Putting the 'role' back in role-playing games since 2002.
Donate to Codex
Good Old Games
  • Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.

    "This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.

Completed Let's play Original War

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
So, are you going to redo it, to get the last crystals?
No, but I am going to show you what happens if you stay. :)

Powell can go to hell. We have a duty, and we are not going anywhere until it's fulfilled. The Russians can do their worst. Their attacks didn't put a scratch on us so far.

Whoah, he wasn't kidding when he called the force massive. Guess they must be tired of hitting a brick wall over and over again.
2014_11_10_232554.jpg

But even this force is no match for our brave soldiers... right?

After the initial exchange of greetings, my bunker is in ruins, and a third of their tanks are smoking. It is then when I notice another force to the south.
2014_11_10_232805.jpg

Ha! It's nothing we haven't seen before! There's nothing to fear, we'll get through this!

2014_11_10_232914.jpg

The armory and the bunker on the eastern edge of the base are gone, but I managed to stabilize the situation. The burning tanks do not allow the fresh ones to come in range to open fire, which allows me to pounce on them and burn them down from a safe distance, damaging them and in turn preventing new reinforcements from coming into range. It's a cycle of death and destruction, but it is working in my favor.

It is not tanks, but the enemy infantry that does me in.
2014_11_10_233402.jpg

The rocketeers sowed death from below, well outside of my range. I would have come closer to put an end to them if I didn't have a more immediate concern in the form of a gatling tank slowly climbing its way up the slope. While we are distracted, the second armory falls to the incessant fire.

Note the corpses of enemy soldiers littering the slope.

It is looking grim, but we are still holding...
2014_11_10_233616.jpg

It wasn't over until the game, tired of my tenacity and having run out of space to place the vehicles on the eastern side of the map, started spawning them inside my base as well. There is no way these two tanks have made it past my heavy rocket launcher when I wasn't looking.

I would surely have won if not for that totally cheating move! :argh:

Maybe I should have listened to Powell...

:hero:
Moral of the story: if you try to break the game too hard, the game might try to break you instead.
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
And this one is for Azira.

2014_11_12_210535.jpg

Fun fact #1: we still have the Arabian cargo truck.
Fun fact #2: the mission ends once your units who are still able to walk enter the evacuation area.
Fun fact #3: the units that are still alive at the end of the mission count as survivors no matter their health status or their location.

So we stall until we have the crystals we need, get Macmillan into the vehicle, and hitch a ride to the northern terminal while the rest of the team keeps the Russians busy and off his track. Once they die or are critically injured, the mission is an automatic success.
2014_11_12_210756.jpg

And look, Michael Jackson even survived!

That's how you get medals in OW. :salute:
 
Last edited:

Azira

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Nov 3, 2004
Messages
8,519
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Codex 2012
OCD game. :lol:

Then again, this is just what Steam does with achievements.. I would never have played Space Run quite as much, if it weren't for the purpose of getting all those 'chievos... :oops:
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Mission 10. Genie in a bottle.

Interlude.
2014_11_13_202523.jpg

Alpha Base; October 25, ERA + 1
Although the US had to abandon the mine, they'd finally obtained enough Siberite for a substantial research programme.

We are treated to a cutscene of our personal car entering Alpha Base.
2014_11_13_202527.jpg


It turns out we were summoned here by none other but the self-proclaimed General himself, for a private briefing, no less.
2014_11_13_202547.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- So why did you call me General?
Powell_small.jpg
- Now we’ve got the Siberite for our research programme, thanks to your good fortune Major...
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- It was more than good fortune sir. Those men...
Their screams when I was running with a tail between my legs on a truck full of Siberite haunt me to this day. The horror, the horror...
Powell_small.jpg
- Macmillan! Without research facilities the Siberite is worthless...
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- There’s the centre at Alpha...
Powell_small.jpg
- I know what we have here Macmillan! And it’s more than facilities. Half our personnel are living here and I’m not going to risk their lives by doing this research on top of them. Can you understand that?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Yes sir.
Powell_small.jpg
- Good. Your mission is to build a new lab, to be known as Epsilon. Just to let you know, Dr. Fergusson will be transferred there with the other scientists, so the quicker you move the happier you’ll be.
2014_11_13_202628.jpg

Powell_small.jpg
-
And Major, like you I've had contact with the Arab mercenaries. I believe there are benefits in our forces cooperating.
You have decided to ally with filthy kebabs in good faith? Are you mad!?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- (suspicious) In what way, General?
Powell_small.jpg
- I’ve made an agreement with their commander, Sheikh Abdul, to perform joint research on Siberite.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- You think we can trust them?
Powell_small.jpg
- I think we have no choice. The Russians are light years ahead of us on this. Four Arab soldiers will be in the mission team. You’ll assist them in building their own laboratory and ensure they have sufficient supplies of Siberite to work on. Is that clear?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- General, are you sure it’s...
Powell_small.jpg
- (angry) I said, is that clear Macmillan!?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Clear as day, General. :salute:
2014_11_13_202702.jpg

East of Alpha Base; October 26, ERA + 1
General Powell decided that Americans would join their research programme with Arabs. Only time will judge the merit of this decision.

