@Geist:
I’m still in favor of some small tweaks to balance the game out. I’d be willing to give Questioneers recomendations a try on the hope that Japan could focus more on naval builds those first three rounds if they had a small boost to their land units. Though I also agree that the Axis need to force the US to commit to Europe.
Right, that’s the idea of just adding approx 4inf, 1art (16 IPC) to Japan island. Then Japan can focus on naval builds or IC/bases or whatever. Giving them the bases/IC/ships/ or aircraft right from the beginning is a big mistake as it will tip the scales too much the other way. Its real touchy to balance with so many key regions adjusted already.
VC’s in Europe down to 7 may help also but would that be a little too easy for Axis??? Imagine Japan flying a bunch of planes over to Europe to help sack the 7th VC in Russia. I’d have to play it out- that may be a big change- maybe too much.
I think the easiest and safest way to balance right now is adding infantry to the Axis capitals in Japan and maybe Italy. It doesn’t mess up the balance of key battles we have now in the opening and it helps the Axis in the long-term weather the storm of eventual Allied economic pressure.
Possible Adjustment:
Add 1inf, 2art in SIta (Rome)
Add 4inf, 1art in Japan (Tokyo)
It doesn’t seems like much, but I’m confident it will do what we want which is tweek the Axis so they can focus on other builds of choice to help balance things long-term. Whadda think?? Can we try it and come to a concensus???