EH,
I admit the map itself has been somewhat in a holding pattern for the last couple of weeks so that I could get the German mortars and 88's working. I've managed to create a deadly effect in certain specified zones, but the visual properties (impact, smoke, etc) are not showing up in online play correctly. I'm trying to fix this so I can get going on the level again. In addition, I would like to explore the possibility of Katyusha rockets for the Soviet side instead of artillery - basically modding the artillery to have a different launch and incoming sound with rocket trails in the sky. Just a thought...and just one more thing that's holding up release.
To answer your question directly, I would characterize the map as still in an advanced Alpha stage. Terrain and main landmarks like roads, tree stands, fences, smaller buildings, and objective/spawn points are in place. There is a lot of the desired detail missing though: most of Altdamm itself, interior decorations, etc. Over 50% of what I am doing is custom, and not taken from stock materials. I'm using real terrain features as an overlay in my design, such as canals, ditches, hills, areas that are light and heavily forested, etc. It's taking me a lot of time as you can imagine.
Bottom line is that I would like to take my time and do this right. I got an itchy trigger finger with my Voronezh map and released it as a preview version too early and then never went back to it
I want to do this one right! Believe me, it will be worth the wait. I'm able to work on it about 2 hours a night between work and family stuff. I'm sure you understand.
I would like to release a playable Beta sometime towards the end of this month (March). I may let selected people take a look at the final Alpha to test the mortar or try to work with the Flak 88. I think the AHZ guys would like to explore this further and I'm willing to help out or lend my map as a test bed. Whatever is needed to better the community.
I hope everyone enjoys playing this when it's finally done as much as I've had making it.