I felt like adding some advantages that I liked to the Global game. Some were taking from other people’s suggestions and others are my own.
Please let me know your thoughts on these advantages. :)
ANZAC
1.The Australian 1st Armoured Division - The 1st Armoured Division formed a key element of Australia’s defences against a feared Japanese invasion. ANZAC Tanks hit at a 4 or less when defending the Australian mainland.
2. Maroubra Force - Maroubra Force was the name given to the Australian infantry force that defended Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from the Japanese. They successfully fought a month long delaying action through the debilitating terrain of the Owen Stanley Range, before being reinforced and finally driving off the Japanese just outside of Port Moresby. ANZAC infantry defending New Guinea and Dutch New Guinea take two hits to kill. Any infantry units that survive combat are immediately healed.
3. Australian Commandos - Australia formed several small-scale raiding and reconnaissance forces. One of these forces, Z Special Unit, conducted raids far behind the front line, including a successful raid on Singapore in September 1943.
Before the ANZAC combat phase of every turn, the ANZAC player may attempt to sabotage a Japanese air or naval base. Pay 3 ipcs and pick a single Japanese naval or Airbase. Roll 1d6/2 damage to the facility (minimum 1). Thus, a roll of 4 would result in two levels of damage to the facility.
4. Coastwatchers - The Coastwatchers were Allied military intelligence operatives stationed on remote Pacific islands during World War II to observe enemy movements and rescue stranded Allied personnel. They played a significant role in the Pacific Ocean theatre and South West Pacific theatre, particularly as an early warning network during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Once per game, when Japan finishes its combat move phase but before its conduct combat phase, you may make one special move. You may move any number of your units from an adjacent space into any one friendly space being attacked by Japan. Alternatively, you may move any number of your units from a space being attacked by Japan into an adjacent friendly space, but you must leave at least one unit behind. This special move otherwise follows the rules for a noncombat move. If your units survive, they remain in the space to which they were moved.
5. Brisbane Line - The Brisbane Line was a controversial defence proposal allegedly formulated by the Menzies government during World War II to concede the northern portion of the Australian continent in the event of an invasion by the Japanese.
Whenever Japan invades a province on the Australian mainland, the defending ANZAC forces may choose to retreat rather than fight. The Japanese automatically seize control of the province and the ANZAC forces may move to any allied controlled territory on the Australian mainland. If the Japanese were conducting an amphibious assault then they get to bombardment the fleeing Anzac troops with their battleships and cruisers.
6. Imperial War Cabinet - The Imperial War Cabinet was created by British Prime Minister David Lloyd George in the spring of 1917 as a means of co-ordinating the British Empire’s military policy during the First World War. Winston Churchill revived the Imperial War Cabinet during the Second World War at the insistence of Australian Prime Minister John Curtin.
ANZACS units in Europe make their combat and noncombat moves during the British player’s turn. This works like joint strike. The British player chooses casualties in joint operations and any territory taken by Anazac forces in Europe goes to the United Kingdom’s European income.
CHINA
1.Burma Road - The British used the Burma Road to transport war materiel to China before Japan was at war with the British. In addition to normal rules involving the Road, the US or the United Kingdom may purchase 1 artillery unit for China on every turn that the road remains in allied hands. This unit must be placed on Szechwan.
2.Operation Zet - Operation Zet was a secret operation of the Soviet Union to provide military and technical resources to the Republic of China as a part of the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. China may build fighters as long as it has a land link between Szechwan and the USSR. The max number of fighters that China may field at any given time is 3. Furthermore, Soviet and Japanese forces may clash in the Chinese interior (ie provinces that do not border the Soviet Union) without a declaration of war.
3.Eight Route Army - At the start of World War II, the 8th Route Army infiltrated itself behind Japanese lines in Northern China, where it established many bases of operations. It recruited Chinese semi-trained militia. In 1937, the army had 30,000~ 40,000 troops. It grew to 156,000 in 1938 and 400,000 in 1940, and 600,000 in 1945. If Chinese Infantry survive at least one round of combat when defending against a Japanese attack, then these units may choose to melt away into the countryside. For all intents and purposes treat this like when submarines submerge. The Japanese occupy the province and, on the next Chinese turn, the Chinese units are back in play. The Chinese player must either have these units attack the province or move on to another province. These units may chose to attack provinces behind the Japanese lines, causing Chaos in the rear.
4.Vinegar Joe - The Northern Combat Area Command was a mainly Sino-American formation that held the northern end of the Allied front in Burma during World War II. For much of its existence it was commanded by the acerbic General Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell, and controlled by his staff. Chinese infantry hit at a three or less when defending Burma Road provinces.
5.The Hump - The Hump was the name given by Allied pilots in the Second World War to the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains over which they flew military transport aircraft from India to China to resupply the Chinese war effort of Chiang Kai-shek and the units of the United States Army Air Forces based in China. The allied commitment to supply China enables the Chinese to resist even when the situation seems hopeless. The British empire and the United States may transfer up to 6ipcs in total to China every turn as long as India and Szechwan remain in allied hands. The Nationalist Chinese regime is corrupt, however, and the allies must spend two ipcs for every ipc that they wish to transfer to China.
6. The United Front - The war with Japan forced the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party to suspend the Chinese civil war and form an alliance. Once per game the nationalist may declare that the United Front is in effect. For that turn only an influx of communist guerilla fighters reduces the cost of Chinese infantry by 1 ipc.
FRANCE
1. Maginot Line – The Maginot Line was a line of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which France constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy. Land units attacking France from West Germany or Northern Italy do not get to roll during the first round of combat. Units attacking from Holland – Belgium roll normally. This advantage is lost after France falls. Please note that German tanks and mechanized units stationed in west Germany may move through Netherlands-Belgium to attack France.
