AAR Iron Ranger -(Axis) vs Hellraiser(Allies) - action at its best!!!

[hellraiser]

We didn't talk about writing an AAR, but this game surely deserves one and ... I feel like writing today

Ok...1939, the evil nazi regime throws the world into abyss by invading Poland...almost an allout attack, apparently with no clear intention of attacking in west from turn 2. In the face of the might of the german wehrmacht, the poles retreat towards the capital, counterattacking lightly axis' spearheads. French armies remain deployed near the LC border as no immediate threat was detected - FAF disbanded, cash use to reinforce ground units.

The next turn, Denmark falls to the germans; RN, french fleet en route towards Norway (french ships even managed to reduce a german cruiser near Kiel to 4). Poland keeps fighting on.

Because of Allied commander's laziness (didn't bother to move the ships farther initially) , germans blocked the passage between Denmark and Norway using corps transports. Bad weather prevents the allied fleet from sinking stuff there so Axis capture Norway; in return uk commandoes manage to snatch the western norwegian town only. Big blunder for the allies, but stuff happens ...

Things are rather quiet until spring 40 - no diplomatic hits for either of the sides...despite 6 allied chits in Iraq... As we will see, this was the beggining of one of the worst bad luck streak in a very long time ...

Axis war machine starts rolling - LC falls easily. Several battles in France, where french armour was used for counterattacking instead of entrenching in the city (HQ was there) - one german army met its fate, several other units damaged but eventually France surrenders in july 40. Absolutely no diplo/tech hits for the allies so far.

In a daring move, british troops coming from Egypt, captured Vichy Algeria, assisted by a sizeable RN taskforce (all 3 carriers, several battleships and cruisers). In response, axis capture Tunisia the very next turn.

Meanwhile, Brest fell due to heavy air bombardments (presence of german bomber as well) - usual RN counter around Brest managed only to damage a unit. Bomber was deployed to Brest and started hitting Liverpool port to deny the convoys. As support, german jet 2/LR 1 fighters.

Iraq finally got over 30%, chits were reinvested in USA.

Seeing previously the bomber in France and suspecting a Sealion, the british built the full complement of corps and placed them all around UK to protect the landing sites and protect London.

Indeed germans tried a feint supported by the Kriegsmarine coming from Kiel but things remained relatively calm.

Absolutely no techs for the allies so far , despite thousands of MPPs invested. Russia started building loads of corps ...

Meanwhile, Axis liberated Algeria (left empty by the allies who retreated all the way back to Casablanca).

No diplo hits on Spain by Axis so far which made me think IR had blocked USA - the one and only diplo allied hit on USA was in late 1941, together with some Axis hits on Spain.

German bomber started hitting Liverpool, first taking some damage but scoring huge hits on the port (upgraded at AA 1) - first signs of enemy fortifications near Brest prompted the RN to take swift actions, bombarding troops stationed in the area - some Luftflottes took severe damage but that was it - allies did not posses the technology to drive away the bombers form the country's skies - German long range interceptors provided escorts and soon the RAF was forced to stay silent, due to massive damages. UK was on her way to bankruptcy - fortunately, the defence of the isle was in place, all the heavy troops arrived thus an invasion was almost impossbile for Axis.

In late '40, Axis started sending troops to capture Egypt - it fell easily, the minor troops provided only a nuissance to germans panzers.

In August 41, operation Barbarossa started. Russia's techs were IW2 and AT 1 - nothing more. Incredible, after researching even with 4 chits/tech. Allies dowed Iran, prompting Iraq to join the next turn. Despite the tech disadvantage, red troops - several armies, AF, 2 tanks, HQ entered Iran/Iraq. IR operated AFs, tanks, HQ, corps, italian air and armies to protect Baghdad.

