WW2 Path to Victory - Rules Discussion

@sergio here is the lite version of AARHE 4.0

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/38409969/combat-move

I’m reviewing all Vichy rules available out there, as I plan to make a unique mod, because I like historical realism and simplicity, with minimized luck of dice, and some “asymmetric balance”.

Some major points I’ve posted elsewhere in the forum:

The main issue for this expansion is how to develop French neutrality, while at the same time providing a bonus to Germany. Apparently ignored by most players, in real life (IRL), Germany economically exploited Vichy, which had to richly sustain 300,000 German troops stationed in Northern France. Therefore, in the game, it only makes total sense that Germany gets the 3 IPCs from Vichy Southern France.

Another related major issue is what to do with French colonies in terms of neutrality/occupation and IPC flows. I agree that the Vichy setup should reflect what happened IRL: North Africa, Syria, and Indochina go to Vichy, while other French colonies stay Free. However, it messes up Italy’s incursions into North Africa (as IRL, Hitler denied French colonies to Italy). I’m not sure yet as to the best approach to subjecting these colonies to invasion, occupation, and who gains IPCs (other than agreeing that Japan has easy access “rights” over Vichy Indochina), and also remote units…

Germany never fought Vichy. IRL, with Operation Torch, Germany simply occupied Vichy in 1942, with no resistance whatsoever. Vichy units were disbanded. That can be also the case in the game. Just remove Vichy units.

The uncertainty surrounding local pre-battles is quite interesting (will Vichy troops welcome or resist Allies in North Africa?..). However, I’d try to minimize dice randomness that is often used to decide some outcome. IRL, Vichy troops (just like Italians) surrendered as soon as seeing enemy superiority: thus, in the game, if Allies send more land + air units than defending Vichy units, then there should be no battle but quick surrender. Or, make it highly unlikely that a battle would ensue (for example, need to roll a 1).

I’m now working on my own house rules, for an expansion (HBG lingo) that is quite realistic, fun yet simple. If anyone is interested, let me know and I’ll be happy to share my rules when ready…

phd_angel@yahoo.com

Chicago, December 2020

hoffman, see my thread in the player help section.

Coach and Variable.

We.re seeing a lot of new markers etc. coming out of HBG lately (good work by the way). Are the HBG optional rules going to be updated to reflect the new stuff? (e.g. flak towers, bunkers, blockhouses etc.)

The group I play with is integrating some the new rules and markers into our game. We like rail and will be using minefields (naval too) next game––if they come in time.

No apologies needed! FMG has been a great help in carrying the product and getting it to folks like you. They need to be thanked too! Glad you asked about the rules and let us know what you think.

In the interest of putting unit variant house rules ideas in one place, I’m starting a new thread.  Here’s my tentative list:

Piece              Name                  Attack        Defense        Move        Cost        Special
Soldier 1        Para. Infantry          2                2                1            4            Can be air dropped w/ +1 attack

Soldier 2        Elite/ Marine            2                2                1            4            + 1 Attack during Amphibious Assult

Truck/
TT Jeep        Motor Unit                0                0                2            1            Can Blitz: “Motorizer” for Infantry/Art.

Gun(1)          Artillery                  2                2                1            4            + 1 to infantry attack on 1-1 basis

Gun (2)          Heavy Artillery          2                3                1            5            + 1 to infantry attack on 1-1 basis

Half-Track    Mech. Infantry          2                2                2            4            Can Blitz

Tank 1          Armor                      3                2                2            5            Can Blitz

Tank 2          Heavy Armor              3                3                2            6            Can Blitz

Fighter 1      Fighter                      3                4                4            12

Fighter2/      Fighter-Bomber/
Light Bomber  Tac Bomber              4                2                4            12            +1 tanks attack on 1-1 basis

Bomber        Bomber                      4                1                6            14

@onetthome:

These seem pretty cool, I’ll be sure to print the rules. I’m not seeing any rules for the Pacific though  :|

I appreciate the compliments from you and from Georgemak!

I’m currently putting the final touches on another rules set–a more advanced one. As is also the case for the rules set under discussion, this rules set is designed with a global war in mind. But that being said, I wouldn’t object to a custom map designer creating a Pacific scenario.

Every time I create a rules set like this, I try to build something generic enough that a custom map designer will have a lot of room in which to work. Working within the general framework, a custom map designer could create his own starting map, nations list, national advantages, disadvantages, and available technologies for each nation, starting unit setup, and other adjustments. The rules set is intended to give map designers plenty of room in which to exercise their creativity.

But my greatest current need is for a software developer. If anyone here is a developer or knows a developer who might be interested in something like this, please PM me.

what exactly is world at war? is it on the same map as original A&A? or is it something else completely different?