@EBard:
I’m currently painting my set, once done I plan to take photos of all the pieces and then create some little booklets (maybe index card sized?) for players to reference. Each page of the booklet will include small pictures of each nation’s copy of the unit plus its stats. I’m hoping to theme the booklets to look like those Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) recognition manuals.
That sounds freaking awesome EBard. Would definitely love to see the final product!
Very good point Hand Grenade. I forget that others may not realize or catch on right away. Of course I know, I’ve invested a lot of time and money to it!
I just meant that either way you have a key, right? People won’t know what each color means either. My only question was to have a key of either the color painted, or a silhouette of the unit. Was just seeing if I could save you the paint jobs :-)
Just out of curiosity, what does adding a color to the base do to make identification any easier for you? Either way wouldn’t you need to consult some kind of key?
You don’t think the different sculpts in themselves are identification enough?
I agree with you on the rules. I really do like this one a lot. This may be one of their better thought out expansions.
Totally agree with complimenting each other too, though I wonder if there are some conflicts at times. I asked about the Turkey at War Expansion on the Global War page actually in relation to this:
“Another question I have also relates to if using the Turkey at War Expansion as well. Let’s say two Turkish Partisans form together, make a Militia, and take Transcaucasia. According to the rules this wouldn’t initiate war with the USSR, but would the USSR be allowed to make Partisan generation rolls for the territory since it was taken from them and is a Home Country territory? This would also apply to Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Crete too I believe, as they are minor nations, but would not apply to Syria or Cyprus because they are colonies of a major power, but not Home Country, correct?”
On top of that question, I wondered to myself later what would happen in other scenarios. Like, what if an Allied controlled Turkey had partisans in Crete, formed a Militia and took it. Then Greece is attacked by the Axis and becomes Allied controlled as well, with both eventually becoming Allied aligned. Does Turkey get to keep Crete, even though Greece is on their side? My guess would be yes, but I could see how that may cause conflicts.
Good call on the Spanish Civil War Expansion, I’d completely forgotten about that one!
Bummer your group might not want to use it. I think this is another we will for sure use!
Got it, just wanted to be sure I wasn’t misunderstanding your strategy!
So the Partisans Expansion is out! What do you all think of the rules?
I think they are a pretty awesome set of rules really. They did a good job having all sides have the ability to utilize them. True, the Axis won’t get many chances, but the Italian partisans in Kashmir and Trans-Jordan is great!
I like the varying chances for partisans as well. The French partisans having the chance to be Communist or Free French is intriguing as well! As the rule says, they created this with intentional friction between the Allies and Comintern in mind, and I think that’s exactly what they did.
I like the partisan actions as well, adds some great flavor and gives them a real ability to be effective! It’s great that they can have something to do on the combat phase of their controllers turn, rather than just have effects on the enemy’s turns (rail and supply disruption, and enemy forces attacking them).
One thing I think I’ll need to clarify with the HBG guys is the conflicts with other expansions. There’s a couple I notice immediately:
In Fascist Croatia Expansion, the Comintern rolls for partisan generation on a 12 for Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. But the Partisans Expansion now shows Yugoslavia as rolling Comintern partisan on an 11, and French on a 12. If playing with both expansions, how do you play? I assume you just amend to do a recruitment roll for each power for each new territory.
This one isn’t as glaring. I just wonder if this affects the Winter War expansion in any way with the Partisan rules there?
The only other thing I’m wondering about is the supply tokens. Reading the rules, it looks to me like these are solely used for Partisan purposes. Do supply tokens have any other effect in the game or in other expansions?
When you LL, the ship that carries the unit is the originating countrys origin until it hit the receiving port. So, as Japan is at peace with the Allies, it can freely pass through Suez or the Strait of Gibraltar. UK can of cause declare war and stop this, but if doing so, Japan can conquer freely in the Pacific, so that’s not likely :mrgreen:
Am I misreading this? I didn’t think LL actually used ships in any way. It’s just something that you send from a major factory from your home country to a harbor in the receiver player’s country, without the use of ships, right?
I definitely understand the point of Japan passing through the Suez while at peace with the UK, but I believe those Japanese unit(s) would still stay Japanese.
