Title: Out of Box (1941)
Date: 26.10.2012
Special Rules: with National Objectives and with Technology
Victor: Axis victory. Germans crushed Russia with little casulties due to dice.
Game Length: approximately 12 Hours and 12 Rounds
Bias: equally skilled
Description: Allies tried a contain Japan and then crush Italy/Germany. Germany was playing very conservativeley, pulling back round 2 and 3 afterwards going for Moskau. UK tried to disturb Germany by taking Norway tunr 1 and landings in NW-Europe. In addition build an industrial complex in india turn 2 with russian aid (4 Inf 2 Ari and 6 tanks). USA build up fleet in Pacific and sent some lone transports towards africa to keep italy busy.
Japan built an industrial complex round 1 in Thailand (French-Inochina). Eventually lost the complex once to russian tanks and sacrificed lots of fighters to regain control and permit a recapture by russians/Brits.
Italy secured France and western europe but struggled to gain control of Africa, where germany helped out.
In the End the US build up a LARGE invasion force (7-10 loaded transports) ant set up an invasion of France/Italy but with Germany keepin all their Tanks and planes from the moskau fight (it was 55:45 fight in Germanys favor, and with major airforce losses and only keeping a few tanks, as was expected by the allies (me)) this game could have ended up with an Allied victoy.
Observations/Recommendations: Even tough, Japan was hard pressed, it was almoust impossible to deny japan a major income or to destroy their large starting fleet. Russia had to commit some forces to do so, but they eventually were missed when the german offensive started. It semms almoust impossible to contain Japan without Germany and Italy getting too strong. On the other Hand, It seems not necessary to fight Japan, because they have no major objectives. (This is bad, becaus the Japanese player won’t have much fun)
Even tough this game was close, a more aggresive German would have crussed Russia much earlier, with no chance for the allies to win.
Suggestion: Adding an Industial complex in India in Setup.
1. More fighting forced in Asia/with Japan
2. by saving 15IPC for the UK the whole game could balance out