With five new units and a campaign expansion being released simultaneously for the newest Dust Tactics faction, the Sino-Soviet Union, players anxiously await the arrival of the second quarter release date. Since this army will be immediately playable, players will want to know the strengths of each squad, so they can build their ideal SSU army instantly. With this in mind, here is a closer look at each of the forthcoming SSU releases.
Operation Zverograd
The Operation “Zverograd” campaign expansion introduces the SSU to the game of Dust Tactics. Beyond adding new rules (including rules for aircraft), scenarios, and background information regarding the SSU forces, this campaign also includes another level of the modular building set that was featured in Operation “Cerberus.”
Koshka and "Grand'ma"
Operation “Zverograd” includes the first SSU hero, Koshka Rudinova , and her customized walker “Grand’ma.” This walker is armed with a devastating long-ranged Howitzer cannon and a Sulfur Thrower for close-up engagements. Moreover, this is the first hero that enters the battle piloting a walker. If “Grand’ma” is destroyed during the game, the expert combatant Koshka continues the fight on foot.
SSU Airborne Transport
The first flying unit in Dust Tactics is the SSU Airborne Transport . It soars onto the battlefield with reinforcements in tow thanks to its Carry Capacity ability. SSU generals will welcome the speed the Airbore Transport offers and the new strategies it creates on the battlefield.
SSU Airborne Transport and Chinese Volunteers
With its quad machine guns, this transport vehicle is able to provide additional firepower to supplement its other roles. Also included in this already exciting expansion is a squad of Chinese Volunteers . These soldiers disembark from the Airborne Transport and support their comrades with short range machine gun fire.
SSU KV47 Walker
Arriving on the field of battle in three different variants, the KV47 Walker represents the most advanced SSU military technology. This machine has been rapidly developed using stolen technology, and it is on level footing with the Medium Walkers of the Axis and Allies.
KV47 Walker Natalya variant
Commanders who favor close assaults prefer the Nadya and Natalya variants. Nadya spews incendiary chemicals from its dual Sulfur Throwers, while Natalya cuts foes apart with twin Circular Saws. Natasha fulfills long-range support functions with its two 45mm Howitzers. Clearly, with these options, the KV47 Walker meets the SSU’s need for a robust and tactically flexible machine.
SSU NKVD Close Combat Squad
Comprised of some of the toughest soldiers in the world, the SSU NKVD Close Combat Squads are ready to fight in any setting. The soldiers of the SSU have fought on many fronts, and they are used to receiving only the minimum in supplies.
SSU NKVD Close Combat Squad
The SSU Close Combat Squad throws Molotov Cocktails that are capable of damaging enemy troops and vehicles alike. What is more, armed with Shotguns, this unit is potent at short ranges, and the squad also carries a Flamethrower to inflict even more damage in close quarters. If the situation calls for assault specialists, the SSU Close Combat Squad is the perfect fit.
SSU NKVD Battle Squad
The SSU NKVD Battle Squad comprises the bulk of the SSU fighting forces. Grizzled and resourceful, these soldiers form the main line of any SSU fighting front, supporting their allies with a hail of machine gun fire.
SSU NKVD Battle Squad
While the majority of the squad is equipped with light machine guns, they are capable of providing anti-infantry and anti-air support with the two DPM machine guns that are included in every squad. No SSU commander would enter a conflict without the backing of these invaluable squads.
SSU Command Squad
Like the other factions, the SSU employs Command Squads in order to provide leadership in the thick of battle, and this squad has the same potentially game-changing abilities.
SSU Command Squad
Where they differ from their rivals, however, is that the SSU Command Squad is slightly better equipped. For example, one member of the squad carries a Power Tool, which gives them a potent anti-armor weapon. Charged with leading the forces of the SSU to victory, these officers are well-prepared for the task.
Altogether, the initial SSU forces form a potent army with new strategies that have not been seen in Dust Tactics . With airborne units, pilot heroes, and more, this is sure to be an exciting faction to field. Read our SSU minisite for more information, and prepare yourself, comrade, for the invasion begins in the second quarter of 2012!