The Najaf: Mahdi Cemetery Battle is a big map. The layout of tombstones, crypts, and mausoleums in the real Wadi Al Salam graveyard covers several square miles and is, at times, very dense. We tried to emulate these cramped conditions as much as possible while trying not to slow down the game with too many polygons on screen at one time. To help improve performance, the tombstones take advantage of “LOD” (levels of detail), meaning when you are far away, the tombstones are less detailed. Note: If you are running a hearty machine, you can turn off the detail objects setting in Options.

The Imam Ali Mosque was off-limits to coalition forces for obvious political reasons. Therefore, in this recreation, the shrine is not playable. It is, however, a real 3D object that looms in the distance. As our Mystery Developer describes, “It’s like an owl – always watching. Ever vigilant. It waits for an opportunity to strike, but cannot – because it is a building. Were it able to lift itself from its foundation, it would be a mighty foe.” We can always count on Mystery Developer for the philosophical take on a map.

Najaf also features the largest assortment of destroyable objects in any Kuma mission thus far. Every tombstone can be shattered with gunfire. This provides an interactive experience of literally hundreds of modifiable elements of the terrain. You can get the jump on the enemy by destroying his cover. But be careful. You are just as vulnerable.

And now, the cemetery plot unfolds! Happy Halloween.