Ship Review:
IJN Kawachi

Settsu and Kawachi were Japan's first dreadnoughts, sort of. You see, they had 12x12" guns, but ... they weren't all the same length. Go fig. I don't get it either. Must be some kind of chibi thing.


Firepower: B With 4 units, and a turret arrangement similar to the Nassau and Helgoland, the Kawachi is very similar. Two sidemounts on the end, and a stern gun in the wing turret is the order of the day.


Speed: D

Kawachi has the same 28 second speed as the Nassau, but with even fewer shafts. Two, to be precise. Goodbye acceleration.


Maneuverability: C

Kawachi is short and kinda tubby, but only has a single rudder so she won't handle as well as the Germans either. Not terribly, mind you, but not great either.


Target Factor: B

Kawachi has a relatively low freeboard, flush hull with casemates, so that's something. She's not exactly easy to hit.


Skill Floor/Ceiling: Moderate/Low

Kawachi is a simple ship, but lack of a kit and plans availablity means a beginner would have difficulty. On the other hand, a skilled battler would be frustrated by her relative lack of maneuverability and slow speed.


Conclusion:

I've only seen one Kawachi, and while it was okay, that's about the best I could say for it. Unless you're a die-hard weeaboo, you'd best stick with ze Germans.

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