'39 - Germany troops < Japan?

[AlbertN]

From a historical standpoint I am quite puzzled as to how and why German troops in '39 (arguably the best in terms of training, discipline and with quite excellent equipment) are not upgraded to the first tier of Infantry Weapons, whereas Japanese are already.

It's like saying in '39 your average german infantry corp has less recon, guns, rifles, etc to a japanese corp (given Japs called them armies, in the style of the Soviets, but 'same size').

I personally feel too that because of that Germany is far from ready for war and often gets to bleed -a lot- from Poland, France and the like.

On top of that experience levels (which to me also mirror training) should be here and there for German non armoured / air units.

Vs the AI it is a slog in France already that seems WW1. I am about to try in Multiplayer but I suspect I may see France resisting til '41 at this rate (considering the AI keeps in Cities corps sized troops and not Armies, that's already quite a difference...)

[amandkm]

Significant elements of your concern are addressed by the readiness and morale of the units, which are arguably the most important stats associated with a unit in my (admittedly limited) experience. The ability to improve from that excellent base is actually a bonus for the Germans, while the Japanese are at or near their relative peak at the beginning of the game and then are slowly caught and surpassed by the others.

My games have shown France usually lasting until late summer/early fall. I've had one time where it held on until December, but never past that, which still leaves Germany some time (though certainly less) to get to the balkans and then get ready for Barbarossa.

[AlbertN]

Well France fell by in May-June '40. Now I understand there are game limits and all but that they last to Fall '40 or Winter '41 is a far stretch in game terms in my eyes. That is not really dependand on player skill but more so game mechanics of how much troops can do - hence I feel starting German forces need a boost up to better mirror their early successes.

[amandkm]

That could be, but you also have to remember that players have the benefit of learning from the French Command's mistakes (and the Poles too, tho to a lesser degree). We aren't forced into historical deployments and initial responses to the Blitzkrieg. I would suspect that, if we were, something closer to the historical outcomes would occur.

[Christolos]

Against the AI, France can be taken by May-June 1940 if the Axis strike early. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y_HPHwdAY8

C

[AlbertN]

Saw, tried, left me very unconvinced after experiencing it firsthand.
Actually - by how game rolls, since you win so quickly, the 'net gain' in MPPs is spent in operating, while at the same time your units potentially benefit of far less experience.