2. Free France – Though driven from their homeland the Free French fought on from the colonies. Once France has fallen, you may establish a new capitol in French Equatorial Africa. This happens one full turn after Paris has been captured by the axis. From that point on you may begin collecting income again and purchasing units. Place a free minor industrial complex in French Equatorial Africa. Your capitol returns to France after it has been liberated.
3. The Béarn – The Béarn was a unique aircraft carrier which served with the Marine nationale (French Navy) in World War II and beyond. Place a free aircraft carrier and fighter in Seazone 93. Planes may ride on the Bearn carrier for a full two spaces before using any of their movement points.
4. Char B1 Tanks – The Char B1 tank was among the most powerfully armed and armoured tanks of its day. French tanks defend at a 4 or less during the first round of combat.
5. Le Fantasque class destroyer – The Fantasque was the fastest class of destroyer ever built. French destroyers roll at the same time as submarines. Any unit that they kill is immediately removed from play and does not get an opportunity to roll their attack or defense.
6. Joint Strike - The most powerful strike in the war was the joint Allied assault on Normandy. The planning required to launch this simultaneous invasion has never been equaled.
Once during the game at the start of a round (before the German turn), you may declare a joint strike. That round, you complete your turn as normal, except you must skip combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases. On those phases of the U.S. turn, the U.S. player uses your units in his or her combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases together with his own units. You and the U.S. player must agree on attacking casualties, or the opposing player gets to choose them. Antiaircraft fire is rolled separately against each nationality of air units; all anti-French dice are rolled before any anti-U.S. die is rolled. National advantages still only apply to the units of the power that gained the development or has the advantage. A joint strike may not be called off once it is declared.
SOVIET UNION
1. Tankograd - In 1940 engineers in the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began production of Soviet tanks (T-34, SU-152). Due to the rapid establishment of tank construction on a massive scale in 1941, Chelyabinsk gained the nickname Tankograd (‘Tank City’). In 1945 the plant was awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 1st Class, and other honours for its efforts in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. Soviet tanks cost 5 ipcs.
2. Katyusha Rockets - The Soviets were able to supplement the artillery with massed batteries of rocket launchers. The sheer volume of fire more than compensated for individual lack of accuracy.
Your artillery have a first-strike ability at an attack factor of 1. Any casualties are destroyed and removed from play, with no chance to counter-attack. This first-strike ability is for the first cycle of combat only and in succeeding cycles of combat, your artillery hit normally.
3. Sharashka – The secret Gulag research facilities developed many advanced designs for the USSR. The USSR gets one free tech dice to roll each turn.
4. Not one Step backwards – When the Red Army appeared to be on the ropes, Stalin made his famous “not one step backwards order” and turned the tide. When the Germans invade a Soviet victory city province(Stalingrad Leningrad, or Moscow) Soviet Infantry defend at a 4 or less for the first round of combat.
5.Partisans – Unconquerable Soviet Partisans continued fighting the Germans even when all hope seemed lost.
Soviet infantry may enter and pass through the Pripyet marshes. Additionally, Germans must leave at least one ground unit in any soviet starting territory in order to retain control of the province. At the end of the German turn any un-garrisoned province in the USSR’s starting territories will revert to Soviet control. Russia places a free infantry in any provinces liberated by partisans.
6. Heavy Industry – “We are fifty or a hundred years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in ten years. Either we do it, or they will crush us.” – Joseph Stalin. Place a free minor industrial complex in Amur, Ukraine, and Novosibirsk. Additionally, you may chose one unit type (besides infantry) to mass produce. For the rest of the game that unit costs 1 ipc less than normal to build.
UNITED KINGDOM
1. Joint Strike - The most powerful strike in the war was the joint Allied assault on Normandy. The planning required to launch this simultaneous invasion has never been equaled.
Once during the game at the start of a round (before the German turn), you may declare a joint strike. That round, you complete your turn as normal, except you must skip combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases. On those phases of the U.S. turn, the U.S. player uses your units in his or her combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases together with his own units. You and the U.S. player must agree on attacking casualties, or the opposing player gets to choose them. Antiaircraft fire is rolled separately against each nationality of air units; all anti-U.K. dice are rolled before any anti-U.S. die is rolled. National advantages still only apply to the units of the power that gained the development or has the advantage. A joint strike may not be called off once it is declared.
2. Fighter Command - A radar and fighter control system was essential for the Royal Air Force to win the Battle of Britain.
Your fighters on the United Kingdom, Scotland, or Eire may scramble as though the provinces were islands. You still need an airbase on a province in order to scramble planes.
3. Cripps Mission - The Cripps mission was an attempt in late March 1942 by the British government to secure Indian cooperation and support for their efforts in World War II. The purpose of the mission was to negotiate with the Indian National Congress a deal to obtain total co-operation during the war, in return of progressive devolution and distribution of power from the crown and the Viceroy to elected Indian legislature. However, the talks failed, having failed to address the key demand of a time frame towards self-government.
Once per game, during the British collect income phase, the British player may promise independence for India. India, West India, Burma, and Shan States immediately become neutral countries and any allied pieces in those territories move to the nearest allied controlled province. From that point on the UK’s European and Pacific incomes are combined and a free minor industrial complex is placed on British Columbia. If any of the Indian territories are attacked they receive ten infantry.
4. Chindits - The Chindits were a British India “Special Force” that served in Burma and India in 1943 and 1944 during the Burma Campaign in World War II. They were formed into long range penetration groups trained to operate deep behind Japanese lines. Your infantry may perform attacks for one round and immediately retreat from where they came. Japanese defenders do not fire back. This is only to be used in mainland Asia.
