First of all, i know its early but im almost certain Allies need a bid, albeit a small one. The gencon tournament saw bids go towards the allies, not the axis at almost all games. Two elite players facing each other, i believe Allies need an 6-9bid to a) buy a destroyer for the US or UK/ 1inf in egypt and 1 art in russia. In fact 9 could have 3 inf, or 1sub+1inf buys as well. I know Japan is in a tough spot, but Germany starts off incredibly better then before, even if Africa is tougher. Germany can wipe the US and UK fleets entirely on GER1, with a casualty of about 1 plane and 2-3 subs. After that UK needs to either help Africa by sending guys from India(but japan can hit stronger now…) But bids are always more fun anyway and balance is not the point of this thread…
On a side note, the picture of the 1942.2 setup on the axis and allies homepage is missing a crucial transport and destroyer in sz61
The map is MUCH better. The more territories in asia is what 1942 absolutely need. Its longer to go through china(more territory to grab on the way), and 1 more territory from Manchuria to Moscow via the russian lands.
Eastern europe is alright, although not a big fan of that ridiculously big west russia which is overly important.
Western Europe is awesome. The double drop zone (finland-norway),(france-netherland),(balkans-Italy) is a real game changer and puts the axis in a different situation where they will have to play the counterattacking game instead of the stacking defense(which is always more pleasant anyway).
Africa is slightly more advantageous now to the allies, because of the extra territories, it will take longer for germany to conquer it, thus giving more time for the US to help.
I don’t know why people say Pearl Harbor cannot be done anymore - don’t forget that the Japanese sub is now absolutely untouchable with the new rules and can always go for Pearl Harbor. You can get 3 fighters(9), 1 bomber(4), 1 cruiser(3), 1 sub(2) and 1 AC(1) (grand total of 19) VS sub(1),destroyer(2),AC(2),fighter(4) (Grand total of 9).
Dont forget AC defends at 2 and Sub defend at 1 in 1942.2. Transports do not participate in battle. For those wondering how you can get 3 fighters in pearl harbor btw, it assumes you will land 2 fighters on the AC and 1 fighter on Wake island. Even if you lose the 2 fighters and the AC on the US counter attack US would lose at least on average 1 fighter and the destroyer.
I think KGF and KJF are both viable and its hard to see a ‘‘better’’ option.
Good game, happy i bought it, much needed refreshment from the 1942 revised i played the hell out.
On a side note, allowing America to buy 1 inf per turn and place it in green china territory is an awesome house rule that should be used everytime. Adds a lot of fun to the game.