Hi folks, my first post too! I don't suppose you've talked about this before (somehow, I'm sure it's been discussed), but I wanted to propose a change to the Soviet retreat mechanics.
Here goes: Soviets need to have an incorporated retreat mechanic. CoH gameplay starts to behave really weird when units can't retreat, and the current implementation to work around this fact is, in my opinion, broken. However, retreating was modified to reflect the Soviet flavor and to distinguish them from everybody else, so the question is, how do you maintain that while still fixing it (assuming it's agreed that it's broken to begin with)
I think you can maintain the distinction while also changing the broken aspects of the current system. Rather than eliminating retreat and replacing it with a charge ability, instead place retreat mechanics onto the command squad. The charge mechanic (fire-up, heroic charge etc) was not intended to be used as a regular counter mechanic, but rather as a specialty of expensive, elite, doctrine specific units, or when placed on fragile commander units who need veterancy first. In other words, it's not a very accessible mechanic, for the simple reason that if it is, it becomes far too powerful (indeed, it is too powerful often enough when restrained!).
For me, I think that, firstly, charge should be kept, but it should be more severely restricted. The most important part of this restriction is delaying its arrival. It does indeed make sense for a bunch of inexpensive conscripts to hurl themselves valiantly into a hail of bullets, but not until later in the game, rather than from the start.
Second, provide a retreat mechanism on the command squad. I don't know if it is possible, but allowing the commander to essentially retreat allied units ala the Wehr officer (but targeting allies) would be ideal. If not, simply giving Soviets a retreat cooldown (which starts when they are first deployed) could be workable (independent of the comm squad). Or, a cooldown in tandem with a Captain retreat.
Just my thoughts on the subject. Hope they are heard well!
