Cpt Rossi said:
At the same time, though, unless he has some transport planes readily available to drop it somewhere and actually use it in an airborne capacity, then it's just an under-strength infantry division.
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At the same time, though, unless he has some transport planes readily available to drop it somewhere and actually use it in an airborne capacity, then it's just an under-strength infantry division.
Phoenix Dace said:
In A Creek Without A Paddle Remble refused to airdrop Paras, because he considered their implementation as gamey. So I doubt he will use them here soon. Though it's not ruled out, since he also refused to use aircrafts extensively before and he dows so now, due to Japans truly difficult position.
By the way: Where's my update? I need my fix. Just one fix ... one fix ... one fix ... one fix ... *
* fans of Ministry will understand
I personnaly think dropping more than 3 Par's a time, a month is considered gamey, but I can see perfectly acceptible uses for Par's here, as that are many islands to conquer. I also agree that the Mot's and HQ's need to be moved to a better more useful place.
Well, his navy is a bottle neck at the moment, so the fact that those units are still there does not mean that their suboptimal positioning wasn't detected.
elbasto said:
I tend to agree with elbasto here. His navy is too tied up at the moment. And to start unescorted transporting like AI would be just silly.
You guys have been busy while I have been forced into 2 days of not being able to post. Real life interferences like no electricity tend to prevent posts
Some replies are in order ...
Kurt_Steiner, Oddman, Connavar - The AI flattered to deceive with Germany it seems. The collapse will almost certainly become worse over the next month. I do not really know when or if the Soviets will attack, but from what I have read it is usually 3-6 months after Germany falls. I will do what I can to improve relations with them through trade but I doubt that will be enough.
stnylan - I wasn't sure exactly which outflank you were mentioning so I covered both
Sokraates, Illumini - Buffer states are an option only and if I were to use one it would be the far north western part of Nat. China to prevent the British or Soviets attacking from this direction. I seriously doubt that I will do it though as it is gamey
Kanil - Thank you. I certainly hope that China provides a lot of energy, it is the only real option for gaining this resource right now.
Winner, UncleAlias - I have always adopted a total annexation strategy with any country I play. Puppets make things too easy generally and I can make better use of their resources than they can most of the time.
Hermann Steiner, Kyronea, OneArmed - Rest assured, I will get every blueprint I can. Resources I cannot get from Germany as all trades are 0% even by open negotiation.
germanpeon, Maj. von Mauser - Thank you. MC of Japan's puppets is enough I think. I would lose as Germany if I MC'd them, butnot quite as badly as the AI is doing.
cloneof - In some respects I largely ignored aircraft use in my previous AAR because of the difficulty setting. I don't have any guilt in using them in this scenario on VH and I am hopefully demonstrating how to use even a small airforce to great effect. I would rather not even be flying the Interceptors but as the AI cheats I need to monitor all my sealanes, even the ones the AI shouldn't be able to reach. Knowledge is power after all and it keeps my own ships alive. You won't be seeing my fleets getting jumped in unfavourable conditions at all if I can help it.
OneArmed, markiep, germanpeon, Panzer6, Nathan Madien - Indeed it is controlled by Portugal who are neutral. Panzer6 is correct, I would abandon it anyway even if it was Japanese controlled. Nothing there to defend and it is of no strategic importance.
dublish, Mangudai - The AI is capable of many things. 114 divisions is well within its capabilities
Deus - Thank you. Germany is certainly doomed.
TimEmm, Cpt Rossi, Maj. von Mauser - You are of course correct. The HQ's and Mot will definately be moved when I build more infantry that can replace them. Right now I need forces there and these are all that are available.
Phoenix Dace - The Para is most definately an understrength infantry division and will probably spend almost the entire game in Borneo.
Sokraates - Paras are one of my own rules. If the AI can't do it then nor will I usually. I have never seen the AI drop a Para so I won't either. Same with nukes, the AI won't so nor will I. Aircraft are different due to country and difficulty settings. I didn't really need to use them in anti-ship roll as Germany but I have little choice here. They aren't too devastating yet as they are older models mostly.
No superstacks I hope. One bonus of sinking all their transports is that they can't make a superstack in the first place. No doubt there will be some large stack somewhere but hopefully not of that magnitude.
elbasto, Deus - Naval constraints are certainly a reason as are no troops to replace them with. You won't see me operating Transports outside safe waters unescorted. There is still a little too much enemy Naval activity for me to be comfortable about moving troops anywhere without a large escort.
Update to follow ...
Some replies are in order ...