5. Canadian Patriotism - At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed the third-largest navy and fourth-largest air force in the world, as well as the largest volunteer army ever fielded. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war, and only 2,400 conscripts actually made it into battle. Recieve a 2 ipc refund at the end of your turn for every unit (besides infantry) that you built in Canada.
6. Enigma Decoded - Working in a secret facility in Bletchley Park, Alan Turing’s cryptographers broke the codes of the Nazi Enigma machines. They could then send false messages back. Once per game, when Germany finishes its combat move phase but before its conduct combat phase, you may make one special move. You may move any number of your units from an adjacent space into any one friendly space being attacked by Germany. Alternatively, you may move any number of your units from a space being attacked by Germany into an adjacent friendly space, but you must leave at least one unit behind.
This special move otherwise follows the rules for a noncombat move. If your units survive, they remain in the space to which they were moved.
UNITED STATES
1. Liberty Ships- Liberty ships were cargo ships built in the United States during World War II. Though British in conception, they were adapted by the U.S. as they were cheap and quick to build, and came to symbolize U.S. wartime industrial output. The majority of these ships came from new yards built on the West Coast and operated by Henry J. Kaiser. During the war, a Liberty Ship could be built in a about two weeks at a Kaiser yard. Nationally, the average construction time was 42 days and by 1943, three Liberty Ships were being completed each day.
Receive one free transport for every three transports that you purchase during a single turn.
2. Mechanized Army - With its Fleets of trucks, the U.S. Army was the most mobile force of soldiers in World War II.
Your infantry and artillery have a move of 2 and may blitz when paired with a tank or mechanized infantry. Mechanized infantry may blitz without an attached tank.
3. Marines - “Send in the Marines!” was a popular U.S. rallying cry in World War II. Your infantry attacks on a 2 in the first cycle of the land combat portion of an amphibious assault.
4. Arsenal of Democracy - The U.S. mobilized its economy for war on a scale never before seen. Every resource of the country was tapped for the war effort. Rationing, war bonds and Rosie the Riveter became iconic parts of the American culture.
The West Coast territory’s ipc value jumps from 10 ipcs to 50 ipcs once it enters the war. The US may no longer benefit from its +30 ipc national objective. Additionally, the 50 ipcs is considered to be physically present in the West coast, so an axis player that captured the territory would see their income increase by +50 ipcs rather than + 10. Furthermore, the effects of the war bonds tech is doubled, so that you get 2D6 extra ipcs at the end of your turn, rather than 1d6.
5. The Fast Carrier Task Force - From the start of the Pacific War the US fleet contained what are referred to as “fast carrier task forces.” But the formation known as “The Fast Carrier Task Force” came into being in late 1943, after the arrival in the Central Pacific of the first ships of the Essex and Independence classes.
This force was the Pacific War’s equivalent of the great gun-armed battlefleets of earlier conflicts. By the time of the Battle for Leyte Gulf it had already proved itself to be one of the most potent instruments in the history of naval warfare -obliterating Japanese air power, and sweeping enemy warships and merchant shipping from the seas, wherever it had ventured.
Designate one fleet with at least one carrier as The Fast Carrier Task Force. Every vessel in this fleet has a move of three. The number of ships in the fleet is limited by the number of carriers in the fleet. You may bring along either one Battleship or two vessels of any other type for each carrier in the fleet. You may add additional ships to the fleet at anytime as long as there are enough carriers to support the new ships. If the Fast Carrier Task Force is destroyed, you may designate a new fleet as your Fast Carrier Task Force. You may only field 1 Fast Carrier Task Force at a time.
6. Superfortresses - The B-29 Superfortress Flew higher and packed more of a punch than any other plane in the U.S. arsenal. US bombers are immune to anti aircraft fire. They may still be shot down by fighters during strategic bombing raids. Additionally, US bombers take part in the dogfighting phase of strategic bombardments, they hit at a one or less.
And now the axis national advantages….
GERMANY
1. German Scientists - Germany prided itself on being the most technologically advanced army at the start of the war. It was in their interest to see this trend continue into the latter stages of the war. When Germans roll a 6 on tech rolls they may choose which tech they develop.
2. Flak 88s – The 88 mm gun anti-aircraft and anti-tank artillery gun was one of the most recognizable German weapons of the war.
German anti aircraft batteries may fire at attacking enemy tanks and mechanized infantry. This works identically to anti aircraft fire against incoming planes. Roll 1d6 for every attacking Tank or mechanized infantry before the attackers roll. Every one that you roll immediately destroys an armor or mechanized unit and said unit is immediately removed from the board.
3. Krupp Steel – During an address to the Hitler Youth, Adolf Hitler stated “In our eyes, the German boy of the future must be slim and slender, as fast as a greyhound, tough as leather and hard as Krupp steel” German tanks may not be damaged during the first round of combat whether you are attacking or defending.
You may not chose tanks as casualties even if the enemy rolled enough successes to force you to lose a tank.
4. Heavy tanks - The massively powerful King Tiger was virtually impervious to Allied tank guns and capable of dominating the battlefield. A single Royal Tiger tank could halt the advance of a complete armored division.
Your tanks attack and defend at a 4 during the first round of combat.
5. Atlantic Wall - The Germans saw the beaches as the main defensive area, and had the costal fortifications strengthened and the artillery positioned accordingly. This was the German defensive “Atlantic Wall”.
All of your defending infantry and artillery hit on a 3 or less during the first cycle of combat in any amphibious assault against any of the following territories: Western
Germany, Denmark, Holland-Belgium, Normandy-Bordeaux, or Norway.
6. Luftwaffe Dive-Bombers - The allies would learn to fear German stuka aces like Hans Rudel. German tactical bombers roll 2 dice apiece during the first cycle of a land combat in which Germany is the attacker.
