The devs regularly skim through the forums so essentially we're giving them suggestions as we post in this thread.
If they were going to add the IG, what regiments would they add and would each regiment get a buff or a nerf, like the Mordian Iron Guard, they would get an accuracy bonus, but would lose more men due to their formations of line infantry.
Well, since each player is controlling an individual unit then whether they march in formation or not is up to them. Though I suppose it would be possible to set stats and introduce mechanics so that playing a regiment according to its background actually makes it stronger. Though I can't really think of a way to encourage line formations, those are obsolete for a reason... unless we gave some of their officers access to refractor fields that they can project over their allies, and so marching in formation lets you cram as many people as possible into the shield dome. That would basically take the weakness of line formations and turn it into a strength. Another option is, if we go with having a "blob buff", is to give Mordians a very short range on theirs, but allow them to "relay" any buffs they are receiving, so by crowding together they can get a ridiculous number of stacks for the whole formation. Probably what's going to happen though is regimental differences are not going to be very pronounced in-game, some regiments might favor certain units over others but they're not going to adhere strictly to their fluff doctrine (ie Elysians might have a harder time fielding tanks, but unlike in fluff it won't be impossible).
I wouldn't mind them adding just 1 Imperial Guard regiment, say, the Cadians. They are probably the most Marketable, unlike Death Korps of Krieg, which are more or less, German Soldiers. (Though I did like Steel Legions when 40k was marketing that a long time ago) You guys came up with good ideas. Being in close proximity to other Gaurdsmen/IG soldiers will increase your damage output. I will further that. Imperial Guard overall are the weakest race, if not similar to Eldar Guardian squads. A lone Guardsmen should be basically worthless. You wouldn't be able to kill about anything, and you would be exceptionally squishy. But when they stick together, they have good damage output through stack buffs, and they have the strongest vehicle in the game, the Baneblade. Instead of classes, you could have specialist that the Imperial Guard is calling in; (maybe from different Regiments in the region, and willing to give some assistance). These could include Tanith Ghosts (snipers), Ogryns (though not a specialist in the sense many regiments have them), Catachan Demolition Squads (Rambo/Vietnam fighters), not to mention Kasrkin and the others. The Imperial Guard could be a Faction expansion, with only 1 Regiment, that could also be a F2P expansion. Guardsmen would be another option for the F2P people, in addition to the Ork Boyz already announced. This isn't anything anyone else couldn't come up with here; if you know anything about 40k this basically stuff writes itself. Wow, getting so ahead of myself. This game is in alpha, anything could happen, it's not even a surefire thing just yet. But it is a really cool universe, and its really got my creativity rolling.
I can definitely see why Imperial Guard is not in at launch, though it has more to do with Space Marines being mandatory in any 40k game than with the Imperial Guard itself. If there are 4/5 regiments, the ones I can see are: Cadians - Vanilla, all-round Guardsmen Krieg/Steel Legion (they're similar enough that we'll likely only get one) - Die Panzerregiment Catachans - elite and assault units Elysians - Airborne, high mobility regiment with a focus on light vehicles/aircraft Valhallan - Soviet Russia has reserves, focuses on massed infantry. Though of course I do love the Mordians, they could probably replace Elysians if we don't have aircraft, though then we'll have to add Elysians as a 6th regiment when aircraft are introduced. Though IIRC Mordians' play style is more in line with the Krieg/Steel Legion slot. Also Tallarn. It's definitely going to be hard picking just five, the Imperial Guard have too many good regiments!
Steel Legion is a mechanized infantry. All squads roll in Chimeras. The only thing about having 4/5 regiments, is that they are Imperium. They would be allied with Space Marines, so then the Imperium would almost by default become the strongest faction.
At any rate... The armies will all be present eventually. Be thankful you aren't the follower of an Alien Army not in game at launch, you can at least enjoy the game WHILE still waging war for your Race. Note: Please vote Imperial Fists for 5th Space Marine Chapter, Thanks in advance for your service to the Emperor.
