Order of Battle: US Marines

[glen55]

This was going to be a day 1 purchase for me, but the launch trailer is so offensive and off-putting, I'm going to pass. Its totally generic. There is nothing about it that says USMC. No Battle Hymn, no Eagle, globe and anchor, the narrator refers to Marines as "soldiers" at :30 and most offensive of all, the mispronunciation of Semper Fi...instead, they say, "Semper Fee!" at :48.

Garbage.

Haha, makes me want it!   

[Moreb]

But a slip up would not deter me if I enjoyed that system. At least they are tackling and covering our Marines. My grandfather was in the 1st during the war and is still with us today.

[bbmike]

Yeah, it's US Marines! I'm having a hard time not buying.

[Swatter]

The Marines were depicted in the original game. Perhaps they have a campaign tailored to the Marines, would be interested to know.

[Moreb]

From the Matrix site,


'Order of Battle: U.S Marines is the second expansion of the franchise and it includes a campaign with 11 brand new scenarios against the Imperial Japanese troops. You'll fight, amongst others, the historical battles of Guadalcanal and Tarawa. In these savage landscape enemies adapt their strategy from ruthless assaults to deep and well-prepared defensive systems.

Fight with the new U.S. Marines faction, deploy many new units on the battlefield and employ the new support fire ability for Heavy Infantry.

Onwards to victory! Semper fidelis'

[Millipede]

Moreb, you're right. We're talking about the Corps here and ignorant mistakes made by a non U.S. developer are not a good reason to pass it up. As annoyed as I am, I've decided to pick it up (I really need another game... right?).

By the way, please convey my thanks to your grandfather. What years did he serve?

[Gusington]

I am wondering if this new campaign is on rails...

[Moreb]

Moreb, you're right. We're talking about the Corps here and ignorant mistakes made by a non U.S. developer are not a good reason to pass it up. As annoyed as I am, I've decided to pick it up (I really need another game... right?).

By the way, please convey my thanks to your grandfather. What years did he serve?

I should know but I don't.  I do know he was at Guadalcanal and fought to wars end. He never talked about it. Ever. The only time he spoke of his experiences were to my uncle right before he shipped off to Vietnam. My uncle joined the Marines because he said he was afraid that he would be drafted into the Army and left the country of Vietnam the same day I was born, aug 18th 1969. He use to joke saying we were both born that day. My uncle would talk about his experiences to us kids when he was drinking but I could tell it bothered him then and if we asked too much my mother, looking back, would put an end to it. I was never interested in ww2 stuff until about 15 years ago and my knowledge of the Pacific is very limited. My cousins served in Desert Storm and their children served in Afghanistan and again in Iraq, all in the Marines. I'm not real close to that side of the family so I don't know much details but it seems the wars have fallen on my family through the generations.

My grandfather told me many years ago that his father was in the Kaisers army before ww1 but won some small German lottery and took the proceeds and went awol, heading to America. I assume that story was true.

[Jarhead0331]

Moreb, you're right. We're talking about the Corps here and ignorant mistakes made by a non U.S. developer are not a good reason to pass it up.

I dunno...If we're talking about a game that is supposed to be about the Corps, but nothing in the game is actually about the Corps, largely due to ignorant mistakes, how can that not be a good reason to pass it up?

Anyway, do tell us if it is any good, otherwise.

[Michael Dorosh]

More than half the video shows nothing but title cards. If they're scared to show the actual game, isn't that usually a pretty good indicator that it isn't any good?

[Michael Dorosh]

No Battle Hymn, no Eagle, globe and anchor

Wouldn't it be worse if Matrix *was* using those sacred symbols, to flog a mediocre game on the Internet?

I don't know, would the Corps have to give permission for the use of those symbols?

[GibbyG]

More than half the video shows nothing but title cards. If they're scared to show the actual game, isn't that usually a pretty good indicator that it isn't any good?

Well, since it is an expansion the assumption is that people have played the base game.

Also, there is a Twitch tonight that showed someone playing the game.

[FarAway Sooner]

Jarhead, maybe his pronunciation of the Marine Corps motto was just invoking the correct ancient Latin pronunciation?

???

[Jarhead0331]

No Battle Hymn, no Eagle, globe and anchor

Wouldn't it be worse if Matrix *was* using those sacred symbols, to flog a mediocre game on the Internet?

I don't know, would the Corps have to give permission for the use of those symbols?

No. If the symbols are used accurately and respectfully, I don't see any issue.

Yes. The marine corps has a trademark licensing department that reviews requests for non-official use. Have you seen some of the crap they've approved in the past?

http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/divpa/Units/MarineCorpsTrademarkLicensingProgram/FAQ.aspx

[sandman2575]

Jarhead, maybe his pronunciation of the Marine Corps motto was just invoking the correct ancient Latin pronunciation?

???

Yeah, that was my thought too and probably the case -- still doesn't excuse the gaffe in the promo though -- anyone who knows anything about the USMC knows their motto is pronounced like JH says, with "Fi" having a long "I" sound.