In my most recent game as the commonwealth (UK, Canada, FEC, ANZAC, SAF, France) I managed to hold out in Cairo with a UK#1 complex build, and reinforcements from SAF…
but… in doing so, I came to the conclusion that trying to hold Cairo is impossible, against a remotely determined Italy.
Maybe it was because I was playing with Canada, SAF, and UK as seperate powers? I don’t know… but the ability of the Italians to stomp UK in the med is ridiculous…
The facts are:
1. Itaies navy in the med is 30% larger than the U.K.'s… (Even with Greek ships.)
2. With UK unable to attack Italy Round 1, UK has to surrender 2 ships JUST to hold onto Cairo, and the rest of it’s fleet turn 1!
3. UK doesn’t have the capital to outspend the Italian navy, even with a UK#1 complex, and UK#2 navy buy, with threats on england…
With the loss of Egypt, things get bad for the allies quickly…
I suggest the following possible resolutions:
1. If PARIS falls G1 - Italy is considered at war, and can be attacked.
2. If EGYPT is taken, Russia and USA get +5 to their DOW threshold/income
3. Drop a sub, OR cruiser off of SAF.
The 6.0 revisions will address this issue.
Please don’t strangle Italy too badly here. She has a good navy to start, but let’s not forget the UK is able to make those landings in Greece/Yugo (not to mention Brazil) for the instant bonus before the Axis are able to do anything at all.
I think Wild Bill made some great points about the devilment the UK can cause the Axis in the Med. on T1.