Have I misunderstood the rules?
Some ideas for expansions…
A Red Star Ascendant expansion with an emphasis on the Russian Civil War and Polish-Soviet War, to include cavalry, armored cars, and armored trains, along with special units like Cossacks, White Guards, Red Guards, and the Czech Legion.
A Southern Cross expansion that gets into the ABC naval rivalry, with options for Argentina to join the Axis.
A Great War expansion that allows players to construct trenches, employ assault troops, and use airships.
You’re getting into some pre-1936 ideas here! Very interesting thoughts though. Would be a lot of fun to expand the Russia stuff in a pre-WWII game!
Expansions are always cool but some additional focus on the base unites would be nice. Would be good to see some new sculps to replace the tokens/chips (i.e. heavy artillery, advanced subs, etc.).
SJ
They actually have a heavy artillery piece at the HBG store for all nations I believe (excluding neutrals). Maybe not one for Soviets, but they could have made the US one in USSR color. They have a lot of sub pieces as well that I’m sure you could use to signify advanced subs for at least some nations!
Page 66, under the title “Free France”.
“All IPP currently in the possession of the French player are surrendered to the Axis.”
���� me. I’ve read that manual 500 times. How could I have missed that?
Thanks for clearing that up :mrgreen:
Same, thanks General! I went right to that section to and somehow glossed right over it!
The rule for any major power is if your capital is taken, you must give up all IPPs to the bank. Only in the case of France do the IPPs go to the conqueror if Paris is taken.
The last sentence about the case of France, can you provide a link or tell me where in the rules this is mentioned?
Thanks in advance :-)
I missed that as well. Just did a quick review of the rulebook and I do not see that as a rule. Only that defeated capitals lose all IPP’s.
Europe zones go to Britain and pacific/Asian zones go to the FEC
I hadn’t really thought about this being an issue, honestly. While that makes sense in terms of figuring out the game, and is how A&A works too, it’s funny that it’s almost an exception.
By that I mean, what if ANZAC takes a territory in Africa or Europe? They get the IPP’s, don’t they? But if FEC does it, it automatically goes to the UK?
The rule for any major power is if your capital is taken, you must give up all IPPs to the bank. Only in the case of France do the IPPs go to the conqueror if Paris is taken, obviously it will be Germany most of the time. But yeah I think I am actually going to try it the next time I play as German/Italy. Might consider getting the Japanese player in on it too if Siberia is looking pretty weak. If it fails then oh well :). Obviously, this requires preparation from the very beginning.
Thanks KingKuba, that’s what I thought as well re IPP’s and capitals falling. Someone saying the USSR kept theirs if Moscow fell is what confused me. I’ll be sure to correct them on that point as well!
I think it definitely could be something worth trying. Having Japan help could only strengthen the support. I can go back to the original thread on this topic as well to discuss there, but it would be interesting. While the USSR won’t be done in (with the ability to create a second capital, I mean), they will be severely hurt, and going a whole turn without being able to build troops. While it doesn’t knock them out, I do wonder if it essentially makes them no longer a HUGE threat. This would allow Axis forces to concentrate more power in the west, which would help at this juncture since you will have left it under strength to make this strategy work.
I agree, it’s most definitely a strategy that would have to have been thought out starting turn one. Again, it’s on the other thread, but since the blitz ability expires if not used, you’d have to act quickly to make it work.
As for Japan being aligned with the Allies, I do not have specific proof that they can be aligned, but technically both Japan and the Allies can be at war with the Soviets at the same time. How they would handle that is up to the individual players.
Exactly, I know it’s conceivable that they both are at war with the Comintern at the same time, but I think falls short of actual alliance. But you’re correct, that’s where individual players come in, they could essentially have a pact made that says they won’t fight each other and take out USSR. But that assumes they can trust the other to not back stab them as well! :evil:
Concur. The game from reading is awesome and watching g folks on YouTube. My first foray on it should be this upcoming weekend or so. (Have to finish some door hanging and remodeling first.)
I have a few questions that I am compiling. I have things I think I can assume but will look for clarification on what others think. Minor things.
