Newbie looking for some advice

[TigerTC]

I've read the manual and browsed this board a bit. I've also watched the excellent videos at https://sites.google.com/site/n01487477/Home?pli=1. So I don't have any gameplay/mechanics issues or questions -- I can figure those out.

Right now I'm plugging through the 1000 Mile (Aleutians) scenario and getting a feel for the game. Ultimately, I want to tackle some PBEM campaigns.

What advice can you give me to make the game easier to manage, especially since I don't want to get caught up in the micromanagement?

For example, the manual says we can play 1, 2, or 3-day turns. What do you play?
Do folks automate their sub patrols?
How much can I automate my cargo runs (I don't want to spend my limited gametime worrying about every little nitnoid base)?
How important is training my aircrews? What percentage of time should they spend training?
Do you automate your replacement aircrews and aircraft?
What about industry?
Etc....?

[pws1225]

Welcome to the game BROJD. For what it's worth, here are my suggestions:

Sub Patrols: More experienced players generally do not automate their sub patrols. But when first starting out, it does make sense so you can pay attention to all the other stuff that requires your guidance.

Automated cargo runs: Setting up CS convoys from your source of supply to a supply hub closer to the front is a good idea. Just don't run CS convoys anywhere near where the fighting is else they'll likely get whacked. And remember to provide those convoys with ASW escorts to minimize the sub threat. Use manually directed TFs to shuttle supplies from your supply hub to the forward bases.

Aircrew training: essential in a Grand Campaign game, but probably of limited value in the shorter scenarios. I set by training squadrons to 100%.

Automated aircraft and aircrew replacement: Nope. Replacement aircraft can be scarce. Only set replacements on for those squadrons doing the fighting. You don't want to waste front line aircraft by sending them to squadrons that will not see any action.

Industry: If you are playing the Allied side, there is no need to worry about industry, except perhaps in Austria where some players prefer to shut down heavy industry to save fuel. If you're playing as Japan, yes indeed! [8D]

Others may have differing opinions, but that's what I would recommend. Good luck and enjoy!

Regards, Paul

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: BROJD

I've read the manual and browsed this board a bit. I've also watched the excellent videos at https://sites.google.com/site/n01487477/Home?pli=1. So I don't have any gameplay/mechanics issues or questions -- I can figure those out.

Right now I'm plugging through the 1000 Mile (Aleutians) scenario and getting a feel for the game. Ultimately, I want to tackle some PBEM campaigns.

What advice can you give me to make the game easier to manage, especially since I don't want to get caught up in the micromanagement?

For example, the manual says we can play 1, 2, or 3-day turns. What do you play?
Do folks automate their sub patrols?
How much can I automate my cargo runs (I don't want to spend my limited gametime worrying about every little nitnoid base)?
How important is training my aircrews? What percentage of time should they spend training?
Do you automate your replacement aircrews and aircraft?
What about industry?
Etc....?

1- day turns. I would say 95% of the PBEMs are played this way.

Don´t automate anything. It might seem like a good idea to limit some micromanagement but in the end you will get better results by doing it yourself. Its better you learn to do it yourself from the beginning because once your start playing PBEM you will pretty much have to anyway. [:)]

Most games are also played under the most recent BETA (can be found in the Tech Support forum) so I would recommend you used it from the start if your goal is to get into PBEM eventually.

Read AARs and the forum. The manual is sadly outdated by now and many thing have changed in patches. Learn to master the forum search as 99% of all question you can come up with have been asked before. [:)]

Good luck!

[spence]

I think 2-day turns are the way to go; especially if you have a limited amount of time to play. You are after all a theater commander rather than a squadron commander. The feel of the game is definitely different with 2 day turns. For one thing you might even be able to notice some movement across the board of your slow merchant convoys.

[Lowpe]

The AI is tougher with 2 day turns too, I think. When playing the AI, it is all I do...

My advice is to just jump in, find combat reporter, install it and crank thru the turns having fun.

Don't worry about search arcs for planes, leave them random against the AI.

There is a great instructional AAR of playing Allies on the board somewhere...

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: BROJD

I've read the manual and browsed this board a bit. I've also watched the excellent videos at https://sites.google.com/site/n01487477/Home?pli=1. So I don't have any gameplay/mechanics issues or questions -- I can figure those out.

Right now I'm plugging through the 1000 Mile (Aleutians) scenario and getting a feel for the game. Ultimately, I want to tackle some PBEM campaigns.

What advice can you give me to make the game easier to manage, especially since I don't want to get caught up in the micromanagement?

For example, the manual says we can play 1, 2, or 3-day turns. What do you play?
Do folks automate their sub patrols?
How much can I automate my cargo runs (I don't want to spend my limited gametime worrying about every little nitnoid base)?
How important is training my aircrews? What percentage of time should they spend training?
Do you automate your replacement aircrews and aircraft?
What about industry?
Etc....?

1 day turns only for me.

No automated sub patrols. I do them by hand but set them to patrol an area.

Cargo runs==Have ships of the same type in a task force if at all possible as ships will only steam as fast as the slowest ship. Most don't use
automated tf for supply runs but choose CS / continuous supply.

Training of pilots is very important, 100% training in the rear areas and best pilots where the heat is.

The less automation the better off you are. The game looks daunting at first but the more you play you'll learn what to check ,
what can slide for a few turns or more. Before you know it you can turn around a turn in 35 minutes or less unless a big operation
is undertaking.

Look at NYGiants AAR against our good friend Divepac (may god rest his soul) for some tips getting started with shipping.


If you're playing as the allies you have little to worry about industry besides moving fuel or turning off repairs in areas the Japanese will take.

Best of luck!

[Sardaukar]

2-day turns give AI some edge, since it can change orders daily, you every 2 days.