Ryujin

One thing I noticed is that the British troops have a couple weapons that seem like they could easily be used to upgrade some of the US units. Namely the M249 para and the FN MAG without the M240B heat shields (I'm not familiar with the British designations off the top of my head). The M249 para could be used to fix the current old full stock M249s for both the US Army and USMC. Correct me if I'm wrong, but for the kinds of units in your average CMSF battle, the para or other upgraded SAW would be much more common than what's currently shown. The MAG could fill in for the M240G (I'd put some optics on both, but that would be some extra work). I don't know how interchangeable and change friendly the game engine is, but it wouldn't seem like a lot of work to implement this.

Most tanks with a CITV (commanders independent thermal viewer) can do that, in this case M1A2s. The commander can sight in a new target and override the turret controls to bring the gunner onto the target where all he has to do is lase and fire. As far as TOWs, they are pretty much ambush weapons, but I do agree everything seems to spot faster than HMMWVs, escially the recon ones.

Speaking of OFP2, I'm actually working on a simulation mod using that very slick EGO engine with LUA (CM:SF actually provided some inspiration). The new engine gives us modders a lot more freedom to push the gameplay in new directions (halfway decent AI, suppression modeling, armor modeling based on RHAe vs KE/HEAT not hitpoints, and so on). I worked on the ACE mod for ArmA and I think OFP2 will be a good opportunity to try some new things. you can check us out at http://combatsimproject.proboards.com/index.cgi? Anyway, there also was new trailer released for OFP2 today, http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363946

There are mines in the Marines campaign?!? I'm pretty far down the highway and I haven't hit a single mine yet lol. Maybe somebody upstairs like my pixel troopers . But yeah, breaching vehicles would be nice if I ever do hit a mine. My advice is to take your time and use craploads of ammo when your first learning. If its moving, shoot it. If it isn't moving, there's probably someone hiding there so shoot it. If it shoots back call for fire support. Recon by fire can be very useful if your unsure if you should move or if you want to reveal targets for your SMAWs/M1s/AAVs. One thing that I did on that mission was spend lots and lots of time conducting recon/counter recon using the scout snipers. I moved one team all the way across the map on the right side, allowing me to pick off their armor with cobras and significantly reducing ambushes. Also I left my armor back, except for a handful of AAVs.I also dismounted and concealed the infantry from the MTRV company, meaning only a few empty trucks left in the open got hit by arty, drawing most of their fire onto a sacrificial offering of MTRVs, allowing for a steady infantry advance.

Here's one from my first battle with the USMC pack, Scout/Snipers in the woods

I've managed a minor victory with 7 KIA and ~16 WIA. -My main stratagy was security through firepower, basing my attacks off of recon. The disnounted infantry are key, use them to take key buildings and provide overwatch and a little recon. The airbase HQ is a good spot for example, use them to find some of the AT teams and take them with mortar fire. -Key thing to take the HQ in the first place is heavy supression. Get a lot of Mk19 and M2 strykers up there and ID and hit any RPGs fast, recon by fire often helps. -When you advance up to the barracks keep your force organized and sweep methodically, avoid exposure when you can. MGS overwatch is useful. -I've found bypassing the first 2 barracks buildings works well. Take the back row and move towards the harder parts. -The SF HQ isn't too bad if you can get the upper hand fast, make sure when you hit, you hit hard. Secure your flanks first then move in. Try to coordinate your attack with as much arty and air support as you can, don't lift fire, instead time it so your kicking in the door right when the motars have stopped.

My one question now is... Does the TacaI use objects? If I tell my RPG team to move by an object, will they use it as cover and kneel to fire over it?

yikes. that AI sounds... bad. I'd have to also say I have a bad feeling about this. It also sounds easily correctable (from my limited knowledge). Give it better priorities. Instead of "closest unit", tell it to use closest best unit(s)". So it'll roll out that T-80 instead. Anyway, I'd appreciate the opinion of some one who has played it.

Wrong window *deleted*

You were probably looking at HMMVWs with CROWS, a remotely operated weapons platform, like what the stryker has. The gunner is in the back seat. As for the Stryker's driver's hatch, I imagine the crew can be ordered to unbutton (stick their heads out). Its not that common for drivers to unbutton, unless they're reasonable safe from small arms fire. The troops stick their heads out to add firepower and 360 degree visibility to supplement the VC.

thanks, that pretty much answers my questions.

1. In multiplayer, what is the max number of supported players? Also, is coop possible (2 vs AI)? 2. Besides Red vs Red/Blue vs Blue, is it possible to have Syrian regulars fight along side US troops vs UNCONs to do a joint US/indigenous force op? If its not in the game would it be hard to mod that? (doesn't sound like it) 3. Because the terrain is deformable... can I dig fortifications CMx1 foxhole style? Thanks, Ryujin

Which T-72 are we talking about? The 125mm is capable of penetrating the M1A1 Abrams side armour, though a frontal kill is unlikely, especially against a M1A1HA. The ATGMs (AT-11B) stand a better chance of a kill at long range and frontal penatration is more likly. In pretty much every case the T-72 is gonna want to out manouver the M1 and try for a side kill. However, don't under estimate the T-72, even in a frontal fight. Its not a gureented win for the M1. IMHO, the T-72s are gonna need to use the terrain, use amushes and engage at close ranges where they stand the best chance of knocking out the abrams. Especially in urban areas and close terrain where you can force the M1 to expose its flanks. Don't fight Iraqi style in the open if it can be avoided. If you have infantry and other assets, use them in combination with your T-72s, lure them into a kill zone. Or if your attacking get supporting fire other ATGM platforms. I'm not a tank expert and if some has better info enighten me too! Edit, I took to long typing lol