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LordLefty
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BoA2 Strategy Guide?

Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:37 pm

Gents: :)

Is there a BoA2 Strategy Guide?

Or a list of "best practices & tactics" for players?

There are some "Commander Notes" in the user manual that have been helpful to me.

Hopefully, there exists more documentation? :confused:
Your most obedient servant, [SIZE="4"][font="Comic Sans MS"]LordLefty [/font][/size] ("Mike")


"The die is now cast; the colonies must either submit or triumph... we must not retreat." - King George III

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arsan
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Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:02 am

Hi!

No, there isn't any :bonk:
You can find strategic advices reading threads on the forum (the search function works good to look for something in particular).
There are a couple of sticky post at teh top of this subforum with interesting rules explanations (check out the supply one :coeurs :) , but they are not Strategy Guides.
Also, on the AAR subforum you have a bunch or AAR's that can give you some ideas ;)

Of course, you can just ask here about any doubts you have :thumbsup:

Cheers

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KG Erwin
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Strategy Guides

Sat Aug 22, 2009 1:24 am

Yes, this would be fantastic. I've fumbled around with the game, trying to get a handle on "what do you do"? Some guidelines would definitely be helpful.

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LordLefty
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:35 pm

KG Erwin wrote:Yes, this would be fantastic. I've fumbled around with the game, trying to get a handle on "what do you do"? Some guidelines would definitely be helpful.


Actually, it is not so much "what do you do" in terms of a scenario's victory conditions... these are clear - control "X" number of strategic towns, destroy enemy units, control "X" number of objectives, etc.

The WIA challenges I (and other newbie players?) are experiencing are how to handle (what do I do) in regards to the basic mechanics of unit movement and combat?

For example...

When should a unit attempt a forced march?

What are the optimal ROE settings for a small force? Should a small force avoid combat when moving?

Should Indian units always have their ROE setting for ambush?

If you don't have a specific task for a force, is it better to remain "inside" a structure? Or outside a structure, so it can retreat if attacked by a superior force?

How do you calculate the relative strength of an enemy unit - especially with fog of war = ON?

When marching a force to contact with the enemy, is it better to move your force short distances (maybe just 1-2 adjacent land areas) in order to maintain cohesion?

Is it wasteful to have a force with two (2) supply wagons?

Is it "safe" for Leaders to travel alone? Or should Leaders always be stacked with combat units?

And so on...

As a newbie player; with no general rules to follow in regards to basic unit movement and combat, we are left "guessing" what to do? :confused: So, I just try different tactics, guessing that I may stumble upon a correct combination? :confused: Sort of stumbling around in a closet with the lights turned off?

I've played the AI in several games... and I have maybe learned a few tactics?

I have also placed an 'opponent wanted' ad in the AGEOD PBeM forums. Maybe playing against a human opponent will help me in learning the fundamentals of movement and combat?
Your most obedient servant, [SIZE="4"][font="Comic Sans MS"]LordLefty [/font][/size] ("Mike")





"The die is now cast; the colonies must either submit or triumph... we must not retreat." - King George III

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arsan
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:28 pm

Hi

Well, i guess most of your questions have a "it depends" kind of answer ;) .
A very basic rule of thumb i use on AGEOD games that usually gives good results is "try to do things in a way that they would have worked in real life". IMHO on AGEOD games you can do without much number crunching and use instead common sense and knowledge of historic tactics and strategies as a base. They try to simulate XVIII century warfare and they succeed in most. So what worked back then, use to work in WIA. :thumbsup:

I'll try to answer your questions...

When should a unit attempt a forced march?

Obviously, when you are on a hurry to arrive somewhere ;)
In game terms i use it mostly when a stack planned move takes 31-35 days, so, if successful, i will end my movement under 30 days and arrive at my objective in just one turn.
The % success change depends of the unit type/quality. Usually militia/wagons and the like won't make it. Use it mostly with light forces that have high % chance of archiving it.

What are the optimal ROE settings for a small force? Should a small force avoid combat when moving?

It completely depends of the situation. If you risk finding bigger and stronger forces on you way, evade. if your force can be expected to catch some weak force, don't evade.
In general, move on defensive as it costs you less cohesion than on offensive and it's safer if you stumble on an enemy force (defensive can use terrain to their advantage). On very safe areas (no enemies around) you cna move on passive for still less cohesion loss.

Should Indian units always have their ROE setting for ambush?

Ambush only work for stationary units. So if you are moving around it won't do anything. Its really tricky to manage an ambush.

If you don't have a specific task for a force, is it better to remain "inside" a structure? Or outside a structure, so it can retreat if attacked by a superior force?

Again it depends. I use to leave small garrisons inside (safer against small raids) but bigger field armies and irregular forces outside so they don't get trapped.
Of course, having a fort or fortress makes it more interesting to stay inside, but be prepared for a siege or a "do or die" battle with a force inside a structure if a strong enough enemy force attacks.

How do you calculate the relative strength of an enemy unit - especially with fog of war = ON?

