Playing Axis vs AI Soviet on "Normal"

[Kahawa]

For quick feedback on what the game should look like Turn 1, and what mechanics to focus on to achieve these results, I found Road to Minsk scenario is perfect. Takes 45 mins or so to play and is a great introduction. Play that scenario four to five times and you'll learn tons. I actually wish there were more scenarios under 5 turns for experimentation / quick feedback with benchmarks.

[HermanGraf]

Hello Fellow Newbie!

Wanted to throw in my 2 cents, i relate to most of the things you mention (esp. command paralysis).

My advice, take your time. I bought this game around a month ago and I am just barely getting to the GC (T11 ).

note i have been playing scenarios a LOT to understand the mechanics (Road to Leningrad is my favorite)

The only measure I have for success is looking at when I capture towns compared to the historic advance. Currently, I am not doing too bad.

I'll say another thing, reading the pros play the game makes me a little hesitant to take their advice. They boil it down to understanding code and playing to win. Nothing against it, but disbanding your air force to reserves or completely retreating as Soviet takes the wind out of my sails. I like to play as a nation at war would play and immerse myself, which is why i think i enjoy playing against the AI so much. I am very impressed how the AI is doing in my current game, retreating when feeling threatened, making small incursions into weak areas, and still giving my air force a run for their money. I am excited to see how 1942 goes, if i make it past the first winter.