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Being a gameplay mod, I would expect new units and stuff, but this is
seriously an improvement, at least in numbers terms. The Allies get no
less than 15 new vehicles (not to mention Country specifics) and about
7 new infantry. The Soviets and Yuri also get a similar degree of enhancements.
However, the problem lies somewhat in its similarity to other mods. Fen's
received a lot of stick because some of the units bear great similarity
to those from other mods (eg, Chrono Medic: Also featured in Eagle Red,
Inferno Tank: Also featured in RA2DYR). Personally: I say so the hell
what? At least he chose the good units, no? And I would personally say
that a Chrono Medic for the Allies seems like a reasonably sensible thing,
not just a thing you associate with Eagle Red!
However, there are a few things that need sorting out...
The Strike Tank, for instance, seems to be essentially the same as the
Grizzly. I don't think that was the intention, but it really needs to
be altered or removed. Useless units like this are a bit annoying, as
they clog up your build menu, and serve little real purpose.
Some of the units don't work all that well, such as the 666 Tank (obviously
taken from ROTC), which seems a little n00bish (able to kill a CY in 2-3
shots). Couple that with the fact it's given to the Allies who have the
ludicrously brilliant Plasma Tank and it's a bit off. However, some units
and their voices are excellent (TS or RA-inspired units take their voices
from the respective games). The German XT-105M Titan tank's voice is particularly
cool (even if the unit is deceptive in size, being the king of anti-armour
warfare, and probably capable of absorbing the damage bestowed by a black
hole's singularity)
Another cool thing is the changes of Orange and Pink to Grey and White
respectively. If you play white you could have a lot of fun pretending
to be civilian units, and have a real hoot in proving you're not!
Soviet forces tend to be a little more regular, based once more on offensive
force than defensive tactics. However, the Tesla Vanguard seems a bit
invisible as yet...
Yuri's forces have been upped in power and now seriously pose a threat
to the other sides. So much so in fact that I fear they are TOO powerful.
The Shaman, who calls in a strange lightning force shot is ferociously
powerful and can single handedly reduce an entire base to rubble. It needs
toning down a little so as there's a chance of surviving it. Also, some
units could really do with renaming and re-graphic-ing so as it's easier
to tell them apart from other mods (eg: Transport Disc). Yuri's Air Force
is all-powerful and there are some touchups needed on a few of the sections
of his vehicle list. The Chaos Tank somehow still has a magna-beam, which
is unbefitting of a Chaos Tank. Many units, despite the audio enhancements,
still use the same voice packs, and some turrets arent FLH'd properly.
Minor bugs here and there, and small niggles that need to be sorted. Also,
a large number of units should either be cut, altered heavily and given
new graphics. I'm pleased to see my Demolitionist cameo being used (for
the Gattling Trooper). That made me smile :)
Unbalanced, excessive overkill. Perfect for the long, drawn-out multiplayer
game. Rushes won't be as common because you don't get to experiment with
all the cool new stuff!
But if it's a good old slug-fest you're after, Fen's mod has it all. Just
it has too much of it, and needs to be culled some, in addition to fixing
some problems and altering and toning down the units. Keep up the good
work, though, and we are oh so close to a winner! I would've given it
more, but some stuff just HAS to go, or HAS to have a new graphic.
Rating: 6.5/10
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