In my opinion, Karbala and Ramiel are fairly similar, quite large insurgency maps. All be it, there be differences such as heli trans availability, quite different city design and to a degree the terrain. But overall, they're quite similar experiences, with heavy urban areas beset by quite open and large terrains of ... sand (and in Ramiel grass). Both have water in south. And in both maps, you have the US ARMY as the BLUFOR. Thus, to me, having both of these insurgency maps for the US ARMY is somewhat redundant, because they are so similar. I even keep mixing up their names: sometimes I speak of Ramiel when i'm referring to Karbala, and vice-versa, both are such similar experiences. My suggestion, I believe, would bring some variation to these two maps.
Just speaking for myself, I would very much like to see an insurgency map for MEC, because I like their design and rugged arsenal very much. And my suggestion is that Karbala map be given to the MEC, with MEC replacing the US ARMY as the BLUFOR. Whatever the back story is (perhaps at this stage, the MEC has invaded Iraq and captured Karbala, but the local population turned against them), its not hard to invent. In this way, you would have an insurgency map for more of the conventional armies (Al Basrah for Brits, Fallujah for the USMC, Ramiel for the US ARMY and Karbala for the MEC).
I don't know much about BF2 modding, but I can't imagine the transition to be that difficult. Just replace the assets and the BLUFOR, and the flags and other faction-specific props (if there be any), etc. The strykers could be replaced with BTR 60s, perhaps a T-72 could be included as well
(or not if the map is not appropriate for such.). On a lesser note, the insurgent cell leader kit's primary weapon could be replaced with M16 or something, so that conflicting reloading animations can be avoided (if a mec soldier takes the cell leader kit, with its G3, wouldn't he reload the weapon improperly?).At least, perhaps, Karbala could be a temprorary MEC map, a placeholder of sorts, given back to the US once (or if) the MEC are put to an insurgency map of their own.
Thanks.
