Matrix Games Forums

I am doing my first game. Japanese attack on Pearl.

(1) Once I have assigned my strike missions is there anyway to review the allocated missions? There doesn't seem to be.

(2) Is it possible to assign multiple missions per carrier air wing? For example, it seems my air superiority missions to hit airfields will not require torpedo bombers. Why can I not send them along with the second wave to hit the battleships at Pearl?

(3) If I order a CAP how is that coordinated with strike missions?

Thanks.

1.  Cant recall.  I'm not at my gaming computer currently.

2.  Yes.  Each individual squadron can be given a separate strike order.  You don't have to launch the entire air wing at the same time or the same target.

3.  CAP in Carriers at War is strictly defensive over your own base or TG.  If you want fighters to escort a strike, just select them when you are choosing squadrons to conduct a strike.

Actually, I meant if you have a standing CAP order, then that reduces the number of strike aircraft, correct?

Regarding separate orders, then is it best to have your fighters fly escort or should you try to conduct a fighter sweep of the target area before the strike? (Is that even possible, since you can adjust by hour increments ... a sweep should proceed a strike by 5-15 minutes.)

Should you strike in waves by plane types? For example, torpedo bombers should bring a CAP down to the ocean, then dive bombers should have a much better chance of making their runs unimpeded?

Or am I worrying too much about tactical air combat concerns for a game such as this?

Yes, the more planes you have allocated for CAP, the less that are available for escourt.

I have never tried sending a fighter sweep ahead.  I suppose there may be some value in it.  On the other hand, you have giving the enemy more warning and time to get more emergency CAP in the air.

I think the Cohesive function does what you want by putting Dive Bombers, Torpedo and Fighters all over the target at the same time.  The intercepting CAP can only be in so many places at once.  It might be worth trying to set up separate but closely coordinated attacks like you are suggesting.

Personally, I think you are worried too much about tactics, but then again, you should play the game however YOU enjoy it.  [:)]

Tony

ORIGINAL: MarkShot

Actually, I meant if you have a standing CAP order, then that reduces the number of strike aircraft, correct?

Regarding separate orders, then is it best to have your fighters fly escort or should you try to conduct a fighter sweep of the target area before the strike? (Is that even possible, since you can adjust by hour increments ... a sweep should proceed a strike by 5-15 minutes.)

Should you strike in waves by plane types? For example, torpedo bombers should bring a CAP down to the ocean, then dive bombers should have a much better chance of making their runs unimpeded?

Or am I worrying too much about tactical air combat concerns for a game such as this?

Absolutely, every plane you have allocated to CAP is unavailable to escort strikes. It's one of many critical game decisions you have to make.

Your fighters should fly Escort missions to protect them from enemy CAP.

The system allocates planes to strike wings, the micromanagement of strikes is too tactical for this game, and good results were usually only achieved by accident anyway.

Gregor

(1) Once I have assigned my strike missions is there anyway to review the allocated missions? There doesn't seem to be.

 
You can see the time of strike initiation and target (plus a summary of results should it engage the enemy) in the Strike History in the Briefing Screen.