I downloaded the 5.0 set-up. I like how everything is organized/labeled, it seems to flow better for quick reference.
It looks like naval bases are getting tweaked. Looks like they are still linked to individual territories, but have now been assigned to sz’s as well. This is a great change, and should work very well.
Example: (if I’m interpreting correctly) NB at Gib benefits sz 35 (Atlantic), but not sz 36 (Med).
I assume that if you buy a naval base you would also need to tell what sz it will be assigned to (if more then one available).
Correct. You buy 1 base per sea zone. If you want a territory to have a NB supporting two different sea zones, buy two NBs and put one marker on the border of both SZs.
Other things I noticed (may need to be addressed):
German naval base was removed from Stettin, but not reassigned to sz 18, was this an over sight?
Yes. The NB should be in SZ18.
Russia still list NB in Leningrad and new placement in sz 20 (Lenn). It’s not a big deal (just redundant). Russian destroyer moved to Baltic (good change IMO).
Yes, forgot to delete from Len. Fixed.
Japan NB in sz 123 (BEIP) I guess is linked to Peking (Beijing)? Can’t wait to see how the Japan sneak attack worked out, and what restrictions they may (or may not) have in the new rule set 5.1
Correct. Fixed tag. Territory used to be called Beiping.
UK Early Warning Radar looks cool. Glad to see an inf at Gib, and Malta gets an inf & AB. Many changes/add-ons to the naval base network for UK, Anz, France and Dutch on both sides of the globe (should be interesting to who gets/keeps control of them).
Italy (not much change), but it will be interesting to see how things play out for them w/the new NB arrangements, and Malta getting an AB.
USA I noticed that sz128 (Midway) was added to the US list, but nothing placed there. Was a NB (or AB) planned for sz 128, then dropped? The way I’m reading the new naval base rules (w/o seeing them of course) is only sz 92 (Philippines) will benefit from the NB.
We talked about adding a NB to Midway, but took it back off. So nothing at SZ128. Yes, Philippines can only service SZ92 per setup. You can purchase additional NBs for other SZs if you wish.
China (if I’m reading it right) can only place new units on territories they have owned from the beginning of their turn is also new (unless I missed that originally). This will make it harder on them not being able to plop down (3) new units on territories they have just liberated. Also thought we might have seen China get an AA gun, but oh well.
You are correct on placement rules. This did not change, but was clarified a bit. Interesting thought on the AA. Try it and let us know how it works. I know Japan can put a ton of airpower into the China campaign if they want to. I got whooped by them last game!
Neutrals:
No inf added to S America :-( (thought maybe a couple so allies don’t get them too easily).
Some changes to the neutral navies (mostly coastal battleships). This kinda controls how they are invaded. Do you want to attack through the BB, or from a different direction and deal with it later?
Double checking on ship placement:
Denmark -sz 17?
Portugal -sz 32?
Yep, both correct.
PS: Can’t wait to see 5.1 rule set (hopefully this weekend).
Another playtest game is going on right now at Coach’s house. Follow it on our Facebook page.