M.G.B. Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Got a Niode laser to look at this time. You all know the drill, we'll be looking at the weapons in the same family that are lower and higher in level than this one to see how it stacks up. Availability is reflected here as it was at the time of the image being taken, note this is a look back on limited availability weapons.

Alright getting down to it this is available to level 7 and up pilots. So sitting beneath this is the Force Ion Beam at level 5. That has 8 straight damage, speed of 102, and the weapon ability of Slow (6).

M.G.B takes the win across all categories with more damage, faster speed, and trades out a lesser weapon ability for a damage based weapon ability.

Going the other way looking at the weapon above it level wise we have the Lazerizer available to pilots level 14 and up. It has 19 damage, a speed of 104 and the weapon ability of X2 Damage at 15%.

Surprisingly the M.G.B. holds on and beats out its bigger cousin in both straight damage and speed. The only thing it looses out on here is weapon ability as it just can not compete with a 15% X2 damage ability. So what this is going to come down to is play style for making a decision here, choose wisely.


Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Lest We Forget: The Epic Battle of Exiles Legacy and the 99th Chessmen Original Contributer Daniel Chung ID# 323564

As Clan War 3315 comes to a close, the community is embroiled in controversy and negativity. So why do we do it? Why do we come here, to place our mechas upon the field, upgrading, fine tuning, only to be berated, bullied and belittled in public forums? Why for the epic battles of course.

Below is the story of one of those aforementioned Epic Battles. It was a fight between two Divisional Champions. Exiles Legacy which was the defending champion of Division 7 had been lowered to Division 8 for this war. The Gold Medal Round featured them up against the 99th Chessmen[RND], long time Champions of Division 8.

This story was originally published on June 19th, 2015 by our comrades in correspondence, A.N.N.

Here is how the Battle unfolded:

Division 8 - Gold Medal Round
We were not expected to win. Not this round. So far as I’ve known, never in the history of Mecha Galaxy had a higher Division Champion lost to a lower Division Champion.
There they were in the distance, marching to the battlefield, banners held high, clouds of dust streaming away to the side.
Exiles Legacy, Division 7 Champions
News from intelligence was despairing. Mighty indeed were their armies. Discounting their 3 decoy formations, their lowest fighting formation outranked ours by 11 levels. Their highest formation outranked ours by 17 levels.
Shall we fold then? Curl up in the corner with hands over our heads and wait for it to end? Or charge forward, hit any and all in blind defiance?
No, we shall fight! To the bitter end! For legends will be made if we did the impossible!
Comms channel was a hive of activity:
Brandon Cascio
“Do test runs. Watch previous rounds fights.. do not engage if you are not sure your gonna win.”
Joshua Magsino
“xxxxx masks his formation, his ants are at the back of his aspis”
“they are literally ants”
Debbie Cole
“I had a few hits yesterday, i can post if you want to see.”
Brandon Cascio
“Do you think we could have 2-3 people hit off at.the bat and then have everyone else hit until there's 3 hours left ?”
Daniel Chung
“Important is we MUST maximize our points on the bottom 3 guys. Everybody must hit them 2x”
Debbie Cole
“Have posted the 4 i had a go at in CCC, not good for me”
Daniel Chung
“Damn... the way they massacre the 35 tonners, I'm freaking out myself lmao”
“Round 2 is ours”
Brandon Cascio
“Gratz guys”
“Now to prepare for round 3”
Debbie Cole
“Seriously not looking forward to that”
We had exactly 24 hours to sort things out, making strategies, last minute adjustments, or even redoing entire formations.
Brandon Cascio
“okay im here i will be revamping all my specialists”
“did anyone do the math to see Avg. ?... thats a bunch of folks above 55+”
Michael Telladira
“brandon can u hit me? ill put my normal formation in, testing the skriag placement”
Brandon Cascio
“gimme a second to save this double rainbow im working on and sure.”
Roger Poulin
“there s 2 line of thought.. 1 , put your best early to kill as much as you can, but that can be counter by crit kill and attrition”
“2, put them for last, wipe out the left over”
Brandon Cascio
“xxxx, xxxx, xxxx, xxxx are missing half or more Hg.”
Debbie Cole
“What are the specialists for them?”
Debbie Cole
“Brandon do you have a 50 T i can retest my line up?”
Brandon Cascio
“okay 50 ton revamped. 10 ton revamped.”
“okay.. so i dont have alot of confident with my double rainbow beating there guy... the 900 im 50/50. on the weaker one.”
Michael Telladira
“Win or lose they woke me up, last clan to wake me up was Macleods”
“I actually re did my spec line ups for them”
FORWARD CHESSMEN! GO NOW TO YOUR DEATHS, GO. DIE IF YOU WILL BUT DIE WITH YOUR JAWS IN THEIR THROAT!!!
…………………………………………………….
0000 Hours
News from the front was grim.
Exiles began their offensive with twin pronged assaults from their top and bottom formations. The score was 10-0 before the Chessmen could make any response. Adam’s formation heralded our counteroffensive, decimating the decoy formations, but alas, was stopped by the third decoy formation.
Adam Bensley
“I lost against the bottom 140 tonner. I was mortified!”
Even the gods of RNG were conspiring against us.
Brandon Cascio
“im going after that 10 ton, hes got very few HG right now.”
“might be my only chance for an easier win.”
“Nope.”
Joshua Magsino
“i think i exhausted my attacks for this round”
“well, its the first time i've seen us losing in the first hours, hmm, the tides will come!”
Brandon Cascio
“its not over till the fat lady sings... that why we duct tape her mouth shut until we are winning”
David King
“want me to put together someting and try?”
Daniel Chung
“Defensive losses 5-1. We are giving way too many.”
Joshua Magsino
“just an update, we gave them 7 points”
And Chessmen pressed on desperately with the battle, trading shattered mech for shattered mech. The night danced, lighted by bright flashes of laser fire criss-crossed everywhere. Like a f**king disco of death. Missiles slammed into armoured torsos and erupted in a shower of sparks and flames; some of the missiles slammed into the mech beside the target, ruinous double hit with one salvo. Cannons blazed, firing way above the safety rate, racing against time to deal as much damage as possible before the mech became another casualty. AP rounds smashed into enemy mechs and punched through its back to hit the rear ranks. 90 ton monsters staggered and moved onwards from hits that disintegrates anything lighter than 50 tons.
Formations rushed into battle throughout the night, their banners held high, only to be struck down in flames, and rise again drenched in blood.
We were desperate. Desperate enough to detonate our mechs in suicide attacks to bring down the bigger mechs.
Holmes08 fires a Diablis Nozzle at Dante
163% damage
Hit for 1118
Dante Destroyed!
Shield absorbs 35 damage
Fire % shield blocks 76
2X DAMAGE
3X DAMAGE
Kickback! 3354 damage
MECH SHUTDOWN
…………………………………………………….
Morning came.
In less than 12 hours the score was 76-51, more than our entire Round 2 fights. Somehow, amazingly we held the ground. It may be a feint by Exiles before made their all out assault but for now we held the high ground. Many of our heavy formations were spent, most had very little reserves, perhaps good for another sortie or two. And, our defensive losses were grievous. We gave 10 losses to Exiles’ 7.
Daniel Chung
“i still refuse to believe you lost to him”
Brandon Cascio
“IT HAPPENED MAN, WE ALL SAW IT! IT FRICKEN HAPPENED!!!”
Daniel Chung
“he must hv sacrificed his sperm sack“
