Rise of the Reds Update: The Gathering Storm Options

[MARS]

Greetings and salutations, dear fans. Well, technically it hasn't been a full week since our last update but since it's Easter today, so here is the official completely non-Easter themed Easter Update. I hope you all enjoy!

South Sudan, 2041

Despite the successful destruction of their black market facility in Central Africa, the insurgents continued with their nigh-constant harrassment of the Russian forces, giving General Orlov little reason to celebrate his hollow victory. "Frontal aviation has lost another Berkut in sector Volga, Sir!" the radar operator reported as another dot disappeared from his screen. The General sighed: "This is getting out of hand." Their encampment was isolated and thus dependent on re-supplies from the air by means of Ilyushin transports. But over the last few weeks, their casualties soared, necessitating the remaining planes to be escorted by Berkuts. The situation was so desperate that fighter pilots where given the order to throw themselves between the transports and any incoming Stinger missile to protect their vital deliveries. Tension inside the command tent was thick enough to cut with the proverbial knife when suddenly a distinct alarm went off; it was reserved for major attacks on Russian military installations. "What the hell is going on out there!?" Orlov wondered. "We just lost all contact to one of our outposts in the Bahr-el-Ghazal region near the border". Mere seconds after he finished, the alarm rang again, this time multiple times in a row while the digital map showed several Russian bases under attack all the way between South Sudan and Zambia; it seemed as if the entire Central African border region was flaring up. "Turn off that awful sound effect and get me Juba on the line!", the General ordered while the base went on high-alert with soldiers kitting out and swarming to their defensive positions. "Headquarters isn't responding", the radio operator replied with a tone of increasing nervousness. "Sensor coverage is getting dodgy as well", the Radar-op added while more and more sector statuses disappeared from the map.

"Comrade General, I'm receiving a video transmission......It's got a European code!" General Orlov raised a curious eyebrow, then ordered the operator to patch it through on the screen. He was greeted by the sight of a senior officer in a German Wuestentarn uniform and a black beret. "I'm General Wolfgang-Maximilian von Kuerten of the 10th Panzerdivision in Southern Chad.", the stranger identified himself in a fast, matter-of-fact tone from what seemed to be the inside of a command vehicle: "It appears to me as if your territory is under a massively coordinated attack by GLA forces. We've tried to contact your headquarters to offer our support but no-one's responding." Orlov was shocked: "The GLA, you say!? So the lead was correct after all. Damn high command! These insurgents are way too well armed and organised. I told the brass countless times that our outposts were under-equipped and under-manned for this sort of thing but they wouldn't listen. Anyway, Herr General..." The German interrupted him: "Just call me Wolfgang. We're grown up men and we don't need any of that formal, cadet school chit-chat in the middle of a war. I've got three mechanised infantry and two armoured brigades standing-by and eager to pursue these bastards. You are the highest-ranking Russian commander we managed to contact: Do you - request - our assistance, yes or no?" It didn't take Orlov too long to pick up his courage and respond: "Well, given the circumstances we are facing, any help we can get here would be appreciated, so go ahead". Wolfgang nodded his approval. "Oh, and it's Yevgeny by the way", Orlov added. Suddenly, the short reprieve was interrupted by the sound of a nearby explosion and a soldier rushing into the command tent: "Comrade General, Sir, our base is under attack!"

What looks like an unsuspecting supply truck from the outside can turn into a stealthy anti-air weapon once deployed.
The Stinger troopers that emerge from the back of the vehicle are veterans of countless conflicts and their proficiency with their launchers even rivals the effectiveness of more sophisticated heavy AA systems.

With the betrayal and subsequent execution of Prince Kassad, the GLA lost its go-to expert in the field of stealth techniques.
Thankfully, what little knowledge and technology was recovered from the remains of Cobra Cell could be studied, allowing Observation Vans to be upgraded with GPS Scramblers.
With a Scrambler in place, the Van creates a field of radar interferences around itself, turning all vehicles within the radius invisible.

In other news, I shall present you the link to the official Rise of the Reds Facebook page.
In addition to ModDB, you can soon find all of our news, updates, screens and other goodies here.

Please have a look and give us a Like!

