Ubisoft's Tom Clancy franchise has primarily leaned on first-person tactical shooters like Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon these past few years, but finally the company is branching out with EndWar, a console-specific real-time strategy game due early next year. EndWar envisions the US, Russia, and a united Europe in a near-future global conflict. The game uses a chessboard-style unit balance whereby the three factions all have the same individual units, so you'll have to leverage your tactical prowess against the equal armament of your enemies.
Ubisoft has provided a description of each of the three factions, along with specific details on their basic ground units, the riflemen.
RUSSIA
Now the world's largest supplier of oil, Russia has experienced an economic boom of epic proportions. It has used its newfound affluence to build up its military to levels beyond those of the Cold War and is once again a true superpower in the world arena.
Spetznaz Guard Brigade
Soldier for soldier, there is no force on the planet that can match the Spetznaz Guard Brigade in terms of raw brute force. Its members are all hardened veterans of Russia's many regional conflicts. Some say that these brigades are made up of people who have seen too much of war and have lost any regard for human life. While this may be true, the Spetznaz Guard Brigade is a highly effective, determined, and deadly force. Its focus is on heavy weapons and heavy armor. They are also excellent and modifying what equipment they have on hand to suit their needs, so their vehicles often bristle with bolted-on weaponry that the original designer never intended or even dreamed of including.
Micro Summary: The Spetsnaz Guard Brigade Wolves may very well be the single most feared military unit in the entire world. Known for their ruthlessness and brutality, the soldiers who make up this elite group have seen so much of war that they've grown accustomed to its horrors.
Summary: It is without a doubt that the Russian Spetsnaz Guard Brigade Wolves believe it is better to be feared than to be loved. They are known for their toughness, brutality, and ruthlessness in combat. This has led to many critics who say that the Wolves are little more than sociopaths and thugs who enjoy killing. However, this criticism is both unfair and untrue. The men and women who make up this group have just seen so much conflict and war that what is considered inhuman to others no longer fazes them. Also, considering them just "thugs" would be a fatal mistake because they are among the most skilled and experienced soldiers in the world.
Tech Commentary: Russia decided to stay with what works. The AK-74 and its variants are still in use in 2020, despite being a design that was created in 1974. A number of improvements have been made upon its 5.45mm ammunition, but the rifle itself is essentially unchanged. The only difference is that now an array of attachments are easily installed on the weapon and the muzzle brake has been improved.
Snipers in the Wolves are armed with the OSV-120 sniper rifle. This is the newest and most advanced rifle in the SPZ arsenal. When evaluating weapons for SPZ use no existing designs met its requirements for a high-caliber sniper rifle. This led to the development of the OSV-120 in 2009. The design was finalized in 2016. Since then, the weapon has gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy.
SPZ armor is worn on the inside of the uniform rather than the outside. The armor itself is heavy and can be both uncomfortable and difficult to move around in. It also gives SPZ soldiers a large, bulky look. This, combined with the tenacity and determination of your average Wolves soldier, can make an SPZ charge a very fearsome sight.
Primary Armament: AK-74 and variants, OSV-120 12.7mm sniper rifle.
Special Features: Can take advantage of cover, garrison buildings, can capture uplink points.
Read the rest here: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/tomclancysendwar/news.html?sid=6183597&mode=previews
