Multiplayer Maps Balance and Handicap

[Mordan]

Hello,

Question First : How do you make it harder for the Axis player? Do you slide the handicap slider towards the Axis?

This relates to the balance of some maps. For instance Frozen North. I used to lose all the time with Germans and win with Russians. After a few Axis losses, i decided to use a radical strategy with the Axis and since then I have won all my games with a decisive victory or a surrender.

The lack of a ranking system prevents Darwin from applying its law on map and strategies. And even after 70 mps game I'm not sure at all if some maps are unbalanced or are judged simply on player perception due to lack of experience and skills.

What the general consensus on map balance by experienced MP players here on this forum?

Russians on Spoils of War, even though I'm sure Axis can use his better fighters to good use.
Hylan Valley. I'm not sure. Not enough experience. Wins with both sides. I would still think Axis has the upper hand due to better material.
Urban Warfare. Russians ? But Allies have much better artillery.
Bersaglieri. Russian are better.
Steamroller against Steel?
Bocage Breakout ?
Operation Huntress. I have never seen an Axis win on this map.
War Games. Americans.
The Dnieper. German have it easier? Still never won with Russians.
Return to Kiev. Russian advantage?

[deducter]

Most of the MP maps are balanced about equally for both sides, with possible very small advantages for one side or the other. The only previously unbalanced map was Iron Cross, Red Star, which should be somewhat better now.

You can always play paired games to eliminate any small biases, since both players play both sides.