[Dangerman]

Looks great, so I'm guessing it's all weekly updates about the GLA till release since that's sort of close-ish? Since Wolfgang is mentioned in story/lore part is there going to be an update with ECA stuff soon?

[MARS]

I wouldn't say so. We mostly have this many updates as of late simply because we added a lot of new content for the GLA, which is why we had a rather large pool of renders on stand-by. Do not expect us to carry on with weekly updates forever now. We may keep this up for a while and eventually get back to a more moderate (semi-)monthly update schedule, depending on our progress. The positive thing however is that we will most likely NOT fade into a year of complete silence ever again. We are well aware that this unfortunate turn of events may have cost us some popularity back in the day and we will not allow our ModDB page to be filled with speculation about the mod being 'dead' ever again.

As for the actual content: We've been putting out a lot of GLA renders simply because they will be the greatest new addition to the next version. Rest assured though that China, Russia and the US will get some nice little additions as well and chances are that they too will be part of some future updates until release. Right now, we will concentrate on testing Rade's new AI for the GLA. The current update pattern is in no way meant to be some sort of countdown or indication as to how long it'll take until we release, though.

Wolfgang's appearance is mainly there for story reasons: It establishes his character, provides a handwave as to why the game refers to him and the other ECA generals by their first names and lays the basis for the Russians' eventual failure in Africa. We probably won't be posting any actual ECA updates until AFTER the next release, because from then on, the next version will be the one that actually HAS the ECA in it. Right now, we simply aren't working on the European faction on a large scale, so the stuff that we could theoretically show you may or may not be subject to sudden changes.

[Comr4de]

Indeed and be sure to look at our new facebook page for some exclusive screenshots as well. /shamelessadvertising

[Darkfire Angel]

Wow I'm loving the new GLA, can't wait to play them. A few questions

1) Will the Ural truck be the GLA's tier 3 AA unit since they lack an air force?
2) Will the Ural truck be repackable or is it just a once off thing that once it's unpacked it's in place for good?
3) I assume Observation Vans are replacing the GLA Radar Van, since the Command Truck now supplies radar; the implication of the lore is that the van must be upgraded with the GPS scrambler and will only work on vehicles?

[Red Guard]

nice!

[SpiralSpectre]

Love how the story takes a sudden turn with the arrival of ECA. Yeah Russian forces are back to square one and are once again getting pummeled by GLA coming outta nowhere - but guess that's how things have to shape up when giving GLA the light. Once again the story has a sense of suspense, along with a deeper atmosphere of tension and desperation, really enjoyed these.

Wolfgang's appearance was a pleasant surprise. It was a nice little cameo convo between two apparently badass yet sincere and efficient gens. Maybe they'll talk again later. The first name exchange part was specially good.

Once again, the GLA are surprisingly, if not unbelievably, well organised like they were in ZH. Would we get any info on how they possibly maintain communication between their isolated cells and run such well coordinated attacks without getting tracked/intercepted? Ofc even EA never bothered to make up reasons behind the GLA's efficiency so it's no biggy.

The ending was a classic cliffhanger. It was nicely done, but personally I think cliffhangers are mean! Now I'll be wondering about this for the next whole week. :/

BTW specially loved this line - The situation was so desperate that fighter pilots where given the order to throw themselves between the transports and any incoming Stinger missile to protect their vital deliveries. Throwing themselves in front of a stinger missile - that's SO Red!

As for the renders - I totally love the idea of the Ural truck. A innocent looking truck transforming into a killer base, that's good! Plus the idea of mobile deployable defenses add a new dimension to the game.
So will they be able to pack up again after once deployed? Will they be produced from the Arms Dealer? Is this GLA's special tier 3 AA we heard of or is this just a tier 2 AA?

The GPS scrambler is a great addition from Kassad's forces. Should be really useful with the new stealthier and more mobile GLA.
One silly question - just making sure, does the scrambler itself remain visible or not?
And is the Observation Van the GLA scout?

And it would be really nice to get some updates on the new additions to US, China and Russia in teh coming version. The new GLA is great, however a refreshing change of taste is always welcome I guess.

[Mcbob]

2) Will the Ural truck be repackable or is it just a once off thing that once it's unpacked it's in place for good?