JAPAN
1. Indian National Army - The Indian National Army was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II.The aim of the army was to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India, with Japanese assistance. Initially composed of Indian prisoners of war captured by Japan in her Malayan campaign and at Singapore, it later drew large numbers of volunteers from Indian expatriate population in Malaya and Burma.
Whenever Japan captures one of the following British controlled territories (west India, India, Burma, Shan State, Ceylon, or Malaya) and destroys a British unit in the process, you may place down a free infantry unit on the territory. Place down two additional free infantry if you destroyed a British tank or fighter while capturing the territory.
2. Skilled Pilots - The Japanese pilot training program was very selective and rigorous, producing a high-quality and long-serving pilot corps, who ruled the air in the Pacific during early stages of World War II. At sea, or during sea battles, fighters can selects their naval target for the first round of battle.
3. Combined Fleet - The Combined Fleet was the main ocean-going component of the Imperial Japanese Navy, analogous to the German High Seas Fleet. With the start of the Pacific War with the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Combined Fleet’s Kido Butai, the Combined Fleet was almost synonymous with the Imperial Japanese Navy, as it comprised the battleships, aircraft carriers, aircraft, and the components that made up the main fighting strength of the IJN.
The defense values for your Aircraft carriers, Destroyers, Cruisers, and Battleships are increased by one as long as one of each of these types of vessels is present in the seazone being attacked.
4. Island Defenders -When the time came to defend against American amphibious invasions, the Japanese prepared their positions well and fought tenaciously. Japanese soldiers hid in fortified caves armed with hidden machine guns and explosives; American forces often lost many men before clearing the Japanese out from each cave or other hiding place.
All infantry defending on Pacific islands (this includes Japan but not New Zealand) get to roll two dice in combat and pick the best result from the dice. If the dice hit both times it is not counted as two hits except for the first round of combat.
5. Special Naval Landing Forces - The Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces (SNLF), were the marine troops of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and were a part of the IJN Land Forces. They saw extensive service in the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and the Pacific theatre of World War II.
Japanese infantry in naval assaults hit at 2 in the first round of combat.
6. America First Committee - The America First Committee was the foremost non-interventionist pressure group against the American entry into World War II. Peaking at 800,000 members, it was likely the largest anti-war organization in American history.
America may not declare war on the axis powers until its 4th turn, unless it is attacked or Japan attacks the British and Anzacs.
ITALY
1. Gustav Line - All German and Italian infantry in northern Italy hit at 3 or less while defending.
2.Mountain Fortresses - All Italian and German units in Northern Italy, Albania, Greece and Yugoslavia are immune to offshore bombardment.
3. Vittorio Veneto class battleship – Italian Battleships roll two dice during the first round of combat or during offshore bombardments.
4. Joint Strike - Once during the game at the start of a round (before the German turn), you may declare a joint strike. That round, you complete your turn as normal, except you must skip combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases. On those phases of the next German turn, the German player uses your units in his or her combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases together with his own units. You and the German player must agree on attacking casualties, or the opposing player gets to choose them. Antiaircraft fire is rolled separately against each nationality of air units; all anti-Italian dice are rolled before any anti-German die is rolled. National advantages still only apply to the units of the power that gained the development or has the advantage. A joint strike may not be called off once it is declared.
5. Zara class cruiser – Italian Cruisers take two hits to destroy, just like Battleships and Carriers.
6. Regina Marina – Start the game with an additional 24 ipcs worth of naval vessels in the Mediterranean.
These are really nice!
Russias heavy industry is way too powerful. They could build artillery or mech infantry for the same price as normal infantry or with tankograd tanks at the cost of for.
I see your point re heavy industry.
How about they pick one unit and then for every 4 of those units that they build in a turn they get a free one?
So if Russia picks infantry and then buys 4 infantry they get to place down 5 at the end of their turn. 8 infantry then they get to place down ten, etc.
edit: oops math would work out the same re tanks if it was one free for every 4. How about one free unit for every 5 built. Some buy 5 infantry you get 6. Buy 10 get 12 etc…
these are exellent!!
If France and UK declare joint strike, can the US use all 3 countries’ units?
I’m glad you guys enjoy these. Let me know if you use them in a game.
If France and UK declare joint strike, can the US use all 3 countries’ units?
Yes, assuming they declared it on the same turn.
Tankograd and Heavy Industry are too powerful, especially when combined. Heavy Industry really should be changed, as someone else already said. Maybe allow Minor ICs to build 5 units per turn and Majors to build 15?
Other than that, these look great!! Well done!
Tankograd and Heavy Industry are too powerful, especially when combined. Heavy Industry really should be changed, as someone else already said. Maybe allow Minor ICs to build 5 units per turn and Majors to build 15?
Other than that, these look great!! Well done!
That is a good idea. How about something like this:
Heavy Industry – “We are fifty or a hundred years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in ten years. Either we do it, or they will crush us.” – Joseph Stalin. The development of Heavy Industry in the 1920s and 30s enabled the USSR to continue fighting despite tremendous losses.
Minor and Major industrial complexes may produce 1 &2 extra units per turn respectively. If you develop the increased factory production technique then they may produce 2 & 5 extra units per turn respectively. Additionally, minor complexes may be built on territories with an ipc value of one and major industrial complexes may be built on territories with an ipc value of 2. Furthermore, you may start the game with one free minor industrial complex that you may place anywhere that you choose.
Tankograd - In 1940 engineers in the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began production of Soviet tanks (T-34, SU-152). Due to the rapid establishment of tank construction on a massive scale in 1941, Chelyabinsk gained the nickname Tankograd (‘Tank City’). In 1945 the plant was awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 1st Class, and other honours for its efforts in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. A discount is affixed to the price of tanks if the Soviet player builds more than three in a single turn. The first three tanks built during a single turn will cost the regular 6 ipcs but all subsequent tanks built that turn will cost only 5 ipcs.
