@larrymarx:
@kcdzim:
I’d prefer a solution were russia is required abide the cease fire regardless of war in europe , but allow Japan to break it whenever they please (which still doesn’t cause war with the other axis powers). Russia just has to make sure it will be costly for Japan, which is precisely what they did with the far east forces.
How about doing this but also allowing Russia to break the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact if Japan chooses to attack early?
The game already favors the allies. Allowing Russia to preemptively strike isn’t helpful for balance on the Europe side. However, barring russia from attacking japan first, under any circumstance, probably means Japan won’t bother with russia at all with no need to garrison and will focus on china first, while positioning for the J3 assault which matches far more closely the way AAP40 plays (where russia isn’t available to attack, and won’t attack Japan).
the 18 infantry already is pretty good about giving Japan pause on J1. J2, it becomes more feasable, but even then Russia can back away and just leave the shorelines open, giving up minimal value. I just don’t buy that Russia needs more freedom to attack. While Stalin was of the mind of striking when either axis was vulnerable, the player is NOT the Stalin, and some safeguards like restricted declarations have to be in place so that the game can be balanced. Otherwise it’s not 1940, it’s 1942.
In my perfect world:
A) Russia cannot attack or enter ORIGINAL UK or US territories ever. Russia just shouldn’t be in India. or the UK. They can take Persia, they can take neutrals, and they can conquer ORIGINAL axis territories to their hearts content. And even though it’s unlikely, they can help in France. Frankly, if Russia is in position to take a european french territory, the game is either over, or has gone pearshaped, but this way they can get a token Syria.
B)UK & US units cannot enter ORIGINAL Russian territories ever. If they do, they are removed (thus cannot defend), a marker takes their place, and Russia has the option to purchase that equiv unit during their purchase phase at half price rounded up (this is lend lease/pilot internment).
C) Russia can attack & control any neutral it pleases at start of game. No neutral is friendly to Russia - they will all be combat moves, and they will always defend, even if Pro Ally. Unless strict neutrals are changed to affect regions (unlikely), same rules as OOB for strict neutrals.
D) Russia cannot attack Japan until Berlin falls or Japan declares war on them. They cannot enter China until at war with Japan (historically, they were still aiding china after the Cease fire in '39, but stopped after the Pact in 41. However, since the Tigers weren’t in China until 41 (essentially taking over for the russian air group), the single fighter can be abstracted to be considered the Russian air group at the beginning of the game
E) OOB political rules for Italy/Germany.
