Build battleship or fleet carrier?

[Alcibiades73]

What do you guys prefer generally? I am also asking for advice specifically on what to do with Shinano.

[Platoonist]

I say carrier. A ranged unit with the ability to strike twice. Superior naval spotting. They can provide air cover for other units. About the only downside is when in poor weather.

[Alcibiades73]

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

I say carrier. A ranged unit with the ability to strike twice. Superior naval spotting. They can provide air cover for other units. About the only downside is when in poor weather.

That's my inclination as well. But I am a reactionary Neanderthal; I still have that hankering for huge guns!

[Platoonist]

Yeah, the battleship inspires even in the shadow of airpower. [8D]

However, I find I rarely have to build them. There are good amount in the production queue already as the Allies. They take a long time to construct too, and it seems like there is always something else demanding the MPPs.

[MrTomnus]

Carrier for me. They are definately a better option, where you can afford it (some of the event options can be quite expensive, so it depends on your current MPP position)

[Platoonist]

I must admit to being even more ambivalent when it comes to battlecruisers. Traditionally, battlecruisers were blessed with better range and speed at the expense of armor, but in this game almost every naval unit except for escort carriers and MTBs comes blessed with exactly 16 action points. So, basically battlecruisers come off as slightly weaker battleships that only some nations can build. Cruisers tend to get used for scouting around or mopping up what their bigger brethren couldn't finish off.

[Alcibiades73]

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

I must admit to being even more ambivalent when it comes to battlecruisers. Traditionally, battlecruisers were blessed with better range and speed at the expense of armor, but in this game almost every naval unit except for escort carriers and MTBs comes blessed with exactly 16 action points. So, basically battlecruisers come off as slightly weaker battleships that only some nations can build. Cruisers tend to get used for scouting around or mopping up what their bigger brethren couldn't finish off.

Yes, battlecruisers stink in this game; but frankly they did in real-life, too - see Jutland.

As an aside, Hood should be classified as a battleship. The battlecruiser designation was due to the Royal Navy following an outdated designation convention before "fast battleships" became the norm. In fact, Hood was likely more powerful than any pre-Washington Naval Treaty battleship (many of whom are classified as "battleship" in this game, even though they have lower displacement, smaller guns, thinner armor, etc.).