In one of the screenshots on the facebook page, you'll see that there are a couple of trucks packed up with veteran ranks. I would say it is indicative that they can be packed up after deployed to fire. Think a crude S-300.

Question: The STATUS damage type which I presume will be used to create the GPS scrambler's stealth-effect radius has the issue of permanently nullifying an already stealthy unit's camouflage abilities after the STATUS effect wears off. I'm just a tad concerned about the Ural Truck seeing as how when deployed, the soldiers in it and the surrounding radius is sandbagged and netted in camouflage. I take it there won't be an gameplay issue/bug here?

This post has been edited by Mcbob: 8 Apr 2012, 11:28

[MARS]

Right, the Ural Truck can switch between a mobile and a deployed state. In its mobile state it can be moved around - duh - but is completely defenceless and visible to the enemy. However, once you deploy them, they become stealthed and those two Stinger lads aren't just random dudes that were given missile launchers like the ones in the Stinger Site. They pack a ton of punch and reload quite quickly as well. A single well-placed Ural could easily wreck the primary economy of an opposing USA and provide decent cover against airborne threats. And yes, you purchase it at the Arms Dealer.

As for the GPS: We changed the Radar Van's name to Observation Van because, like someone said already, radar coverage is now provided by a deployed Command Truck. The Van is basically the GLA scout unit, being available at the Hideout and equiped with stealth detection. The GPS Scrambler is an upgrade that requires a rank 3 general unlock and needs to be purchased individually. Vehicles within the radius, as well as the actual Van, turn invisible as long as they stay within the radius. As for the technical aspect, I'm sure The Hunter can shed some light on that.

As for Spectre's question about the GLA being super-organised, I would say this is another one of these competence bonuses that are simply necessary in order to make them a plausible threat, much like they were in ZH. If I really had to think up a reason, I would say that its due to their new tunnel strategy and mobile command structure, which allows them to do better micro-management, optimise their logistics and remain unassailable where it matters. One could make the point that their cells aren't actually all that 'isolated' since they are fighting in and around Central Africa, which is actually the closest thing to an actual GLA home territory for the first time. And then there's Sulaymaan who may actually be more competent in actual military matters than Deathstrike, whose motivational skills are more 'convincing' and who formed some profitable deals and relationships with other organisations. Another point is also the fact that he's noticeably more wealthy in-universe. Under his leadership, GLA front companies actually became a veritable force in international oil and diamond trade. It's still a bit flimsy, but I guess the notion of hyper-competent terrorists is just one of the things that one has to accept in this story-universe. But I promise that we won't stretch it too far this time: High profile GLA military operations will exclusively take place within the boundaries of Africa in our story and whatever they do in other countries will be akin to actual terrorist operations as opposed to 'lol I got tanks in your capital, killing your dudes'

[Shiro]

1) Will the Ural truck be the GLA's tier 3 AA unit since they lack an air force?

No.

[The_Hunter]

Question: The STATUS damage type which I presume will be used to create the GPS scrambler's stealth-effect radius has the issue of permanently nullifying an already stealthy unit's camouflage abilities after the STATUS effect wears off. I'm just a tad concerned about the Ural Truck seeing as how when deployed, the soldiers in it and the surrounding radius is sandbagged and netted in camouflage. I take it there won't be an gameplay issue/bug here?

No issues of that kind.
We did do something with a status effect but in a different way you are probably imagining it right now

[Jester]

Great update as usual guys looking forward to using the truck deploying them in a sneaky place and popping you enemies aircraft now and again will be awesome. You've created some really awesome units and structures so far... The truck and dushka are my favourite I can't wait to play GLA I hated playing them in vanilla ZH but you've given then much more flavour awesome job guys!

This post has been edited by Jester: 8 Apr 2012, 13:01

[Panzer4life]

I have many plans for the GLA against the Russians, American, and Chinese forces in my mind. However, is the Ural the tier 1 air defense, similar to the Gatlin tank, Avenger Humvee, and the Russian Tunguska?

[Casojin]

It's nice to see highly mobile GLA forces.

[n5p29]

that GPS Van somehow makes me smile.
well done!

