I’m figuring this game will work “best” with 5, maybe 6 people. (countries numbered in brackets by what i consider will be “most involving”.)
Player 1: Germany(1)
Player 2: Japan(2)
Player 3: Britain/India(5), Anzac(7), France(9)(Seems like a lot, but india/anzac are small forces and france won’t last long)
Player 4: Russia(4)
Player 5: USA(3), China(8 )
Player 6: Italy(6) being the lesser of the the “Big 6” the German player could also play it in 5 player games).
note: I admit the “involving” rankings are extremely debatable between 3-5, as the main allied powers have such unique situations. USA=huge economy but isolated, Russia=poor economy but will take part in the most bloody and desperate ground battle in the game constantly, UK= Moderate economy, smaller battles all over the world. It highly up to personal tastes.
breaking it up any further then 6 would lead to a boring game for the poor shmuck(s) stuck with lesser powers. Italy is the smallest power worth playing most likely. As small as it is, It’s still worth playing if you enjoy the unique position to conquer the med/africa and indirectly win the war by keeping pressure off germany/japan so they have less resistance when they go after allied capitals(which will be what really decides the game. I’m guessing the large majority of axis victories will rely on the fall of both moscow and india.)