“def losses 10-7. thats 10 precious points we can't afford to give out. Do not hit unless you're 90% sure you can win”
Michael Telladira
“I got 4 wins Daniel”
“I was saving them for later to kill a momentum shift”
Daniel Chung
“cool “
“their top 3 guys havent make a move yet. thats what worrying me”
Jeff Kirk
“i have only hit 1 attack this round so still lots left for me”
Daniel Chung
“thats great guys. hold them for now. we currently have 22 points lead. if exiles start hitting, do not let them get lower than 10 points lead”
“xxxxx just lost to joshua and fransiskus. we MIGHT pull off a miracle here”
Jeff Kirk
“tried xxxxx and lost”
“sorry”
Daniel Chung
“damn... he's tough”
David King
“this is my match from last night against the 140 tonner. it is a edge of ur seat fight”
https://www.facebook.com/l.php…
Jeff Kirk
“86-60 now”
…………………………………………………….
1645 Hours
A message from the Exiles congratulating us for the Gold. Is it real? Or is it a trap to lull us into complacency?
“Welp, congrats on your gold. It was over as soon as we gave up more than a few offensive losses. You can't give away points like that when you're already assuming you've given away free points with the low level guys.”
Jason Smith
“I'm not buying it”
…………………………………………………….
1750 Hours
Brandon Cascio
“103 79”
David Feagle
“well here they come”
Adam Bensley
“exiles are on a bit of a run”
Debbie Cole
“Will we hold them off?”
Brandon Cascio
“depends if they keep giving defense wins.”
Debbie Cole
“I see their top guy with 1 left with Jeff, 2 with me, 1 with Mike and maybe 1 with Frank”
Jason Smith
“Damn, if xxxxx had waited just 1 more hour, I might have had him.”
The second Exiles offensive came close to breaching our lines. Only the tired formations of Debbie Cole, David Feagle, Adam Bensley and Jason Smith managed to make any counterattacks. The score was 109-92. We had only a dangerously thin lead of 17 points.
…………………………………………………….
1945 hours
Finally some good news from the front! Michael Telladira’s formation launched a mad suicidal attack on the enemy positions and gained us additional 5 points lead!
But there were not much joy in the celebrations, for our reserves were seriously depleted.
Michael Telladira
“who else has points for us?”
Brandon Cascio
“No more sure wins but might have 2.”
Joshua Magsino
“sir jeff hadnt made his runs didnt he?”
“oops, he did”
And then we noticed Exiles were making mistakes. Was it desperation? Or carelessness? No time to waste! Strike now!
Michael Telladira
“they gave us 3 more def wins”
Michael Telladira
“GUYS”
“XXXXX”
“OUT OF FORMATION”
Joshua Magsino
“COPY!”
Michael Telladira
“HURRY BUT DOUBLE CHECK BEFORE”
Joshua Magsino
“shot!”
Daniel Chung
“dammit he switched back”
Joshua Magsino
“hes planning to attack some 50 tonner”
Daniel Chung
“take note of xxxxx, he might switch formation again.”
Daniel Chung
“damn... he did switch but got back into formation”
“is michael/jason/debbie/chad/jeff around?”
Debbie Cole
“iM HERE”
“ooops.”
Tensions were getting impossibly worse.
Brandon Cascio
“DONT ENGAGE HIM”
“hes got hoplite lead... but tones still 1600”
“i almost fell for it.”
“and its changed back to ammo”
“F**K he just had ammo lead for 50 ton missed him again”
…………………………………………………….
2100 hours
Both armies stood their ground, exhausted, hated glares to each other across a battlefield littered with broken mechs and broken guns and broken corpses. Not an inch of ground was visible. There were still opportunities to attack but all are risky with the outcome very much in doubt. Both sides watched each other like hawks.
One Exiles was caught in wrong formation! Like a pack of savage dogs, the Chessmen descended on him and tore his formation to pieces, netting 8 precious points. But then a Chessmen’s formation was also out of sync! And Exiles tore into him netting back the 8 lost points.
…………………………………………………….
2230 Hours
136-129.
7 PRECIOUS POINTS
1.5 hours seemed like forever that day
Brandon Cascio
“Do Not Engage Without Clearance ,To Do so Can and Will Result In Reprimand.”
Brandon Cascio
“they getting desperate. i got a def win.”
Jason Smith
“I'd be sitting a little easier if we had another 10 points on them.”
Debbie Cole
“I still have may be 3, then the 50-50”
Jason Smith
“Where's Chad? I only see a few attacks from him. Is he done?”
Daniel Chung
“I'm at -2. Already stretched my luck with xxxx just now”
…………………………………………………….
2330 Hours
141-131
10 points. If the last big push is to come, it’ll be now.
Debbie Cole
“What or why are they waiting”
Joshua Magsino
“they got xxxx to attack, why didnt he attacked?”
Brandon Cascio
“How we doin?”
Jason Smith
“We're down 7 Brandon.”
Joshua Magsino
“wtfreak!”
Jason Smith
“Oh . . . wait. . . wrong game.”
Some jokes to relieve the tension. It didn’t help much…
A plan was then hatched by Jason and Michael. We must be prepared of Exiles launching a surprise attack to snatch the lead in the final seconds of the Round. And thus, they will initiate an attack themselves with their final reserves.
…………………………………………………….
2357 Hours
Daniel Chung
“Come on come on come on”
Brandon Cascio
“I thought we were down 7, someones getting a kick in the d**k... hahah”
Jason Smith
“That'd be Michael”
Daniel Chung
“132-144 I think we got it”
Joshua Magsino
“29 secs”
David King
“145-132”
Joshua Magsino
“its over!”
Jason Smith
“147-132 final”
Michael Telladira
“damn we owned it”
Jason Smith
“I took xxxxx @ 57% mecha health. LOL”
Brandon Cascio
“Gratz gentlemen”
…………………………………………………….
And so it ended. 147-132
Few would have guessed the result. Did we just made history as the first clan to defeat a higher division champion? Maybe yes, or maybe it has already been done before. But for sure this is the stuff of legends in the chapters of the Chessmen’s annals.
And 99th Chessmen R&D banner flew yet again, its tyranny over Division 8 unbroken.