Kurt_Steiner, Oddman, Connavar - The AI flattered to deceive with Germany it seems. The collapse will almost certainly become worse over the next month. I do not really know when or if the Soviets will attack, but from what I have read it is usually 3-6 months after Germany falls. I will do what I can to improve relations with them through trade but I doubt that will be enough.
stnylan - I wasn't sure exactly which outflank you were mentioning so I covered both
Sokraates, Illumini - Buffer states are an option only and if I were to use one it would be the far north western part of Nat. China to prevent the British or Soviets attacking from this direction. I seriously doubt that I will do it though as it is gamey
Kanil - Thank you. I certainly hope that China provides a lot of energy, it is the only real option for gaining this resource right now.
Winner, UncleAlias - I have always adopted a total annexation strategy with any country I play. Puppets make things too easy generally and I can make better use of their resources than they can most of the time.
Hermann Steiner, Kyronea, OneArmed - Rest assured, I will get every blueprint I can. Resources I cannot get from Germany as all trades are 0% even by open negotiation.
germanpeon, Maj. von Mauser - Thank you. MC of Japan's puppets is enough I think. I would lose as Germany if I MC'd them, butnot quite as badly as the AI is doing.
cloneof - In some respects I largely ignored aircraft use in my previous AAR because of the difficulty setting. I don't have any guilt in using them in this scenario on VH and I am hopefully demonstrating how to use even a small airforce to great effect. I would rather not even be flying the Interceptors but as the AI cheats I need to monitor all my sealanes, even the ones the AI shouldn't be able to reach. Knowledge is power after all and it keeps my own ships alive. You won't be seeing my fleets getting jumped in unfavourable conditions at all if I can help it.
OneArmed, markiep, germanpeon, Panzer6, Nathan Madien - Indeed it is controlled by Portugal who are neutral. Panzer6 is correct, I would abandon it anyway even if it was Japanese controlled. Nothing there to defend and it is of no strategic importance.
dublish, Mangudai - The AI is capable of many things. 114 divisions is well within its capabilities
Deus - Thank you. Germany is certainly doomed.
TimEmm, Cpt Rossi, Maj. von Mauser - You are of course correct. The HQ's and Mot will definately be moved when I build more infantry that can replace them. Right now I need forces there and these are all that are available.
Phoenix Dace - The Para is most definately an understrength infantry division and will probably spend almost the entire game in Borneo.
Sokraates - Paras are one of my own rules. If the AI can't do it then nor will I usually. I have never seen the AI drop a Para so I won't either. Same with nukes, the AI won't so nor will I. Aircraft are different due to country and difficulty settings. I didn't really need to use them in anti-ship roll as Germany but I have little choice here. They aren't too devastating yet as they are older models mostly.
No superstacks I hope. One bonus of sinking all their transports is that they can't make a superstack in the first place. No doubt there will be some large stack somewhere but hopefully not of that magnitude.
elbasto, Deus - Naval constraints are certainly a reason as are no troops to replace them with. You won't see me operating Transports outside safe waters unescorted. There is still a little too much enemy Naval activity for me to be comfortable about moving troops anywhere without a large escort.
Update to follow ...
Stemming the Tide
9
0000 August 1st 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Saipan.
The American's and their Allies were determined to try and invade the Marianas it appeared. Yamamoto had managed to prevent any such landing from occurring so far, a job made a lot easier with the capture of Saipan, his current base of operations.
Japanese bombers, led by Mj. General Genda, were still inflicting damage upon the latest fleet to try to enter the area. The Cruiser fleet had been spotted days earlier by Ozawa and had been bombed for most of its travel to the Palau Trench. It would lose a second ship, the Light Cruiser USS Detroit, to Ozawa's Naval bombers before it could escape his patrol zone east of the Marianas.
Mj. General Arima, patrolling the North Kyushu-Palau Trench region, discovered a large American Submarine fleet heading towards Japan. Yamamoto would note its presence but would not do anything more unless this fleet decided to start sunking convoys.
Mj. General Arima, patrolling the North Kyushu-Palau Trench region, discovered a large American Submarine fleet heading towards Japan. Yamamoto would note its presence but would not do anything more unless this fleet decided to start sunking convoys.
0300 August 1st 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. Hengyang, China.
Higashikuni was beginning to become more concerned with British advances in Burma. He had sent some additional forces west to assist but these would not arrive for several more days.
With Rangoon in enemy hands they now had an airbase and port facility closer to Japanese territory in Indonesia which could be a problem in the future.
Lt. General Hoshinato had advanced into Guiyang and would begin a new attack shortly, after a period of reorganisation.
A probing attack was ordered against Nanping to find out how strong the defences of the province were. The defences were beginning to falter with the lack of supplies but this attack would be called off after a few hours, when it became clear that casualties would be too high to continue. Higashikuni could afford to wait a while longer for the full effects of no supplies to discourage the defenders.
A probing attack was ordered against Nanping to find out how strong the defences of the province were. The defences were beginning to falter with the lack of supplies but this attack would be called off after a few hours, when it became clear that casualties would be too high to continue. Higashikuni could afford to wait a while longer for the full effects of no supplies to discourage the defenders.
