1. How many trucks (Mechanized Infantry) could each country reasonably use in a game?
In my (albeit, limited) experience, Japan, Germany, UK, and Russia–if Germany goes Sealion–require the most. Say, a dozen for starters. Italy could use half a dozen, US forces are usually consolidated (4-6?), ANZAC rarely buys them (2), and France rarely buys anything (0-1).
2. How many AA guns could each country reasonably use in a game?
AA guns are rarely purchased in my experience. Maybe one or two by UK and/or Russia the turn before a big Moscow or Calcutta attack. I’d say paint enough for the set-up, then add two for UK and Russia and one for everyone else but France.
3. What naval ships could the Italian player use?
Italy is very swingy. Either you need tons of ships, or you never need more than you start with. I’d say double what they start with, add two carriers, and add a few subs.
4. What ships should Germany and Russia use?
I’ve never played a game where Russia built ships, but that doesn’t mean it can’t or shouldn’t be done. Maybe add one of everything plus an extra sub and destroyer? Germany often does buy ships. Two carriers, 4-6 extra destroyers, 3 extra transports, and an extra battleship would probably suffice. You often lose a lot of starting subs on turn 1, so those would probably be enough.
5. Relative sizes of A) Italy’s air force B) Everyone else’s
Again, Italy is very swingy. However, even when Italy is getting beat down, air units are often a good buy, because they can support stranded Afrika Korps units, threaten Russian can-opening and defend Western Europe. I’d say half a dozen extra fighters, three tacticals, and a second bomber for starters. It’s possible for Italy to get huge and do big air buys, but for a typical game, that should do.
6. How many cruisers from each nation?
Personally, I never purchase cruisers with any nation as they aren’t as cost efficient as destroyers/subs/carriers. So for me, I would only paint enough to set up the board–perhaps one or two extra for US/Japan. If you’re concerned about allowing options for new players, add two for Germany, two for UK, and three for ANZAC.
7. Any pieces other than what France starts with that should be painted?
Not really. Maybe a mech.
7. Any other differences in unit use between A&A Pacific (2000)/A&A Europe (1999) and A&A Global?
I haven’t played those games in quite some time, but major differences I can think of off the top of my head: mechanized infantry are incredible, fighters are cheaper/bought more, armies can get HUGE. Make sure you have plenty of chips available. I actually make the green chips count as 10s instead of 3s in my games.
Hope this helped. Keep in mind this is all based off my small experience with pretty vanilla progressions.
Also, it is really cool that you take the time to beautify your A&A games like this. Please post pictures when you’re through so we can ooh and ah :)
