Volume of fire versus protection in a cruiser duel

The Japanese counter-design enters the simulated duel with twelve main guns against the American cruiser's nine. Its greater volume of fire makes it dangerous, while its thin armour leaves little margin for absorbing hits, hence the description of it as a glass cannon. More barrels appear to give the Japanese ship the advantage during the exchange. The result tests these particular game designs and does not establish the merits of historical Japanese and American cruisers. The cautious conclusion is that ten-inch cruisers may be less attractive than their heavier guns initially suggest.