Ship Review:
SMS Nassau


The Nassau class were the first dreadnought battleships built for the Kaiser's navy. As such, they were the prototypes of many of the construction features we will see and discuss later. While shorter than the HMS Dreadnought, they carried just as heavy a broadside, and arguably better protection.


Firepower: C As a class 4 battleship, the Nassau is pretty much limited to the 2 sidemount and 1 bow/stern gun paradigm, with 1 pump.

Given that the six turrets are arranged 'lozenge' fashion, with no superfiring turrets, it cannot quite pull off the Death Y, nor can it have a 20 degree down angle haymaker like the Viribus Unitis can. The wing turrets do offer up some opportunities for unusual gun arrangements, but I don't think that these are of any great merit.


Speed: D

Nassau is a 28 second ship, and furthermore, due to only having three shafts, will have difficulty acclerating compared to a four shaft ship. Nothing too bad, but it is something to keep in mind.


Maneuverability: A

The counter to the speed issue is that with three shafts and twin rudders, Nassau has the holy grail of manuverability. Nothing on the water will be able to spin with you, except ... the other 3 shaft twin ruddered ships. There aren't many, and they're all Axis


Target Factor: A

The Nassau is the smallest Axis dreadnought, and combines low freeboard with casemates almost the entire length of the ship. Combine this with her maneuverability and she can be well night untouchable.


Skill Floor/Ceiling: Low/Moderate

Much like the Viribus Unitis, the Nassau is relatively beginner friendly. She's tubby and maneuverable, and the combination of a good gun configuration and small target area make for a ship that is a hoot to battle, and a pain in the tail to battle against. Again, for the experienced battler, the lack of speed to secure kills can result in some frustration.


Conclusion:

Overall, I think that Nassau is the best Axis battleship for those just getting started, or those who want a light, fun, easy to battle ship to have a good time with. She won't necessarily dominate the lake, but she will always show you a good time.


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