As if we don't know how this is going to end... :|
 
Last edited:

Akkudakku

Arbiter
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Messages
1,125
I heard that Matrioszka bases are the rage this time of year. Or bunkers in kebab land at least.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
What exactly is a matrioszka base?
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Mission 10. Genie in a bottle.
2014_11_14_215619.jpg

Gary_Small.jpg
- This is crazy Major, these guys want to kill us and we just help them!?
I concur.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- We’ve got to trust the General knows something we don’t.
Gary_Small.jpg
- That’ll be the day.

New objectives received.
- Construct a base.

Here is a base of our would-be allies and our research team.
2014_11_14_215650.jpg


Hmm... are those cargo vehicles? Driving one in the last mission was pretty fun. May I have a ride?
2014_11_14_230920.jpg

Ooh, it is full of resourses, too! Maybe these guys are not so bad. Maybe there is merit in our cooperation. Maybe...

2014_11_14_230939.jpg

But I didn't do anything! Honest!

Unpardonable crime? This is carjacking at worst!
2014_11_14_230957.jpg

What civilian population?! I didn't even get the satisfaction of kicking the driver out!

Screw you, Powell! And screw you, Arabs! Fine, we'll do without your 'help'.

This is all a plot by Powell to slander my good name, I just know it.
2014_11_14_215749.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Glad to see you made it.
Joan_small.jpg
- So are we!
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I’ve missed you.
Joan_small.jpg
- You better have.
Peterson_small.jpg
- Glad to see you again, captain, lieutenant...Mr. Macmillan!
Oh! Even our kebab physicist from mission 2 is here!
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- You must be Paul Khattam?
Paul_Khattam.jpg
- (coldly) Hello, Major.
That's an interesting tune you are singing now, buddy. Have you forgotten already that we saved you from certain death?

Let's have a look at our roster.
2014_11_14_215853.jpg

Plenty of scientists, plenty of soldiers. A solid mix. Well, let's not keep Powell waiting and construct a depot.

New objectives received.
- Build a Siberite laboratory and supply it with power.


2014_11_14_220021.jpg


We unload the cargo into the depot, and immediately build an armory and a lab. We need to be able to quickly switch professions of our men to assist where help is needed most.
2014_11_14_220304.jpg


After the lab is done, our scientists scout the land in search of oil. We make first contact with the enemy right as we are finishing the construction of our oil drilling tower.
2014_11_14_220345.jpg

Two enemy soldiers. Thankfully, they are low-level, and the armory is nearby.

Meanwhile, crates are starting to arrive. We upgrade our lab to the optic one, to research materialization detection and improve our income by being able to see where the crates land immediately. But we need a power generator to run our research, first.
2014_11_14_220824.jpg


The crates are a bit sparse, so I order a construction of the workshop to recycle our cargo vehicles. We don't need that many anyway.
2014_11_14_221138.jpg

It is then when a shady-looking Arabian enters our base, no doubt with foul intentions. We watch him warily as he scouts the base.

As if on cue, there is an immediate attack on our installation by automated Russian vehicles. They ignore the Arab and head straight for us. Now, isn't that suspicious? :?
2014_11_14_221309.jpg

We make short work of the first tank, but the second one is out of our range. The armory cracks. I pull my soldiers out to lure the tank closer.

If this continues, the armory will be destroyed before long and I will be forced to fight in the field. I might need medics for this. So I also pull my scientists from the lab, and the first thing I hear is a report from one of them that they have sighted a Siberate deposit. Hurray?
2014_11_14_221417.jpg


:rage::rage::rage:

Yeah, I have built the lab right on top of it. Thankfully, I have brought enough Siberite with me to last me a lifetime.
2014_11_14_221522.jpg

The first attack from the Russians is dealt with. My buildings suffer a bit of damage, but nothing my engineers can't fix.

I construct the second armory to the north (you'll never know where you are going to be attacked from, and my scientists need to be able to protect themselves. I also upgrade my workshop and build several non-combat add-ons. Then I get a transmission from our scouts.
2014_11_14_221903.jpg

New objectives received
- Protect your base at all costs.


Sounds like this is going to be fun.

The number of crates continues to dwindle, and as I recycle all of my cargo vehicles but one, I have to make a decision where to invest the last of my resourses. Thankfully, I have our resident tactician Azira to consult with.
2014_11_14_222049.jpg

You just can't go wrong with bulldozers. :salute:

Almost as soon as we are finished, we get a chance to test one in action as we are assaulted by a stray soldier. His death was neither merciful nor quick.
2014_11_14_222251.jpg

It is eerily quiet, as I research all available technologies in peace. Laser sights, Automated turrets... everything but what I've been sent here to do.

I guess I'd better get on with it. I dismantle my lab and build a new one, with different upgrades. I specialize it in Siberite research.
2014_11_14_222811.jpg

Paul_Khattam.jpg
- Finally we can get some research done!
Gary_Small.jpg
- All you think about is that Siberite. Don’t you guys know there’s a war going on here? Why don’t you do something useful for once?
Peterson_small.jpg
- (cynical) No problem! We’ve got lead pipes and duct tape, give me an hour, I’ll knock you up a missile.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- We need better anti-personnel weapons, laser sights for starters.
Peterson_small.jpg
- Build an opto lab and we can look into it sir.
Um... I've just dismantled it.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- And if we had computer controlled vehicles that would free up more personnel to work on the Siberite. And that’s why we’re here!
Peterson_small.jpg
- OK, I’m sure we can do it, but not without facilities. Give us a computer lab and we’ll start work.
You have just finished your work! Man, and these are the people I have to work with...