Pilot Profile Poppa Whiskey

Editors note* This is a back story/companion profile piece to the character listed in the Frigis tech read out

Papa Whiskey began on a little out post colony running boundary security in a broken down Bishop Mech. He entered a couple regional tournaments and gained the attention of a couple Faction military recruiters.  He met with both the Shogunate and the Cogwerk Ports representatives. He decided on the Cogwerk Ports later citing that they had made the more lucrative offer.

He fit in rather well with the Ports security team and was driving one of  two security Severs when  dozens of Gigus mechs ran loose in the port. He displayed further skill when a short time later he was responsible for 54 confirmed Cult of Gigus kills in the wild space of Valkus Prime.

He was offered a position with B.O.M.B. (Black Ops Mecha Battalion) by the true Galactic military and spent 4 tours there. (Not much is known of this time as it is all classified clearance Alpha -1-Red-1) What is known is that after he got out of service he joined on with star Factories to become their test pilot for their new freeze juggernaut the Frigis mecha.

During a mecha demonstration for possible investors, he faced a squad of Smilidons, Severs and Gigus. He simply sauntered out onto the battlefield powered up and pulsed one time creating a storm of the now trade mark lightning bolts. That pulse shut down every mecha on the field and he easily destroyed them at will with his various lasers and freeze weapons already on board. The whole fight lasted all of five minutes. That pretty much settled the minds of Star Factories investors and the Frigis has been in production ever since. His payment for that job was to keep the mecha he tested which he later named Bootlegger. He is a pilot who is very capable and an asset on the battlefield. Recommendations for future engagements are for threat levels high or above.

Submitted By Pat Willis #224534

White Dragon Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This is a crystal ice thrower available to levels 46 and up, as usual we will be looking at its efficiency by comparing it with the weapon closest in level both below, and above it. (Note* The image was taken during a sale and does no reflect current prices.)

