I am going to buy this game - JA2 - soon as I can come up with the money - start of the year. It really looks like fun. I am trying to get some general strategy ideas before I have the game so I will have some idea of what to do. I've been watching some long videos on Utube of someone actually playing the game. This is excellent, a perfect adjunct to any manual. This player begins by saying that his general strategy in this game is to sieze Drasen (spelling) airport so he can fly in people and supplies when he wants. He does not elucidate other possible strategies. Why would you not want to take the airport first? What are the alternate strategies? How do you get supplies if you don't control the airport?

I guess I am asking for a basic, very basic, outline of strategy for JA2. Is there such a thing? I went to the Bear Pit site but it is pretty overwhelming for a beginner. If there is such a guide could someone point me towards it?

Thanks

The Pit is intimidating, but there is a wealth of information there. Try Frank "Hitman" Hennessy's Combat Guide! as a starting point, even though a few things may be for 1.13 instead of 1.12 (glaser rounds and/or NIV for example). Also, this thread should be helpful.

Thanks, both threads were useful.

Both of these were most illuminating but I notice that they, and indeed all the guides I've come across, deal with tactical as opposed to strategic matters. Is there anything that talks about how to approach the overall campaign; what part of the country to invade first, how to handle militia, how to sequence attacks in different sectors, things like that. I know I may be asking things that will become obvious once I have the manual but, until I can afford to buy the game, I'm trying to get a grip on its key concepts. But the forums do seem to be chock full of tactical advice and to have very little strategic advice.

And while on the subject of the strategic level of JA2. Is there any connection between national politics and international and the rebellion. For instance, does the evil Queen seek help from outside her country? Does the US, or other nations the mercs are from, ever demand the mercs stop trying to overthrow a foreign nation? Things like that.

Thanks

The answer is to go whatever way you like to go. There is a suggested way, which the NPCs will tell you about (could you do X for us?), but you are free to ignore it and head straight to Meduna if you want. So the strategic layer is as flexible as you want it to be. 1) The mercs are not considered nationals of their country of origin, so their country cannot dictate policy. If Scully or Raider or Gus wants to take part in the operation, they will take part in the operation. As for the Queen asking for help, she may or may not, don't want to spoil any surprise. All in all though, Arulco is self contained with little to no outside involvement (well, except a band of mercenaries wrecking havoc in the countryside).

IMHO the best strategy is to take a cheap team which covers all the basics and get your cashflow up and running asap.

As far as i know the game is purely fictional, there are no relation whatsoever to the international politic condition, though there are some references to certain things.

Basically if i were to give strategical hints for new players in terms of where to go is, firstly go to Drassen (pre 1.13 version), the first decent mine with decent income is there and it is actually do able in terms of enemies difficulties, hence you should be able to take the city with the starting merc and starting equipment. And plus you liberate the airport also, hence could upgrade your equipment.

As for tactical things, when to invade and such, just a hint, you can train militia if the town's loyalty above 25%, and you dont have to fully control the town first so it might be a good idea to conquer some town sector and train some militia first before fully capturing the town, mind you Drassen in the first time does not need to do this. And personally i prefer night battles, it is easier especially if you are outgunned and outnumbered, but I do start my IMP merc with Night Ops trait so.....

Remember to outfit your merc evenly, as in A main gun, a secondary gun, some ammo, and at least a first aid so you can treat battle wound and does not die bleeding. The rest you will catch up nicely in Bear's Pit forum though. So happy hunting.