I probably did things out of order again. Oh well. I hope it does not break things too much.

New objectives received.
- Research all available Siberite technologies.
- Research laser sights. (done)
- Research artificial intelligence. (done)


A few notes on the mechanics. The discovery of laser sights allows us to upgrade our armory to barracks, which in turn lets us train snipers instead of soldiers. These units have a very long range and do ungodly amount of damage against infantry, but pretty inefficient against buildings or vehicles, to the point where they can shoot a tank driver through the hatch without damaging the tank itself. They are pretty powerless against static defences and automated vehicles, though.

Artificial intelligence in its basic form allows you to construct automatic turrets. As you progress further through the campaign, the game lets you upgrade the efficiency of AI, allowing it to function as a higher level soldiers/drivers. Maximum skill level in the game is 10, and it is doubled if you profession corresponds to the task at hand. Meaning that a scientist with 10 ranks in soldiering skill can operate a cannon at rank 10, while a soldier would be able to go all the way up to rank 20. The highest rank a computer can achieve is 8, which is eqivalent to a 4th level soldier/driver, or an 8th level scientist/engineer. Needless to say, the best computers will never seriously compete with the best of humans.

As we continue our research, the scientists quip between themselves while the Arabs do another sweep around our base.
2014_11_14_222907.jpg

Cathy.jpg
- Peter Roth told me you’d found something new when you were mining the Siberite.
Irving_small.jpg
- That guys got a bigger mouth than a White House aide.
Cathy.jpg
- Peter believes in sharing information...
Irving_small.jpg
- He believes in lots of stuff, mostly crazy hippy shit.
Cathy.jpg
- You think wanting peace is mad?
Irving_small.jpg
- He doesn’t just want it; he actually thinks he can have it; now that is crazy!
Cathy.jpg
- He’s made more progress on Siberite than anyone except Fergusson. He may be an idealist but that doesn’t mean he’s stupid.
Irving_small.jpg
- Forget it. What we found was a new kind of material and it looked like it had been made for a purpose.
Cathy.jpg
- More alien technology?
Irving_small.jpg
- I think it’s a part of something, who knows, maybe they left us a way back to the future somewhere.
Cathy.jpg
- You think that? (laughs) Now who’s crazy!?

And funnily enough, another Russian attack comes right after. Ain't that some coinscidence?

We shoot the tanks with relative ease, but right as we are about to deliver a killing blow, the space shifts before our eyes and the tank vanishes into thin air! :argh:
2014_11_14_223136.jpg

Jackson_small.jpg
- Jesus! That tank was finished and it just leapt out of here.

Meanwhile, in the Arabian base...
2014_11_14_223212.jpg

Arab1.jpg
- (whisper) What is with this Khattam, he worships Allah and wears the infidels' uniform.
Arab2.jpg
- (whisper) Your religion reaches the darkest corners of the world, Mohammed. Even America!
Arab1.jpg
- (whisper) He belongs with us. Perhaps we can help him see the error of his ways.
Arab2.jpg
- (whisper) If we did he’d be useful. I’ll let Hajji know.

People in our camp are not very excited by the results of our cooperation programme.
2014_11_14_223257.jpg

Steve_small.jpg
- I’m not that happy sharing my research with mercenaries.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- You might be on different sides but you’re all scientists, aren’t you?
Steve_small.jpg
- Yes. But we’re telling them all we know and they’re telling us nothing.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Maybe we’re further down the road.
Steve_small.jpg
- And maybe they’re just using us.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I have the same concern, Dr. But Powell’s given his orders; I can’t take any action without good cause. Keep an eye on them.

There is a man with a bazooka slowly creeping to our base. As my force moves to intercept him, he takes aim and fires a rocket. The next moment, my team finds itself scattered all around the base.
Jackson_small.jpg
- Sir, the Russians have something new, it just teleports you across space, stops you in time, God knows what else it does.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- (to himself) The mercenaries weren’t lying. I wish to God they were. (to his men) Watch the Russian bazookas. They mess with space and time dimensions. You get hit, you’re finished.

As if we didn't have enough on our plate already, there is another surprise. Thankfully, it is of a pleasant kind.
Andy.jpg
- (slowly enters the base, exhausted) Who’s in command here?
Cathy.jpg
- Major Macmillan, we've got a visitor.
2014_11_14_223321.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Cornell? Jesus, you're alive? What the hell happened?
Andy.jpg
- Sorry I’m late! Had a bit of trouble... (he falls from his wounds just short of our base)
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Medic, quick. Come on. Move it!

Thankfully, the lab is right there and the medic makes it in time. We bandage him and escort him inside the base.

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- How are you doing?
Andy.jpg
- Feeling better.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Really? You still look like shit.
Andy.jpg
- (laughs)
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Want to tell me what happened?
Andy.jpg
- I got a free vacation in a Russian camp – starvation and torture all included.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Sounds great. So why’d you leave? They throw you out?
Andy.jpg
- Guess beating the crap out of me got tiring. And they found themselves a new toy, some Arabic mercenary. Nice looking girl when she got there.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Are you saying they let you go?
Andy.jpg
- No, they tried to kill me.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Looks like they almost succeeded!