Definitely post questions in the forum or at the Global War page. I’m sure we’ll be able to knock them out together!
I ended up with the base sets (still canÂ’t figure out how missed the preorders on these as been doing the preorders since 2013.) and happy with them.
Industrial complexes: happy enough with them that itÂ’s convinced me to upgrade my GW 36Â’ from the tokens to these. Possibly upgrade some of the regular A&A 40 games as well.
Mountain: great sculp!!!
Partisian: I am not to sure whatÂ’s on the head…looks like might be a turban…but no…maybe special forces night vision goggles…but WWII…maybe kill two birds one stone and will be used in GW 2025… So happy to have a different sculpt but not my most favorite. Possibly even meh on getting more (but IÂ’ll probably will still purchase knowing me)
Milita: Nice basic guy. Good decent sculpt. Very easily identified from a infantry unit on board. Although I am considering still painting the round base yellow as well as throwing a washer on bottom of him and magnet inside the Milita chip… still working it out.
Commander: Like him. Very Patton like stance. Or at least how imagined. Hope for more and rules for commanders in 36Â’. Always have a use for commanders in Struggle for Europe and Asia WWII.
Anti-Aircraft Gun: basically identical to A&A grey generic AA gun. I like but since have A&A 40 2nd ed AA guns not sure will grab more. Although these are much more compact which might be a need since I have the 4x6 foot map.
Costal Gun: I like this more than I thought I would. It wonÂ’t be immediately but plan to upgrade to these from my custom creation.
TBD: I do like the detail if one looks close at it. Like how canÂ’t confuse it with anything else. DonÂ’t like have so many now and canÂ’t be built (although some nations start up from 36Â’ donÂ’t have them but do have them in 39Â’. So as a player we canÂ’t buy them but the different set up does allow them so as a player itÂ’s not possible they o duplicate the start up of 39Â’ if even wanted to. )
Costal Sub: meh. Like having them but could of just as easily not got them. As will either still place something under it or buy the Costal marker from HBG. (Have a butt ton of bases 1/2” by 3/4” wooded bases 1/8” thick might paint up as original game got them for I do t play any more.)
Overall I am happy with me grabbing one of each color. Would of grabbed more but already purchased stuff the week before. Plus only one black available and miss not able on o get a “blond” for FEC. Wish I had not grabbed a bunch of TBD the week before the Base Sets became available. Probably list some of the extras later.
Italian sets from INWTGU are great! Very happy with them. Only thing not happy about is have like 10 BBs and CVs now. All them would never get to the table. But only way to get the number of tanks I wanted.
Also I play tons of 18XX games and found poker chips just make income tracking so much better than paper money. Highly recommend the IPC chip set. They are high quality. Not exactly cheap either but we’ll worth it. Grabbed two sets of each and extra 10 “1’s”. Giving me 60 “1’s”, 30 “5’s”, 20 “10’s”, and 10 “25’s”. Can tell when they had them manufactured they went the full month as one side isn’t always matching if flipped over. Ligned up is what I mean. Usually cheaper sets they could be twisted or turned just slightly. As well as the writing on ththe side of the chips.
Plus INWTGU has excellent customer service. Although I never had any issues with FMG either but think most my dealings with them was before they attempted to put that Singapore game out. Which have a sneaky suspicion started the trouble.
I too didn’t notice that there were still preorders available! I don’t have any partisans or commanders because of it. Will definitely get partisans once available.
I believe the partisan hat is supposed to be from the Balkan/Yugoslavian background, but I could be wrong!
@Cornelius:
This game is the exact reason I purchased a table that can be covered up to �store� a game like this.
This game wasn�t created yet but it�s exactly what I bought the table for originally to have a place to keep a game set up.
Then it�s a normal dinner table during the week.
I thought about this. I myself am so busy I am lucky to play once or twice a year. If you can seal up your game you can just pick up where you left off even a few months later.
Do you have any pictures of your table?
Agreed, I’d love to see some pictures if you are able!
Thanks for the info Midnight! Good to know. They definitely seem like good guys from the posts I’ve seen them make here. Good to know on the FMG Italians too. I’ll have to seriously consider it. I haven’t heard any word on HBG making an Italian set, but would be pretty cool.
