Billings]

Yes there will be significant similarities and UV will give us a chance to get some feedback before we publish WitP.

Joel