2014_11_14_223539.jpg

Hey, this game has better C&C than modern RPGs!

Andy.jpg
- You remember Mikhail Berezov? The one who liked burgers? He let me go.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- So the guy was all right.
Andy.jpg
- I’m not so sure. After weeks eating roots in the wilderness I started to wish they’d finished me off!
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I’m glad they didn’t. We need you here.

And not a moment too soon, it seems.
2014_11_14_223620.jpg

Jackson_small.jpg
- The Arabs are attacking sir. I repeat, the Arabs are attacking us.
Irving_small.jpg
- Their scientists are heading for the armoury.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Take them out! I don’t want them stealing our research!
Gary_Small.jpg
- I said all along the bastards couldn’t be trusted.

New objectives received.
- Kill renegade Arab scientists.


We turn Andy and Macmillan into snipers and go on a little safari. One of the scientists is dead before her bodyguards even reach the armory. Civilian installation, my ass!
2014_11_14_223704.jpg


But it would be too naive to think that our misadventures would end there...
Steve_small.jpg
- Paul! What the hell are you doing?
Paul_Khattam.jpg
- My place is with them, not here.
Steve_small.jpg
- You can’t go with the bastards!
Paul_Khattam.jpg
- I fight for you I fight my own people, my own God. Shoot me if you want. I will go to Allah sooner.
Steve_small.jpg
- You want to go then run you little shit. I’m not gonna kill you. Not now.
Paul_Khattam.jpg
- Take care of yourself.
Steve_small.jpg
- Screw you.

DON'T. EVER. TRUST. KEBABS. :x:x:x

You might not shoot him, Holland, but I will.

Right after I deal with his friends who made him switch sides. Dietrich Genscher. We'll be seeing more of him in the Russian campaign, but in this one, he is going DOWN!
2014_11_14_224232.jpg

Mortarmen are good, but ultimately powerless before the sniper rifles. Two shots kill a man for good.

Now, about this traitor. Somebody bring me my bulldozer!

Keep him stable, Cathy. And if he tries to run, shoot him again.
2014_11_14_224358.jpg


NOBODY. DOUBLE-CROSSES. ME. NOT NOW. NOT EVER. :argh::argh::argh:
2014_11_14_224431.jpg

I will recycle the bulldozer that has his guts strewn all over its wheels, dismantle the factory that recycled the bulldozer, load the crates with the remains of the factory on the last cargo vehicle I have left, and send it straight into the Russian base.

Let it be a lesson to every spy out there.

I take over the Arabian base to calm my nerves.
2014_11_14_224606.jpg

And have a long-overdue ride on their cargo vehicle before I am presented with a victory screen.

Mission Accomplished.
2014_11_14_224702.jpg

Damn straight they owe me a medal for this!

Just you wait, Powell. I will expose you treacherous kebab-loving nature for everyone to see, you incompetent scum!

Our crew:
2014_11_14_224722.jpg
 
Last edited:

Azira

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Nov 3, 2004
Messages
8,519
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Codex 2012
Bulldozers for the win! :yeah:

So, what's the main difference between the difficulty levels? Do they impact on the amount of experience you get to dole out after the mission, or does it only affect the opposition you get in the actual maps?
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Azira said:
So, what's the main difference between the difficulty levels? Do they impact on the amount of experience you get to dole out after the mission, or does it only affect the opposition you get in the actual maps?
From what I've noticed, it affects the number and the quality of enemies. For example, if you can just go through the gatling tank patrol in the beginning of the 3rd mission on the Normal difficulty, Hard puts a soldier with 7 ranks of mechanic inside it, so with the soldiers who are at most 3rd or 4th level engaging it head-on would be pretty much suicidal. Or at least micro-intensive.

Similarly, the first Russian infantry squad in the same 3rd mission will tear you apart or maybe kill some of your units if you do not travel in a formation and don't use your cargo vehicle as a bait.

As the campaign progresses, the levels of enemy soldiers seem to matter less, though.

You also have more difficult objectives (for example, the 9th mission required me to collect 250 Siberite crystals, while Normal required only 200), and have less people to work with.

I did not notice if you are given more or less exp., though. I guess I can run a quick check.

Actually, my seemingly easy victory in the last mission was a result of me breaking the game yet again. :lol:

The renegade scientists are supposed to run north-east through a mountain path while an Ardabian force attacks from that direction. As the force is quite annoying, they stand a good chance of escaping in the ensuing chaos, especially if you are not paranoid enough to build an armory there, like I did.

Unfortunately, sniper rifles do not care for your cunning plans. They never left the base, and the attack - which can severely inconvenience you, or even kill some of your men if you are not prepared - never triggered. :P

You are much more likely to see it if you go for the Siberite research straight away (like I was supposed to) and have a less developed base as a result (with no way to wipe the scientists quickly). However, as I never seem to get into the mindset of its creators, I have discovered that you can break the game scripts in yet another way if you are exceptionally swift...

2014_11_14_230554.jpg

The arabian renegades are in the upper left corner. The scientists are a bit further to the right, waiting for the right moment to start running.

Yeah, those are combat-ready Mastodons with Arabian riders. I should pit one against a bulldozer one day.
2014_11_14_230602.jpg

The results are fairly predictable.