So beneath this weapon level wise is the crystal ice thrower the Enveloper, available to levels 41 and up. It does 40 damage, has a speed of 94, and has a Slow of (10) for a weapon ability.

The White Dragon beats out the damage by 5, the speed by 3, and changes out the Slow(10) to a Freeze of 5%. The Freeze ability can be severely jacked with equipment, but even without that just based on speed and damage the White Dragon is viable upgrade.

The next ice crystal weapon up from the White Dragon is the Yeti's Bane available to levels 55 and up. That weapon packs a 47 Straight Damage, 99 Speed, and the same Freeze at 5%. So you gain 2 to damage, 2 to speed, and keep the weapon ability as is. So the weapon above the White Dragon seems to pack only a slightly better damage and speed for an 8 level gap between the two weapons.

Overall looking at both what is below, and above the White Dragon I have to say it is a solid weapon. Seated within the two level ranges but leaning heavily towards the higher of the two.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Cooling Coils Equipment Review By Pat Willis#224534

Some crystal chassis equipment for some of the heavier mechas out there, the 85 ton end of the Huge scale and the 90 ton BFM scale. But it's a piece of chassis equipment that does not only what it says it does, adds shielding to the mix, and has no vulnerabilities or penalties.

So getting down to brass tacks here, yes you can do better on dodge with chassis equipment, even crystal gear as well. The Burst Booster can do a dodge of 8, Stealth Plating can do a dodge of 7, heck Trilerian Sprockets can do a dodge of 11.

But the Burst Booster is vulnerable to fire and missiles, Stealth Plating gives you a -3 Speed, and the Sprockets have a Laser vulnerability.

So it has a dodge of 6 but doesn't pay in penalties like some of the other chassis parts in the same tonnage range do. Instead it gives you a Fire and Ice shield, both set at 5%. Now yes I know that isn't a lot, but figure you'll be slapping these on in addition to actual shielding and whatever the mecha has for inbuilt shielding.

So slap a few of these in your slots and get maybe an additional 10%-15% on top of what you may already be packing elsewhere for bonuses. All in all this isn't that bad of a package , and truthfully the price isn't that bad for it.

Submitted buy Pat Willis#224534

Mid-War Interview With John Ringo ID# 899287 By Kenneth Hicks ID# 896042

Ken: Hi there John, if you could please state the Clan you're representing this Clan War.


John: Hi Ken thanks for having me, I am with Undead Dragons this war.


K: Ah, the newcomers to Division 11. Tell me, as a Clan that is a relatively unknown, how do you feel you've performed these first two battles?


J: Well after going over all my formations before the war, I started and making some adjustments before round 2. I have to say I am very happy overall. I was able to take on a few players higher on our foes roster then I figured I would be able to.


K: I was a bit surprised you didn't see as much fight out of PSI Corps. Possibly because you managed to roll up so many points so quickly? What are your thoughts on their lack of response?


J: Well it is always hard to say for sure what the other side is thinking but most of the time when you are able to run up a large lead the other guys either decide to not fight much to save the XP or they come at you with everything they have to test their formations and grow for the next fight.


K: For Battle three you have the Division favorite Topaz Dragons coming up. How do you like your chances?


J: Looking at their roster I would say we have a large hill to climb. I would say they have a good chance to take the Gold this war.  I plan on making a solid run at them so I can at least learn and do better next war.

As we look upon the other Divisions, what fights coming up this round are you excited to watch?


K: I would say B2K v Shadow Camp in D12 and Nova Dragons v INA in D13. With all the work The Craftsman have put into the lower division shake ups it will be interesting to see how it plays out in round 3.

If you were to pick one upset this round, what would it be?


J: Well I have not had a chance to get deep into the stats this war outside of my division. I will say that on paper the D12 fight could get interesting for a solid back and forth trench war with the end being the team who makes the least mistakes taking home the Gold.


