The terror of airdrops

[LarkinVB]

Just played a game with a friend of mine. We both had 2 titans in the same team battling the AI at regular level. I was piloting an improved Mountain giant and a FireDwarf ( light with LL and 5 Flamers ), my friend had a Sagitta ( his pilot was shooting at 85% guided skill ) and a home made assault with AC20, 2 LL and various other minor weapons.

The setup was polar and we took position on a range of hills with the Firedwarf as advance guard in some forrests. The AI was advancing with just two recons and a Wraith. Since I didn't wanted to spoil the fun ( I knew there was something in store ) I made no special preperations for the airdrop. We quickly dispatched the recons and the Dwarf was trying to engage the Wraith when they came. It was a perfectly timed and placed drop. A Guardian, a Black Omen and a fist came upon us like the fury of hell. From then on it was a quick battle. The black Omen took out my Mountain Giant with a neutron beam, rendering him unconscious. The next time he awoke he saw towering above him the silhoutte of the Fist - soon after the chainsaws and tesla forced me to eject. Our assault got the chance to test his move skill more than a dozen times as the Guardian played with his too BRGs on him. Our best man, the Sagitta had all three of them well below minimum range and never got a chance to change this. In the end we lost one jock and all titans. I love those battles.

[rosary]

I agree. Airdrops rule. I've had all manner of Horror descend on me after an already vicious battle.

[Lyhrrus]

Airdrops seem to be the best GM counters, better than ECM 6 or flares 6. =) What really is horrid is when they drop and DfA you.

[tarendelcymir]

I totally agree. Airdrops are scary. Especially when you're already fighting the ground forces, and suddenly two or three more titans drop practically on your head. Makes for one hell of a fight.

[zeugme]

Yup, air drops are what I call effective way to create some havoc in the ennemy lines <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

(hoï Lark', what's up ?) <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[narf]

How hard would it be to give players the choice to conduct airdrops? It sounds like a great strategic addition, being able to hold one or two titans back to be dropped in on (or near) the enemy when things start to look bad.

[ October 19, 2001: Message edited by: Narf ]</p>

[rosary]

Yesterday while testing the New Dreadnaught and Juggernaut Sprites in battle module. I got airdropped by the AI less than 30 seconds into the battle. I was stunnged. Even though it was 2 assaults vs 4 lights/mediums They pounded the hell out of my AT's. Did I curse the airdrop code? yes. But in a way I was very impressed that the AI can still kick my arse.

[jmikkone]

I must admit, AI does handle TOS quite well overall. Only time when I can be fairly sure that I'll come out of the battle victorious without losing any of my titans is when I have a team built for real up close and intimate close combat and the map setup is set for very thick forest. Swarming tactics works extremely well there, since long range will not help you in any way.

The most diversity I've seen in the odds department has been those 'lots of supports on open ground' type of games. There are so many aspects that can go wrong for me, but when everything works, it's really a prize to watch my helpless foes fall one after another under my relentless LRM salvoes.. *evil grin*