0000 August 3rd 1944.
Diplomatic Offices. Tokyo, Japan.
Energy was still needed in large quantities and Mamoru had spotted a potential trading partner for a large amount.
Some of the problems with trades in respect to the Soviet Union had been overcome, even if they were only temporary. A large energy trade was established that would provide just over 50% of the materials sent. This was a big increase over previous trading attempts with the Soviet Union. Mamoru would try and expand on this trade in the future in the hope of securing enough energy to satisfy Japanese industry.
0500 August 4th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Saipan.
The Cruiser fleet had left the areas patrolled by Japanese Naval bombers but was still being watched by Interceptors as it finally left air range north east of Wake Island. Japanese Submarines encountered a much bigger problem closer to Japan.
Another American Carrier fleet had been spotted, this time by Ito and his Submarines. Two previously unseen Carriers, USS Enterprise and USS Lexington, were operating off Marcus Island.
Ito would escape as soon as he could but he would lose another Sensuikantai in the process. The enemy fleet was heading south towards the Marianas.
Ito would escape as soon as he could but he would lose another Sensuikantai in the process. The enemy fleet was heading south towards the Marianas.
1300 August 4th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. Hengyang, China.
Japanese forces in Burma were already withdrawing when they came under attack by a large British force.
Field Marshal Hata would continue his withdraw towards Toungoo with slightly increased urgency as it was noted that a British division was also moving towards the province. He was confident that his force had a large enough head start to arrive first.
1800 August 4th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Saipan.
Field Marshal Sugiyama, commander of Japanese homeland forces, had sent a request to Yamamoto. The previously spotted enemy Submarines had decided to begin sinking Japanese convoy shipping and they needed to be stopped. All bombers were currently active and could not be spared for this job. Sugiyama did have Carrier Group C in Tokyo but it had no escort vessels and it would be extremely risky to send it after Submarines without these ships.
Yamamoto was left with little choice.
Yamamoto was left with little choice.
He gave orders for BB Division 1 to set sail for the Inland Sea. He would deal with the problem himself, fully aware that an American Carrier fleet was heading his way.
2200 hours saw Ozawa, now reassigned north, lead Japanese Naval bombers in the pursuit of this Carrier Task Force. By 0300 hours the following day the Heavy Cruiser USS Indianapolis had been sunk as it provided anti-aircraft cover for the two Carriers. Ozawa could now target the two Capital ships more directly.
BB Division 1 entered the North Mariana Trench at 2300 hours, coinciding with the arrival of a British Transport fleet. The guns of IJN Yamashiro would account for the Trojan Star Flotilla.
Yamamoto was informed of the arrival of the new Aircraft Carrier IJN Unryu, and its Combat Air Group, on August 5th. The ship joined Carrier Group C in Tokyo.
With BB Division 1 leaving the Marianas for a few days it would be up to Admiral Koga to defend the islands. His fleet had been ordered north to cover Saipan until Yamamoto returned. BB Division 2 was the more powerful fleet, containing both the IJN Yamato and IJN Musashi, but BB Division 1 had more escort ships, which is why it was chasing the Submarine fleet.
At 0100 hours on August 6th Admiral Halsey and his two Carriers entered the North Mariana Trench. They were greeted by Japanese Interceptors who passed the information back to command. The two resting Naval bomber squadrons were scambled to assist the Interceptors.
Suekuni's Submarines were spotted by the enemy Carriers and they proceeded to try and hunt him down. Both night and rain would hamper any operations by the Carriers and the Submarines would be safe for several hours. They were not going to be ordered to leave for some time. The weather was also hampering bombing runs against this fleet but some damage was being inflicted.
0200 August 7th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. Wuzhou, China.
Japanese forces in China had advanced to capture territory that had been behind the main line of advance. Shaoyang and Wuzhou provinces were now under Japanese control.
Lt. General Hoshinato and his armour was ordered to attack the mountainous region of Anshun. Manouvering Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks along narrow mountain roads was precisely why Hoshinato had wanted to be a tank commander. Inching your way across hostile terrain, unsuited to your vehicles, not knowing what trap lay around the next bend in the road, was much more exciting than outflanking your opponent with speed and manouverability on wide open plains with good visibility.
0900 August 7th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Inland Sea.
As Yamamoto entered the Inland Sea to find his enemy he was being kept fully informed of the situation around Saipan.
Suekuni was ordered to withdraw from battle with the American Carriers at 0900 hours and head back to Saipan. Halsey would not be given the luxury of easily extending away from his next encounter by using the Submarines as a stand off fleet.
