Now before I even start this topic I feel I should make it clear that my gaming group is pretty isolated and I understand that, as a group, we’ve developed strategies that, while solid against one another, may not hold up well against someone attacking from a completely unexpected angle. That being said, what I’ve seen from this board the community says that the best strategies are sea-lion for Germany(axis) and %100 balls out crush Japan for the Americans(allied).
Well, I believe that a sea-lion for Germany may be weaker than other options they have. Also I believe that there are ways for Japan to combat an all-out American attack long enough for the European axis to score the win.
If you’re still reading (which I doubt most of you are) here goes.
Sea-Lion requires you to spend nearly 100 IPCs on units that are very difficult to keep alive and are nearly useless after turn 3. The standard buy turns 1 and 2 consist of very little to no land units whatsoever. In my mind that’s ridiculous. 100 IPCs could buy you 10 tanks and 10 mechs. I’m not suggesting that this is necessarily the best move, but having a stack like that staring down Russia is much better than having 12-13 transports stuck in the black sea. Also destroying the royal navy costs you the majority or you’re air power. Having 4-5 tactical bombers with tanks allow you to crack Russia open.
Turn 1 build transport, sub and whatever land units you feel like spending 17 IPCs on. The trick to attacking Russia is to do it early. Turn two early. Before they amass a force capable of counter-attack. Attack Yugoslavia turn one with all available infantry and artillery that cannot non-combat move to the Russian border. Plus one infantry from Romania of course, because you’ll retreat there after one round of combat with the whole stack. Norways units walk into Finland. Transport 2 infantry as well. Turn 3 attack East Poland, Baltic States, Karelia, and Vyborg. Turn 4 should see Leningrad fall.
Japan’s goal is obviously to hold out long enough to allow the Germans to wipe out Russia and find their way into Cairo. When I play as Japan I assume the US is going to place a huge bullseye on my face and proceed to throw every damn thing they have at it. I’m not going to win. I’m not going to have any fun. But I’m going to be annoying as possible the whole time its going on. The first way to do this is not declaring war until turn 3. Keep em off you as long a possible….
Turn 1 buys: 3 transports 1 artillery. Standard attacks into China.
Turn 2 buys: 4 transports 4 infantry. Continue to blow up Chinese things.
Turn 3 buys: every destroyer in the box. You’ve got 10 transports. Take Alaska and the Aluetians if you can. Take as many DEI as you can. Grab Guam, Wake, and even Midway if you can. Oh yea the Philippines too… Now of course the allied players are probably going to see this coming and may move the entire American fleet right to your doorstep. That of course changes your turn 3 buy to defend the homeland, but I still strongly suggest grabbing every damn island you can get a boat to. If the Americans are that close attack them with every unit in range of course and grab all of the money. After that things will begin to degenerate but with 50-60 IPCs on J4 you can at least match the American buy and hit a few Anzac and Indian boats. Target transports and hold onto the money. I’m not exactly sure what the US buys in this strategy, but players I’ve played against bought way too few transports and I was able to hold onto a bonus and some money for a few turns.
If Japan isn’t completely crippled by turn 6 than the Germans should be prepared to hit Moscow. Britain doesn’t have enough strength to fight off Italy AND land a meaningful force in Europe. Which reminds me, Germany should also sink the French boats in the med and land fighters in Italy turn one. It’s not outrageous to see Italy collect 25 IPCs turn one and be close to 30 turn two. Get that Middle East money and harass Egypt.
Now ladies and gentlemen please call me stupid and tell me this doesn’t make any sense. :-P
