This is a unique opportunity to alter YR as to improve the Quickmatch mode for everybody. YR Quickmatch has great potential and, we feel, amongst many others, that this potential has gone un-noticed. Although the current map pool contains many classics, including some very popular RA2 maps, the introduction of new maps will create more variety, strategies and techniques.
So hereforth lies some maps which were carefully chosen to accomodate several categories. Basically, we went through every map one by one, and discussed it's applications for each side. The maps had to be, first and foremost, balanced. If certain scenarios were seemingly unbalanced, they were not included in the selection (see below). Although the maps did not have to be symmetrical, as that does not necessarily constitute unbalance, the resources were measured up to ensure the chosen maps are fair for each player.
The fun factor was also considered, hence most 'middle based' maps were disregarded. Examples include Otter's Revenge (picture) and Little Piece of Dune, which, being fun maps, would lead to engi-eating and victories which may not be so much earned but gained via luck. Many urban maps were also left out as the huge amounts of tech-buildings and garrasant-able buildings create much stress.
Furtheremore, the Yuri faction creates a lot of problems due to balance issues. Hence, in most maps, cross-faction games including Yuri were left out. However, some maps were found to be fair for non-yuri vs. yuri, and so the scenario was included.
Legend:
YM: Yuri Mirror
AM: Allied Mirror
SM: Soviet Mirror
AvS: Allied vs. Soviet
All: Every Possible Scenario
Deadman's Ridge [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
One of the maps that inspired us to begin this little project. It is a great map that will add to the level of fun in Yuri's Revenge Quickmatch. It is also very balanced. However, magnetrons would be a little too abusive, so, cross-faction yuri games were not included.
Hidden Valley [All]
The easiest map to come to a conclusion on, this map is virtually symmetrical in terms of resources and tec-buildings. Because it is a land map we discussed cross-faction yuri games, and how the cliffs on this map cannot be abused by magnetrons. The number of maps that Yuri can be matched with a Non-Yuri is quite poor, so we decided to propose this map forward for all scenarios. It is actually surprising as to why this was not in QM already.
A Hill Between [YM, AM, SM]
Another fairly symmetrical map, so we thought it would be a good addition. Some may find this to be a middle based map, although that is only partly true. The oil derricks and resources in the middle are even, and are not in as close proximities as other middle-based maps are. There will however be a fight for the airport and gems.
We agreed that Soviets may have a great advantage over Allies on this map, so we decided to settle for mirror matches only.
Let There Be Fight [YM, AM, SM]
A great map, quite possibly one of the most balanced maps on the entire game. Even amounts of ore/gem patches, garrisons and terrain available for expansion. This map demands a certain level of skill in order to overcome your opponent, demanding a certain amount of knowledge in the naval aspect of the game. Cross-faction games were explored and found to be too unfair. For example, Allies would find it too easy to turtle by blowing bridges and garrsanting buildings, and Yuri would dominate with his boomers. Thus, it is limited to mirror matches only.
Meat Grinder [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
This is a very tactical map which presents the opportunity for much ingenuity. The mirrors are very fair and demand multi tasking and good tank control. Although there are bridge entrances, the central entrance is a hill that cannot be destroyed. We also discussed the Allied vs. Soviet scenario and came to the conclusion that this would be very fair. Although soviets would be able to dominate the middle, allies would be better equipped to obtain the oil derricks on the remote islands. Once again, this is a map that requires much strategy and will be a breath of fresh air.
New Heights [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
This map is extremely unique. Each side starts with 3 oil derricks, and the top right corner includes an oil derrick and a hospital. An island in the bottom left corner also includes 3 oil derricks and an airport. The map, being reasonably small, favours soviet players when versing allies due to their ability of rushing. Also kirov's and Iron Curtain can easily end games. To tilt the balance, allies are better equipped to obtain the tech buildings on the island, and thus do a quick tech. Therefore, we reached the conclusion that an AvS scenario would be fair on this map. Small and with plenty of money, the map presents an opportunity for naval assaults and the employment of almost all tactics. Mirror matches are satisfactory as long as the tech buildings and resources are fairly similar, something at which New Heights exceeds at. Collectively, this map was chosen for its ability to host good games and endless tactics.