No. No, he is not.
2014_11_14_230604.jpg
:salute::lol:
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
I did not notice if you are given more or less exp., though. I guess I can run a quick check.
Just checked it. No, the difficulty level does not affect the exp. you get. However, the medals do. The more objectives you complete, the greater the reward.

Unfortunately, the small 'no reloads' anti-popamole medal at the bottom is for bragging rights only. :(

Anyway, it is time for...

Mission 11. Arabian Question.

Interlude.
2014_11_15_111246.jpg

Epsilon Base; November 7, ERA + 1
Recent events have proved that the Arabs and their mercenaries can never be trusted. John has also proved his abilities as a leader in the fight against the new enemy.

We see a substantial force moving out from Epsilon.
2014_11_15_111258.jpg


Our Major's car is in the middle of it, as well as the General's personal tank. Suddenly, the convoy stops. The duo leaves their respective vehicles. The General has a gun. We only have a medkit.
2014_11_15_111306.jpg


The General leads us down a desolate ravine, with nary a person in sight. He lets us go ahead, and does not lower his automatic rifle for a second. I don't like where this is going.
2014_11_15_111315.jpg


Hey, maybe we can talk this out? I didn't actually mean anything of what I said in the last mission. Scout's honor!
2014_11_15_111324.jpg

Just make it quick and painless, General. :salute:

Powell_small.jpg
- Macmillan, I think you’re a good commander.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Don't screw around, sir.
Powell_small.jpg
- I mean it. And I know I haven’t been easy on you....
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I don’t believe it. Are you making an apology?
Powell_small.jpg
- Sounds that way to me.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Then I guess that explains why you wanted to talk to me here and not in front of the other men!
Powell_small.jpg
- Don’t push it Macmillan. We’re talking alone cos I think I can trust you – and I can’t trust everyone.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- What’s on your mind General?
Powell_small.jpg
- The alliance with the Arabs was a mistake. I know that, but we have to try what we can. There’s no textbook for this kind of warfare, just instinct and now and again it can fail me.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I guess that’s just human.
Powell_small.jpg
- There’s no way we can beat the Russians alone. We both know that. We need superior weapons and friends who can help us.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- And we don’t have either.
Powell_small.jpg
- We might have the friends.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Like who?
Powell_small.jpg
- I got a communication from an Arab source. I want you to take a look.
Aw, hell, not again!

2014_11_15_111525.jpg

"To American commander-in-chief: The Arab mining base South of Muddy River is guarded by us. If you mount an attack from the South West at the indicated time we will withdraw. The base will be yours. Do not attempt to reply. Your attack will be taken as an agreement and we must be allowed to escape. Maintain complete secrecy. Arab command must believe us killed in action."

2014_11_15_111555.jpg

I think "Would it kill you to look me in the eyes when talking to me"?

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- They’re mercenaries, their only allegiance is to money, if they don’t get paid...
Powell_small.jpg
- It’s the only explanation I could find, but then why would just a few want out? Do you think it’s a trap?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I know their leader ain’t exactly Abe Lincoln...
Powell_small.jpg
- Precisely.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- But they’ll stab each other in the back given a good reason. And like you said sir, we can’t win this war alone.
Powell_small.jpg
- It’s a hell of a gamble. And I just lost one, which is why I’m asking what your instinct says.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- I’ll go for it sir, the payout’s too high to ignore.
Powell_small.jpg
- OK Macmillan. If you’re sure. Take 12 men; pick the best. If you’re right this is a chance to turn things around. After the first base you can take more.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- We’ll even up the score, trust me General.
Powell_small.jpg
- I do Macmillan. You’ve earned it.

Now is the time. Shoot him, Macmillan! You know you want to!

As if sensing something, the General urges us to go ahead again and follows us from a safe distance. He speaks of trust, but I know he wants us gone.
2014_11_15_111630.jpg


The procession resumes...
2014_11_15_111642.jpg

And the mission itself.
Alright, so we get to pick our team, and a quite sizeable one, at that.
2014_11_15_111841.jpg


I'll go with 10 soldiers and 2 engineers who might double as soldiers. I am in a violent mood today.
2014_11_15_112114.jpg


The mission starts with us hiding in a forest on the outskirts of the Arabian base.
2014_11_15_112235.jpg


We send a scouting team with a radar vehicle ahead to make sure we are not being tricked again. An Arabian sentry shows up...
2014_11_15_112241.jpg


Our soldiers lay down to make themselves less noticeable. Meanwhile, a scientist comes out from the lab.
2014_11_15_112256.jpg


A following exchange occurs:
2014_11_15_112300.jpg

The scientists lets out a non-committal sound as she gets closer.
2014_11_15_112307.jpg

A single injection is all it takes.
2014_11_15_112312.jpg

The woman whistles to let her associates know the deed is done. Several people pour out from vehicles and buildings in a hurried retreat.
2014_11_15_112315.jpg

Having seen enough, our soldiers return back to their comrades.

New objective received.
- Capture the base.


With the base undefended, we move inside in full force.
2014_11_15_112706.jpg


There are a few scientists, engineers and soldiers left, but they can't put up a meaningful resistance to our firing squad. Only one of them even makes it to a vehicle.
2014_11_15_112843.jpg


However, that Robert Bergcamp sitting inside a gatling turret is a bit of a problem. Well, it is not our first day in the field. Since we know that the turrets need power to fire, and the base needs a depot or a warehouse to produce electricity, we just blow up their warehouse and the turret goes still. Then we capture the warehouse.
2014_11_15_113001.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- They came through on the deal General. We have command of the base.
Powell_over_radio_small.jpg
- Excellent, Macmillan. Consolidate your position and attack other Arabic bases.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Will do.
Powell_over_radio_small.jpg
- But make it fast, you’ve got our best people, if the Russians attack here we’re dead meat.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Understood, sir.