K: There has definitely been quite a bit of chatter over the Division 12 fight. Plenty of people are going to be sweating their niodes over that one.

So John, before we get suited up and ready to load out, any last thoughts for the readers at home?


J: With all the changes to the rules and player bans and the mad scramble getting ready for this CW there has been a lot of anger and frustration on the players page. I would hope that we can all take a step back, cool down and get back to what is supposed to be fun... the fight in CW combat. To everyone getting ready to go this final round I say bring your best and lets get it on!


K: Great advice John! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, and I hope everything comes up shiny and Gold for you!


J: Thanks Ken for taking the time to chat. My best wishes to you as well.

Mid-War Interview 1GoML ID# 637975 By Kenneth Hicks ID#896092

Ken: Hi there 1GoML, if you could please state your Clan you're representing this Clan War.


1GoML: Yes sir, I'm with Ruby Dragons this Clan War.


K: Division Eight Ruby Dragons! Tell me, how did you feel about your first two battles, any surprises?


G: Mainly the fact we didn't have to fight KISS. Also the fact that we dropped a prize tier was a sad surprise.


K: That was a big surprise for a lot of people. I myself ended up fighting them in Round one with Steampunk.

Who will you be going up against in Round three?


G: 1stK, they are a strong group. I'm hoping we can exploit a couple weak links they have and give us a big enough edge to take home the Inferno.


K: The Brotherhood always manages to field some tough Clans. I think this is the first time in quite a while that the Inferno has made the prize list for a Clan War. Are you glad the Gamemasters have started shaking up the prize mechas some?


G: Indeed I am. It's nice to have fresh mecha. At some point you have too many of one and can be easily countered.


K: Looking at the rest of the Divisions, what matches are coming up that you're excited to watch?


G: D1 Zeon and Fusion. D13 Nova Dragons and INA. Outside of that the rest seem fairly easy.


K: Zeon and Fusion always make for an epic Battle, and with the recent shake ups in the lower divisions, it will be interesting to see how Nova Dragons and INA pans out. If you were to pick one upset this round, what would it be?


G: Probably either D12 or D13. Complacency would be the reason. Sometimes older clans forget that there are still hungry new clans out there gunning for gold. I hope it doesn't happen for betting sake. But if I had to choose. That would be it.


K: Shadow Camp has certainly turned some heads this war for certain. So 1GoML, any last thoughts before we get back to prepping our formations?


G: Yes sir, may the RNG be ever in your favor! Friendly piece of advice to all the new guys, when/if you get your inferno. Two consecutive burns equals ignite. Load up fire weapons with the burn ability.


K: Outstanding advice! Remind me to always stand up-range of you when your testing out those fire nozzles!

Thank you very much for your time Michael, and I hope things turn up Gold for you!

Mid-War Interview With Curtis Cackleburr ID# 885496 By Kenneth Hicks ID# 846092

Ken: Hi there Curtis, if you could please state your name and the Clan you're representing this Clan War.


Curtis: I am Curtis Cackleburr and I am a member of the Topaz Dragons.


K: Topaz! The Golden Child of Division 11. So tell me, did you have any surprises from Red Alert or Black Sheep Squadron?


C: Not really, no. We came into this war prepared. Actually I was slightly surprised by Black Sheep. They could have scored more points but I don't think they even wanted to try.


K: Yes, the lack of trying has been heralded by a few Clans so far this war. It's no fun when you're going for an opponent and they just lie there.


C: I can understand though. The only way they would have won is by us being inactive.


K: What's been your take so far from the first two battles overall? Anything that's peaked your interest?


C: I saw an old account of mine that I gave away a long time ago. That was interesting.


K: Hehehehe, how was it doing?


C: It is good for a level 22. The current owner is obviously camping pretty hard.


