French Set…need help to finalize set.

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

@ghr2:

You should definitely get some sort of protective layer for that map.

I’m going to at some point. Until, I get a permanent place to play, it is rolled up in a cylinder tube. I’m going to have a man cave built, and then I will work on things like that. I’m going to have to either buy or have someone build me a table to fit the map. This is the plan, anyway. :-)

Thank you Knp.
Glad Midnight Express thinks it needs tweaking.
Are definitely too many Allied units(Air and Naval):

it would be really funny to see them putting training wheels on the Bicycles just so the molds stand up on there own.

The running infantry looks really neato!  I always like action poses.

If you’re going for Amerika Bombers, why not also consider the HE277, JU-390 (ooo, six engined), or the TA-400.  Also, the HE-274 would be appropriate.

Field Marshall games would be making them once they sell out their AA dice plus the special Italian, French and Chinese ones. Once they get them going they look into new ideas and tokens are on the list as i hear it.

“World at War” is GREAT!

It contains the following:

– Over 200 plastic playing pieces (includes sub pens and cruisers)
– Control Markers for each Country
– New map with the territories split up a little more (see www.wargamer.com/axisandallies/images/waw_map_3rd.gif)
– New rules (see www.xenogames.com/Wawrules.htm)
– New set up charts
– Starting time is 1939
– Adds France and China as separate players
– Has special troops such as paratroopers, marines, Russian guards, German SS Panzers and SS Panzergrenadiers
– Adds special attacks for Japan (Sneak Attack, Banzai Attack and Kamikaze Attack)
– Can Attempt to Assassinate Hitler

Plus, tons of other stuff!

Mista Biggs 8)