It seems that one of the simplest ways to achieve a more balanced game would be to reduce the SBR bonus to +1, or 0, at least against the industrial complexes.
This rule affects all the bombers in the game, but they are primarily used by the Axis, the SBR damage against Russia (then UK Pac, then UK London) is one of the most paralyzing aspects of the economic game. When you are dealing with a few raids or bombers, the AAA shootdown and fighter cover rules seem to provide a good balance between a harsh raid and the ability to choose to use your fighters as a deterrent.
A good game goal for SBRs would be;
I know this would be one of those hated house rules, I’m a dirty dirty hypocrite…
My group doesn’t place as much emphasis on SBRs as I do, but one of our most widely accepted house rules is…
“Strategic Bombers only receive the +2 damage bonus to facilities if they have departed from an operational air base”
…which doesn’t necessarily help Moscow, but Callcuta is a bit relieved.
This is not a houserule board, but I can’t help it.
“Does not help Moscow.”
Yes it god damn does. The first time you SBR Mosocw you’re taking off from Eastern Poland. Maybe the second time, too.
“Does help Calcutta.”
Not really. Bombers are probably coming from a Kwangsi air base after J2. The only time it’d help them is on J2 itself.
Speaking of which, I usually don’t bomb Calcutta. The potential loss of a strat bomber sucks, and they’re not building more than 2-4 units a turn anyway after UK1, so the first six damage doesn’t matter at all. And then just a couple turns later, their income is so low (2-7/turn) that they’re not building anything that matters much anyway. This is only a very minor influence, but it might matter: if you bomb it, you’re bombing what will be your own factory.
This is not a houserule board, but I can’t help it.
“Does not help Moscow.”
Yes it god damn does. The first time you SBR Mosocw you’re taking off from Eastern Poland. Maybe the second time, too.
“Does help Calcutta.”
Not really. Bombers are probably coming from a Kwangsi air base after J2. The only time it’d help them is on J2 itself.
Speaking of which, I usually don’t bomb Calcutta. The potential loss of a strat bomber sucks, and they’re not building more than 2-4 units a turn anyway after UK1, so the first six damage doesn’t matter at all. And then just a couple turns later, their income is so low (2-7/turn) that they’re not building anything that matters much anyway. This is only a very minor influence, but it might matter: if you bomb it, you’re bombing what will be your own factory.
With my house rule…
Once you take Leningrad, the air base there will give German SBRs the damage bonus for the rest of the game.
There is no air base in Kwangsi unless Japan spends 15 IPCs just to get the damage bonus. I bomb Calcutta into the ground maxing it out so they can’t spend for a single unit… thats worth losing a bomber or two in my opinion.
Thanks for your input guys. It seems logical to me that instead of increasing the income of America or adding a bid, it would serve the same purpose to incrementally reduce the amount of money lost during SBR to the allies, who are the primary target of SBR and who seem to have the hardest go of it.
Welcome any more discussion or detail.
This is not a houserule board, but I can’t help it.
“Does not help Moscow.”
Yes it god damn does. The first time you SBR Mosocw you’re taking off from Eastern Poland. Maybe the second time, too.
“Does help Calcutta.”
Not really. Bombers are probably coming from a Kwangsi air base after J2. The only time it’d help them is on J2 itself.
Speaking of which, I usually don’t bomb Calcutta. The potential loss of a strat bomber sucks, and they’re not building more than 2-4 units a turn anyway after UK1, so the first six damage doesn’t matter at all. And then just a couple turns later, their income is so low (2-7/turn) that they’re not building anything that matters much anyway. This is only a very minor influence, but it might matter: if you bomb it, you’re bombing what will be your own factory.
To comment on this part that you added to your original post… once captured, the Major IC with max damage will immediately downgrade to a Minor IC with max damage, so if I really want to use it… it will only cost me 6 IPCs.