Dannyboy use the liberty ships from your pacific nas I like it more.
Dannyboy use the liberty ships from your pacific nas I like it more.
Are you referring to this one?
“Any transports that you purchased are placed off the west coast at the end of the purchase units phase and thus, are available for use during the combat and noncombat phases of the turn that you purchased them in. Additionally, you receive one free transport to place at the end of the purchase units phase of the US turn.”
Do you like the latest suggestion for Heavy Industry and Tankograd? Or do you think tankograd was fine as is and it was only heavy industry that was problematic?
Revised allied advantages:
ANZAC
1.The Australian 1st Armoured Division - The 1st Armoured Division formed a key element of Australia’s defences against a feared Japanese invasion. ANZAC Tanks hit at a 4 or less when defending the Australian mainland.
2. Maroubra Force - Maroubra Force was the name given to the Australian infantry force that defended Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from the Japanese. They successfully fought a month long delaying action through the debilitating terrain of the Owen Stanley Range, before being reinforced and finally driving off the Japanese just outside of Port Moresby. ANZAC infantry defending New Guinea and Dutch New Guinea take two hits to kill. Any infantry units that survive combat are immediately healed.
3. Australian Commandos - Australia formed several small-scale raiding and reconnaissance forces. One of these forces, Z Special Unit, conducted raids far behind the front line, including a successful raid on Singapore in September 1943.
Before the ANZAC combat phase of every turn, the ANZAC player may attempt to sabotage a Japanese air or naval base. Pay 3 ipcs and pick a single Japanese naval or Airbase. Roll 1d6/2 damage to the facility (minimum 1). Thus, a roll of 4 would result in two levels of damage to the facility.
4. Coastwatchers - The Coastwatchers were Allied military intelligence operatives stationed on remote Pacific islands during World War II to observe enemy movements and rescue stranded Allied personnel. They played a significant role in the Pacific Ocean theatre and South West Pacific theatre, particularly as an early warning network during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Once per game, when Japan finishes its combat move phase but before its conduct combat phase, you may make one special move. You may move any number of your units from an adjacent space into any one friendly space being attacked by Japan. Alternatively, you may move any number of your units from a space being attacked by Japan into an adjacent friendly space, but you must leave at least one unit behind. This special move otherwise follows the rules for a noncombat move. If your units survive, they remain in the space to which they were moved.
5. Brisbane Line - The Brisbane Line was a controversial defence proposal allegedly formulated by the Menzies government during World War II to concede the northern portion of the Australian continent in the event of an invasion by the Japanese.
Whenever Japan invades a province on the Australian mainland, the defending ANZAC forces may choose to retreat rather than fight. The Japanese automatically seize control of the province and the ANZAC forces may move to any allied controlled territory on the Australian mainland. If the Japanese were conducting an amphibious assault then they get to bombardment the fleeing Anzac troops with their battleships and cruisers.
6. Imperial War Cabinet - The Imperial War Cabinet was created by British Prime Minister David Lloyd George in the spring of 1917 as a means of co-ordinating the British Empire’s military policy during the First World War. Winston Churchill revived the Imperial War Cabinet during the Second World War at the insistence of Australian Prime Minister John Curtin.
ANZACS units in Europe make their combat and noncombat moves during the British player’s turn. This works like joint strike. The British player chooses casualties in joint operations and any territory taken by Anazac forces in Europe goes to the United Kingdom’s European income.
CHINA
1.Burma Road - The British used the Burma Road to transport war materiel to China before Japan was at war with the British. In addition to normal rules involving the Road, the US or the United Kingdom may purchase 1 artillery unit for China on every turn that the road remains in allied hands. This unit must be placed on Szechwan.
2.Operation Zet - Operation Zet was a secret operation of the Soviet Union to provide military and technical resources to the Republic of China as a part of the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. China may build fighters as long as it has a land link between Szechwan and the USSR. The max number of fighters that China may field at any given time is 3. Furthermore, Soviet and Japanese forces may clash in the Chinese interior (ie provinces that do not border the Soviet Union) without a declaration of war.
3.Eight Route Army - At the start of World War II, the 8th Route Army infiltrated itself behind Japanese lines in Northern China, where it established many bases of operations. It recruited Chinese semi-trained militia. In 1937, the army had 30,000~ 40,000 troops. It grew to 156,000 in 1938 and 400,000 in 1940, and 600,000 in 1945. If Chinese Infantry survive at least one round of combat when defending against a Japanese attack, then these units may choose to melt away into the countryside. For all intents and purposes treat this like when submarines submerge. The Japanese occupy the province and, on the next Chinese turn, the Chinese units are back in play. The Chinese player must either have these units attack the province or move on to another province. These units may chose to attack provinces behind the Japanese lines, causing Chaos in the rear.
4.Vinegar Joe - The Northern Combat Area Command was a mainly Sino-American formation that held the northern end of the Allied front in Burma during World War II. For much of its existence it was commanded by the acerbic General Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell, and controlled by his staff. Chinese infantry hit at a three or less when defending Burma Road provinces.
5.The Hump - The Hump was the name given by Allied pilots in the Second World War to the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains over which they flew military transport aircraft from India to China to resupply the Chinese war effort of Chiang Kai-shek and the units of the United States Army Air Forces based in China. The allied commitment to supply China enables the Chinese to resist even when the situation seems hopeless. The British empire and the United States may transfer up to 6ipcs in total to China every turn as long as India and Szechwan remain in allied hands. The Nationalist Chinese regime is corrupt, however, and the allies must spend two ipcs for every ipc that they wish to transfer to China.
6. The United Front - The war with Japan forced the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party to suspend the Chinese civil war and form an alliance. Once per game the nationalist may declare that the United Front is in effect. For that turn only an influx of communist guerilla fighters reduces the cost of Chinese infantry by 1 ipc.
