Carrier Group not having an attack value?

see what you mean. gamewise it seems to work, though. Prices for the carriers and planes have dropped since the initial game and moreover the carriers have become capital ships allowing them to take two hits. To also still give them an attack value might be a bit too much or you’d have to up the price again etc. You are right though that they indeed represent multiple ships and should be able to do some damage…

The addition of destroyer and cruiser pieces has diluted the concept that a ship piece also represents supporting ships.  While it’s still true, it’s not reflected so much in the combat capabilities of vulnerable ships like carriers and transports that need escorts.

The attack strength of carriers is in their planes.  I think a carrier group would really have to be desperate to attack without them.

@Krieghund:

The addition of destroyer and cruiser pieces has diluted the concept that a ship piece also represents supporting ships.  While it’s still true, it’s not reflected so much in the combat capabilities of vulnerable ships like carriers and transports that need escorts.

The attack strength of carriers is in their planes.  I think a carrier group would really have to be desperate to attack without them.

That’s certainly a very valid point as well!

The Carrier is also more powerful and valuable now that it is considered a TWO HIT Capitol Ship.

I think it is a fair compromise.

I think a carrier group would really have to be desperate to attack without them

LOL Yes,  Desperate times call for Desperate measures.

In the original game, it was thought (by players I spoke with and myself anyway) that a carrier unit represented a carrier, a couple escort carriers, a few destroyers and a cruiser or two.  A battleship represented the same, but with the battleship replacing the carrier in the line up.  Submarines represented 3 submarines and transports represented 3 troop-ships.  or whatever.  Infantry represented mechanized units (Jeeps, Halftracks) and Artillery.

After years and years of play, with the board growing more and more complex and with the prices of things changing with the addition of other things, my assumptions at least, have changed.

Carrier = Carrier, 2 Escort Carriers
Battleship = Battleship
Destroyer = 3 Destroyers
Submarine = 5 Submarines
Cruiser = 2 Cruisers

Infantry = 1 Battalion or Company
Artillery = 1 Artillery Company
Mechanized = Crap on the field (jeeps, Halftracks, Meat Wagons, whatever the trash is the Infantry is using that they might be able to strap a gun too.)

Fighter - Fighter Squadron down from Fighter Wing
Tactical Bomber - Some unknown fighter type, in squadron form
Bomber - Bomber Wing

As for the Carrier having no defense, I still claim they should have AA ability on Round 1, before combat starts.  Give them no defense or attack value otherwise is fine with me.