I’m not the most creative when it comes to naming, so I’m just going to call my idea “Operation” which I am quite sure could not work because of EA/Dice/Battlefield…
The illusion of innovation… Sometimes all you need to create something seemingly brand new and innovative is to mix elements of what already exists. I propose exactly that, with a new Operation game mode that mixes multiple objective types into a single battle that includes Destruction objectives, Invasion objectives, Assault objectives, and an overarching Confrontation element that gives defenders a chance to turn the momentum back in the other direction!
Here are the rules to Operation:
- The Battle progresses through 4 map segments referred to here as a “Phase”.
- Each Phase will contain 1 or more OBJs of a familiar type (Assault, Destruction, Invasion).
- Attackers will receive the standard 1000 tickets to attack the 1st Phase with. Tickets will also be replenished at standard rates for each successful Phase advanced.
- Defenders successfully depleting all 1000 Attacker tickets at the 1st Phase are Victorious.
- Attackers successfully completing all OBJs at all 4 Phases are Victorious.
- Defenders successfully depleting all remaining Attacker tickets after Attackers execute a Second Wind are Victorious.
- Defenders that deplete half of the Attacker’s remaining tickets for the 2nd or 3rd Phase (For example, 400 of the Attacker’s 800 tickets remaining at the start of 2nd Phase attack) execute a Momentum Shift.
- Momentum Shift begins with a 60sec “Retreat” period for Attackers, during which no tickets are deducted for squad losses and current grey-zones are re-drawn to reflect the shift in momentum. Defenders are then presented with 500 tickets and the previous (1st if occurring in the 2nd, 2nd if occurring in the 3rd, and 3rd if occurring in the 4th) Phase, with appropriate OBJ(s) to attack.
- Defenders successfully attacking the 1st Phase after a 2nd Phase Momentum Shift are Victorious.
- Defenders successfully attacking the 2nd Phase after a 3rd Phase Momentum Shift are given the standard ticket replenishment rate and the 1st Phase with appropriate OBJ(s) to attack.
- Defenders successfully attacking the 3rd Phase after a 4th Phase Momentum Shift are given the standard ticket replenishment rate and the 2nd Phase with appropriate OBJ(s) to attack.
- Momentum Shift can only trigger ONE TIME per battle, regardless of the results in the shifting attack.
- Momentum Shift cannot trigger if the Attackers begin an attack on a Phase with less than 300 tickets.
- Momentum Shift can only trigger on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Phases (1st Phase Momentum Shift would have Attackers defending the default spawn area)
- Attackers successfully depleting all 500 tickets of the Defender’s Momentum Shift attack are given a Second Wind.
- Second Wind begins with a 60sec “Retreat” phase for Defenders, during which no tickets are deducted for squad losses and current grey-zones are redrawn to reflect the shift in momentum. Attackers are then given back their previous attacking ticket count (the number of tickets they had when beginning their last attack) and begin the offensive once more.
- Second Wind has a ticket granting cap of 750 tickets for 2nd Phase, 600 tickets for 3rd Phase, and 500 tickets for 4th Phase. If the Attackers started their last attack with more than the ticket granting cap, they will be granted that cap instead.
- Soviet body armor is banned in this game mode. Spawning in with body armor equipped will result in that soldier being teleported to the time-out zone, a small patch of playable area in the middle of the ocean.
Here’s my vision for an Operation battle on Normandy:
1st Phase
US Attackers must clear two exit points from the beach! Complete 2 Destruction OBJs on the inland edge of the beach to advance the Operation to the next Phase.
US Attackers successfully complete the OBJs and, after standard replenishment rates are applied, have 800 tickets remaining.
2nd Phase
The exits are open! Now it’s time to clear the German bunker that overlooks those exits. Capture the Invasion OBJ in the central bunker to advance the Operation to the next Phase.
Uh-oh. That bunker was tougher than they thought. German Defenders have depleted half (400) of the US Attacker’s 800 remaining tickets! The Momentum is Shifting! Attackers have 60sec to retreat and prepare for the Defender’s counterattack!
1st Phase (Momentum Shift Counterattack)
German Defenders make an attempt to push the US Attackers back into the sea by closing the two beach exits they created! Capture the 2 Assault OBJs to claim Victory over this battlefield.
They won’t go down that easily! US Attackers successfully defend against the Momentum Shift attack by depleting all 500 German Defender tickets. Reinforcements are arriving from the rear, they’ve taken back the momentum, and are hitting a Second Wind! Defenders have 60sec to retreat and prepare for a renewed offensive from the Attackers!
2nd Phase (Second Wind)
Reinforcements have arrived (Attacker tickets back to 750 due to having 800 previously but 750 being the Second Wind cap for 2nd Phase) and it’s time to renew offensive efforts! TAKE THAT BUNKER! Capture the Invasion OBJ in the central bunker to advance the Operation to the next Phase.
Well done! With renewed tenacity, the US Attackers have taken the bunker! After the standard replenishment rates apply, they have 500 tickets remaining.
3rd Phase
The Germans have a gun position ahead, and another bunker overlooking that. Set a charge to destroy that gun position and capture that bunker! Dual OBJ this time. Detonate the Destruction OBJ in the small group of buildings and capture the Invasion OBJ in the overlooking bunker to advance the Operation to the next Phase.
US Attackers successfully complete both OBJs and advance onward once more. 450 tickets remaining.
Phase 4
One last push! The Germans are on their heels. Take the area around the Windmill at the top of this bloody slope and the day will be yours! Capture the Invasion OBJ at the Windmill to claim Victory.
A bloody and tough battle for that Windmill… Who won? Add this to the game and find out for yourselves.