FRANCE
1. Maginot Line – The Maginot Line was a line of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which France constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy. Land units attacking France from West Germany or Northern Italy do not get to roll during the first round of combat. Units attacking from Holland – Belgium roll normally. This advantage is lost after France falls. Please note that German tanks and mechanized units stationed in west Germany may move through Netherlands-Belgium to attack France.
2. Free France – Though driven from their homeland the Free French fought on from the colonies. Once France has fallen, you may establish a new capitol in French Equatorial Africa. This happens one full turn after Paris has been captured by the axis. From that point on you may begin collecting income again and purchasing units. Place a free minor industrial complex in French Equatorial Africa. Your capitol returns to France after it has been liberated.
3. The Béarn – The Béarn was a unique aircraft carrier which served with the Marine nationale (French Navy) in World War II and beyond. Place a free aircraft carrier and fighter in Seazone 93. Planes may ride on the Bearn carrier for a full two spaces before using any of their movement points.
4. Char B1 Tanks – The Char B1 tank was among the most powerfully armed and armoured tanks of its day. French tanks defend at a 4 or less during the first round of combat.
5. Le Fantasque class destroyer – The Fantasque was the fastest class of destroyer ever built. French destroyers roll at the same time as submarines. Any unit that they kill is immediately removed from play and does not get an opportunity to roll their attack or defense.
6. Joint Strike - The most powerful strike in the war was the joint Allied assault on Normandy. The planning required to launch this simultaneous invasion has never been equaled.
Once during the game at the start of a round (before the German turn), you may declare a joint strike. That round, you complete your turn as normal, except you must skip combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases. On those phases of the U.S. turn, the U.S. player uses your units in his or her combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases together with his own units. You and the U.S. player must agree on attacking casualties, or the opposing player gets to choose them. Antiaircraft fire is rolled separately against each nationality of air units; all anti-French dice are rolled before any anti-U.S. die is rolled. National advantages still only apply to the units of the power that gained the development or has the advantage. A joint strike may not be called off once it is declared.
SOVIET UNION
1. Tankograd - In 1940 engineers in the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began production of Soviet tanks (T-34, SU-152). Due to the rapid establishment of tank construction on a massive scale in 1941, Chelyabinsk gained the nickname Tankograd (‘Tank City’). In 1945 the plant was awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 1st Class, and other honours for its efforts in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. Soviet tanks cost 5 ipcs.
2. Katyusha Rockets - The Soviets were able to supplement the artillery with massed batteries of rocket launchers. The sheer volume of fire more than compensated for individual lack of accuracy.
Your artillery have a first-strike ability at an attack factor of 1. Any casualties are destroyed and removed from play, with no chance to counter-attack. This first-strike ability is for the first cycle of combat only and in succeeding cycles of combat, your artillery hit normally.
3. Sharashka – The secret Gulag research facilities developed many advanced designs for the USSR. The USSR gets one free tech dice to roll each turn.
4. Not one Step backwards – When the Red Army appeared to be on the ropes, Stalin made his famous “not one step backwards order” and turned the tide. When the Germans invade a Soviet victory city province(Stalingrad Leningrad, or Moscow) Soviet Infantry defend at a 4 or less for the first round of combat.
5.Partisans – Unconquerable Soviet Partisans continued fighting the Germans even when all hope seemed lost.
Soviet infantry may enter and pass through the Pripyet marshes. Additionally, Germans must leave at least one ground unit in any soviet starting territory in order to retain control of the province. At the end of the German turn any un-garrisoned province in the USSR’s starting territories will revert to Soviet control. Russia places a free infantry in any provinces liberated by partisans.
6. Heavy Industry – “We are fifty or a hundred years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in ten years. Either we do it, or they will crush us.” – Joseph Stalin. The development of Heavy Industry in the 1920s and 30s enabled the USSR to continue fighting despite tremendous losses.
Minor and Major industrial complexes may produce 1 &2 extra units per turn respectively. If you develop the increased factory production technique then they may produce 2 & 5 extra units per turn respectively. Additionally, minor complexes may be built on territories with an ipc value of one and major industrial complexes may be built on territories with an ipc value of 2. Furthermore, you may start the game with one free minor industrial complex that you may place anywhere that you choose.
UNITED KINGDOM
1. Joint Strike - The most powerful strike in the war was the joint Allied assault on Normandy. The planning required to launch this simultaneous invasion has never been equaled.
Once during the game at the start of a round (before the German turn), you may declare a joint strike. That round, you complete your turn as normal, except you must skip combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases. On those phases of the U.S. turn, the U.S. player uses your units in his or her combat move, conduct combat, and noncombat move phases together with his own units. You and the U.S. player must agree on attacking casualties, or the opposing player gets to choose them. Antiaircraft fire is rolled separately against each nationality of air units; all anti-U.K. dice are rolled before any anti-U.S. die is rolled. National advantages still only apply to the units of the power that gained the development or has the advantage. A joint strike may not be called off once it is declared.
2. Fighter Command - A radar and fighter control system was essential for the Royal Air Force to win the Battle of Britain.
Your fighters on the United Kingdom, Scotland, or Eire may scramble as though the provinces were islands. You still need an airbase on a province in order to scramble planes.
3. Cripps Mission - The Cripps mission was an attempt in late March 1942 by the British government to secure Indian cooperation and support for their efforts in World War II. The purpose of the mission was to negotiate with the Indian National Congress a deal to obtain total co-operation during the war, in return of progressive devolution and distribution of power from the crown and the Viceroy to elected Indian legislature. However, the talks failed, having failed to address the key demand of a time frame towards self-government.