In central Russia, axis' advance was pretty slow with so many units diverted to other roles in other parts of the world. This time, russia even protected Riga as a delaying action. Leningrad was protected by a nearby fortification as well and red corps were deployed from Leningrad to the mountains near Moscow. Southern approach (Kharkow-mines) were protected as well by some fortifications and corps.

At this stage, I didn't fear Axis in Russia at all despite my lack of techs and even made plans that, once motorization and some more infantry techs arrived to conduct some offensive actions as well. Overly optimistic as it took Russia till the end of 42/beggining of 43 to achieve the said techs...

In the last days of 1941, America joined the battle - american techs were better (iw3 AT2) and at least they get their damn motors by default...

All armies/corps bought, 1 xtra HQ as well. Americans began sailing to Casablanca.

In Iraq - very heavy battles as germans defended the area very aggressively, attacking even over the river - the russians, despite losing a couple of armies, managed to inflict in return enough pain - german tank killed, italian army as well, german corps as well.

In April 42, the siberians arrived, just in time to support the Iraqi offensive and to help the defence of Kharkow area, chosen by Axis as their main attack direction. In summer 42, Axis managed nevertheless to capture the area after a series of heavy battles in which several units of both sides died. Russians retreated near Rostow/Stalingrad - heavily fortified area in the meantime.

Meanwhile, the US troops captured Algiers (left undefended by Axis) and started the african liberation campaign. Seeing this, and the possibility to be trapped in Africa, Axis abandoned Iraq, losing an italian AF and the Baghdad garrison (tank) in the process. Iran was also captured by russians, killing an italian corps inside. This was during the summer-autumn of 42.

After these actions, Russia finally realized the benefits of the internal combustion engine - yipii!!! Motor +1. IW3 and AT 2 as well. So finally, at the beggining of '43, Russia could fight on more or less equal terms with Axis. 2 chits were immediately invested in heavy tanks but until we saved (winter '43) not a single hit, despite totalling 3 chits in HT (default chit as well)

In the Med, after an unfortunate attempt by Axis forces to defend Tunisia (they lost an army, corps and tank) the US forces went as far as Alexandria, linking up with the red troops coming from Amman. Baghdad was left to the Axis after the italian corps was removed from inside, because we don't want to liberate this country and reactivate the convoy - useless since german bomber is keeping the liverpool port under 5

UK got LR2, jet 1 and HB 1 so far and the uk bomber resides in Malta acting as a spotter.

1943 will be remembered as the bloodiest year of the war.

In central Russia germans captured Rostow and prepared a full scale assault of Moscow. A lot of russian troops as well as AF and 2 HQs were operated near Moscow for the upcoming battle. Troops near Stalingrad were reinforced and upgraded, troops from mid east were transferred to both Stalingrad and Moscow regions. One front will defend (Moscow) the other one will attack (Stalingrad).

In the meantime, allied operations in the Med were quite succesful - the italian navy (upgraded to GLR 1) is all but wiped out, only the sub is active but blocked near Tobruk. Greece was liberated by US forces but allies lose Casablanca to an italian raider who disembarked the same turn i removed a corps for other duties

- another US unit was 1 turn away from landing there.

As a side note, Gibraltar is still allied controlled since Spain never joined - blocked at 79% or so.

Meanwhile axis took switzerland (vicky france, yugo and greece were captured during 1942).

In late 43, UK forces landed in Norway in the western city (partisan activity thus assumed unnocupied by axis) and a powerful task force liberated Norway and Denmark, sinking a german battleship and a cruiser and trapping 2 other german cruisers (a sub was destroyed during 42 in a norwegian port by UK carriers). Kiel also was captured. These actions were performed during the most heaviest fightings in Russia:

In summer 1943, the germans launched their anticipated offensive to capture Moscow - Russians counterratacked fiercely, disregarding the losses since the battle was considered crucial by the allied commander. A huge number of units were lost by both sides but Moscow itself was not threatened enough, being protected as well by a fort nearby. Meanwhile, Russian forces starting from Stalingrad area delivered a crippling blow to the southern german flank, recapturing Rostow and killing several german units. Germans hit the advancing forces and retreated near Kharkow mines only to be caught by the remaining red units and destroyed - several armies were killed. Kharkow and the mines were liberated and this happened during the last german push near Moscow, where a lot of red units were killed. In return, the apparently countless hordes of russians counterattacked near Moscow, killed von Bock, damaged an air fleet, some other ground units killed as well and forced the germans to operate away. German now hide in the fortifications near Smolensk (built by italian engineer), cut off Leningrad and they also hold the mountains near Moscow. Red troops are on the river near Kharkow, both sides lick their wounds and wait for the next year (it is winter 43 now).

Very interesting game, frankly I wanted to give up or throw the PC out of the window because the level of frustration for me in this game was way above the limits. The diplo/tech bad luck combo was sinister. Not that IR had a huge luck (he doesn't have out of the whack techs) , but my luck was absolutely terrible.

MPP wise, allies retain the upperhand, Russia being close to 400 (no IT at all), America almost 300 (she sends aid to Russia) - despite 4 chits in IT since 1940, only IT lvl 1 (why am I not surprised ) for them and UK producing just enough for paying for reinforcements and funding aphib operations. Around 700+ combined income.

To be continued...

[ October 27, 2006, 04:07 AM: Message edited by: hellraiser ]

[Hyazinth von Strachwitz]

If nothing unusual happens, the Allies will win most likely..

[Blashy]

Good game indeed. Not getting Spain, Portgual and Gibralatar, that hurts alot.

[hellraiser]

Originally posted by Hyazinth von Strachwitz:

If nothing unusual happens, the Allies will win most likely..

That remains to be seen. Indeed the allies survived a very critical period, but I wouldn't be so sure about the outcome, since IR is one one the most inventive and resourceful players around.

We both did a lot of mistakes this game, strategical and tactical as well. I can only hope that the allied side is more forgiving

[Hyazinth von Strachwitz]

I`m pretty sure both of you guys are very good players, but with USA at 300 and USSR at 400 MPP(sidelined by the UK), they have almost twice as much as the Axis does have.. as far as I understand it, the Allies control almost all of the Med, so Germany has just central Europe.. I estimate around 400 MPP... so the outcome is quite clear, esp. with the situation in Russia...

The situation is almost the same the real german situation after Kursk... no way to win.

I might be wrong, coz you will have a better insight of your game, but I dare to predict an Allied victory...

[Terif]

As long as Axis have their figthing forces intact, they don´t need many mpps and 400 is more than enough. In SC2 the income situation is not really deciding, in one well fought battle you can destroy much more than the enemy ever can outproduce you.

They do not need Africa to win the game and if they use their combined forces in the right manner, they have a good possibility to win in such a situation. Spain may be missing, but on the other side this flank is secure and they don´t need to fear an invasion from this side - has all its two sides of the medal .

So I would say this game seems to be fully open - wish both sides good and interesting further battle .

[Colin I]

Terif, one wonders if you care to run a few masterclasses, a few on screen images with tactics outlined? In some cases I can't visualise how to implement all of your strategies. The overall message on this game is most of us think Axis are losing. I believe you could save the game but I'm not sure how. I always run into force limitations - even using Italien and minors as garrisons and Germans in Russia find myself spread too thinly.

[Blashy]

Terif is basically saying that:

- If Axis keep toe to toe with Russia or even manage a slight advantage (killing 1 extra unit) the Russian push will be limited.

- On the Western side if you manage to thwarth the allied landings on the mainland, they not only have to repurchase, but pay again for amphibious transport and all of this is extra time.

- The victory the Axis can achieve is not defeating the Allies but holding long enough to arrive to the end date and not surrender. I consider that an Axis victory myself.

- If the Axis turn it around and DEFEAT Russia, it is only by the horrible play of the Allied player. Any Allied player with a little experience can manage to avoid that.

