Good day Ladies, Gents and Mech fans. This is Steve Ross#162076 with another behind the lines interview from here in the Zeon compound. With me today, I have ensign Mick Coxon#657279. How's it going Mick?
Mick Coxon - Well thanks, eager to see who we have in CW.
Steve Ross - Indeed. We're on the brink of the twentieth such contest. This will be hotly fought over. Do you think ZEON can produce another crushing performance?
Mick Coxon - Judging by interview posts we have seen from other clans, everyone is expecting it. We even have others re-arranging their clans to take us on. Myself I'm looking forward to trying out my new front line.
Steve Ross - A new front line eh? Some enhanced goodies for the enemy to play with. I'm sure we'll all be looking forward to that. Now, as a relatively new comer to the ZEON family how are you finding it fitting in with such a prestigious and hard hitting fan favorite as ZEON?
Mick Coxon - Hey it's awe inspiring to watch this team. Everything from advice on set-ups to minute changes to formations. It's pretty daunting being a "crystalizer" in this clan but everyone is always eager to help improve the teams statistics.
Steve Ross - It always helps to have close support in a clan, I agree. As you say, you are a crystal player foremost. Do you find this hinders you in any way along side some clearly very heavily nioded colleagues, or do you think that the clan as a whole is bending the specialist classes to cover such issues?
Mick Coxon - Utilising the Specialist role in my particular circumstances is largely an equaliser for our clan. The Boss uses it to entice D wins as it's pretty much one shot kills with 10 ton special at our level.
Steve Ross - Very true, and a tactic I daresay is exploited by many. The last wars displayed some surprise defensive wins from many who might have been ruled out. It must have been something of a trial by fire for yourself would you agree?
Mick Coxon - With Zeons advice, on my set up, I clearly had a few lucky wins but that's the gamble and any help that I can return back is helpful.
Steve Ross - Yeah, ZEON do have some seriously seasoned talent to offer words of wisdom.
Of late there have been some serious clan based lockouts in the top end of division 3 KotM's. Do you feel that energy extends into the clan wars rounds?
Mick Coxon - Absolutely, the clan are like dogs after a bone when going after those wins. Difference in this clan, as opposed to my last, is that everything has been tested against each other numerous times before the best formations get used in CW. Critique is acted upon to the benefit of the clan members. Several of our members collate the data received into spreadsheets so that performance can be improved and passed on to us all. There is a real vibe going on in Zeon that's infectious.
Steve Ross - Outstanding angle there Mick. It's always great to hear of clans pulling together like a well oiled machine.Before we wind this chat up I think it's time to prod the tiger slightly; Are there any opponents you fear/admire and any that give you concern when you see their names pitted against you guys?
Mick Coxon - I would love to get revenge on some of those higher levels that "farm" me but it's all part of the game and I'm still developing. I admire many, chat with those that get their two daily nibbles in against me but fear none. Although there may well be a little tremour of delight if AFF get pitted against us.
Steve Ross - Indeed. T.J. seemed to be chomping at the bit over the friendly rivalry with the AFF boys and girls. Okay, finally, can you give any advice to our up and coming crystal heavy players perhaps seeking to gain a place with the bigger fan favorite clans?
Mick Coxon - There is some great advice out there so take all that can be gained. Don't chase levels as the bioptics and crystals come with some heavy exp to upgrade. Never sell spare mecha as they all come in useful now that the rise of the specialist has been instigated, indeed I'm now re-buying them to fill Specialist roles for CW.
Steve Ross -Wonderful words and as blunt and honest as any good wrecking ball. Well, thank you for your time Mick, I daresay we'll swap tips and tricks over a beer in the officers mess before Friday's drop zone comes around. Thanks once again Mick. Good hunting and take care brother.
Mick Coxon - Go forth and wreck Mecha my friend.
Submitted by Steve Ross #162076 and Mick Coxon #657279