Insurgency, or INS, is the highly anticipated squad based modern combat modification for HL2. The mod entered private beta 2 months ago and the team recently announced they entered the “polishing” phase of development and are searching for an animator to revamp their player animations.

It’s tough to say what level of Tactical Realism gameplay will be built into this mod, but what particularly interesting is the focus on customizeable squad based gameplay.

6a) Command

The emphasis on teamwork is enhanced with a chain of command system, being led by the highest ranking players in the game. Clans can have greater control to execute their strategies and tactics because of the improved communications and efficient command methods.

>> Platoon Level Command

The Platoon Commander issues out objective orders to each squad. This allows for the team strategy to be monitored and changed with the changing situation. The method of command is via an interactive overhead map of the level.

>> Squad Level Command

Upon receiving objective orders, the Squad Commander then is relied upon to ensure the objective is secure. Orders can be issued to the individuals in the squad, or to the separate fireteams. The method of command is either quickly through the HUD or using the interactive overhead map of the level.

>> Fireteam Level Command

The fireteam commanders can then delegate fire and movement orders to their fireteam. This ensures integrity of the the most basic unit of operation. Orders can be issued through the HUD to individual players.

And here is the customizable part:

7) Dynamics

Insurgency is very flexible when it comes to overall gameplay and setting changes. These changes are server-side, so for instance gameplay can be changed to be more balanced for clan matches, or settings can be enhanced realistically to the desire of the server admin.

>> Insurgency Map Configuration (IMC)

Each INS level has its own IMC file that configures the objective and gameplay properties for the map. These variables include: reinforcement numbers, reinforcement times, objective capture times, objective possession control, and more. Every level can have each gameplay type (Battle, Firefight, Strike, and Push) for the best gameplay experience.

>> Squad and Player Class Configuration

Squad layouts can be all be changed and determined what are used in each level. For instance, the IMC defines which squads a team can have, whether they are a Rifle squad, Support squad, or any server-created configuration! Player classes can all be changed in terms of weapon, ammunition, and equipment load outs. New player classes can even be created.

>> Weapon Configuration

The accuracy and power of weapons and ammunition can be manipulated, even allowing for creation of new weapons.

>> The potential?

With this amount of flexibility, new weapons, player classes, and squads, INS can easily add new campaigns and teams. Support for third-party additions is also highly possible and encouraged with support from the INS Development team!

A modders mod! The possibilities for competitive clan play or even different flavors of public servers is endless. Not only does this mod promise to deliver impressive gameplay, but some of the screenshots being released are breathtaking.

For more information and previews of Insurgency, register at the official Insurgency project forums.