K: For your third battle, you'll be up against a relatively unknown newcomer, the Undead Dragons. How do you feel going into this fight?


C: Hopeful. They have by far the best set up as far as specialists but a wide difference in their lvls. I think it will come down to activity, so I call another Topaz win.


K: I have it on good authority that they plan to bring the fight to you. What areas do you think they might be able to cause you some problems?


 C: Their top 4 guys. They can probably run on us. But most of us can run on the bottom 6 of them. Most of us anyways. It will be fun and finally we will get a fight where activity is what will control the outcome.


K: Let's look at the other Divisions really quick. Any upcoming battles that you think should be highly contested?


C: Div. 4 looks fun, I look forward to Steampunk Dragons beating Omegas Borg Army for the gold in Div. 7 and Div. 10 with the gold and emerald dragons facing each other will be popcorn eating time.


K: Heroes and BSLR never fail to disappoint, that's for sure. And finally, if you were to predict one upset, what would it be?


C: I think Shadow Camp is going to win the gold for Div. 12. I think that's an upset right?


K: I believe so, if I'm not mistaken they'll be going up against a tough Brotherhood clan


C: Yeah but they're scrappy.


K: That they are Curtis. Well, it's getting late and I have to get back to the hangar to refuel. Any last thoughts for our readers at home?


C: Yes. People should play the game the way they enjoy and let others play the way they enjoy. Enough silly arguments. Let's just have fun. It's a game for goodness sake. That's pretty much it Ken. You have a safe night man.


K: You to and thank you for taking the time to talk with me Curtis. Take care.

Clockstopper Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Looking back again on limited availability weapons of the past we have a niode slug thrower. It has a minimum level requirement of 20, and would have cost you 480 Ferrite,  380 Bioptics, and 31 Niodes. Bulk buy was available here with 5 for 124 Niodes. It does 56 straight damage, has a speed of 105, and the abilities of Trample at 8%, 2X damage at 3% to round it out.

A good slug thrower that will compliment your arsenal for mechas of that type. It's a pretty fast shooter given the speed, and it deals a point more damage than the Bullseye Rail , Shrieking Pain, and other weapons in that vein. Although the speed is a point or two less than the other weapons or is at least right on par with them. So overall a good weapon, decent speed, good damage, and bonuses that are worthwhile. It was a good weapon hope it makes the rounds again.

 Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

It's Just What We've All Been Thinking... by Eman Eliforp ID #955029

If the game is going to taunt us like this, we should have a chance to win them from a mission drop, even if it is only the same likelihood as getting a Novum.

Submitted by Eman Eliforp ID #955029

A Look Back On The Y-31 Phaser Weapon By Pat Willis#224534

First off this is a niode based laser system for levels 8 and up, as you can see it was a limited release weapon. So for those of you who got one let's see how much of a bargain you got shall we?

There are a couple of niode choices at level 8 for weapons, the Frozen Star niode ice weapon, and the Air Shock Niode missile launcher. Frozen Star has straight damage of 35, a speed of  99, crit-kill at 8%, and a freeze of 3%. So it equals out the Y-31 damage wise, looses out on speed, and both have dual weapon abilities so it is really determined by play style which is the best there. Overall the Y-31 has the more solid speed stat though.

The Air Shock has a straight damage of 13, a speed of 95, and the ability of Splash at 8%. Do I even need to get into this here? No? Good, Y-31 clearly the superior weapon here.

Next up is the Dual Gattling  niode slug thrower at level 10. It has straight damage of 14, speed of 114, and the ability of 2x Damage at 15%. again the damage is higher on the Y-31, speed looses out to the Dual Gatt, and the Gatt has a solid weapon ability to it at a higher percentage.

