Am I the worst player in the world?

Uncommon Valor: Campaign for the South Pacific covers the campaigns for New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and the Solomon chain.

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scorryuk
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by scorryuk »

Early sub attacks (only played as USN so far!) are ineffective due to poor experience and the early torp models used. Historically USN had severe reliability problems early in war with alot of torpedos hitting target but failing to explode. And so it is in game that after a number of patrols you subs seem to come alive. I`ve had some great successes with subs parked in Rabaul & Shortland harbours and a picket line in the slot to stem supplies to lunga. Subs even attack unescorted ships on surface and sink them with shell fire. So just hang in there- like everything in this game it just takes time.
As to your aircraft problem haven`t had much exp. of IJN bombers shooting down my CAP. Zeroes usually beat them to it! Make sure your CAP is high enough attitude (10,000 though P39 incurs penality above this) and that morale and fatigue are good. Rotate sqds regulary. Once again will take time before tides turn and IJN will find it harder to replace exp. pilots than you. To help you definately need to get as many AA units as possible transported over from AUS. And if your carriers are doing nothing try sending a squadron of Cosairs over and set them at 12,000ft. They will definately have more luck.
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Freddy Fudpucker
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Freddy Fudpucker »

Well, my prowess as an Admiral has taken a dive once again. I came into unexpected contact with a Jap carrier force. The Japs sank all three of my carriers and in reply my carrier planes decided to bomb a beach containing 250 odd jap engineeres instead!! This is despite the fact that the only orders the planes have are for naval attacks! Only 4 LBA bombers hit at the jap carriers (4 CVs), this was as first strike.

To say this has to be the most stupid enactment by the AI on my behalf is an understatement, I switched off the game in total disgust and reloaded the turn.

I'm not getting any better at this am I?[:o]
Gentlemen, we're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'. -Capt. E. Blackadder.
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52nd Lowland
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by 52nd Lowland »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

Well, my prowess as an Admiral has taken a dive once again. I came into unexpected contact with a Jap carrier force. The Japs sank all three of my carriers and in reply my carrier planes decided to bomb a beach containing 250 odd jap engineeres instead!! This is despite the fact that the only orders the planes have are for naval attacks! Only 4 LBA bombers hit at the jap carriers (4 CVs), this was as first strike.

To say this has to be the most stupid enactment by the AI on my behalf is an understatement, I switched off the game in total disgust and reloaded the turn.

I'm not getting any better at this am I?[:o]

We all start off getting blasted like that [:)]Its best just to keep your CVs away from the IJN CVs until your Carrier Air Wings have increased in experience through blasting undefended shipping and striking bases away from the Rabaul long range Betty/Zero combination.
What i used to do at the start of scenario 17 or 19 whatever was transfer the airgroups to Port Morseby as soon as i had the CVs and allow them to gain experience through attacking enemy shipping and defending Port Moresby.On several occassions i managed to attack the approaching CV Task Force that swept down from Rabaul,and using Naval as well as Army Aviation was able to destroy 1 or 2 of the carriers.Also the Naval aviation was hand for taking out the Jap attempts to land at Buna and Gili Gili.
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Von Rom
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Von Rom »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

Well, my prowess as an Admiral has taken a dive once again. I came into unexpected contact with a Jap carrier force. The Japs sank all three of my carriers and in reply my carrier planes decided to bomb a beach containing 250 odd jap engineeres instead!! This is despite the fact that the only orders the planes have are for naval attacks! Only 4 LBA bombers hit at the jap carriers (4 CVs), this was as first strike.

To say this has to be the most stupid enactment by the AI on my behalf is an understatement, I switched off the game in total disgust and reloaded the turn.

I'm not getting any better at this am I?[:o]

I know this is going to sound dumb for me to ask, but have you downloaded all the patches? They are at v2.30.

You would be surprised how many gamers are playing games only with version 1.0.
USSMaine
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by USSMaine »

Try here - in the downloads section

http://www.matrixgames.com/default.asp? ... ads-uv.asp

I always use TrueUpdate with success - ymmv
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Freddy Fudpucker
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Freddy Fudpucker »

ORIGINAL: Von Rom


I know this is going to sound dumb for me to ask, but have you downloaded all the patches? They are at v2.30.

You would be surprised how many gamers are playing games only with version 1.0.

Yup, I'm using v2.3.

btw guys keep the advice coming...its helping me out loads I can assure you.[:)]
Gentlemen, we're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'. -Capt. E. Blackadder.
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CMDRMCTOAST
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by CMDRMCTOAST »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

[
Yup, I'm using v2.3.

btw guys keep the advice coming...its helping me out loads I can assure you.[:)]

form surface combat Task Forces of 1 or 2 DD with 4 or 6 SC'S
The DD'S should have 2 different kinds of depth charges and send them back
and forth between your bases to gain experience in sinking subs, the
sub chasers need a lot of time to train up but once they do you will not have
to many IJN subs hangin around anymore.