Once per game, during the British collect income phase, the British player may promise independence for India. India, West India, Burma, and Shan States immediately become neutral countries and any allied pieces in those territories move to the nearest allied controlled province. From that point on the UK’s European and Pacific incomes are combined and a free minor industrial complex is placed on British Columbia. If any of the Indian territories are attacked they receive ten infantry.
4. Chindits - The Chindits were a British India “Special Force” that served in Burma and India in 1943 and 1944 during the Burma Campaign in World War II. They were formed into long range penetration groups trained to operate deep behind Japanese lines. Your infantry may perform attacks for one round and immediately retreat from where they came. Japanese defenders do not fire back. This is only to be used in mainland Asia.
5. Canadian Patriotism - At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed the third-largest navy and fourth-largest air force in the world, as well as the largest volunteer army ever fielded. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war, and only 2,400 conscripts actually made it into battle. Recieve a 2 ipc refund at the end of your turn for every unit (besides infantry) that you built in Canada.
6. Enigma Decoded - Working in a secret facility in Bletchley Park, Alan Turing’s cryptographers broke the codes of the Nazi Enigma machines. They could then send false messages back. Once per game, when Germany finishes its combat move phase but before its conduct combat phase, you may make one special move. You may move any number of your units from an adjacent space into any one friendly space being attacked by Germany. Alternatively, you may move any number of your units from a space being attacked by Germany into an adjacent friendly space, but you must leave at least one unit behind.
This special move otherwise follows the rules for a noncombat move. If your units survive, they remain in the space to which they were moved.
UNITED STATES
1. Liberty Ships- Liberty ships were cargo ships built in the United States during World War II. Nationally, the average construction time was 42 days and by 1943, three Liberty Ships were being completed each day.
Any transports that you purchased are placed at the end of the purchase units phase and thus, are available for use during the combat and noncombat phases of the turn that you purchased them in. Additionally, you receive one free transport to place at the end of the purchase units phase of the US turn.
2. Mechanized Army - With its Fleets of trucks, the U.S. Army was the most mobile force of soldiers in World War II.
Your infantry and artillery have a move of 2 and may blitz when paired with a tank or mechanized infantry. Mechanized infantry may blitz without an attached tank.
3. Marines - “Send in the Marines!” was a popular U.S. rallying cry in World War II. Your infantry attacks on a 2 in the first cycle of the land combat portion of an amphibious assault.
4. Arsenal of Democracy - The U.S. mobilized its economy for war on a scale never before seen. Every resource of the country was tapped for the war effort. Rationing, war bonds and Rosie the Riveter became iconic parts of the American culture.
The West Coast territory’s ipc value jumps from 10 ipcs to 50 ipcs once it enters the war. The US may no longer benefit from its +30 ipc national objective. Additionally, the 50 ipcs is considered to be physically present in the West coast, so an axis player that captured the territory would see their income increase by +50 ipcs rather than + 10. Furthermore, the effects of the war bonds tech is doubled, so that you get 2D6 extra ipcs at the end of your turn, rather than 1d6.
5. The Fast Carrier Task Force - From the start of the Pacific War the US fleet contained what are referred to as “fast carrier task forces.” But the formation known as “The Fast Carrier Task Force” came into being in late 1943, after the arrival in the Central Pacific of the first ships of the Essex and Independence classes.
This force was the Pacific War’s equivalent of the great gun-armed battlefleets of earlier conflicts. By the time of the Battle for Leyte Gulf it had already proved itself to be one of the most potent instruments in the history of naval warfare -obliterating Japanese air power, and sweeping enemy warships and merchant shipping from the seas, wherever it had ventured.
Designate one fleet with at least one carrier as The Fast Carrier Task Force. Every vessel in this fleet has a move of three. The number of ships in the fleet is limited by the number of carriers in the fleet. You may bring along either one Battleship or two vessels of any other type for each carrier in the fleet. You may add additional ships to the fleet at anytime as long as there are enough carriers to support the new ships. If the Fast Carrier Task Force is destroyed, you may designate a new fleet as your Fast Carrier Task Force. You may only field 1 Fast Carrier Task Force at a time.
6. Superfortresses - The B-29 Superfortress Flew higher and packed more of a punch than any other plane in the U.S. arsenal. US bombers are immune to anti aircraft fire. They may still be shot down by fighters during strategic bombing raids. Additionally, US bombers take part in the dogfighting phase of strategic bombardments, they hit at a one or less.
“5. Canadian Patriotism - At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed the third-largest navy and fourth-largest air force in the world, as well as the largest volunteer army ever fielded. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war, and only 2,400 conscripts actually made it into battle. Recieve a 2 ipc refund at the end of your turn for every unit (besides infantry) that you built in Canada.”
Actually, India fielded the largest volunteer army in history.
“5. Canadian Patriotism - At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed the third-largest navy and fourth-largest air force in the world, as well as the largest volunteer army ever fielded. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war, and only 2,400 conscripts actually made it into battle. Recieve a 2 ipc refund at the end of your turn for every unit (besides infantry) that you built in Canada.”
Actually, India fielded the largest volunteer army in history.
Okay, maybe the Canadian figure I saw was proportional?
I’ll fix that next time I revise this stuff.
The NAs used were as follows:
UK - Enigma
US- Arsenal of Democracy
USSR - not one step backwards
China - Vinegar Joe
Anzac - Australian Commandos
France - Maginot Line
Germany - Heavy tanks, Luftwaffe Dive Bombers
Italy - Regina Marina/Zara Class Cruisers
Japan - Skilled Pilots, Combined Fleet
It was an interesting game. Sealion was beaten off and Germany lost a lot of the Luftwaffe in the process, but by the end of it things weren’t looking too shabby in Russia. Russia managed to build a fleet while I was preoccupied and they still had 2 carriers, 1 cruisers, 1 destroyer, and one Battleship in the Baltic which caused me some grief, but Leningrad would fall soon enough regardless. Italy totally dominated the Mediterranean and was inching towards the Caucuses/India. Japan made great strides in China despite vinegar Joe but I foolishly divided my fleet and the US and allied forces eventually monkey stomped it. Japan was still very powerful on the asian mainland when we called it and making about 50 ipcs, but its navy was kaput.
