Everyone,
I like the idea of having Commanders in our A&A games. And they are already in the “pipeline” to be produced. In studying all of the above suggestions and adding some of my own thoughts I believe there are certain MAIN ideas that we might agree on:
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1A. ALL countries in the game start with ONE “commander”,…OR:
1B. A case could be made for TWO “commanders” like: US-Pacific, US-Europe, UK-Pacific, UK-Europe, USSR-Pacific, USSR-Europe, Germany-Europe, Germany-Asia, France-1, China-1, Anzac-1.
2. Any country having forces in a theater(Pacific or Europe) would have the capability of building 3 “commanders”(1-Army, 1-Navy, 1-Air Force) for that theater.
2. The commander could ONLY be an Army General, Navy Admiral, or Air Force General by choice of each country’s player.
3. The “commander” should give certain “benefits” to the forces of it’s service, but more along the lines of strategic or tactical capabilities added. Giving additional attack or defense capabilities, if adopted, should be to a LIMITED extent or this would tend to act like a “tech” bonus and unbalance the game. Remember, the “commander” represents a Headquaters and it’s functions.
4. Each “commander” should have a high cost(10-15 IPC depending on value added).
5. Additional “commander” units could be purchased up to 3 (1-Army, 1-Navy, 1-Air Force) for each “theater” of operations(Pacific/Asia, Europe).
6. Any “commander” killed would need to be re-purchased like any new one.
7. The “commander” would ride “piggyback” on an existing unit and adopt it’s movement factor and NOT be allowed to majically be placed anywhere the player choses. Remember we will soon have the option of adding Air Transports to our games.
8. Players should be allowed at the start of the game to announce the type(service) of leader and it’s starting location in accordance with their strategic emphasis.
9. We might consider adding a certain “range” to the effects of these “commander” units.
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These are some of my general thoughts on the commander units(pun intended). IMHO I believe they can add a new and fun dimension to our games. I think we must also realize that they could very easily unbalance the game if we make their “added capabilities” too strong. Remember,…all units in combat were lead (supposedly) by a commander. By making a player PAY to add a commander to the units he wants to emphasize he should accrue some equitable return,…but not overpowering strength.
I think a lot of further discussion is due this important subject.
Like I Say,……What Do YA’LL Think???
“Tall Paul”