Custom Map/Scenario Idea for a Designer

[boomerFranck]

Recently, I had a blast playing Spartanovka as Red. With a Kar98, I set up in the right flank bunker inside Housing Block 1. Another player (assault) jumped in and said "We gonna hold this f-ing bunker to the death." He and I then proceeded to interdict reinforcements as they came across from right to left approaching the cap zone.

Of course, this quickly drew attention and lots of fire. Normally, I'd have displaced, but "not one more inch of the motherland to these fascists!"

We held as long as we could (90 secs or so), but were ultimately suppressed, flanked and killed. Strangely enough, we weren't killed by a grenade but by a German MKB. It was a highlight for me in RO2 and I don't think I've as keenly felt a death as that one.

First, thanks to the player who jumped into the bunker and added so much fun to the game. I wish I remembered your name (Wootie or some variation?). I'd look to play with you on any server.

Second, this could be an interesting idea for a map: Place a well devised and placed bunker system that fits a squad (6 to 8 players). Maybe add a fixed HMG or two. Set the defending squad to 0 reinforcements and the assaulting force to a reasonable number (75 or so). For play balance, adjust reinforcement levels, arty and recon support along with cover for the assault.

If this is feasible, the defending force would be in "countdown" while the assault in "territory".

Reactions?

[cpt.capper]

i think this is a good idea. just because this game is "Heroes of Stalingrad", doesn't mean that community maps have to be in the battle of Stalingrad. The scene described above reminds me of a kurland kessel type map from RO1. I think that branching out to other parts of the eastern front would be a good overall direction for community made content. This isnt to say that Stalingrad content is bad, I just think that TWI has that stuff covered.

[-=}WoLvErInE{=-]

I'm actually working on something similar for when RS releases. It's called Bunker Alley.

[=7Cav=OIFVET101]

I like the idea myself.

As far as maps go I would love to see someone take real battles and begin mapping them, especially if and when we get a workable campaign mode. Battle for Seelow heights, kursk, and such would be great.

Of course one limitation I know a lot of community mappers are still facing is lack of vehicles, and I truly hope they come along shortly.

[boomerFranck]

Wolverine, I'm looking forward to seeing your work.

Demolished factories and demolished urban landscapes are iconic with the Battle of Stalingrad. Historically, there were a number of fortified positions in open areas. So this map could be true to the Heroes of Stalingrad premise as well as historically accurate.

On August 24 at 4:30 in the morning Group Drumpen of the 16th Panzer Division launched an attack against Spartakovka, the northern-most industrial suburb of Stalingrad. The attack began with bombing by the Stukas, and then the tanks, grenadiers, artillery, and engineers moved forward. The infantry was absent, because in the forty-mile run of August 23 the 16th Panzer Division had outrun the 3rd and 30th Motorized divisions. The 3rd Motorized Division was twelve miles back and the 60th was twenty-two miles behind the panzers. All three units were little islands in a sea of Russian hatred.

General Hube, seeing his danger out in front, ordered his troops into a "hedgehog," a circular pattern with the division's heavy artillery in the center, covering all angles.

Still, the advance on the twenty-third had been so rapid, and the Russians so stunned, that the Germans expected an easy victory. Instead, they ran into a rocklike defense in the northern outskirts of the city where the NKVD men had organized the defense. On the grounds of the tractor factory, General Feklenko's troops fought. At Tinguta, General Golikov's tanks stopped the German advance.

The suburb, they found, was heavily fortified, and every building was a barricade. A dominating hill known to the Germans as "the big mushroom" bristled with pillboxes, machine-gun nests, and mortars. Rifle battalions and workers militia from the factories and elements of the 62nd Army were here. They had their orders from Stalin: "Not a step back."
Source

Here's an aerial reconnaissance photo of the "Big Mushroom" from 17 Sep 1942:

Source