[Destiny]

I have many plans for the GLA against the Russians, American, and Chinese forces in my mind. However, is the Ural the tier 1 air defense, similar to the Gatlin tank, Avenger Humvee, and the Russian Tunguska?

Read their description carefully.

[Shiro]

However, is the Ural the tier 1 air defense, similar to the Gatlin tank, Avenger Humvee, and the Russian Tunguska?

No.

[MARS]

The GLA uses Quad Cannons for light anti-air and Ural Trucks for heavy AA. As far as these two roles are concerned, the units are supposed to be direct equivalents to the AA units of other factions.

[Cobretti]

Their encampment was isolated and thus dependent on re-supplies from the air by means of Ilyushin transports. But over the last few weeks, their casualties soared, necessitating the remaining planes to be escorted by Berkuts. The situation was so desperate that fighter pilots where given the order to throw themselves between the transports and any incoming Stinger missile to protect their vital deliveries.

I wonder why the Russians didn't start using "wild weasel" tactics like the US did in Vietnam. That or just fly above the effective range of Stinger missiles (provided the GLA weren't able to get close enough to the airfield to shoot them down when they were coming in for landing) XD

As for the question as to what role the Ural truck fills, it has to be Tier 2 AA; it's deployable like the S-300 and judging from the new screenshots on the RoTR facebook page the GLA still have Quad Cannons (Tier 1 AA)

[MARS]

I wonder why the Russians didn't start using "wild weasel" tactics like the US did in Vietnam. That or just fly above the effective range of Stinger missiles (provided the GLA weren't able to get close enough to the airfield to shoot them down when they were coming in for landing) XD

As for the question as to what role the Ural truck fills, it has to be Tier 2 AA; it's deployable like the S-300 and judging from the new screenshots on the RoTR facebook page the GLA still have Quad Cannons (Tier 1 AA)

[engages the handwave-o-matic]
Weeell the constant threat of Stinger attacks may have forced the Russians to perform dangerous Sarajevo-landings on the few operable airports they actually have in South Sudan. So even if the GLA does not actually attack the planes, they still put themselves at risk of crashing by accident. And since we're talking about Candid transports doing supply deliveries to far-out bases that likely don't have an airstrip, they'll have to drop their supplies via parachutes, forcing the planes to fly lower in order to make as precise a drop as possible because otherwise, the hostile population might intercept the goods and pass them on to the GLA before Russian ground logistics can pick them up.

As for in-game, yes, this is tier-2 heavy AA. Fun-fact: We were originally considering to have the Gadfly for this purpose and flat-out replace the Radar Van with a full blown Radar Tank akin to Deathstrike's which would act as recon, long range detection and fire-control for other units while making the Gadfly function only within its radius. We did eventually decide in favour of the Ural because it's unique enough, very GLA in nature and, most importantly, not as ludicrously unconventional and needlessly complicated than this Gadfly would have been.

[Cobretti]

As for in-game, yes, this is tier-2 heavy AA. Fun-fact: We were originally considering to have the Gadfly for this purpose and flat-out replace the Radar Van with a full blown Radar Tank akin to Deathstrike's which would act as recon, long range detection and fire-control for other units while making the Gadfly function only within its radius. We did eventually decide in favour of the Ural because it's unique enough, very GLA in nature and, most importantly, not as ludicrously unconventional and needlessly complicated than this Gadfly would have been.

Really cool idea, but I can see why it was dropped...it would have been a bit too micromanagement intensive to be effective. The Gadfly does make more sense as a long-range heavy AA unit than a Stinger missile launcher, though.

[MARS]

Well, the Ural isn't super long-range if that helps. It doesn't have the amazing range of, say, the Grumble.
It still packs a good punch and comes with the obvious benefit of being invisible once deployed though.

[Shiro]

Now all that's left is to reveal the tier-3 AA to the masses.

[Comr4de]

Now all that's left is to reveal the tier-3 AA to the masses.

Indeed.

[Darkfire Angel]

I'm really hoping that GLA's T3 AA is something different.

On another note will the Toxin Tractor be getting an update, it is honesty the worst looking GLA unit in the game, and if not will it be unique to the Bio-weapons general?

Will we still be seeing the combat bike?