Also when your transport task forces are within one turn of thier destination
and they are within enemy LBA split up the task forces and send them in individually
and you will lose alot less ships.
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
Knaust
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Knaust »

moreover...don't let the Hornet be torpedoed by long-based Kate's [8|]
scorryuk
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by scorryuk »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

Well, my prowess as an Admiral has taken a dive once again. I came into unexpected contact with a Jap carrier force. The Japs sank all three of my carriers and in reply my carrier planes decided to bomb a beach containing 250 odd jap engineeres instead!! This is despite the fact that the only orders the planes have are for naval attacks! Only 4 LBA bombers hit at the jap carriers (4 CVs), this was as first strike.

To say this has to be the most stupid enactment by the AI on my behalf is an understatement, I switched off the game in total disgust and reloaded the turn.

I'm not getting any better at this am I?[:o]

Not with luck like that! Would drive anyone mad that would! Are a few things you can do to help, though. Firstly, don`t let the enemy CVs get the jump on you like that. Try and keep well within your own waters and have a good naval search coverage from your LBA and Cats so that you always know where enemy is. In case you hadn`t noticed LBA aren`t very good against CV groups! Put lots of them on naval search, if only to gain exp. Also make sure your carrier aircraft aren`t assigned a secondary target- this is the only reason i can think off that they bombed troops instead of ships. Naval attack & rest. Any CV engagement should be of your choosing especially if playing as USN early in war when you will be outclassed in terms of exp and numbers. Build up your own exp whilst keeping out of way of enemy CVs. Later in game when time is right to strike make sure morale is high, fatigue low. And if you can that his planes are the opposite. If his CVs have been very active and are ready to withdraw to "recharge their batteries" so to speak then this would be good time. Close distance as mush as you can to use torp. planes as IJN planes have greater range. Put defending CAP and attacking aircraft at varying heights. Less chance of enemy bombers slipping through, more chance of good strike by yours. Dive bombers over 13,000 to 14,000ft will attack in larger groups so greater chance of hit on CVs. And make sure you have good commander in charge.
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Von Rom
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Von Rom »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

Well, my prowess as an Admiral has taken a dive once again. I came into unexpected contact with a Jap carrier force. The Japs sank all three of my carriers and in reply my carrier planes decided to bomb a beach containing 250 odd jap engineeres instead!! This is despite the fact that the only orders the planes have are for naval attacks! Only 4 LBA bombers hit at the jap carriers (4 CVs), this was as first strike.

To say this has to be the most stupid enactment by the AI on my behalf is an understatement, I switched off the game in total disgust and reloaded the turn.

I'm not getting any better at this am I?[:o]

heheh

It happens to us all.

Don't be discouraged. Early on the Allied player has to be patient. It's a bit of a waiting game as you get more ships and planes from Pearl. Basically, you have to hunker down, wear down the IJN, and use hit and run tactics.

One tactic I used was a "Hail Mary" into the IJN rear. This tactic is not for the faint of heart - heheh

I used two CVs and one CVE, plus lots of ships with AA support, formed them into a TF, and had some oil tankers following them (with DDs).

Then I sent the CV TF far out to sea, making a huge arc to avoid IJN search planes, and tried to position it somewhere close to the mid-point between Truk and Rabaul. I wanted to hit the IJN sea lanes. You're basically going in blind. You don't know what's waiting for you. It can be a real nail-biter. . .

I placed all my fighters on CAP, and when IJN transport ships were sighted, my TB and DB had a field day. I was lucky and caught the IJN unprepared. There were lots of supply ships in transit. I stayed for a couple of turns and did quite a bit of damage to IJN ships.

It's a tricky tactic. You have to hope the IJN doesn't have any CVs in the area. You will be hit by LB bombers, although your CAP should do the job. When Zeros start to appear, then you know that IJN CVs are nearby, and you should leave ASAP.
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CMDRMCTOAST
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by CMDRMCTOAST »

ORIGINAL: Knaust

moreover...don't let the Hornet be torpedoed by long-based Kate's [8|]

You swine.......
I think the hornet likes to sink for some reason......
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
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Rendova
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Rendova »

ORIGINAL: CMDRMCTOAST
ORIGINAL: Knaust

moreover...don't let the Hornet be torpedoed by long-based Kate's [8|]

You swine.......
I think the hornet likes to sink for some reason......

Not as bad as the Wasp. If a wind blows too hard on the Wasp she'll capsize! [:(]
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CMDRMCTOAST
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by CMDRMCTOAST »

LOL......
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
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Freddy Fudpucker
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Freddy Fudpucker »

I just realised something new today. During a thunderstorm I stood down all planes except for some fighters left on cap just in case. Nothing went up, so I was gobsmacked to see the intel report list 1,137 sorties for the day!!?!!

I guess leaving cap on counts as sorties, no wonder I have over 230+ ops losses to 185 combat losses! Doh!

Two more questions for you all:

1. Why are some of my fighters defaulting to sweep and attacking bases despite the fact I have them on cap? I have to keep changing them back again.

2. Is there a toggle to show local weather? I've seen people write stuff in other threads where they seem to know where abouts the squalls and storms are on the map and where its clear.
Gentlemen, we're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'. -Capt. E. Blackadder.
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Freddy Fudpucker
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Freddy Fudpucker »

btw the game is still frustrating me in parts...

