Map Showcase: Dangerous Cargo news - Zero Hour Battlefields mod for C&C: Generals Zero Hour

-Dangerous Cargo-

The first map to be showcased for this mod is Dangerous Cargo. Because this map comes in two version, Single Player and Multi Player, we shall talk about them separately. First, let us start with the Singleplayer version, aptly named: Dangerous Cargo.

Theme

Theme is rather important to us when we make our maps, as it adds a more interesting element to the gameplay. It's not just some island or some town, but almost a storyline within itself. That being said, Dangerous Cargo has perhaps one of the most distinct themes of all the maps created in this mod so far. The basic idea of the map is that of a G.L.A base controlled by a power (and money) hunger warlord. The setting is of course that of a desert, with various pieces of scenery giving the player a good idea of where they are fighting. From the actual base itself, a highly secure G.L.A weapons facility, to the warlords own residence, a palace surrounded by guards and high walls, this map will portray a very distinct theme of a G.L.A Warlords own, almost private, town.

The G.L.A Warlord's Palace (Click to Expand) The Town Located By The Palace (Click to Expand)

The G.L.A Weapons Base (Click to Expand)

Strategy
This map was designed for the use of actual strategy, especially the multiplayer version, but more on that later. There are all sorts of elements of strategy that involve all sorts of tactics. One important strategy that should be utilized is the single town, a high density place full of buildings to garrison. This is important, as it can offer protection for both commander's flanks. Various crates of U.N supplies as well as a hidden (unless, perhaps, you have played with the map editor enough) special crate that can give you a slightly better edge against your opponent, are scattered throughout the battlefield. Use these to improve your economy. Another important aspect is the oil field, which is located closer to one of the commanders, but is also not that tough to destroy. This to should be employed as a vital strategic gain.

The Oil Field (Click to Expand)

Location

This map, as you already know, takes place in a G.L.A Warlord's base of operations, so scenery is heavily present in this map. The sand covered land is cut into four sections by a fast moving river. Bridges are present in Single Player mode, so that your troops can safely cross this river. Two of these "islands" are essentially empty, as this is where each player sets up his base and gathers the supplies. One of the islands holds a G.L.A weapons base. G.L.A trucks, poison spewing structures, and valuable stolen U.N supplies dot this "island". The last of the four "islands" consists of the town itself.
Here is where you can garrison many of your troops to protect your flank. Also present is the oil field previously mentioned, as well as the defining feature: The Warlord's Palace. This extravagant complex features the palace itself, as well as various G.L.A structures, guards, and vehicles, as well as a rather nice limo for the Warlord himself. Note that this is just scenery, and although destructible, will pose no threat to your troops. Intertwining between all these islands, is a long railroad track, with a train circiling around the map, making frequent stops at various junctions. Be very careful of this train, as if it hits your troops, they will obvoiously be destroyed.

Multiplayer Version

The Multiplayer version of this map, aptly called Dangerous Cargo_MP, features one extra challenge: There are no bridges to safely move your troops across. This means that you will have to move your troops across the highly dangerous traintrack bridges. This forces each player to carefully move his troops, to avoid accidents. This presents a very unique challenge, as all troop movements, save those by air, must be carefully coordinated. Please note that this does present an imbalance against the G.L.A, as they have no airpower. This means that playing as them would be highly unreccomended. Also note that this Multiplayer Map is only playable online, as there is no AI, so it should only be played as such.

Be careful moving your Troops in the Multiplayer Map,
or this could happen (Click to Expand)

Conclusion

Dangerous Cargo is a very detailed, challenging, and tactical map designed with one goal in mind: To have fun, while still being challenged. Note that this map is in the Zero Hour Battlefield Map Pack 1 that will be released very soon, so go ahead, download it and enjoy, and tune in soon for another look at yet another map included in this expansive mod!