I want to make a few axis revisions. I want the Japanese Skilled Pilots to apply to all aircraft and not just fighters and I think that Luftwaffe Dive Bombers should apply to sea combat as well as land (afterall rudel sank the Marat, didn’t he?) The Italian NAs were really nice because they gave me a chance to actually use the fleet you start with.
Let me know if you ever try these in your games. :)
1. Tankograd - In 1940 engineers in the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began production of Soviet tanks (T-34, SU-152). Due to the rapid establishment of tank construction on a massive scale in 1941, Chelyabinsk gained the nickname Tankograd (‘Tank City’). In 1945 the plant was awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 1st Class, and other honours for its efforts in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. Soviet tanks cost 5 ipcs.
You’re right about the importance of this centre, but I would simply place an IC in Novosibirsk & increase the IPC value. This allows the Soviets a factory to back up Moscow and Stalingrad (tanks get there in one turn), and also build units within closer range of the Japanese front.
Like the Partisans in Pripet, wonder where you got the idea…
The Soviets, rather than Germany, should start with heavy tanks (KV1). The Tigers & Panther series were a direct response from Germany to the heavy Russian models which stopped the Panzer IIIs & IVs, and to the greater manoeuvrability of the T-34. The Germans were always playing catch up with Soviet armour.
I would add:
Idealogical warfare. The USSR and Germany found many people in the territories they fought over willing to join them mainly from an idealogical hatred of the common enemy. The German army had up to 2 million volunteers from the Soviet territories they overran.
Whenever Germany or the USSR capture a tt from each other they gain one free infantry in that tt.
Perhaps even a number of infantry equivalent to the IPC value. This encourages an “active” policy from both sides on this front.
You could give the UK an “armoured carrier” force; CVs which are harder to sink (invulnerable to Kamikaze?)
1. Tankograd - In 1940 engineers in the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began production of Soviet tanks (T-34, SU-152). Due to the rapid establishment of tank construction on a massive scale in 1941, Chelyabinsk gained the nickname Tankograd (‘Tank City’). In 1945 the plant was awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 1st Class, and other honours for its efforts in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. Soviet tanks cost 5 ipcs.
You’re right about the importance of this centre, but I would simply place an IC in Novosibirsk & increase the IPC value. This allows the Soviets a factory to back up Moscow and Stalingrad (tanks get there in one turn), and also build units within closer range of the Japanese front.
Like the Partisans in Pripet, wonder where you got the idea…
The Soviets, rather than Germany, should start with heavy tanks (KV1). The Tigers & Panther series were a direct response from Germany to the heavy Russian models which stopped the Panzer IIIs & IVs, and to the greater manoeuvrability of the T-34. The Germans were always playing catch up with Soviet armour.
I would add:
Idealogical warfare. The USSR and Germany found many people in the territories they fought over willing to join them mainly from an idealogical hatred of the common enemy. The German army had up to 2 million volunteers from the Soviet territories they overran.
Whenever Germany or the USSR capture a tt from each other they gain one free infantry in that tt.
Perhaps even a number of infantry equivalent to the IPC value. This encourages an “active” policy from both sides on this front.
You could give the UK an “armoured carrier” force; CVs which are harder to sink (invulnerable to Kamikaze?)
re: Tankograd - I definitely think that the ipc value of that territory should have been higher on the board.
re: Partisans - I was thinking about that as soon as I saw that the pripyat marshes were finally represented in Axis and Allies. I did get some ideas for NAs from various posters on this forum (or Larry’s), but in this case I was already thinking along those lines before I saw anything on the forum.
re: Soviet Heavy Tanks - yes this is all true and the IS-2 was possibly the best tank of the war, but the German heavy tanks are more iconic in my neck of the woods. Maybe I’ll up the number of potential NAs for the majors from 6 to 12 so that we could add something for Soviet Heavy tanks.
re: ideological warfare - I was thinking about a collaborators NA for Germany along those lines. I know their was some partisans that rose up against the Nazis and cooperated with the Soviets, but I don’t think that the Russians were nearly as successful as the Germans in this regard. Which is surprising given Nazi occupation policies in the east.
re: armored carriers - are you talking about the Illustrious class carriers? Maybe they could ignore one hit/combat if its inflicted by aircraft?
What other stuff would you like to see if I upped the number of potential NAs for UK, USA, USSR, Germany, and Japan to 12 apiece?
More NAs for UK. All other major countries had historic stand out weapons. But i cant think of any except RADAR for UK , but thats like a technology not a superweapon. Any suggestions?
My Pripet Partisan rules allow any infantry to enter the marsh, but of course without other units the odds are heavily against the attackers. Planes can fly over the marsh but not land in it or attack it. No rail movement through even if you control it!
Other “semi-impassable” areas I’d consider are:
Alpine Redoubt: between Switzerland and GSG
Amazon: western Brazil
Congo: basically Belgian Congo without the coastline
Maybe a Rocky Mountain Redoubt, and a possible jungle area in the north of Burma/Siam/FIC?
Perhaps a Chinese mountain area; somewhere in the north?
Sahara and Himalayas should be considered too inhospitable to harbour significant resistance.
Don’t forget the Siberian mountains.
the great desert in australia.
The Andes in South America.
Kalahari desert.
Desert in saudi arabia.
Gobi desert.
Oh and The bermuda triangle! :evil:
