Never Thought I'd Start Another One - tc464 (A) vs. Mike (J)

[Seacat54]

If I put a base force with 72 AS in it on an empty level 8 airbase, that airbase will show up as having 144 AS - at least in the last official update. Check it out. Yes, you can overwhelm the base with too many aircraft, but the air support level is doubled when an airfield reaches level 8.

What is the logic behind this?

It is probably because there are more support facilities available instead of the air support people working in tents, if they even have those available.

I can be sold on the economies of scale, this will have effect in the operational and even strategic level.

[Seacat54]

Pax I don't think there are major changes made based on the readme file provided. Its most likely that the documentation has been update with information that was not known or became known over the years. Please keep commenting you have great insight along with everyone else in this forum. I also am not sure what version Mike is playing with.

I consider the three we have identified so far to be HUGE game balance changes (Kanmon tunnel, level 8 AF doubling Air Support effectiveness, air support tied to engines as opposed aircraft). It isn't that they are wrong or cannot be reconciled historically, no issues there. It's that they impact/change game play significantly. So, I'm going to recuse myself from gameplay issues in this AAR because I simply don't know this version. There may be more items, documented or not, which in any case since I haven't played it I don't know. Better silence than stating something in error due to ignorance (which I have already done in this AAR to my regret and chagrin).

So, thank you for your kind words, but while I will happily lend encouragement to my fellow JFB, I won't comment further on the gameplay items.

I have this now installed as there are other good fixes, the air support tied to engines thing is weird and will effect Allies most so I really doubt that one being true.

In the the future I hope to get the railways at historical dates in the game if controlled by the side that constructed them.

[Mike Solli]

Philippines
I'm testing the waters doing a deliberate attack with 16 and 48 Divisions and 65 Brigade, along with the bombardment with 11 artillery units at Clark Field. Oh yeah, all the bombers in the area are hitting troops at Clark Field to help with disruption. Let's see what happens.

Go MIKE!!!!!!

Let's just say I got my intel and leave it at that for now. I'll explain when I get the turn out later today.

[Mike Solli]

Pax I don't think there are major changes made based on the readme file provided. Its most likely that the documentation has been update with information that was not known or became known over the years. Please keep commenting you have great insight along with everyone else in this forum. I also am not sure what version Mike is playing with.

I consider the three we have identified so far to be HUGE game balance changes (Kanmon tunnel, level 8 AF doubling Air Support effectiveness, air support tied to engines as opposed aircraft). It isn't that they are wrong or cannot be reconciled historically, no issues there. It's that they impact/change game play significantly. So, I'm going to recuse myself from gameplay issues in this AAR because I simply don't know this version. There may be more items, documented or not, which in any case since I haven't played it I don't know. Better silence than stating something in error due to ignorance (which I have already done in this AAR to my regret and chagrin).

So, thank you for your kind words, but while I will happily lend encouragement to my fellow JFB, I won't comment further on the gameplay items.

I have this now installed as there are other good fixes, the air support tied to engines thing is weird and will effect Allies most so I really doubt that one being true.

In the the future I hope to get the railways at historical dates in the game if controlled by the side that constructed them.

Personally, I think it will affect both sides equally if only because there isn't a lot of Japanese air support to go around.

[RangerJoe]

I consider the three we have identified so far to be HUGE game balance changes (Kanmon tunnel, level 8 AF doubling Air Support effectiveness, air support tied to engines as opposed aircraft). It isn't that they are wrong or cannot be reconciled historically, no issues there. It's that they impact/change game play significantly. So, I'm going to recuse myself from gameplay issues in this AAR because I simply don't know this version. There may be more items, documented or not, which in any case since I haven't played it I don't know. Better silence than stating something in error due to ignorance (which I have already done in this AAR to my regret and chagrin).

So, thank you for your kind words, but while I will happily lend encouragement to my fellow JFB, I won't comment further on the gameplay items.

I have this now installed as there are other good fixes, the air support tied to engines thing is weird and will effect Allies most so I really doubt that one being true.

In the the future I hope to get the railways at historical dates in the game if controlled by the side that constructed them.

Personally, I think it will affect both sides equally if only because there isn't a lot of Japanese air support to go around.

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

[Seacat54]

I have this now installed as there are other good fixes, the air support tied to engines thing is weird and will effect Allies most so I really doubt that one being true.

In the the future I hope to get the railways at historical dates in the game if controlled by the side that constructed them.

Personally, I think it will affect both sides equally if only because there isn't a lot of Japanese air support to go around.

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

Also Japan can build more 1 engine ac and cut down 2 engine ac production, as you pointed out they have already capacity for their 4 engine ac and can expand.

This is not a good change if true, I dont think this will be in any final version if it is even in this.

[RangerJoe]

Personally, I think it will affect both sides equally if only because there isn't a lot of Japanese air support to go around.

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

Also Japan can build more 1 engine ac and cut down 2 engine ac production, as you pointed out they have already capacity for their 4 engine ac and can expand.

This is not a good change if true, I dont think this will be in any final version if it is even in this.

Matrix is testing the new game .exe for errors and bugs, I seriously doubt if there will be any other changes to the game engine. So consider this, if it is in the game already, then there probably won't be any changes. If it is not in the game already, it probably won't be added. It is way past time to ask for changes to the game engine. People can modify the map and/or use the editor to make mods.

[Seacat54]

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

Also Japan can build more 1 engine ac and cut down 2 engine ac production, as you pointed out they have already capacity for their 4 engine ac and can expand.

This is not a good change if true, I dont think this will be in any final version if it is even in this.

Matrix is testing the new game .exe for errors and bugs, I seriously doubt if there will be any other changes to the game engine. So consider this, if it is in the game already, then there probably won't be any changes. If it is not in the game already, it probably won't be added. It is way past time to ask for changes to the game engine. People can modify the map and/or use the editor to make mods.

And to be fair, we have no idea what the possible penalties are, Mike propably should just play as usual and find out.

If they are slightly higher ops losses on takeoff and repair times nobody will complain.

[Tanaka]

Personally, I think it will affect both sides equally if only because there isn't a lot of Japanese air support to go around.

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

Also Japan can build more 1 engine ac and cut down 2 engine ac production, as you pointed out they have already capacity for their 4 engine ac and can expand.

This is not a good change if true, I dont think this will be in any final version if it is even in this.

You guys need to bring this up in the beta thread if you have issues with it the Devs will probably not see it here...

https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=407088

[Seacat54]

The Japanese can convert xAKs to AVs which will help even if they only support flying boats and float planes. These can also be used with float planes for aerial ASW operations to support convoys.

Also Japan can build more 1 engine ac and cut down 2 engine ac production, as you pointed out they have already capacity for their 4 engine ac and can expand.

This is not a good change if true, I dont think this will be in any final version if it is even in this.

You guys need to bring this up in the beta thread if you have issues with it the Devs will probably not see it here...

https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=407088

Who would not be reading a Mike Solli AAR?

[DonH58]

I read all of Mike Solli's AARs. My opening moves as Japan are based on his AAR "Into The Breach"

[Mike Solli]

31 Dec 41

Sub War

The RO-33 spotted an xAP just off the coast of Dutch Harbor, launched some torpedoes and missed.

Then, a little later, the RO-33 spotted an xAP off the coast of Adak and put a torpedo into her. Immediately after, I heard sinking sounds. Oh yeah, she was carrying troops.

5 Fleet

My little CL TF is still 2 days out. Looks like they will miss the loaded ships, but sinking xAPs early in the war is always nice, loaded or not.

The next unit I will buy out from Manchuoko (when I get enough PPs) will be an infantry unit for the invasion of Adak.

4 Fleet

The TFs are refueling in preparation for movement to Johnston Island tomorrow.

SE Fleet

The 78 IR/20 Division is on transports sitting at Truk ready to head to Rabaul, as is 4 Base Force. There are other support units that are loading to head to Rabaul as well.

The last of 20 Division (26 Arty Regiment) has been bought out and is loading to head to Truk. The remaining units of the division are already on transports and headed to Truk.

SRA

Malaya

Three Sallies were lost to flak over Singapore. There is just a little airfield damage, but that still means no forts are being built.

Philippines

All of the bombers hit the troops at Clark Field in preparation for the test deliberate assault.

That deliberate assault. Yeah. It was only 1:2 and (fortunately) there is only 1 level of forts. I'll continue to bomb and bombard Clark Field. I keep track of the assault value of the enemy forces and will attack them again when they are much lower. This is a long term project. There really isn't much need to speed it up.

Mindanao

There are only 2 bases still in Allied control, Oroquieta (no troops there, I believe) and Butuan, with 5 beat up units. I'm closing in from 3 sides to finish them off.

An AG was caught by Kates and sunk south of Mindanao trying to sneak south to safety.

Borneo

Nothing to report.

Sumatra

The 1 Raiding Regiment landed on and took Sabang. They'll sit there and be reinforced with some AS and engineers. Some Mavis flying boats will be stationed there, along with a few fighters to protect them.

Burma

It turned out the 6 Burma Rifles Battalion had marched up to Moulmein from Tavoy and just got there. I promptly destroyed it today. Yeah, it's just a crappy Burmese battalion, but one less unit to worry about. If I remember correctly, it becomes part of 1 Burmese Division, another crappy unit. That just means it'll be that much weaker when it's destroyed.

Next target is Pegu, just east of Rangoon.

Chiang Mai's airfield is currently at 1.81 with some recon there and a dozen Oscar Ics to protect them.

China

Tsiaotow was liberated capturing the infrastructure in pretty good shape:

Manpower 1(1)
Resources 37(3)
LI 37(3)

Other Stuff

I've decided to buy out 3 Garrison Unit next for Adak. It's not one of the best trained units, but in 1943 it becomes the 1 Amphibious Brigade.

[RangerJoe]

That Burmese division becomes an Indian division. The Burmese squads upgrade to Indian squads, I do believe Indian 1944 squads. Other Allied Commonwealth squads will also upgrade to Indian squads. I like to tell Allied players this so they don't waste those units, in the meantime they can do garrison duty. So it is still good to destroy them from the Japanese perspective.

[Mike Solli]

That Burmese division becomes an Indian division. The Burmese squads upgrade to Indian squads, I do believe Indian 1944 squads. Other Allied Commonwealth squads will also upgrade to Indian squads. I like to tell Allied players this so they don't waste those units, in the meantime they can do garrison duty. So it is still good to destroy them from the Japanese perspective.

Maybe at some point I remembered that Burmese Division became an Indian Division, but I have no recollection of it. Age and not playing the game will have its toll.

[Mike Solli]

1 Jan 42

Sub War

Nothing to report. I did adjust some of my subs that will be discussed below.

5 Fleet

No sight of the enemy. My CL TF will arrive in the area tomorrow.

4 Fleet

I have 11 subs scouting around the Hawaiian Islands including 5 Glen subs. One Glen sub patrols up and down the hex row heading NE from Pearl Harbor, where TFs will normally route to/from the US West Coast unless it is routed using waypoints. A second Glen sub is keeping an eye on Pearl Harbor itself. I moved the other 3 to cover the direct line between Pearl and Johnston Island. My invasion force, its cruiser escort and KB are leaving the vicinity of Baker Island to head to Johnston. The distance is 27 hexes so it should make it there in about 5-6 days or so. Let's see if this wakes Ted up.

SE FLeet

The bulk of 20 Division (infantry brigade, recon and engineers) will reach Truk tomorrow to join 78 Regiment. Only the artillery regiment is missing. It just finished loading at Fusan and is a week out from Truk. I'm sending what I have in to Rabaul in a day or two. Their cruiser escort will arrive tomorrow at Truk as well. I have 27 Betties at Truk, which puts them just in normal range of Rabaul and some Claudes at Kwajalein to provide any CAP needed over Rabaul and the invasion TF. The support elements (BF, AS and engineers) will be in a separate TF a couple of days behind the invasion force.

SRA

Malaya

A Buffalo rose today! It was promptly shot down by Yamada Det, kill number 46! The WIA pilot has returned.

Yamada Det.pdf

(694.56 KiB) Downloaded 22 times

Port Dickson was liberated. 25 Army is still crawling south to kill off the 7 renegade British/Indian units and then to Singapore.

Three IJAAF bombers were shot down to flak but there is remaining airfield damage!

Philippines

Back to bombing and shelling.

Mindanao

Working on the remaining Allied rabble...

Borneo

Nothing to report.

Sumatra

Sabang is safely in my hands. Not sure why but there is a decent amount of damage to the port and airfield. The engineers have work to do.

Burma

Continuing to push north.

China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Nothing to report.

Edit:
Reinforcement
37 JNAF AF Unit (Southern Army) - off to Rabaul

[Mike Solli]

Ok, how do you post a pic in the text? Does it have to be a jpg instead of a pdf?

[PaxMondo]

Ok, how do you post a pic in the text? Does it have to be a jpg instead of a pdf?

After you choose the file, there is an option to have it attachment OR inline. Choose the latter.

Then, yes, only jpg's will be in the text. PDF's are attachments.

[RangerJoe]

Ok, how do you post a pic in the text? Does it have to be a jpg instead of a pdf?

After you choose the file, there is an option to have it attachment OR inline. Choose the latter.

Then, yes, only jpg's will be in the text. PDF's are attachments.

yamada det-1.png (943.83 KiB) Viewed 641 times

I usually attach the pictures by holding the left mouse button and dragging the picture over to where I am writing and drop it there. You can also select the "Attachments" tab below, then browse for the file. Then I can chose where to have the attachment either in the body of the post (Place inline) or at the bottom of the post. If you look at The Geezer Thread or The Thread, you can see how it looks. They can also be PNGs among other formats.

[Mike Solli]

2 Jan 42

Sub War

Nothing to report.

5 Fleet

The subs see nothing today. The CL TF will arrive at Adak tomorrow.

4 Fleet

The Johnston Island invasion force will arrive in 4 days escorted by a cruiser TF and KB. I have an SNLF and two NGs as the invasion force. I'll do some recon by bombing to estimate how much of the force will invade. I'm hoping only one NG is required to invade. That way I don't have to wait around to load up the units that aren't planning on garrisoning the island. I want this to be quick and dirty and leave so KB can move to SE Fleet AO.

SE Fleet

Forces keep arriving for the eventual invasion of Rabaul and points south. I have 27 Betties at Truk that will recon by bombing of the 3 units at Rabaul. I'm curious to see what's there. I have about a dozen subs all over the place to the south of Rabaul and they see nothing other than being 2 old US DDs (Whipple and John D. Evans) about 8 hexes NE of Townsville. The invasion force will be supported by 4 CAs so I'm not too concerned about its protection. After the Betties recon tomorrow, I may launch the invasion fleet from Truk tomorrow. We'll see...

SRA

Malaya

Not much happened today other than movement. I'll attack some of the speed bumps the day after tomorrow. The invasion force for Singapore will be Imperial Guards, 5, 18 and 56 Divisions along with all the artillery I can muster. I'm still managing to keep the airfield slightly damaged, so no forts are being worked on.

Philippines

Bombing and bombardment of Clark Field with impunity is continuing. The Allied attack value continues to decline by 20-40 points on average. Today's final AV was 862. I'll do another deliberate attack when it is down to ~400, some 2 weeks or so from now.

Mindanao

A deliberate attack on Butuan by an SNLF and tank regiment resulted in only a 1:1 attack, but the Japanese took no losses and chewed up the defenders. A shock attack tomorrow should do the trick.

Borneo

I'm attacking the Brits at Kuching tomorrow.

Other Places

I've invaded Jolo and will take out the enemy tomorrow. This will be a Zero base for Phase II, discussed below.

Burma

The massive 15 Army is composed of 55 Division (-) and an independent artillery battalion. The force attacking NE from Moulmein is 112 IR/55 Division along with the division's can, engineers and artillery, along with the independent artillery battalion. They will shock attack 2 units over the river tomorrow. The second regiment (143 IR), currently broken down into its 3 battalions, is currently to the NE of the hex being attacked moving toward Pegu and the rail line to the NE. The remaining regiment (144 IR) is currently in Mindanao and will move to Burma once the SRA campaign is concluded. I will need the 144 Regiment for liberating Balikpapan.

The other division in the 15 Army, 33 Division, is currently detraining in Rehang, and then will begin the slow process of marching to Moulmein and then north. Once Singapore is secured, 15 Army will be reinforced by elements of 25 Army.

Screenshot 2025-07-31 at 11.53.24 AM.png (791.7 KiB) Viewed 578 times

China

Various attacks destroyed almost 400 Chinese infantry squads, more than the Chinese receive in a month. Nice!

Other Stuff

Reinforcement
III/84 NG Company (SE Fleet) - The is the 3rd and final company of this elite NG battalion. It's headed from Saipan to Truk. I still haven't decided whether or not to combine it or what its mission will be. We'll see...

SRA Phase II

Planning has begun for Phase II, which is the final phase of liberating the SRA and all of its liquid gold. The reason I haven't taken any oil fields yet is because the Allies still have numerous bombers (mainly Dutch with a smattering of Aussies) in the area. Taking the oil fields too early will result in enemy bombing and unnecessary damage to them.

This is a complicated operation, in several sub phases.

Sub Phase IIa - Invasion of northern Java and southern Sumatra:
Oosthaven, Merak, Kalidjati, Semarang and Buitenzorg

Sub Phase IIb - liberation of the major oil fields: Palembang, Miri, Brunei, Balikpapan, Samarinda, Tarakan

Forces: 2, 4, 21, 38 Divisions, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 14 Tank Regiments, 1, 3, 21 Independent Engineer Regiments, 1 artillery battalion, a whole bunch of construction engineers and AS

I'll give more details once I figure more of it out.

[PaxMondo]

SRA Phase II

Planning has begun for Phase II, which is the final phase of liberating the SRA and all of its liquid gold. The reason I haven't taken any oil fields yet is because the Allies still have numerous bombers (mainly Dutch with a smattering of Aussies) in the area. Taking the oil fields too early will result in enemy bombing and unnecessary damage to them.

This is a complicated operation, in several sub phases.

Sub Phase IIa - Invasion of northern Java and southern Sumatra:
Oosthaven, Merak, Kalidjati, Semarang and Buitenzorg

Sub Phase IIb - liberation of the major oil fields: Palembang, Miri, Brunei, Balikpapan, Samarinda, Tarakan

Forces: 2, 4, 21, 38 Divisions, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 14 Tank Regiments, 1, 3, 21 Independent Engineer Regiments, 1 artillery battalion, a whole bunch of construction engineers and AS

I'll give more details once I figure more of it out.

Now we begin the real MEAT of the '42 war .... can't wait to see how Ted defends ...