Our team is all riled up.
Andy.jpg
- OK John, you need me I’m ready to go again.
Cyrus_small.jpg
- Let me at the bastards!
Frank_Forsyth_small.jpg
- They won’t be laughing by the time we’re through.
Lisa_Lawson_small.jpg
- I’m gonna kick their asses back to Mecca.

I switch everyone to engineers and send them each after a separate building to capture the base in under a minute. Frank Forsyth, though, is not very appreciative of his new assignment.

Frank_Forsyth_small.jpg
- Major?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Yes, Frank?
Frank_Forsyth_small.jpg
- What if I go up ahead and take a look around?

Choice time!
2014_11_15_113337.jpg


There are also two exits from the base - one to the north, and one to the east. Which one should we explore first?

A quote from in-game hints:

You have captured an Arab depot, you can now occupy and utilise additional Arab buildings. However, you have no Arab soldiers so you cannot exploit this base as much as you might like. In the barracks you can equip your soldiers with the Arab mortars. You can also produce Arab vehicles in the factory, but you can't add extensions to it and you cannot place weapons from this factory on your turrets. In the labs you can research technologies that are common to both nations.

Your engineers can build normal American buildings in this base.
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Last time he was left to his own devices, it went fine. Why wouldn't it work this time?
I don't know, but I will probably wait for one more vote on this one just in case. :lol:
 
Last edited:

lightbane

Arcane
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
10,156
Let him go. What could go wrong? Also, go East.

This game certainly looks better with each update, too bad I never heard of it until now.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
And back to the mission.
2014_11_15_203040.jpg


New objectives received.
- Destroy all other Arabian bases.
- Try to do it as fast as you can.


You may leave, Frank. But you know what, I've just had an idea. Why don't we go visit the Arabs with you? Yeah, yeah, I know, I am supposed to dig in, build some tanks, mount an attack force, and do it by the book. That's how Powell does things.

But I am doing it my way. With a team of elite YOLOfighters who've been around since the beginning of the war, there is no force that can stop us.

Besides, they said it needs to be done quickly. What is quicker than a strike without any preparations altogether?

So we take 5 of our best soldiers, Macmillan included, and two scientists to support them (two because we need the medics to heal each other if they get hurt), and sent them to the east right as Frank is leaving for the north. We only leave a token force of 4 men (3 mortarmen and 1 engineer) to watch over the base.
2014_11_15_203424.jpg


We pass a shallow river...
2014_11_15_203512.jpg


And cut across the forest to the north.
2014_11_15_203731.jpg


There we find a narrow mountain path leading up, just wide enough for a single person to climb to the top. There are several Arabian vehicles there, and we prepare for the fight...
2014_11_15_203858.jpg


...but they do not shoot back. Looking closer, we find that those are remote control towers. It seems like the Arabs have some technology that is similar to ours, though it is slightly inferior, as a mobile tower can only control 1 vehicle.
2014_11_15_203930.jpg

We blow them up and continue on our way. Hopefully, that will cripple Arabian efforts to defend the base.

We proceed north. There are a few remotely controlled vehicles stationed here and there, but they are useless without a tower guiding them. There are also static turrets, but it is easy to learn how to take them out without taking damage. Send a single unit away as a spotter. Once you get the location of the tower, position your mortarmen outside of its sighting range, and bombard them into the ground. You can even use their own buildings as cover to hide behind, as your mortars shoot in an arc and therefore are not affected by obstacles.
2014_11_15_204113.jpg

Cutting closer to the heart of the base, we pass some strange Arab and his pet monkey who did not attempt to shoot back at us. What was that about? And who calls their monkey Mike?

Mortarmen outrange most enemy turrets, so it is trivial to level down the defences from afar, though the active use of the 'attack ground' button.
2014_11_15_204349.jpg


However, one thing they do not outrange is another mortarman. Our offensive is stopped dead in its tracks by the Arabian barracks.
2014_11_15_204412.jpg


I pull back and order my troops to shoot at the edge of the enemy building. That way they can't fire back at my soldiers, but the splash damage from the shells still gets to them. Before long, the barracks are on fire, and the garrison is dead. All that is left for us to be done with the base is to destroy the warehouse.
2014_11_15_204536.jpg

The assault was lightning-fast. It took us maybe 4 or 5 minutes, all told, and half of that time was just getting there. Mortarmen are truly a terrifying unit.

I order my forces back, and then I catch some strange activity reported by my radar vehicle.
2014_11_15_204617.jpg


The Arabs from the north are attacking! My primary squad won't make it back in time, so it falls to our 3 mortarmen to protect the base.
2014_11_15_204701.jpg


But who is driving those things? Didn't we destroy the control towers?
2014_11_15_204728.jpg

:M:M:M

Brown_white.jpg
- Jesus they’ll give anyone a driving licence here!
Lindsay_small.jpg
- What’s with the wiring on their heads? I don't think they’re having a good time.

