Matrix Games Forums

I'm negotiating with a potential opponent about a game, and he suggested 140% Japanese commitment level. I immediately balked at that as I find the AI is a decent challenge at historical levels (at least at my present skill in the game), but it got me thinking.

I've noticed many PBEM games have increased commitment level of around 140%, so I have two questions: Why? And what actual effect does it have?

I find it hard to believe that the IJN is that weak, that they have to be given almost half again as many ships to provide a more balanced game.
And some people describe the allies being in serious trouble for the first several game months to an aggressive IJN player: PM will fall, Luganville will fall, Townsville, Brisbane, and Noumea will probably fall unless the allies 'turtle' at those three crucial bases.

That sounds to me like the increased commitment level doesn't create balance, but skews it dramatically to the IJN.

So, I want input from the forum members with experience on this topic, so that I can try to understand the whys and wherefores.

Thanks.



Incidentally - unless some compelling reasons come up, I imagine my game will compromise at 110 or 120 percent.

Sounds like you're just afraid of commitment! [;)]

There are few absolutes in this game. What is certainly true is that the farther you get into the campaign games in scen 17 and 19, and especially so after 1/1/43, the less able the IJN player is able to compete against the Allies on equal footing. 140% commitment in scenario 17 isn't as drastic as you think given that the IJN reinforcements trickle in in that scenario; it may be a little much in 19 though.

ORIGINAL: redman1

Sounds like you're just afraid of commitment! [;)]

Groan...
[:D]

There are few absolutes in this game. What is certainly true is that the farther you get into the campaign games in scen 17 and 19, and especially so after 1/1/43, the less able the IJN player is able to compete against the Allies on equal footing. 140% commitment in scenario 17 isn't as drastic as you think given that the IJN reinforcements trickle in in that scenario; it may be a little much in 19 though.

Yes, he wants to do 19, so I'm doubly glad I said 110% then. Even that I'm thinking might be more than is necessary.

As Japan you rarly get ships after 7/42 and then only if you lose alot of them. As the United States your levels stay high and do that for almost all of the game. IN my PBEM's as the Japanese I have not got a combat ship after 8/42 and in one game I am in late 3/43 and 1/43, that is even with sending back ships and unused transports and such.

It depends on how experienced my opponant is, but I tend to increase it for both

Hi All,

In fact, I'm neuro's 'potential opponent' (actually not anymore, settled on 120%, sending him 1st turn tonight) [8D]

Well, after all it is just a game, so I'm taking it up for the challenge and it is also my 1st PBEM. So what the heck, I thought I'd just give it a shot. [:D]

I've played Allied AI at with IJN 200% and even then I found that there were significant difficulties that got me thinking and searching the forum for answers. There are only so many IJN TKs for example, and damage control is a heck of a major pain. Not to mention the slow building capabilities of my Korean labourers (aka Naval Pioneers).

Watch out neuromancer! Yamaguchi & Co's heading your way!

ORIGINAL: LordHawke
In fact, I'm neuro's 'potential opponent' (actually not anymore, settled on 120%, sending him 1st turn tonight) [8D]

Turns out we couldn't do 110% anyway, so 120% it was.
Now we'll see what happens!

Well, after all it is just a game, so I'm taking it up for the challenge and it is also my 1st PBEM. So what the heck, I thought I'd just give it a shot. [:D]

Oh certainly, but everyone wants a fair game.
Of course now when... I mean if I lose [:D] I can just say "not my fault, it was balanced towards the IJN"!


<shrug>
I have no idea how it will go, so we'll see what happens. Of course my first concern is that Hawke will go the super aggressive Japanese route, so there will be a bit of a major redeployment of forces in anticipation of an attack anywhere and possibly everywhere.

I'll try not to be as timid as Wobbly, but I doubt I'll be particularly adventurous for a while. I hope I don't become known as the Cowardly Canuck!


The AI plays a good Naval and Air campaign, but its land campaign is pretty poor. The potential that a human opponent can be truly insane fills me with a sense of dread and anticipation that is really quite interesting.

Watch out neuromancer! Yamaguchi & Co's heading your way!

Eek!
[X(]


[:D]

ORIGINAL: neuromancer

Oh certainly, but everyone wants a fair game.
Of course now when... I mean if I lose [:D] I can just say "not my fault, it was balanced towards the IJN"!

Oh no you don't [:-]

ORIGINAL: neuromancer
<shrug>
I have no idea how it will go, so we'll see what happens. Of course my first concern is that Hawke will go the super aggressive Japanese route, so there will be a bit of a major redeployment of forces in anticipation of an attack anywhere and possibly everywhere.

Hmmm...this isn't some propanganda thing, is it? [&:]

First turn is away, your move. [>:]

ORIGINAL: LordHawke

ORIGINAL: neuromancer
Of course now when... I mean if I lose [:D] I can just say "not my fault, it was balanced towards the IJN"!

Oh no you don't [:-]

[:D]

Hmmm...this isn't some propanganda thing, is it? [&:]

Maybe... maybe not.
Just as in poker, you have to pay to see if I'm bluffing.

First turn is away, your move. [>:]

Back at ya!


(Actually you probably already have turn 2 back to me by now)