Reading magazines really pays off, I would have missed on a 3 page preview and an excellent video otherwise
These are some facts from an article in the newest issue of GameStar. They went to visit relic and played an early version of the game. And they weren't just heavily impressed by the astonishing graphics. Here's some info on the gameplay:
Due to the destructable terrain you can rid the enemy of his cover. Which also means you rid yourself of cover if you advance too.
There will be 3 resources in the game: Ammunitions, Fuel and Troop Replenishments (that's been translated from English to German and back by myself, so forgive me any inaccuracies please). But as I understand the article you don't need to constantly resupply your troops with these but you need fuel to buy tanks and artillery and munitions are needed to buy unit upgrades.
There is no economic cycle though, you get these by pushing forwards into the enemy territory and raising flags on strategic points so that you gain a hold over sectors. You better watch your frontline however, if a sector gets cut off from your other sectors it becomes less usefull, like you're not allowed to build some defensive structures anymore. With cut off supply lines your formerly heavily entrenched enemy is easy pickings.
Each unit will have its specific strenghts and weaknesses. German tanks have historically corect better armor and firepower. Allied tanks are faster. Your medics will also be able to drag wounded comrades back into your local MASH which will put them back into action after a few moments.
Some enemies drop weapons like bazookas which your soldiers will be able to pick up and use yourself.
There will be 3 tech trees in the game (you have to pick one of them):
The offensive "Airborne" branch uses parachuters, bombing runs and scout planes.
The "Infantry" branch is better suited for a defensive strategy, meaning you get barrage and cover fire, defense and anti-tank guns.
The "Armor" branch is a mix of both, getting you better tanks and upgrades.
To advance in the tech tree you need command points which you get when your troops become more experienced (c&c generals, anyone?
Units in the field get experience too. Veterans have better aim, get faster into cover and have special abilities. If the group is reinforced due to losses, veterans even pass on some of their knowledge to the new recruits. According to the author, relic is planning on 4 ranks like private and sergeant.
Buildings are destroyed according to the munitions they're hit with and the location of the hit. According to Josh Mosquera, Lead Designer on the project, no building will get destroyed in the same fasion twice. Once only a wall will collapse, next time the entire roof might fall down and kill everybody inside.
At the moment, 20 multiplayer maps are planned. The world editor will also be included. There will be regular team games, ffas and some special options like "hold this town for 20 minutes" and "Destroy all bridges".
Originally Posted by Worf
