Well, since this early Alpha of the Heroes of the West has been introduced, I think that Moskeeto and General Shepard are on a good path. But I do know that there's still a lot of work in front of them to make it all operational.
As for historical accuracy, there are some things that should be put in, such as:
- The M1A1 Thompson, which was the preferred SMG for the U.S. Army forces on the Western Front. Most M1928 Thompsons were sent or issued to British troops fighting in Europe.
- If there are gonna be variations of forces fighting in the modification or the stand-alone expansion (such as Rangers, Airborne, Infantry and Armored divisions), then the loadouts would have to be different in terms of weaponry used. The Airborne units used M1A1 Carbine, while the Rangers and other Infantry divisions used the standard M1 Carbine (which already exists in-game).
- As for the AT weaponry, there would definitely be proper AT weaponry. That includes the Bazooka, Panzerschrek, Panzerfaust as a possible battle-pickup by the ammo dumps. But the implementation of the Bazooka and the Panzerschrek, in my personal opinion, would require a separate Squad slot. Why? Because most Bazooka units worked in pairs (one shooter and one reloader). Even though the Bazooka and Panzerschrek would be able to fire on their own, I'd rather see that team-work in this, but it would be very hard to implement it into the game itself :/.
- Other weapons were used by German forces fighting on the Western front, and Moskeeto needs people to make those guns, such as Gewehr 43 and SturmGewehr 44. Also, the sniper class for the Germans would have to be updated to use the Gewehr 43 Scoped. Some officers carried Lugers and not Walther P38 pistols, so I think that the Luger should find its way here as well. I don't know if MP41 was used at all on the Western front, but if it was, I'd certainly love to see that one as well.
- Considering that not everyone used the M3 Grease Gun (it was mostly used in the Pacific Theatre), some units still used it on the Western Front (mostly Airborne units like 82nd and 101st Airborne). I don't know how much of it is true, but here's a link to check it:
http://www.d-day-publishing.com/portrait-series/col-bob-piper.html
The M3 Grease Gun would be a nice addition for the American forces, since it has a lower RoF than the M1A1 Thompson and I'd love to hear its sound during various skirmishes
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Now, that completes the infantry ideas that I have. Now, onto the vehicles and possible maps and locations.
Vehicles:
- Certainly ones to be included should be the M4 Sherman and Panzer IV tanks. Just for starters. As for the Panzer IV tanks, I think that Panzer IV Ausf.H would be the model I'd choose for the Western Front.
- Transport vehicles: definitely the Sdkfz.251, which is already in the game for the Germans. For the Americans, the standard M3 Halftrack.
Locations and possible maps:
- Omaha Beach would be the first one, obviously
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- I am a fan of the Brothers in Arms games, and there are many locations from that game that could be used as an inspiration for a map. I would definitely love to see the assault on Carentan by Airborne troops. Since Rising Storm was mostly fought on islands, urban maps is sort of a requirement for the Western Front
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- One map that revolves around Operation Cobra and the liberation of St. Lo.
- Definitely something during winter and Battle of the Bulge. Foy would be a great map for this.
Other stuff:
- The biggest problem I see, when combining forces such as Americans and Germans, is the issue of proper Artillery strikes. Naval barrage could be used only on the Omaha Beach map and not anywhere else. On other maps, Naval barrage could be switched with a different artillery strike (I'd choose from a variety of options here: M4 Sherman Calliope Rocket Strike, Creeping Barrage or just leave the standard Artillery Strike). As for the Germans, I'd love to hear that Nebelwerfer strike fear into the hearts and minds of the American troops.
- Hero ranks and uniforms: now that is probably the biggest question. If there are various forces and uniforms, how to make the Heroes stand out in front of the other soldiers? For the Airborne units, I'd make the Hero wear paint on his face and have his sleeves rolled up. As for the Germans, it would depend on the type of forces that would be chosen to stand for them in this game. I still have no idea how it would work for the Rangers units.
- Uniforms would have to be different within different units. As you know, Airborne used different uniforms in Normandy and later in Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. The Normandy ones were M42 uniforms and sort of brownish color, which were soon replaced with M43 uniforms that were green. Also, the markings on the helmets differentiate (they used Hearts for 502nd PIR, spades for 506th PIR and diamonds for the 501st PIR. The clubs were reserved for the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment). So, proper uniforms for proper units in the game or modification.
I know that these are not scripting ideas, but they are ideas and the possibilites that could be in the stand-alone game (or the Heroes of the West modification). And I know that these ideas probably add to the complexity of making the whole project possible, but I'd still love to see it in-game and I'd definitely cash out (e. g. 30 to 40 €) for something like this