At 1000 hours BB Division 1 found the enemy Submarines. Yamamoto opened the range to prevent any enemy fire upon his fleet and his ships began the slow process of sinking Submarines at range. None would be sunk but they would be forced to move south away from their hunting grounds. Yamamoto went after them.
Admiral Koga had known he would be facing Aircraft Carriers and had adjusted his fleets speed to ensure that he would not arrive in the North Mariana Trench during daylight.
Admiral Koga had known he would be facing Aircraft Carriers and had adjusted his fleets speed to ensure that he would not arrive in the North Mariana Trench during daylight.
His timing would also provide heavy rain and cloud cover. The two American Carriers were almost totally useless under these conditions. Koga's own ships were not finding things too much easier but they were inflicting some heavy damage to Halsey's escort ships.
No ships had been sunk after four hours of fighting and the American fleet, which had been providing protection to a single Transport fleet, was forced to withdraw.
No ships had been sunk after four hours of fighting and the American fleet, which had been providing protection to a single Transport fleet, was forced to withdraw.
The Light Cruisers USS Cleveland and USS Reno were sunk by IJN Yamato and IJN Musashi as the fleets opened distance. The American Transport fleet was also forced to withdraw, preventing another invasion from occuring.
Koga would not immediately pursue the Carrier Task Force as his arrival would coincide with daylight. He would delay giving the orders to follow Halsey until such time as he could arrive at night.
Koga would not immediately pursue the Carrier Task Force as his arrival would coincide with daylight. He would delay giving the orders to follow Halsey until such time as he could arrive at night.
0000 August 8th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. Wuzhou, China.
Most of the Tactical bombers were now operational and harassing Chinese ground forces. Two squadrons were still repairing at Nanchang airbase.
39/49 Sentai would be the first squadron to be outfitted with the newer Nakajima KI-49 Donryu aircraft.
The battle for Anshun was entering its second day with little damage to Hoshinato's tanks. The combination of armour and close air support was slowly wearing the Chinese militia divisions down and they would retreat before nightfall.
Energy was still needed in large quantities and Mamoru had spotted a potential trading partner for a large amount.
Some of the problems with trades in respect to the Soviet Union had been overcome, even if they were only temporary. A large energy trade was established that would provide just over 50% of the materials sent. This was a big increase over previous trading attempts with the Soviet Union. Mamoru would try and expand on this trade in the future in the hope of securing enough energy to satisfy Japanese industry.
If this effectiveness level is higher than usual, isn't best to use open negotiations to get a one-time trade of large amounts of materials? Having a continual trade which starts at this high level, has a large chance of a fall in effectiveness leading to more wasted resources or a canceling of the trade agreement. While a one-time trade through negotiations will keep the high effectiveness level for all the materials. This does come at a cost of opening the negotiations, which is higher than trade agreements, however.
Gotta agree with you there.
I can't help but comment on the lvl 1 sub flotilla you field. Don't the Japanese have the self-respect to not keep American Civil War era subs commisioned? :rofl:
Very nice update. I just love the naval battles, makes me want to try the Japanese myself.
Excellent performance, so far. At the moment the British seem to be your most problematic enemies. Of course this may change as soon as the US decides to act in force.
Regarding the "Awesome Screenshot" depicting the stack: the tragic thing was that 194 US divisions were on the island when the US had a total of 197. What a waste.
And finally the obligatory question: how do you know whether ships will arrive in daylight or at night? Of course, you see the ETA, but where do you find out when day/night starts in your specific region? I always get confused with this. AFAIK this also varies from season to season. At least when ordering an attack it's easy, since the symbols for day/night are displayed.
Regarding the "Awesome Screenshot" depicting the stack: the tragic thing was that 194 US divisions were on the island when the US had a total of 197. What a waste.
And finally the obligatory question: how do you know whether ships will arrive in daylight or at night? Of course, you see the ETA, but where do you find out when day/night starts in your specific region? I always get confused with this. AFAIK this also varies from season to season. At least when ordering an attack it's easy, since the symbols for day/night are displayed.
Mangudai said:
Yes, but the minimap has its problems. Primarily doesn't account for seasonal changes in the lenght of day and night.
well, there are several ways to find out whether it will be day or night.
the first one is a simple estimation. in the western pacific, it is day from about 0.00 to 12.00 with seasonal changes. so an arrival at e.g. 14.00 should be quite good.
the second one is to find a land units without orders in that region and check the time with them.
the first one is a simple estimation. in the western pacific, it is day from about 0.00 to 12.00 with seasonal changes. so an arrival at e.g. 14.00 should be quite good.
the second one is to find a land units without orders in that region and check the time with them.
Manziel said:
Yes, I already thought about the workaround with a unit. Is there a list/thread on the daylighttimes in any given region?
I think this only shows how much I suck at naval combat (which is also the reason why I usually neglect my navy).