Hello!
This is my first post here, so please don't mind if I state things that had already been discussed (and dismissed) here. I've read through the thread, and it seems there is a consensus of having no consensus in many things. I really like the idea of having an official rebalance project in a pinned thread, but it should be well thought-out, and should consider the bigger picture.
Most in the OP list seems totally random and uncalled for to me. If a unit is not broken, don't fix it with random cost changes or nerfs/buffs on it.
What are the balance issues, that should be the first question. The consensus being:
1. Soviets have an early game advantage because of the Rhino spam.
2. Soviets have a massive late game handicap to both Yuri and Allies because their tier 3 units are broken (Kirov, Apoc).
3. Soviets seem to be lacking countering Yuri's mind control.
4. Allies also seem to be lacking countering Yuri's mind control, as their main counter (Robot Tank) is too weak.
5. Yuri has an unfair advantage with Boomers.
6. Some countries are clearly inferior to other ones: Russia, Cuba, Lybia, Germany. Maybe Korea too a lesser extent.
To address the issues, here are my ideas:
1. Rhinos shouldn't be nerfed. I think they should cost $950 (the iconic heavy tank cost in RA1) and return to vanilla build speed to avoid spamming too early.
2. In the case of Kirovs, I like the modification of attack while moving. I wouldn't change their armor. It's a freaky huge unit with global announcement, it should be armored. However I would add a little extra speed (not much) to be really more than just fodder. These two modifications would make them serious threats.
Apocalypse is a trickier one. Disagree with your change. The general rule of thumb is that every unit should have its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Apoc shouldn't attack while moving, that's Rhino. It shouldn't be faster at all. Instead, IMHO it should get explosive splash damage rockets, which can incinerate multiple infrantry units, basically adding a flame tank feature to them.
Second, it should crush enemy tanks like the battlefort (and they can't crush each other).
Third, while it shouldn't be mind control immune, but should register as two mind controlled unit. Means clones can't mind control them, masterminds and psychic towers can only control one. Controlling two can overheat the mastermind.
With these 3 changes, the apoc could be an incredible force against both Yuri and Allies. Maybe even higher price can be asked for it.
3. See above of Apocs, and below in 6. the other idea...
4. I agree with the Robot Tank changes. It should get basic buffs, nothing else. However, the Battlefort should be like the Apoc: it should register as two mind controlled units.
5. With all the buffs above, I don't think too much changes are needed for Yuri. Only one: Boomers should have a Battle Lab prerequisite, as it's not acceptable having them way ahead of Dreads/Aircraft carriers.
6. Now, that's interesting. In addition to the Apocalypse persistence to mind control, I would give the Tesla Tank (in addition to a much needed range update) a complete Magnetron immunity. It's another overpowered Yuri unit, and having a proper counter unit from a specific country would do wonders.
I would also give the immunity to Tesla coils, and the range update to Tesla Troopers. Both are a bit underused.
Another rule of thumb is: every country specific unit should be overpowered. They should be game changers, and face of the country. No way to nerf snipers or Grand Cannons. I agree with the Black Eagle accuracy update, but not with the Harrier one. The difference between the two should be bigger.
In the case of Demo Truck, the white elephant is in the room: it shouldn't be globally announced. No, it should be an important unit, and well, this is for the start. The speed upgrade is fine, the blast radius not (it can backfire easily). Instead, give them extra armor.
The cuban terrorist is another interesting one. Instead of immunity to each other (it wouldn't make sense if we follow real life logics), why not give them a spy function? They can disguise themselves as any infantry, and can infiltrate bases in numbers. Non crushable is good addition too. Again, these country specific units should be all overpowered and even "unfair" at times.
And the Tank Destroyer, well... hard to give them a proper function really. But it must destroy a BF and an Apoc 1 against 1. That's a must of musts. It should also have at least an adequate/mediocre damage against both infrantries and buildings. Like the Flak track, really. Also, they have a howitzer cannon. They should be inaccurate, and slow while turning, but it should have extra range. Again, it should be a respected unit, "Deutschland's finest".
Overall, my change ideas (from base Yuri's revenge):
Allies:
Robot Tank: No longer requires power + extra HP (200) and maybe extra damage Tank Destroyer: Extra range (+3), boost in all damage areas (100% on Terror Drones), at least adequate on structures/infantry, can kill Apoc/BF 1 on 1. Battlefort: Registers as 2 units during mind control
(I would maybe add a Destroyer Osprey damage buff too... they are not very good now)
Yuri:
Boomer: Prerequisite is the Battle Lab
Soviet (the most broken faction, most changes):
Rhino Tank: Cost is $950, slower build (vanilla RA2) Apocalypse: Explosive splash damage, incinerates infrantry, crush all tanks except BF (uncrushable by BF), registers as 2 units during mind control. Tesla Tank: +2 range, immune to Magnetron beam Tesla Coil: Immune to Magnetron beam Tesla Trooper: +1 range Kirov Airship: Bombs during movement, minor extra speed Terrorist: Can disguise himself like the spy Demo truck: +50% armor, extra speed, no global announcement
(Maybe Flak Troopers should reduce their cost to $250, and radar shouldn't be a prerequisite).
Sorry if I went too long with this... :D