Sahara Mirage [All]
This map brings the fight to the middle, although unlike most other middle-based maps, skill is necessary to acheive victory. The middle consists of a square alignment of garassant-able buildings with 2 tech buildings (airport and vehicle repair) on each side. The middle further consists of a small lake with plenty of ore and some gems. Clearly, the middle is important. However, there are additional tech buildings on the map. Each player starts with a close proximity oil derrick, and each adjacent corner of the map consists of 2 oil derricks. Hence, it takes much planning to get all of the tech buildings, and players are forced to set their priorities. Being relatively large, it allows for many strategies and, as there is no naval, is perfect for cross-faction Yuri games. Thus, we decided to allow for all possible scenarios. Not imbalanced, not perfectly symmetrical: yet another brilliant map to be added.
Sovereign Land [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
This map is just a freak of nature. The number of viable strategies are beyond our number system. Consisting of even number of oil derricks for each player and a large patch of gems in the middle which will be fought over, many play styles can be implemented. From navy to air rushes to even moving your MCV to the middle at the start of the game, players will have fun figuring out new ways to win on this map. We contemplated cross-faction Yuri games, but at the prospect of cliffs being abused decided to drop it. Thus only mirror games and AvS were left.
Cold War [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
Cold War is a popular RA2 QM map, and so we explored its application in the expansions' gameplay. The mirror games are fair as smart building will mean similar resources for each player. Again, for obvious reason (OK, we'll say it again, boomers) cross-faction Yuri games were left out. Despite the known map bug ('freezing' of units on the cliffs) we decided to include this as it is a great map for just about anything: naval, land, and air. So, another fun map which allows for many viable applications of the game.
Hammer & Sickle [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
Another RA2 QM map that we thought we would include. Hammer & Sickle is a high resource map like Cold War, a great tactical experience with all types of units being put to use. Of course the right side is favoured, that advantage is not as great as some people make it out to be. All spots have potential and this is a popular map among the new players. No doubt it will be welcomed by most of the community.
We thought about the AvS scenario on this map, with superweapons always on (unlike RA2 where it is random). We decided that this situation should stay the same on YR. Much like RA2, soviet players will have to push the soviet arsenal to their full potential in order to attain a victory, rather than 'pumping out tanks'. This should also give a deeper tactical aspect to the game, and even make it that little bit fairer for allies.
No Wimps [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
This beauty is actually very unknown. Very few people have ever even tried this map and experienced its grace. This is another one of those high resource maps which allows for many strategies. On each corner of the map there is 2 oil derricks, 1 airport, 1 tank repair and 1 hospital. Each player also starts with a repair depot. In the centre of the map is an island which is home to 2 more oil derricks. Each player can build towards gems and basically rocket towards battle lab or naval. It is also fairly easy to expand to the other ore deposits. It took much debate to settle whether we should allow AvS but we came to the conclusion that this scenario would actually be extremely fair. With so much cash, the games on this map can deliver nothing other than pure fun!
Roundhouse Kick [YM, AM, SM, AvS]
Another extremely unique map, one where anything is possible in such a limited amount of time. With this being a high resource map, any units can be built and used effectively. Allies may have control of the air and sea, but Soviets have land dominance, as they always do in close proximities. Soviets can easily rush but good allies players will be able to hold their ground. Dreadnaught rush is also viable, although robot tanks can easily counter this. Soviets can also make a Kirov which will take only seconds to reach the other base. On the other hand, allies can do a Rocketeer Rush and are better equipped to capture the off-island oil derricks. Basically, it's a fast paced map with lots of unique strategies. Everyone will appreciate this map if they give it a fair go.
Conclusion
To most people on this forum, RA2 and YR are the greatest games ever created. We realise you (ST) have a lot on your plate right now, but a change like this will help to push our favourite game to its potential and hopefully attract more players. It will also allow people to experience a whole lot more from YR, specially as many of the proposed maps were never in QM. It is a move that we think is necessary and beneficial to the entire community, and I hope people will be pleased with this proposal.
Yours Truly, by Willy and Babak
