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Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 2:01 pm
by ScooterV
I took a few years off from messing with this game. It was distracting me from work

I retired last week, so decided to fire up a game after getting everything updated to the latest beta. It's been awhile, so I'm still trying to RE-remember and learn the mechanics again, along with trying to remember what I did in past games that worked well, or did not.
Just a general question here though. In my old games I stacked Port Moresby to the point I'm thinking was likely WAY more than needed, preventing me from using some of that force elsewhere. I built up the airfield and stacked it with all I could spare from elsewhere. Cooktown and Cairns also full of MB and HB until I eventually went on the offensive and needed them. Between all the air, mines, and a small surface TF they rarely even made it to landing. One time they tried to land, but quickly picked up their toys and left. However, I also packed in ground units as fast as I could. I no longer recall how much, other than "a lot".
So, vs the AI what have you seen as sufficient? Either total assault value or size and number of units? With my limited memory I'm now thinking two US divisions along with some artillery is likely enough to hold even if they land?
I have an old Navy friend retiring in a year and going to have first PBEM then, but might as well play around while he's still playing responsible, working adult

Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 3:31 pm
by RangerJoe
ScooterV wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 2:01 pm
I took a few years off from messing with this game. It was distracting me from work

I retired last week, so decided to fire up a game after getting everything updated to the latest beta. It's been awhile, so I'm still trying to RE-remember and learn the mechanics again, along with trying to remember what I did in past games that worked well, or did not.
Just a general question here though. In my old games I stacked Port Moresby to the point I'm thinking was likely WAY more than needed, preventing me from using some of that force elsewhere. I built up the airfield and stacked it with all I could spare from elsewhere. Cooktown and Cairns also full of MB and HB until I eventually went on the offensive and needed them. Between all the air, mines, and a small surface TF they rarely even made it to landing. One time they tried to land, but quickly picked up their toys and left. However, I also packed in ground units as fast as I could. I no longer recall how much, other than "a lot".
So, vs the AI what have you seen as sufficient? Either total assault value or size and number of units? With my limited memory I'm now thinking two US divisions along with some artillery is likely enough to hold even if they land?
I have an old Navy friend retiring in a year and going to have first PBEM then, but might as well play around while he's still playing responsible, working adult
A retired Navy man as a responsible adult!
Just play, both sides if you want to see what you need to capture as well as hold the base. But just remember, there are no set amounts that ensure a win either way unless it is a very lopsided engagement.
Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 4:01 pm
by ScooterV
RangerJoe wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 3:31 pm
A retired Navy man as a responsible adult!
Just play, both sides if you want to see what you need to capture as well as hold the base. But just remember, there are no set amounts that ensure a win either way unless it is a very lopsided engagement.
LOL, well "working" anyway. "Responsible" may not apply to many of us old squids

Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 7:39 pm
by RangerJoe
ScooterV wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 4:01 pm
RangerJoe wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 3:31 pm
A retired Navy man as a responsible adult!
Just play, both sides if you want to see what you need to capture as well as hold the base. But just remember, there are no set amounts that ensure a win either way unless it is a very lopsided engagement.
LOL, well "working" anyway. "Responsible" may not apply to many of us old squids
Well . . .
You did have to hide the crayons from the US Naval Infantry!
Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 10:46 pm
by Platoonist
ScooterV wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 2:01 pm
So, vs the AI what have you seen as sufficient? Either total assault value or size and number of units? With my limited memory I'm now thinking two US divisions along with some artillery is likely enough to hold even if they land?
In the past I've found that the Port Moresby Brigade and some engineers backed up by armor and artillery was enough to defeat the AI. Especially since Japanese AI amphibious attempts at PM always seem to take place in dribs and drabs even in a major effort. It helps if the local bombers pound them too.
Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2024 1:52 pm
by ScooterV
Platoonist wrote: Mon Jul 22, 2024 10:46 pm
In the past I've found that the Port Moresby Brigade and some engineers backed up by armor and artillery was enough to defeat the AI. Especially since Japanese AI amphibious attempts at PM always seem to take place in dribs and drabs even in a major effort. It helps if the local bombers pound them too.
Much less than I would have guessed, but keeping them from ever really landing never had any idea lol. Thanks!
Re: Port Moresby defense vs. AI
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2024 3:08 pm
by Platoonist
ScooterV wrote: Tue Jul 23, 2024 1:52 pm
Much less than I would have guessed, but keeping them from ever really landing never had any idea lol. Thanks!
Ample armor and artillery with infantry support behind fortifications are tough for the Japanese troops to overcome. However, if playing against a human, I would definitely want to add at least one Aussie division to the mix.