Spike: Hi Kenneth, thanks for taking the time to interview me.
Ken: So Spike, what Faction are you a part of for this War?
S: This Faction War I'm Fighting for Heroes Revenge Faction{AFF}. It was a decision made by our leader John Fuller to join the Mighty AFF clans and fight against Drohchah oh-Thyehgr.
K: Have there been any bouts that have surprised you so far in Rounds 1 and 2?
S: So far there haven't been any real surprises for me except for Bouncing Blue Brigade running it so close with the Black Star Legion. I had Black Star for a much bigger margin but those Smurf lovers almost pulled off the upset!
K: That really was a nail biter! I think every Pilot had that one playing out on the holo vid. So Spike, what are your current feelings on this Faction War so far?
S: My feelings will ruffle a few feathers for sure, they always do. Anyway, I always enjoy a good Faction War, but more often than not we've pulled the short straw when it's come down to grouping.
This war it’s been pretty good and I’m looking forward to the silver place battle with Omegas and Hells Horses and it's going to be close. But almost every war, be it clan or faction, the gold ends up with the Dragon Clans.
There's no point in even fighting them as you're just hitting a brick wall with most of them. They're so strong in general that there's little point in getting into the cockpit on battle day.
K: They do have some imposing players, but no Clan is invulnerable. Chessmen used to have Ruby Dragons’ number time and again, but it was always close.
So what fights are you looking forward to in Round 3? Care to predict any upsets?
S: The fight to watch has to be Mechalympus versus Spirit of Zeon for the battle of round 3! I can't even call it myself as they are so well matched but if I had to decide I would give Mechalympus a slight edge. The other two close matches will be our battle against Omegas and Hells Horses followed by Black Star Phoenix versus Bacon Samurai Kiss in Division 5.
As for upsets, I would say a win for Zeon may be the closest you get to an upset but that is all going to come down to those defensive wins.
K: What are your feelings on specialist formations? Do you feel these are handled well so far, or do you think there should be a shakeup for wars to come?
S: Specialist formations are a must in wars. I proudly run a double rainbow that has been the bane of pilots double my level. Most top pilots have 5 Boreas, 6 Regis, etcetera etcetera. You're never going to compete with them at my level but certain specializations force players to adapt. I have various formations from single rainbow to double rainbow, 10 ton ants to 1200 ton max, to name a few, set in my base.
If you’re in any sort of war you have to adapt. Those pilots who don't adapt fall by the wayside. As for shaking up the formations for Clan Wars, I’m all for it! Why not crystal only Mecha line-ups! Or join up two of the current specialist formations like 50 tons or less Double Rainbow. There are so many possibilities but we get stuck with the same old, same old. It's time there was a big shake-up that leveled the battlefield.
K: Those are great examples! Think of the scrambling to cover a Crystal 70 ton or less double rainbow!
Lastly, is there anything that you’d care to comment or extrapolate on?
S: I would love to comment and extrapolate, but I'd have Tory and her cronies trying to arrest me next time I stepped foot Novum (not like she hasn't tried before). I mean, what doesn't annoy me daily in the Mecha Galaxy? It's like every change for the better is manipulated in some way by certain clans. KOTM's used to be a real fight, but certain pilots now just sit in the top few slots picking up niode weaponry for so little experience. When the weapons weren't so good, they didn't bother. When there was more experience they didn't bother. It's simple. The difference between the weapons and experience gained is only making the campers stronger.
It's the same in Clan Wars. Certain clans are assured a gold medal before a flamer has been fired in anger. The current level matching system just isn't working and there has to be a review to match up groups on more than just the average level. Why not use skill points, why not give every niode mech, weapon and piece of equipment a value and use all this to accurately gauge a level. Walkovers are boring! Right now in this current war there are Factions racking up 1000+ wins while their opponent struggles to hit 100 wins. Something has to change and the change has to come soon!
K: All very interesting points. Well, unfortunately our time is done. I’d like to thank you for taking the time to come in and talk with us today, Spike.
S: Thank you for taking the time out to interview me Kenneth, but I have to go and prepare for our third round battle against Omegas and Hells Horses. I have a few formations I need to tweak. It's been a pleasure.
K: Also I’d like to thank our readers. Without you, none of this would be possible. This is Kenneth Hicks in the Pilot’s Corner signing off.
