Matrix Games Forums

In a PBEM I'm playing my opponent is picking off MSW at a high rate.
He has mined Wunpunko (my base) heavily and parked subs in the hex.
Recently I sent two large(approx 15-20 ships) fast transports mssions in consecutive turns to the base, one accompanied by an MSW and the other by a DMS. The minesweepers were embedded in the fast transpot taskforces.
In both missions the sub (previously detected ) picked off the minesweepers, ignoring the other ships.

The incidence of picking off escorting MSW's seems a tad high and the success of the subs also seems too high.

Both sub intercepts occurred at night.
Wouldn't a sub, previously detected, operating in shallow water, at an enemy base, on the surface at night, manouvering in or around a minefield, be at a disadvantage in ambushing successfully a large destroyer taskforce.
I don't agree with the view that the MSW are operating independantly from the taskforce in clearing mines and are therefore easy prey.
Heck, the minesweeper only cleared a mine or two (one of the APD's cleared two).

Anyway, it just seemed a little wacko.

Well, from a gamer's point of view it makes perfect sense that the sub attacks the minesweeper. Since he minesweeper is the most important unit in a tast force that transitions a mined hex it is natural for the sub to target it. If I were the sub captaion I would do the same thing.

Also, miesweepers are usually sloer than combat vessels. DMS are not, butthen again, I don't think they should be allowed in fast task forces anyway. There is no way they could sweep mines ifthe task force is moving as fast as the DMS could move.

Potentially, it is a game killer...as there is a limited supply of MSW in UV and the tactic is very effective.

Hi, Well if you know the sub is there, and they are effective at sinking you minesweepers, why not send in a few SC/PG/DD first? (they also can clear mines and are not so valuable. They are also good sub killers.
Place a few bomber groups on ASW while you are hunting the sub.
I've found IJN subs sheldom survive if they remain in a hex after detection.

Yes, I know there are workarounds but I am posting to highlight what I consider a problem in the game. I'm not posting in search of a quick fix.
Besides, I really don't like the idea of sending ships into known minefields without a minesweeper.

True, the subs are vulnerable to damage after they strike. In the example I outlined, the first sub was damaged and the second sunk, but the game is entering a stage where MSW are worth their weight in gold.

Subs just seem too effective in guarding minefields at enemy bases( if the sub owner dosen't mind a straight swap...subs for minesweepers).