Just wondering how everyone feels about Manor (Assault). I have played it as both sides ~6 time each and in my limited sample size, it seems like the Axis really struggle to make any progress. See below for breakdown:
Axis
- 3 losses on 1st set of caps (2 solo, 1 with squad)
- 2 loss on 2nd set (1 with squad, 1 solo)
- 1 easy blitz win (with squad)
- 1 hard-fought win (with squad)
Soviets
- 4 wins on 1st set (1 with squad, 3 solo)
- 1 win on 2nd set (with squad)
- 1 win on last cap (with squad - both teams had high level, skilled players)
I recognize most teams struggle with the assault type because it requires coordination & teamwork, but most of the Axis games have been with fellow high level, try-hards (tho only 2 man squads, never tried with a group of 3 or 4) and we generally win most maps. But for Manor (Assault) it seems like the Soviets need to be really bad, or the Axis very good in order to win. If the teams are balanced in skill/levels Soviets come out on top.
I am not sure what is causing the imbalance (maybe it’s in my head). My current hypothesis is that the Axis do not have decent rally locations for the 1st and 2nd set of caps. They have to place them outdoors where they are vulnerable to bombs/arty or there is one building (front of B & side of D) which any decent Soviet know to clear. Also once the 1st set are taken, planes and tanks are much less useful than on other maps, which are things I feel Axis rely on heavily. For example, on caps C & D, a Soviet tank can shoot into the doorway or along the side of the manor wing to blast any Axis not hiding in a room or going through mid (which exposes them to 3 lanes of fire), while an Axis tank has to drive all the way up the side to shoot in the window or go through mid and risk being shot at from 3 sides by AT rifles.
Or maybe it is just me and I am playing the map wrong. So if there is anyone Axis that has been crushing this map, please teach me your ways! It’s a fun map design and I enjoy a challenge, but I feel like I cannot crack this one as Axis and it’s boring as Soviets.
Also, bring back the old Moscow assault maps (Pokrovskoe City & Vysokovo Village). They were tons of fun.