Is this a possible minor exploit ?

[Franciscus]

Hi

I noticed something that can be a minor exploit, unless I am misunderstanding something.

I think the game design implies that the player usually makes decisions before making units moves and attacks. But it is not so, although that's how I was playing. But on the 2nd turn of an attempt as Axis, I simply forget to go to the decisions menu, and started right away fighting, on the usual order (first AGN+Finns, then AGC, then AGS). Only when I was focused on the AGS did I remember I hadn't done any decisions yet, and proceeded to do them.
Some decisions have a significant operational impact, namely if they change the disposition of the AG commanders toward you. For example, one of the decisions I had to made was the "Scheduling AGC". My decision (do nothing) had the predictable effect of angering Von Bock, making his relationship towards me to degrade to poor. Yet this had no effect on the current turn, because I had already executed all AGC operations (namely destroying a good-sixed Bialystock pocket [;)]).

So, it has ocurred to me that, by carefully analysing the several turn decisions and their predictable effects, one can "game" the game a little - postponing some decisions only after the operational moves are done, for instance.

Of course, long-term the decision effects are there and will have the desired impact, but sometimes a single turn can have huge impact on the game.

As I play only versus the AI I do not care about exploits, but maybe in PBEM this (making some decisions only at end turn) can have some impact ? Or on the contrary, the decision's effects only have impact next turn ?

Regards

[devoncop]

I see your point but actually see this as an all too common reflection of office politics....how many times do bosses get us (me!) To do something extra relying on goodwill before shafting us the next day with an edict that was evidently planned beforehand?
So glad I took early retirement and by 1943 your Army commanders would be wishing they had too [:)]

[warnevada]

It doesn't matter in which order you do things because the effects of decisions don't take place until the next turn. So if you piss off someone they won't do anything to you this turn, such as reduce APs.

As a general rule, I do cards first because they have a more substantial effect on the units and I want to be sure I have enough PPs. The decisions can suck up your PPs if you're not careful. Card effects also take place on the next turn. This includes the officer cards which are played from the HQ unit; they're not expensive, but they aren't free.

[lancer]

Hi,

Warnevada is correct.

How you manage your turn is up to you but the effects kick in the following turn.

Cheers,
Cameron

[Franciscus]

Thank you for the explanations.

Regards

[Johnus]

"This includes the officer cards which are played from the HQ unit; they're not expensive, but they aren't free." Warnevada, what do you mean by this? How are cards played from the HQ Unit? Thanks.

[Flaviusx]

The German player gets 3 focus cards, one per army group. These cards can be assigned to one army or panzer group within that AG at a PP cost. Once assigned, that army or PG gets a number of options to enhance its mobility or combat strength on either the attack or defense. Playing these options also costs political points. The subordinate divisions of that army or PG then gain the desired benefits during the following turn.

[Philippeatbay]

ORIGINAL: Johnnie

"This includes the officer cards which are played from the HQ unit; they're not expensive, but they aren't free." Warnevada, what do you mean by this? How are cards played from the HQ Unit? Thanks.

In case you're asking what I think you're asking, this might make it clearer for you:







The Panzergroup on the map has a mnemonic device in its vertical color strip to remind you that cards are available.


If you have the Unit Information tab selected you'll notice three little icons next to the name of the unit in the left panel. The middle icon (which in this case happens to be a circle for maneuver) means that an officer card that increases the unit's maneuver capability had been played in a previous turn and is still in force.


Under the officer portrait on the right of the panel you'll see four cards. You can get more information about them with a mouse-over, and you can click on them to read them in detail (they expand in a pop-up). Once you've expanded a card to read it, you're given a choice between playing the card or canceling (and reading something else).

[gwgardner]

There is at least one instance where making a decision can influence events the same turn. In one game I played, first real turn, I made decisions which upset two of my army group commanders, making their relations with me negative. On that same turn, both those commanders refused to allow me to give their panzer army focus.

I learned then to give focus first, then make decisions, on the first turn.

I don't think this is an exploit however, I see it as simply playing politics with my subordinate commanders. Get them to do what I want first, then risk upsetting them over an unrelated issue.

I believe the decisions involved had to do with whether rear area troops would provide security or continue to seek out and destroy resistance units.

[willgamer]

ORIGINAL: gwgardner


I learned then to give focus first, then make decisions, on the first turn.

The downside is that the following turn, although you can assign the PG HQ card, that PG HQ will lose the focus (because your relationship is negative) the very next turn. Thus you spent PP for a one turn advantage.

[gwgardner]

ORIGINAL: willgamer

ORIGINAL: gwgardner


I learned then to give focus first, then make decisions, on the first turn.

The downside is that the following turn, although you can assign the PG HQ card, that PG HQ will lose the focus (because your relationship is negative) the very next turn. Thus you spent PP for a one turn advantage.

I didn't realize that. thanks. I'll check it out.

[Johnus]

Thanks Phillippe.