It looks like the Arabian idea of an automated vehicle is connecting electrodes to the ape's brain and welding the hatch shut (as there seems to be no way for the ape to leave the vehicle). It's a cutting-edge technology!

But the surprises don't end there.
Brown_white.jpg
- Look, the Apeman’s bringing something.
2014_11_15_204758.jpg

Achtung! They are teaching Islam and the way of Jihadi to the apes, 2 million years in the past. We are all DOOMED! :negative:

2014_11_15_204805.jpg

...'dat damage...

2014_11_15_204841.jpg

It is also very pretty.

2014_11_15_204931.jpg

The apes blow up half of my base with the rest of the attackers. I order the defenders to change professions to engineers and fix everything.

2014_11_15_205115.jpg

By the time my first team returns, preparations are underway to hit the second and last Arabian base. I make a vehicle for my engineer. It is not very safe for a civilian to travel on foot where we are going.

I find an enemy vehicle from the first attack stuck behind the trees. The mortarmen are done with it in 5 seconds.
2014_11_15_205254.jpg


I take everyone, and move out. My team consists of 6 mortarmen, 2 soldiers (for close combat), 2 medics, and 1 engineer on a truck.
2014_11_15_205427.jpg


There is a path leading upwards on the western edge of the map.
2014_11_15_205451.jpg


Not much later we encounter the first line of defence. The enemy soldiers are of the highest possible level, and boy, does it hurt to be hit by them. They are also hidden behind the trees, which limits both our vision and efficiency. Still, there are 2 of them, and 11 of us. We manage just fine.
2014_11_15_205533.jpg


The bulk of Arabian resistance is located just a few steps to the north. Turrets, vehicles, mortarmen, apes, you name it. We do not manage to catch them with their pants down like we did the first base, which is understandable, seeing how we are 15 minutes into the mission already.
2014_11_15_205938.jpg


The battle is bloody and difficult. It does not help that their people outlevel ours by quite a bit.
2014_11_15_210015.jpg


There were a few close calls when I thought I would lose a person for sure...
2014_11_15_210046.jpg


But we held our ground. When they ran out of people and started throwing apes at us, I knew it was over for them.
2014_11_15_210521.jpg


The first turret falls...
2014_11_15_210607.jpg


...and the second follows soon after. The path is clear!
2014_11_15_210731.jpg


However, not everything is that simple. It turns out they had more. I didn't catch it on the screenshot in time, but I had to position Cyrus so that he would intercept an ape-controlled vehicle which was, more or less, a self-propelled bomb. At the same time, my mortarmen caught another kamikaze ape in their blast, wiping half of the defenders in one fell swoop.
2014_11_15_210830.jpg


Finally, we hit their last bastion of defence, the mortarmen barracks.
2014_11_15_211038.jpg


Unfortunately, in trying to maneuver around explosive shells dropping from the sky I wandered into the wrong part of the base and aggroed a group of elite kamikaze apes.
2014_11_15_211101.jpg

Just look at those stats! Macmillan had less when he applied for the job! 2 ranks in science and 3 in engineering. It's Neanderthal Einstein, and those barbarians could not find anything better to do with him than to load him full of dynamite! :argh:

After a short and intense chase, the ape caught up with my troops, and that was the end of both Snuffy and Jack Dickens. :salute:
2014_11_15_211222.jpg


My engineer and his cargo truck heroically took another vehicle bomb head-on. The medic saved Lindsay's life, but as I had no mechanics, the truck was beyond repair.

Meanwhile, I got a message that our home base was being attacked. It seems there will be a welcoming committee waiting for us when we get back.
2014_11_15_211506.jpg


Well, looks like we currently have no home base. I quickly destroy the enemy barracks and order my engineer to capture the enemy warehouse. We'll use the base we are currently in as temporary headquarters. With its fall, our objectives here should be completed... or not?
2014_11_15_211559.jpg

Interesting.

2014_11_15_211611.jpg

Brown_white.jpg
- Major, it seems the Arabs found some artefacts. Looks to be the same technology as EON, but there’s nothing complete.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Can we take them back for testing?
Brown_white.jpg
- It just stands there but I think we could load it on a truck if we have one.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- If they wanted it enough to take it they’ll be back. Better ready ourselves. Meanwhile put it on a truck and bring it to the Southern base.

You mean the truck that blew up seconds before we captured the base? *sigh*

New objectives received
- Bring the artefact to the Southern base and protect it until the end of the mission.


Oh well. At least the depot has a lot of resourses in it, and we need to produce some vehicles to meet enemy infantry back at home anyway.
2014_11_15_211906.jpg

I get my people inside the workshop and order two flamethrower tanks and one cargo truck. At the same time everyone else is working on the armory. The American armory, I mean. I blew up the Arabian one, and I can't build it back myself, so no more mortarmen for me.

I load the artefact on the truck and we depart to retake our home base.
2014_11_15_212223.jpg

Unfortunately, we fall straight into the enemy ambush. My path lies through a narrow canyon, and with the high ground advantage they have, there is no way to put distance between us. We are sitting ducks. I can fall back to our temporary base, but that will just mean that we will arrive there, wounded, together with the enemy forces. I order my soldiers to grit their teeth and go for a breakthrough.

Look at them, standing like they are at a firing range! :argh:
2014_11_15_212249.jpg

Almost there... We will heal up once we take this turn.

