1939 Soviet Start

[Tisifoni12]

Tried the 1939 Soviet Start for a change. Mostly to see what the other majors would do / have without three years in which to SPAM.

More navy than I'd have and less air force, otherwise seems okay. Organise into armies and do lots of training ready for the inevitable Barbarossa . . .

Get message that South Africa has capitulated. Check map and the Italians have overrun most of Africa in the service of their Giraffe overlords. Er, but wasn't Mussolini seeking a Mediterranean Empire, once Italy has secured Egypt and the Sudan, linked up with Italian East Africa and deprived the Allies / British Empire of the Suez Canal wouldn't Italy go on the defensive or turn their attention elsewhere ?

 

[Jays298]

Well, same happens in the 36 scenario as well often. I mean as Italy playing Italy I had to do much of that, though I didnt take South Africa until 1945.

It's not so much about Italy not being defensive as much as the UK pulling their troops out of Africa over time, or not having the manpower to reinforce them. I tried to play defensively but occasionally I'd get a green arrow, hit the button, take a good chunk of territory. Repeat a few times a year and eventually Italy owns 3/4 of Africa, Vichy France and Portugal the remainder.

The AI prefers to open new fronts (failed naval invasions) rather than contest existing fronts.

 

[ThaHoward]

The Italians didn't have much of a plan when they invaded Egypt. "Go here and perhaps do some fighting, then stop and then we can have peace".

But this is a game, really don't see an issue here other than known issues with land combat/supply system.

 

[Tisifoni12]

Agree with your observation Jays298; the AI needs some revision when it comes to strategy.

I have suggested revision of the naval landing technologies several times:

1. WW1 Tech landings (Gallipoli)
2. Landing craft and small scale operations (Pacific islands) and operations with limited tidal reach (Mediterranean)
3. Large scale operations (Normandy) with advanced logistical support (mulberry and pluto) and perhaps limited to suitable beaches (Normandy, Pas de Calais)