First Strike v1.2 Map Previews: Bestine and Endor Clearing news

With the release of First Strike v1.2 just around the corner, we're pleased to present you with previews of the maps that you will find in our upcoming patch. Today we focus on Tatooine Bestine, and Endor Clearing, two very different, and very enjoyable maps.

Backstory

Completing a daring planet drop and pick up at Mos Entha, three Alliance Gallofree transports finally retrieved a group of stranded Rebel troops under siege by Imperial ground forces. Attempting to avoid the battle against Imperial forces still raging in orbit, the transports flew low and headed for an escape vector over the far side of the planet. Unfortunately, due to a navigational error they strayed too close to the Imperial capital city of Bestine. Once detected, the city’s defensive turbolasers shot down one of the transports. The remaining transports have made an emergency landing near the city outskirts, and the Rebels must now disable the city’s turbolaser emplacements to have any hope of escape.

Downed Transports

Although this will be TY2D2's first official map for First Strike, what a map it is.  Featuring not one, not two, but three Gallofree transports (although one of them did get shot up by the Empire's massive turbolaser emplacements), various speeders, tanks, and a Mortar Freerunner (a Rebel Armoured Freerunner modified to fill an artillery role), there is rarely a break in the action during a round on Bestine. The pushmap gamemode keeps the fighting focused by preventing whack-a-mole style conquest that can spread forces thin, and the new vehicles add a great dynamic to urban combat in First Strike. Bestine brings intense infantry and vehicle combat throughout the richly populated and detailed city environment, and is sure to be a player favorite along the lines of BF2's popular Strike at Karkand come the release of v1.2. Enjoy these screenshots of some of Bestine's beautiful vistas:

Backstory

During the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, Imperial forces scattered across the forest moon. One platoon of Imperial troopers who returned from their recon mission too late to reinforce the shield generator has decided to cut their losses and run. They have two Lambda class shuttles ready to evacuate them, but with the Rebel fleet still in orbit, fleeing to space would be doomed to failure. However, while monitoring Alliance com chatter they discovered a Gallofree transport that crash landed near their position during the battle in orbit. If they could salvage the vessel’s transponder, it could be their ticket off the planet. But as the platoon approaches the wreckage, a Rebel Alliance search and rescue team arrives...

Transports That Have Crashed

Those Gallofrees just can't seem to keep themselves from plowing into the ground at high velocity, eh? Well it's a good thing it makes for a fun map. Clearing features some plain old infantry fun through fern covered meadows, huge trees, and even across the previously unreleased Ewok Water Village.  With plenty of trees to hide behind on the outskirts of the control point areas, taking and holding CPs in Clearing's clearings can be challenging without a well coordinated squad. Teamwork and strategy are key to pushing back the enemy in this map, and you should never underestimate the value of flanking your targets. Endor Clearing's long sight lines, scattered cover, and beautiful environment make it an excellent map for 1.2, and these screenshots speak volumes:

Pin This Up

Last for today, but certainly not least, we have a cool new wallpaper for you to download that features First Strike starfighters in an iconic formation to get you pumped for 1.2

Be sure to check back here over the next couple days for previews of more of our new maps, and info on when 1.2 will be available for download. Until then, enjoy the wallpaper, and may the force be with you!