@simon33
So… here is my pitch for a BM4.
I’ve just played a series of BM3 as allies with bids from 8 to 14 to allies and lost. Sure, it could just be me or the dice, but there was a distinct pattern wherein the Axis built up strong naval and air defenses that kept UK and US at bay and then dispatched Russia at will. This was more pronounced on the Europe side where Germany could sit in the center position and project power in every direction. The key to this strategy seems to be waiting to bring USA in until R3 or even R4. This allows the Axis to maneuver into a superior position and block the US/UK counter thrust. The bid sort of helps, but loses its impact quickly.
Proposed solution? Well, I think the weak link is, as usual, Russia. It is so weak at the start, and really can’t become an offensive force even if it is ignored by the Axis. If it were beefed up some with some extra NOs, maybe it could pose more of a threat. Say, up the patriotic war NO to 5 and condition it to deactivate only if allied ground units in the USSR, so air would be ok (this would be historically accurate FYI, the US operated bombers out of Russia). Also maybe give another +5 NO for control of Urals, Novosibirsk and Timguska or something. Call it Siberian Industry or something. That would give Russia a relatively safe +7 turn after turn.
Thoughts?