Combat Branches feature - AGSA mod for C&C: Yuri's Revenge

Disclaimer: This is a work in progress game feature which is subject to change upon mod publication.

Whilst AGSA has 3 factions, in game a commander can choose to adopt a particular style of gameplay which unlocks mutually exclusive units and abilities during the course of battle.

Once you start a battle your defense tab will have 2 mutually exclusive combat branches to choose from. Selecting a combat branch will then unlock your normal base construction options.

Choosing a combat branch unlocks new units, structures and support powers that are exclusive to that branch. These follow the theme of a faction and will replace certain units for that faction.

Demonstration videos for this feature are shown in the videos below. Disclaimer: The construction yard and sidebar are placeholders and subject to change.

Combat Branch Demonstration - Part 1 - Mod DB

Combat Branch Demonstration - Part 2 - Mod DB

Example combat branches for the ESDF are currently:

C.A.S (Close Air Support)

Unlock advanced aircraft and missile technology

1. Raptor replaces Typhoon
2. Apache replaces Valkyrie
3. Guardian replaces Defender
4. Vulcan replaces Neuron
5. Airforce Command HQ
6. Reaper Control Center
7. Airborne support power
8. Archangel support power
9. Missile strike support power

A.R.P (Advanced Research Project)

Unlocks prototype weapons and warp technology

1. Titan replaces Archer
2. Highlander replaces Jaguar
3. Heuschrecke replaces Hetzer
4. Looper replaces Hoplite
5. Proton Cannon
6. SDI Station
7. MULE support power
8. Laser strike support power

These combat branches aim to introduce new strategies and variety in gameplay.

Trivia

- The combat branch idea was inspired by:

1. Hearts of Iron combat doctrines
2. Company of Heroes 2 commanders
3. C&C Generals general powers
4. RA3 top secret protocols
5. Upgrade mechanics in various video games

- Combat branches were originally called combat doctrines but the former is more recognisable as a game concept.

- During development there was multiple combat branches which were unlocked further down the tech tree. This was confusing from a UX perspective, with some being redundant or ignored during gameplay. As a result the combat branches was consolidated. This might be rereviewed in the future.

- With the benefits of the Phobos engine extension DLL, the branch system of SA no longer requires the player to place an structure on the battlefield which was a confusing experience.