There are tons of people for the J1 attack. However we have played our last 6 games with Japan attacking on the 4th round. Even though the UK gets extra money from the islands it doesn’t compare to the USA’s bonus money. last 6 games Japan has taken India in round 5 every time.
Now we have played multiple games with the J1 attack and are about 50/50 on who wins.
Its worth getting cause when AAE40 comes out you will want both to play the combined game. Also the introduction of new rules and units (convoys, declaration of war, air base, naval base, tactical bomber, mechanized infantry) make the game far more enjoyable and adds more depth and breadth to the series, further setting it apart from other board games.
I have seen it very very even. I played two games and I am 2-0, one with allies and one with Japan. Both against very good but not spectacular opponents (Im not great but I can be creative and level headed). The games were slugmatches from the very beginning.
Both games were won and lost in China and the victor was able to play a better game of cat and mouse with their American/Japanese navy. Its probably the best and most balanced axis and allies expierence I have had.