Chris, I saw the question you posted about Germany using the Lightning War ability against the Soviets on the global war game website. I actually have considered doing that, using the medium armor, mechanized infantry, and armored cars. I considered going to Russia’s major factories rather than Moscow so they can not build much except militia. Granted I would need to attack at least 3 different territories which is very difficult, but it is doable. Especially if you do not sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and take eastern Poland and maybe even Lithuania for yourself. Of course you leave the West exposed to France and the CW which sucks but it is just a fun thought. I have considered doing it because I want to see what happens and I want the Soviets and the West get involved in a war.
Interesting, that would also certainly be powerful. I’m a bit confused on if the USSR losses their IPP’s upon Moscow being taken. On the Global War site someone said they do not, but on another thread here someone said they do. Do you know? I haven’t found definitively anywhere.
But yes, it’s an interesting thought. I won’t rehash the whole thing here, but taking Moscow in the first turn of invasion would be a big blow, even with the Soviets being able to declare a second capital, and especially if they do in fact lose their IPP’s when Moscow falls. As you point out, it would make the West much more difficult. In my other posts I do point out that this is also situational, and a lot would have to fall in line well for the Axis. It would take some careful planning to pull it off, while simultaneously preparing in the West.
I have considered doing it because I want to see what happens and I want the Soviets and the West get involved in a war. Japan can even side with the Allies in order to attack the Soviets I think? Correct me if I wrong, but I could’ve sworn I read that somewhere.
I too would love to see the Comintern and Allies go to war some time. I wonder how often it happens in peoples’ games?
As to your Japan siding with the Allies question, I don’t believe that is possible, but I too could have missed something somewhere.
I’m waiting for my order of the long anticipated Base Set. I will only use Coastal Subs and Torpedo Boats though. I’m actually pretty happy with the plastic roundels with an Infantry unit on top (Militia, Mountain, Ariborne, Marine, US Marine, Veteran, Volksturm, Blackshirt etc.)
So far we’ve used a yellow chip underneath to specify “worse than” (the unit on top).
We have used the same approach for units not available (Italian Medium Bomber for example). I have now bought the Italian set from IwillNeverGrowUp (waiting for that delivery as well), to get rid of the last yellow chip on the board :mrgreen:
I was actually gearing up myself to buy the plastic roundels before they announced that base set! I’ll still need some. Afrika Korps (I don’t intend on making them a different color), Volkstrum, Blackshirts, Axis Marines, Italian airborne, etc.
I love to try and have unique sculpts for everyone if possible! I love the flavor on the map. I’m sure this goes back to our other conversation, Munck, about streamlining games vs. just digging in for the long haul!
Also, I’ll still need to supplement other units too. Light tanks, heavy tanks, medium bombers, armored cars, tank destroyers, light carriers, motorized infantry, self-propelled artillery, heavy artillery. I think that’s it. All in good time :)
You’ll have to let me know how that Italian set looks. I assume it’s the FMG set? Never did business with FMG after hearing terrible reports about them, so never bought. If you like them, I may have to visit IWNGU’s website and get them myself one of these days.
@Rank:
That is a wild idea, Chris, in my opinion, Germany will have to be very weak on the western front to try that. If they move most of their units to fight the Soviets maybe that could be something to try. I’ll keep that idea in my back pocket though.
Haha like I said, 100% hypothetical. It’s definitely in the realm of could happen, but not at all likely too. I like to flip the script on some of these and think “what’s even in the realm of possibility?”. I like to try and think what the opponent might do, or what I might do if I was in their shoes.
I love this kinda stuff. This type of play while rare, can be a really entertaining twist. CCP or KMT leaving China. It’s all situational like attacking Spain or Portugal for a US naval base, costs 10$ make the French pay most of that or share the cost. This isn’t really any different Chris good points.
Thanks Rank, I’m right there with you! Exactly, it’s ALL situational. There are a lot of different things that may present themselves. I think we all forget sometimes that the Allies have the ability to attack the little guys too, if they really wanted to. If I see an opening that I think will benefit me, you bet I’m going to seriously consider it, despite how far fetched it may seem!