@strategic:
What skills are needed in a German player, and what skills are needed for a Japanese player?
Ability to think tactically and strategically, and to get along well with others. The particulars can be learned, but 'tis best to start with a strong base.
It is not enough to be a “good German player” or a “good Japanese player”. A “good player” should know the tactics and strategies for all the powers, including knowing how powers can combine their forces for strong effect.
Take, for example, the not-immediately-obvious Japanese air to Ukraine/West Russia/Caucasus trick. In a sample game, say Germany can put 16 units on one of those territories (a few infantry and a lot of tanks), but the Russians can counterattack with 21 units. This is often a trade that’s going to end badly for the Germans. But say Japan flies 4 fighters in to land on the newly captured German territory. Suddenly, Russia can hardly dare to attack. Russian infantry, artillery, with some tanks and fighters may be enough to destroy a German force composed mostly of tanks, if the Russians have superior numbers. But once you drop four fighters on the German territory, the Russians simply often don’t have the attack power to match - they can kill a lot of tanks, but German tanks will survive, and Russia’s power will be broken.
But this never happens if Japan doesn’t remember to work together with its ally, and plan accordingly. If the Japan player just keeps fighters wherever, those fighters will probably not be in position to reinforce German positions when needed. The Japanese player has to watch the German front, and for an opportunity.