Yesterday, Jap CV TFs were off Gili Gili so I set all my planes to naval attack. The Jap CVs bombed the crap out of a fast transport headed for Doubora (sp?) and sank the lot, my planes will launch a counter, I was confident of it![;)]. And then I watched my 200+ planes launch a naval attack against a single AG barge outside of Lae instead. Not surprisingly after 'thousands' of shell and bomb hits the AG sunk!....well whoopie-doo[:(].
Gentlemen, we're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'. -Capt. E. Blackadder.
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Von Rom
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Von Rom »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

btw the game is still frustrating me in parts...

Yesterday, Jap CV TFs were off Gili Gili so I set all my planes to naval attack. The Jap CVs bombed the crap out of a fast transport headed for Doubora (sp?) and sank the lot, my planes will launch a counter, I was confident of it![;)]. And then I watched my 200+ planes launch a naval attack against a single AG barge outside of Lae instead. Not surprisingly after 'thousands' of shell and bomb hits the AG sunk!....well whoopie-doo[:(].

heheh

Yes, it happens.

A lot of that can be attributed to FoW, your air strike not locating the IJN CVs, faulty intel, etc, etc. . .

Big mistakes are going to happen. I have read about a lot of "sightings" in the real war in the Pacific, and just how wrong they actually were. . .

And a lot of air strikes losing their bearings, or cloud cover obscured naval targets.

Cheers!
AmiralLaurent
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by AmiralLaurent »

At least in UV, there is no friendly fire...
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CMDRMCTOAST
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by CMDRMCTOAST »

ORIGINAL: Knaust

moreover...don't let the Hornet be torpedoed by long-based Kate's [8|]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 31,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 14
TBF Avenger x 11

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kinu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 31,43


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD Dauntless x 10
TBF Avenger x 7


no losses

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Got ya back......[:D]
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
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CMDRMCTOAST
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by CMDRMCTOAST »

ORIGINAL: Freddy Fudpucker

I just realised something new today. During a thunderstorm I stood down all planes except for some fighters left on cap just in case. Nothing went up, so I was gobsmacked to see the intel report list 1,137 sorties for the day!!?!!

I guess leaving cap on counts as sorties, no wonder I have over 230+ ops losses to 185 combat losses! Doh!

Two more questions for you all:

1. Why are some of my fighters defaulting to sweep and attacking bases despite the fact I have them on cap? I have to keep changing them back again.

2. Is there a toggle to show local weather? I've seen people write stuff in other threads where they seem to know where abouts the squalls and storms are on the map and where its clear.

Tell us exactly what your squadrons settings are as it sounds like you are not setting them correctly.
The main settings for your aircraft are in the top right hand corner primary selection
area. only set your secondary air missions when spotting targets of opportunity
you must have sweep set or you are flying at 200 feet which I believe will default
to a sweep action but I am not 100% sure.

Land based bombers and fighters with lower experiance are most likely not going
to strike at carrier battle groups as this would be suicide.
a better tactic is to have a fighter and bomber group from a CV based at your
airfield and the land based aircraft will join in the fight.( only when you have more than
enough for your carriers or when some sink like mine.)
also make sure you are patrolling the area with PBY'S as spotting a fast transport
ahead of time will help in air attacks.
remember that fast transports are in and out of range of most allied land based
dive bombers and fighters by daybreak. ( drop off troops at night and speed away)
getting your long range bombers up to 60% - 70% will allow 200 foot task force raids.
make sure they are well rested and have high morale.
B25J'S ARE KILLERS when they arriveand are trained up...

The little ghost busters symbols on your screen depict localised wheather in
that hex.
most guy's have changed them to some of the newer symbols on spooky's
game site. ( clouds with rain)
The essence of military genius is to bring under
consideration all of the tendencies of the mind
and soul in combination towards the business of
war..... Karl von Clausewitz
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Freddy Fudpucker
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RE: Am I the worst player in the world?

Post by Freddy Fudpucker »

ORIGINAL: CMDRMCTOAST
Tell us exactly what your squadrons settings are as it sounds like you are not setting them correctly.
The main settings for your aircraft are in the top right hand corner primary selection
area. only set your secondary air missions when spotting targets of opportunity
you must have sweep set or you are flying at 200 feet which I believe will default
to a sweep action but I am not 100% sure.

Without reloading the game I can't be 100%, but I'm certain the a/c in question are Kittyhawks/Warhawks(?)/lightnings set on cap of 50 to 70 and layered from about 7000 to 12000 feet. I've found that the only way to stop them changing to sweep is to put them on cap=100.

The little ghost busters symbols on your screen depict localised wheather in
that hex.
most guy's have changed them to some of the newer symbols on spooky's
game site. ( clouds with rain)

I was wondering what they were for. They seemed to be pretty useless and don't stay on screen for long. I'll pay a visit to Spooky's web site.


Thanks for the replies.
Gentlemen, we're in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun'. -Capt. E. Blackadder.
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