Profile of NinjaWJ

At least give us the ability to self-moderate according to some guideline

good analysis

Um does the Soviet tank vet ability costs 40 fuel?

relax buddy

i think if u salvage a KT u can something like 300mp 100 fuel. so i think in the long run it is worth it

The OKW is one of the most popular, if not the most played faction in COH2. With their introduction into the game, Relic introduced many unique mechanics and concepts. The OKW units have the ability to reach vet 5, which give them incredible scaling throughout the game. The faction suffers from reduced fuel and muni incomes which reflects the abysmal state Nazi Germany was in in 1944 and 1945. The OKW also have a different playstyle, with mobile trucks that can be planted anywhere. These trucks give special benefits such as muni and fuel transfer, healing, free repairs, etc. The faction can also deploy some of the most powerful tanks in the game, the fearsome King Tiger and mighty Jagdtiger.

It is in the opinion of this author that the introduction of OKW's mechanics greatly affected the overall balance of the game. With the amount of unique things the OKW brought, it became difficult to balance this faction in relation to other factions. There were many unintended consequences such as the Kubelwagen being viciously strong, 100 percent muni income affecting team games, and the current frustrations with massed schrecks on Volksgrenadiers.

It seems that most balance changes are done due to a particular units relationship to the OKW. It almost appears that the OKW dictate the direction of balance, particularly due to the extreme late-game power of the faction and how it handles reduced resources.

Taking a page from fellow community member Exsile, the author believes that Ostheer suffer the most due to these balance changes. The Ostheer have a linear power curve; they have a fairly stiff and static early-game but become a potent faction in the latter stages of the game. While Ostheer vs Soviet matchups seem decently balance (these factions have their own issues too), even the USF seem to be balanced when encountering the Ostheer (although the USF pummel the Ostheer in the early-game).

In closing, the OKW's mechanics make it extreme hard to balance the game. Attempts to remedy these issues are difficult to come by due to the OKW's unique themes such as reduced resource incomes, vet 5 veterancy, and faction design. These often lead to unintended consequences, with the Ostheer being hurt the most.

Do the players believe the OKW are a main cause for many of the game's balance issues?