Clash of the Mortals (Allied Major Victory)

[Crazygunner1]

The Axis will be annihilated when the fair weather comes!

I was actually surprised that he had almost a ready defense line built up between Germany and Italy in the mountains.

[rkr1958]

[gchristie]

Great use of paras! That'll really scramble the German's eggs.

[rkr1958]

Great use of paras! That'll really scramble the German's eggs.

That was certainly my intention; in addition to taking out as much rail as possible. As this turn shows, I think I've pretty much broken the Germans and they have no choice but to fall back to defend Berlin and Hamburg or face letting me have easy access to them. While the Russians in the north, east of the Oder have been held in check for the past year; their mere presence have tied up 10+ German infantry corps. This now represents over 70% of the infantry corps that Germany has left. I'll be interesting to see whether they stay put or are pulled back for the final defense.

[rkr1958]

[Cybvep]

Strategic Allied Victory?

[Kragdob]

Strategic Allied Victory?

Italy will stay alive. The question is when Allies will reach there.

[rkr1958]

[Peter Stauffenberg]

Strategic Allied Victory?

I think Ronnie will only achieve a major victory. So kudos to his opponent, Leonard, for defending so well that he lasted until second half of 1944. This proves that you still have something to fight for even if your strategy didn't go well. It was interesting to see how the Axis strategy (crush the British in the Med) progressed. Some Axis players could have folded in 1942 when it appeared the Russians would eventually overwhelm the Germans. Leon has fought well to hold the Russians at bay for so long as he is.

[Cybvep]

The fact that the Axis player fought to the end is respectful, indeed. IMO this game proves several things. Firstly, when you reject the armistice, you have to plan well in advance what your strategy will be, because the game will most likely not progress along the usual lines. It's always a riskier option IMO and if you don't know the rules concerning the Spanish activation, Axis supply limits etc. or don't have much experience with 1942 Barbarossa, it's probably best to accept the armistice. Secondly, going for the Middle East is not really a viable strategic goal, unless the Allies are falling apart. If it can be combined with the Sea Lion/strong Barbarossa or the Allied player is inexperienced, then you can go for it, but otherwise it's not worth the effort. Thirdly, even when things look grim for the Axis, it can last for a long while if the Axis player knows what their is doing. I think that many players underestimate how much more resources offensive actions consume. When you are on the defensive and stick to counter-attacks only, don't move much during winter, don't have to worry about rail conversion and are actually happy when muddy weather arrives, then you will consume much less PPs and especially oil. Even your casualties will be lower...

[Crazygunner1]

I think rejecting the armistice is a viable option, but it has to be the right time for it. French fighter, and most of the french fleet and army must be destroyed. Otherwise it is as you say not a good option. Remember that you will earn about 4-5 more pps per turn in having occupying the whole of France. That´s around 90 pps extra every year.

As for the other operations in Africa and Irak, they are risky, low supply zone and you are not really striking against any of your important opponents either.

[rkr1958]

[Kragdob]

I am amazed how long Axis hold. I presume Hitler is now on exile in Rome.

[Cybvep]

It may be amazing how easily it is to conquer Italy in 1944-1945, too. In one of my games I did it with paratroopers and some infantry coming from the west...

[rkr1958]

[Crazygunner1]

Isn´t the game over? Thought you automatically surrender when Berlin and Hamburg falls.

I think it´s highly unlikely that Italy would continue to fight after Germany surrenders

[rkr1958]

Isn´t the game over? Thought you automatically surrender when Berlin and Hamburg falls.

I think it´s highly unlikely that Italy would continue to fight after Germany surrenders

Italy will continue to fight. Though it's unusual for Germany to fall first it can happen.

[Crazygunner1]

Isn´t the game over? Thought you automatically surrender when Berlin and Hamburg falls.

I think it´s highly unlikely that Italy would continue to fight after Germany surrenders

Italy will continue to fight. Though it's unusual for Germany to fall first it can happen.

True, never seen it before. But you are absolutely right to take out germany first. He didn´t defend it properly so there was no point in going for all the minor axis.

[Diplomaticus]

I won a game a few months back because my opponent was unable to conquer Italy in time following the defeat of Germany in winter 44-45, so while it may be unusual, it definitely can happen that Italy can win the war for the Axis.

[rkr1958]