Tooltips will give you different levels of info depending of your detection value. Use Indians, spies or irregulars on adjacent regions (and on evade combat!) to have better info.
The little colored balls on the base of the stack will give you a general info about size (number of balls) and health (color of balls). With the supply filter on, the color will reveal their supply status (green good/red bad).

When marching a force to contact with the enemy, is it better to move your force short distances (maybe just 1-2 adjacent land areas) in order to maintain cohesion?
Again it depends. Moving reduces cohesion and combat power. But if you are in a hurry... Sometimes its better to arrive sooner but weaker than later but stronger... others don't :bonk:
In general, let the guys rest form time to time or move in 15-20 days long movement so they are fit enough for a battle.

Is it wasteful to have a force with two (2) supply wagons?

Each supply units carry a fixed supply amount that you force will consume. So having 2, 3 or more will give them more turns without starving or the need to resupply. So again it depends of the force size, your number or wagons and the force mission.

Is it "safe" for Leaders to travel alone? Or should Leaders always be stacked with combat units?

Yes, its pretty safe. They have good evasion rating so they can cross enemy controlled and occupied regions with little chance of capture/death (like 95% chance or so). remember to always put them on evade combat.
I have them stacked with troops except when i want them to travel far away to maybe lead another force in a different colony. They move much faster alone.

Hope it helps!

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squarian
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:12 pm

I'm very new also, so no great insights to offer. However, on the topic of strategy in the strict sense, it seems to my limited experience that the strategic problems vary depending on the side and scenario.

In the FIW, the French are elusive and pack a punch, while the British are clumsy and start with mostly colonial troops of indifferent quality. From the British point of view, the special "fort building" events more or less mandate some limited offensives to secure the fort sites, but for the first few years of the game the British player has to play very cautiously - wait for his troops to train and better leaders to arrive and try his best to fend off the inevitable French raids.

The full AWI campaigns are trickier still for the British. The CA has almost all the advantages - mobility, defense in depth, better leadership, and time to wait. The historical British plans probably won't work against a competent player. Without much experience, I haven't seen a clear way for Britain to win these scenarios.

Should Indian units always have their ROE setting for ambush?

Ambush only work for stationary units. So if you are moving around it won't do anything. Its really tricky to manage an ambush.


[INDENT]What does ambush do anyway? The tooltips are vague. And how do you know when the ambush is set? In the AWI it seems like one use would be to park a few Indians in a backcountry zone where it's likely the CA will be infiltrating small groups of militia and other units into a British-occupied region. Use Indians in ambush as a kind of mine-belt to trip up infiltrators and give early warning.[/INDENT]

How do you calculate the relative strength of an enemy unit - especially with fog of war = ON?

Tooltips will give you different levels of info depending of your detection value. Use Indians, spies or irregulars on adjacent regions (and on evade combat!) to have better info. The little colored balls on the base of the stack will give you a general info about size (number of balls) and health (color of balls). With the supply filter on, the color will reveal their supply status (green good/red bad).


[INDENT]Anyone know if the information given is accurate? For example, if the tooltip for an enemy force lists only the number and type of units (leader, 3x militia), can that sometimes be incorrect - in fact there might be 4 militia?

Likewise, if you've got enough detection to get the full list - the one with the names and strengths of all leaders and regts in an enemy force - are that list and values reliable, or is there the possibility of units present in that force not being detected or the power values given being inaccurate? In other words, how far can you rely on your intel?[/INDENT]

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arsan
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:33 pm

Hi

Yes, info on enemy stack is reliable. you may have mroe or less, but the tooltip won't lie.


Ambushes supposedly give a high combat advantage to the ambushers in the first rounds of a combat, and then an increased possibility to retire (if i recall correctly).
The battle report should tell you if the ambush was suscesfully 8look at teh lower corners icons.
The problem is that the result rarely is spectacular.
Your idea for ambush zones is how i try to use them also. But it seems i always pick the wrong areas and nobody comes around. :bonk:
By the way, regarding ambush; you can use ambish+evade combat+defensive posture and still be able to ambush if the roll is susscesfull (pocus said it).
No need to be on offensive. And If you ambush on offensive you will do a normal attack if the ambush roll is not successful :thumbsup:

tagwyn
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:47 pm

A: Do you not like me any longer? I value your advice and experience as you and I are similar in relying on games against AI. t

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arsan
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:04 pm

tagwyn wrote:A: Do you not like me any longer? I value your advice and experience as you and I are similar in relying on games against AI. t

:bonk:
If you sometimes posted something ON-TOPIC for i change i would like you more, Tagwyn :neener:

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LordLefty
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:15 pm

arsan wrote:Hi

Hope it helps!


Your answers have been very helpful! :D

Why can't forum coordinators set-up a WIA frequently asked questions (FAQs) sticky? Simply list questions and answers by subject... for example use subject headings such as "Movement," "Supply," "Combat," "Transport," etc. and then just copy and paste players' questions and the answers into this thread? :confused: I don't believe it would take a lot of time to set-up or manage?

