Surprise, commanders!
We interrupt our regular DevBlog broadcast with a thunderbolt drop of a brand-new map as part of the Reinforcement Pack #4, available for free now!
Let’s welcome to the stage the (popularly requested) Albion map. You guessed it: this new battlefield is a direct companion piece to the Nemesis #2 - Plateau d’Albion mini-expansion, and free to all owners of WARNO!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3333270/WARNO__Reinforcement_Pack_4__Albion_Map/
A Companion Piece
Here’s the story. After the release of WARNO’s Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion, we received countless requests from the community to make a map inspired by the mini-expansion. Mmh, we thought, not a bad idea. So, rolling up our sleeves, we went to work double-time to deliver an authentic map that pays tribute to this iconic Cold War French nuclear missile silo base (under imminent attack by Soviet VDV forces in WARNO’s 1989). The free map is part of the Reinforcement Pack #4.
To bring this unique battlefield to life, we extensively studied military archives, crafting the new WARNO map using various historical pictures and visuals. We hope that the in-game end result of a recreated Base Aérienne 200 (BA 200) on the Plateau d’Albion in southeastern France does justice to the real-life example.
The Albion Plateau was once home to one of France’s most important nuclear missile launch bases. Built in the 1960s to bolster the country’s land-based nuclear deterrence, the military complex housed a vast network of silos, control buildings, bunkers, and military zones. At the height of the Cold War, this base symbolized France’s military power and nuclear deterrence strategy in a supreme manner.
Albion in WARNO
The new Albion map is a 2v2 battlefield with a host of updated visual assets that really bring out that well-guarded-secretive-military-base touch. First up are the nuclear missile launch zones with silos, control buildings, and ventilation shafts. All are faithfully reproduced to enhance the feel of an authentic military installation.
The surrounding terrain and scenery are inspired by the countryside in southern France. A true homage to the Provençal landscape, we’ve reworked the vegetation to capture the local feel, including lavender fields! Perfect for a “mini-vacation” (before heading to a ferocious World War III battle!).
Albion features a host of fortified military zones with well-placed bunkers and extensive military installations.
A Strategic Design Overview
From a level design perspective, Albion’s main focus was on recreating the nuclear launch zones, the military base (split between command facilities and barracks), as well as the various munitions and weapon depots. To ensure a balanced gameplay experience, we repositioned specific historical elements, such as the launch areas.
We need to give special thanks to Didier “Capcom” Capdevila and the site capcomespace.net, the encyclopedia of space, for their rich archive of text and photos. These were invaluable in our research and made the creation of Albion possible!
Let us know what you think of Albion. We can’t hear to wait for your feedback while battling to avoid (or perhaps hasten) nuclear armageddon!
New Soundtracks
Next to this new map, we are also releasing two sweet new soundtracks for WARNO’s playlist.
The first one is “When Night Comes”, by Oriol Sirinathsingh, will hit that 80s pulsating synthwave just about right.
The second one is “For Honor And Country!”, composed specifically for WARNO by Eugen members Sebastien Alaiwan "Ace17" and Panzer. You can already get a taste for the track here:
(insérer vidéo *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yO8nVcZk6Q*)
The new WARNO - NORTHAG expansion
You might wonder what’s happening with WARNO - NORTHAG, the first major expansion to hit our World War III battle simulator’s shores. Not to worry, its release is imminent, but we just need a bit more time to tweak and adjust the expansion’s host of new units, divisions, Army General campaigns, and Operations.
In case you have missed one of the many NORTHAG DevBlogs, check the dedicated forum post for all the detailed previews for WARNO - NORTHAG!
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2978620/WARNO__NORTHAG/
WARNO - NORTHAG will feature:
- 2 new Army General campaigns.
- 4 new Operations.
- 10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, and the American 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan, 20 Dywizja Pancerna and Grupa Desantowa.
- 3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
- New voice acting.
- New units and models.
Until Next Time
We’ll be back soon!
In the meantime, join the WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.
See you on the battlefield, commander.
