My idea for penals would be making them a high dps unit specialized in demolitions.
Cost increased to 330mp.
DPS increased to make them more fearsome combattants, specialized in mid range combat
Flamer upgrade
Grenades and satchels as vet 0 abilities
Democharge as vet 1 ability instead of flare trip mines (demo removed from Engies)
Oorah at vet 2.
This would kill multiple birds with 1 stone.
- Soviets get non doctrinal elite infantry
- Give soviets a non-doctrinal unit that can throw a grenade
- T1 will have a unit that is usefull in the lategame
- Penals will get a clearly defined role instead of 'slightly different conscripts'
- Demo charges, an extremely potent gameplay mechanic that Soviets do not really deserve in their current powerful state, become more rare
Combat engie price changed to free?
Because they are the worst of all engie type units and without demos they will also have faaar less use (just mines/sweeping and repair)
all others have SOME use:
sturms can fight and lay med supplies, speedy repair, put away sweeper, mines, harder wire.
Ost pios can build and increased spotting.
Rears can build fighting positions (and fire nades), weapon upgrades, volley fire.
Sappers build hella sh!t, combat efficiency, great vet, weapon racks, armour + lmg upgrade....
The only thing unique to combat engies is demos....