Rules question: Kamikaze

[richyj1]

Let me see if I have the kamikaze optional rule right, as it is quite different than the Axis & Allies: Pacific version.

I can declare any number of my attacking air units to be kamikaze. They would roll with their normal attack value during the opening fire phase (i.e., anything hit by them would not get to fire back). They are automatically lost at that time.

The rulebook says "only an enemy sea unit can be chosen as a casualty" - this seems to imply Japan is picking the unit to be destroyed? And, if so, does Japan do the casualty picking after the results are known, or must they pre-select their targets ("2 vs. the transport") like they do in Axis & Allies: Pacific?

By contrast, I do not see any language in the "Kaiten Torpedo" optional rule that would imply Japan picks the casualties...

I presume two hits are still needed to sink a Battleship even if hit with kamikaze.

[holywolfman]

To my understanding on the 'kamikaze' attack rule....you can attack with your Japan fighter (zeros)and not have to "legally" land on a carrier or make it back to a friendly land region....but then it would automatically be destroyed (crashed into a carrier/ transport/etc.)

If you are successful on your attack roll- the defender STILL chooses the casualty but MUST be only an enemy ship unit that can be the target destroyed (defender's choice}

[basically, It would be foolish to attack a BB group since they can 'absorb' one hit for each BB in the group....better on lone targets like transports or even destroyers; etc.]

-Hope that helps!-

Nick ;)

[Mike Selinker]

Nick has it right. I don't recommend kamikazeing a battleship unless you're using at least three fighters, and even then that's an expensive trade.

Mike

[richyj1]

Okay - not sure I see much use for them, then (maybe to strike unescorted, loaded trannies that are outside the normal range?)

Still, takes 2 to get better than 50-50 odds with a ftr - might be better to spend the money on long-range aircraft tech attempts, then you can sink the offending unit and keep the attacker (probably).

Of course, maybe this will have use in 'desperation time' when Japan doesn't have any money...

Rich

[rydiafan]

Of course, maybe this will have use in 'desperation time' when Japan doesn't have any money... Which is exactly when they were really used.

[richyj1]

Yes, but in reality they were used near the Japanese home islands (i.e., within ftr range anyway)

[helldjinn]

Originally posted by Rich:
"only an enemy sea unit can be chosen as a casualty"Zeros can kamikaze on submarines ? That seem strange...