Nope!
2014_11_15_212326.jpg

After clearing the ambush number one, we fall straight for the ambush number two. Caught between the two forces, my soldiers falter for a moment, and that costs me two men picked apart by the enemy tank (the one on the high ground). Fortunately, those weren't my veterans.

The enemy vehicles are fairly light, so once I get my flamethrowers in position, it is over for them.

Still, we suffered heavy losses, and we can't stop to heal ourselves, as I can hear the enemy tank on the mountain trying to descend and finish the job. I charge straight into my former base.
2014_11_15_212445.jpg


The flamethrowers are a godsend when dealing with infantry. The enemies burn away within moments.
2014_11_15_212549.jpg


And Macmillan personally takes care of the last Arabian mortarman.
2014_11_15_212712.jpg

The base is recaptured, and with all the major facilities intact, it is trivial to stabilize.

Mission Accomplished.
2014_11_15_213055.jpg

Medals received:
+ Quick action.
+ Lightning action.
+ Artefact gained.


Our (surviving) team.
2014_11_15_213237.jpg


No news of Frank Forsyth, but as he did not die on-screen, he is presumed to be alive. The mission was over before the game could do anything about him. :)
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Interlude.



This decision is the branching point in the campaign. Choose wisely.

Choose_wisely.jpg
 
Last edited:

lightbane

Arcane
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
10,156
Starting a multi-cultural alliance is the plan... Seriously? Because diversity has worked so well until now, right? :M

Clearly there's only one choice here: Stay with America!:patriot:
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Starting a multi-cultural alliance is the plan... Seriously?
It's more like sabotaging the development of the more-powerful-than-a-thermonuclear-bomb is the plan. Which can only be meaningful if both sides do this.

In fact, the mere formation of the Alliance would hamper the programme as most scientists and :obviously: people will abandon their respective sides and go with them, leaving men like Powell and Platonov (his Russian counterpart) to run things, and since neither of them are particularly bright, chances are high it will end in a complete disaster if they manage to finish the research despite the Allied intervention. We can try and change that by virtue of being the only sane commander on our side, or we can facilitate their downfall and subjugate them both.

The main protagonist from the other campaign will always attempt to join the Alliance... which makes your job easier, whatever you decision might be.
 

Akkudakku

Arbiter
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Messages
1,125
Well that guy is one comunist idealist. Well he saw his fair share of bad shit happening, that russian protagonist.
I propose you stay with Amerikuh!

Also dat losses in men +M

But still very well done!
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Well that guy is one comunist idealist. Well he saw his fair share of bad shit happening, that russian protagonist.
That goes for the Russian campaign as well. No matter what Gorky chooses, Macmillan will leave for the Alliance. It is 'canon' in that regard.
Also dat losses in men +M
Two ambushes in a row and almost no mechanical support can do that to your team, yes.
 

Azira

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Nov 3, 2004
Messages
8,519
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Codex 2012
Yeah, nope. Macmillan states it so well. He's a soldier. That's his life. He'll throw that away if he joins "the Alliance".
Stay true, bomb those ruskies!
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Macmillan states it so well. He's a soldier. That's his life. He'll throw that away if he joins "the Alliance".
Wouldn't be the first time. He threw away his life once when he stepped through the EON.

Alright, fine. We will remain Powell's lapdog and bomb get bombed by the ruskies. :troll:

Mission 12. Fox Hunting.
2014_11_16_204455.jpg

Epsilon Base; March 1, ERA + 1
Another winter passed. John stayed true to the American side and general Powell. Now he is about to undertake an operation against Russians.

We are given a special mission to sabotage the Russian reseach in our own way.
2014_11_16_204500.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- (whispering) OK. The Russian base is in the mountains to the North. We get in fast, destroy the lab and then get clear. No hanging around.
Donaldson_small.jpg
- What if we can’t locate the lab?
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Just hit any building big enough to house rocket research. We can’t leave this to chance, if their programme’s as advanced as we think this is our last chance of survival.
Donaldson_small.jpg
- We’ll make it, Major.

2014_11_16_204528.jpg

Cyrus_small.jpg
- The ford’s over here sir.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Excellent. According to our intelligence there are just a handful of soldiers deployed. If we move in now this should be a quick, clean job. Let’s go!

New objectives received.
- Destroy the Russian Siberite weapons lab.
- Ensure no Russian scientists escape.


We try to cross it, but...
2014_11_16_204600.jpg

John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Shit! They’re firing rockets across the ford.
Donaldson_small.jpg
- Decelerator missiles sir!
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Retreat while we can!

We call for a hasty retreat. Or, as the case may be, an excruciatingly slow retreat, because the special missiles slow us down to a crawl. Thankfully, we make it out of their range in one piece.
2014_11_16_204632.jpg

Donaldson_small.jpg
- Looks like we got bad intelligence sir.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- Or the Russians learnt we were coming. Whatever, it ain’t gonna be an easy job now.
Cyrus_small.jpg
- I think there’s another ford to the South sir.
Donaldson_small.jpg
- If we know that so do they.
John_Mc_Millan_small.png
- (a bit nervously) All right, shut up. This is going to take planning.

2014_11_16_204649.jpg
 
Last edited:

As an Amazon Associate, rpgcodex.net earns from qualifying purchases.
Back
Top Bottom