It would be a great resource for both newbie and veteran players? :thumbsup:

For example, a WIA FAQ thread may look like this in the body of the entry:

Movement

When should a unit attempt a forced march?

Obviously, when you are on a hurry to arrive somewhere ;)
In game terms i use it mostly when a stack planned move takes 31-35 days, so, if successful, i will end my movement under 30 days and arrive at my objective in just one turn.
The % success change depends of the unit type/quality. Usually militia/wagons and the like won't make it. Use it mostly with light forces that have high % chance of archiving it.

When marching a force to contact with the enemy, is it better to move your force short distances (maybe just 1-2 adjacent land areas) in order to maintain cohesion?

Again it depends. Moving reduces cohesion and combat power. But if you are in a hurry... Sometimes its better to arrive sooner but weaker than later but stronger... others don't :bonk:
In general, let the guys rest form time to time or move in 15-20 days long movement so they are fit enough for a battle.

Combat

How do you calculate the relative strength of an enemy unit - especially with fog of war = ON?

Tooltips will give you different levels of info depending of your detection value. Use Indians, spies or irregulars on adjacent regions (and on evade combat!) to have better info.
The little colored balls on the base of the stack will give you a general info about size (number of balls) and health (color of balls). With the supply filter on, the color will reveal their supply status (green good/red bad).

Should Indian units always have their ROE setting for ambush?

Ambush only work for stationary units. So if you are moving around it won't do anything. Its really tricky to manage an ambush.

If you don't have a specific task for a force, is it better to remain "inside" a structure? Or outside a structure, so it can retreat if attacked by a superior force?

Again it depends. I use to leave small garrisons inside (safer against small raids) but bigger field armies and irregular forces outside so they don't get trapped.
Of course, having a fort or fortress makes it more interesting to stay inside, but be prepared for a siege or a "do or die" battle with a force inside a structure if a strong enough enemy force attacks.
Your most obedient servant, [SIZE="4"][font="Comic Sans MS"]LordLefty [/font][/size] ("Mike")





"The die is now cast; the colonies must either submit or triumph... we must not retreat." - King George III

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arsan
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:55 pm

Hi!
Well i guess we will need more questions and answers than these ;)

But your idea is nice!... Why don't you do it yourself :w00t:
Check around the forum and find interesting topics and create a FAQ.
You can learn a lot in the process and help other players! :thumbsup:

As an example, a similar thread was created by a player/volunteer for AACW ans was a great success. Check it here :coeurs:
http://www.ageod-forum.com/showthread.php?t=10483

Of course I will be pleased to help answering any question you have to the best of my knowledge! :)

AGEOD is a very small company. It needs volunteers to create guides, FAQ's and the like. AACW game has tons of this kind of cool info because dedicated players step up and create them to help other players :coeurs:

Cheers!

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LordLefty
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:15 pm

arsan wrote:Hi!
Well i guess we will need more questions and answers than these ;)

But your idea is nice!... Why don't you do it yourself :w00t:
Check around the forum and find interesting topics and create a FAQ.
You can learn a lot in the process and help other players! :thumbsup:

As an example, a similar thread was created by a player/volunteer for AACW ans was a great success. Check it here :coeurs:
http://www.ageod-forum.com/showthread.php?t=10483

Of course I will be pleased to help answering any question you have to the best of my knowledge! :)

AGEOD is a very small company. It needs volunteers to create guides, FAQ's and the like. AACW game has tons of this kind of cool info because dedicated players step up and create them to help other players :coeurs:

Cheers!


I am fine collecting and organizing a WIA FAQ thread.

I assume a forum coordinator would set it as a sticky?

Would I be able to edit and update the WIA FAQ thread after it becomes a sticky?

I also strongly recommend that more veteran players then myself supply the answers? :confused: I only have six (6) days of experience with this game system! :blink:

Let me know.

Thanks!
Your most obedient servant, [SIZE="4"][font="Comic Sans MS"]LordLefty [/font][/size] ("Mike")





"The die is now cast; the colonies must either submit or triumph... we must not retreat." - King George III

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lodilefty
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:37 pm

I assume a forum coordinator would set it as a sticky?

Yes :D

Would I be able to edit and update the WIA FAQ thread after it becomes a sticky?

Yes :thumbsup:
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arsan
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:40 pm

Cool! :thumbsup:
If you ask and organize i and other players can give answers and opinions :)

TheDeadeye
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Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:29 pm

Sounds like a good idea.

I'd be happy to contribute in answering questions too for BoA2 ;)

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Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:33 am

Well, LordLefty, you really arrived with full force :w00t: ... welcome to the community! :thumbsup:
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LordLefty
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Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:29 pm

Generalisimo wrote:Well, LordLefty, you really arrived with full force :w00t: ... welcome to the community! :thumbsup:


Thank you! :D

I find it is usually better to move in with a "full" force... :blink:

Easier to hold my objectives?
Your most obedient servant, [SIZE="4"][font="Comic Sans MS"]LordLefty [/font][/size] ("Mike")





"The die is now cast; the colonies must either submit or triumph... we must not retreat." - King George III

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