[Terif]

Not really.. :

Allies have the numbers, but they are splintered into different fractions and each side has to fight on its own. If western Allies land somewhere, they can´t operate between different landing sites so they can´t quickly order reinforcements by if necessary.

Axis have not so much income and units, but they are able to concentrate what they have wherever necessary and achieve superior firepower in that theater until the enemy is beaten and destroyed. Especially in the west this means the total loss of this front for quite some time - and during that time Axis can move its forces to the next battlefield and beat the enemy there .

So in the end this means:

- no toe to toe with Russia, if Axis takes on Russia, then every battle should end with around twice as much losses for Russia or more.

- Axis can defeat Russia if played right and then conquer London to end the game in a total victory. Allies don´t have to play horrible, only Axis needs to play better than Allies . For Axis strategy here really matters and to know when and where to strike.

[hellraiser]

@ HvS -> read what Yoda said. You will understand why i am not sure of the outcome. Add to that the fact that IR is a veteran, and one of the best around and you will see that not everything is pink for the allies in our game

Think that the winter is coming - that means a breather for both sides and preparation for action.

But the game was wild indeed - pretty much like my last finished game vs Terif, that's why I bothered for an AAR, the game deserves that

[Iron Ranger]

Pritty much a 'historical' game as thats what I wanted to try (and why I asked for axis). This game can really be 'focused' by two mistakes I made that were both strigic and tactical in nature. I wont make them again, the greater exp of HR allowed him to use those mistake to his best.

I post this as I hope it helps others or makes clear perhaps a muddy area. Luck in Tech.

A note on this that others can hash out. People with poor luck in tech and Intel tech. IR (me) beleaves in Intel tech HR (him) does not. With patchs and 'tough' to read formulas perhaps one of is wrong, both wrong, both right.

Forumla in book (%+ ememy level - current level -/+ intel mod) X chits = % of getting tech

Lets pick the above numbers on USA IT tech.

L1 tech for USA

L1 tech for Germany

0 Int Tech for USA

4 Int Tech for Germany

4 Chits in for USA

Chance that USA gets a hit is

(4%+1%-1%-4%)X4 chits = 0X4 = 0 chance of getting a hit.... right now

Chance that Germany will get a hit is

(4%+1%-1%+4%)X2 = 8X2= 16% chance of getting a hit... each turn

now the manuel (if its right) reads something about applyed tech or what not depending on the country. Now I could be wrong on the above numbers, or it could have changed. But several very good players have said the same as HR about... when I play you I have horid luck. And when I ask they all say the same 'that crap tech?' or 'Terif said its dung so I dont use it'. Perhaps above will explain it, perhaps I'm wrong. Doesnt really matter as this game is lost, but it was a nice test on History.

Opps.. did some number checks and had made a huge mistake in ecominics of SC2. Well that just about sinks the axis boat, a few stregic mistakes, tactical ones, and now a huge economic one. Good allies plays will wait and take advantage of this; as HR did.

[ October 27, 2006, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: Iron Ranger ]

[Terif]

Sorry, wrong :

- intel never decreases the base chance each chit has (5% from lv 0 to 1, 4% from 1 to 2, etc..=5,4,3,2,1 system)

- only if there is a tech difference betweeen 2 nations, then intel either increases the additional research bonus by 1 for each intel level difference, or it reduces this additional bonus by 1 for each intel level difference, but it can´t fall below 0, i.e. your base chance is still there !

So in your example:

L1 tech for USA

L1 tech for Germany

0 Int Tech for USA

4 Int Tech for Germany

4 Chits in for USA

Chance for both a US and german hit is:

(4% - 0%) x 4 = 16%

There is no tech difference, so intel has no influence at all.

Only if there is a tech difference, then Intel increases/decreases the catch-up bonus. But the base chance is more than enough so usually everyone reaches IW3, AT3 till 1942 - no matter of the intel levels any side has.