So really it comes down to your play style. The Y-31 has some nice bells and whistles, deals a solid hit and packs extra Precision to it. Overall not hard to see why it sold out so fast, especially at 15% off with the sale currently going on. So for those who got one, good job looks like a solid investment.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

The Ban Hammer: Interview with Joshua Bourne #702128 By Cher Lee #875837

Cher: Hello Members of the Galaxy. I am here with one of the pilots who's alt had been purged. He is one of the many that has been targeted by the ban hammer. Today we will hear his story. Joshua lets get right to it. How's your experience with Mecha Galaxy so far?

Joshua: So far its incredible. Been around for a couple solid years and don't regret it yet.

Cher: In those recent years have you created any alts, and if so how recent?

Joshua: I, like many people in this universe, have created Alts. Myself, my alts were created around a year ago and slowly built up through time, effort and a lot of tries in Clan Wars.

Cher: Oh yes, a year sounds like a good advantage gaining a few clan wars prizes here and there. A few king of the mountain. Building them up over time, they can get fairly strong. In the player page there has been many players who announced that they have been hit by the ban hammer. As I know you have been target but for those who does not know. How many of your accounts has been targeted?

Joshua: In total, I have been hit on 4 accounts. These are practically all of my alts. 3 of which have been completely banned and the fourth is banned from King of the Mountain tournaments until it reaches Div. 6.

Cher: That doesn't sound good. Is there any reason why the dev. has target your accounts?

Joshua: They did not like me having my accounts at such a low level "dominating King of the Mountain."

Cher: It seems like a lot of people are dominating kotm besides you. I have a list of players that has been consistently winning kotm. As far as the accounts being ban many players are pushing for a limiting on the mech use. A mech not buyable at the current level of a pilot, they should not be able to put it in the formation. What is your opinion on this?

Joshua: I think if they have either earned, won or bought the mecha, they should be able to use it. At the end of the day, they have to devote points into the Heavy Skill to make the mechas work fully anyway without kickback that is.

Cher: Yes it would make sense for you to be able to run mech over you level or else no one would pass the beginning of the game when you start out with a Warhorse at level 1. Some of the biggest topic are new players coming and leaving due to very powerful big mech at low levels. Do you think that's an issue that can be reduced?

Joshua: This game is many years old by now. The issue newer players face isn't that they are hitting high level mechas, its that they are too low equipped for what they are coming up against. These are fresh accounts with no knowledge on how things work and they are coming against older players with more experience, gear and patience to get the most out of their accounts. The only way they are going to make the lower divisions a safer place for the newer players is through either banning, or forceful leveling.

Cher: Yes it is a lot harder for a new player to catch up to the strength of a year or years old player around the same level. It takes time and sometimes some people has better luck then others. About force leveling some people think that everyone who wins and doesn't win a medal should win xp. Like a xp for just entering or force entering. What do you think about this?

Joshua: I don't think this would be good as all they would get for entering is xp. It would stop a lot of people from entering King of the Mountain events unless they were chasing a medal or purposefully after xp themselves.

Cher: Any reason why it would been a bad idea to give xp for every player?

Joshua: The xp may be unwanted and can end up making people level, therefore having to upgrade mechas. They would also not get a prize out of the King of the Mountain event so the xp would also hit them that little bit harder.

Cher: With that being said some players are against campers. People have different meaning of campers. What are your opinion on campers and what does the word camper mean to you?

Joshua: I would regard "campers" as being people that sit in Clans getting stronger without gaining xp for a series of months or even years, then using their new mechas, gear and weapons against people of their levels. As to my opinion on campers, I am fine with them personally as they don't tend to do too much harm game wise other than to the new players that try to hit them for xp and get destroyed rather quickly.

Cher: So from my understanding you said that campers are not the problem. It's only a problem to undeveloped players. Besides from all the alting, big mech restriction, one of the main reason why people meme's has been reset is because of no term and condition or official ruling on what you can and can not do. Do you feel like there should be some kind of ruling so players know what they can and can not do?

Joshua: I indeed do think there should be as right now, players have no idea that the alting issue is "bad" and that they are going to be punished because of it. It happened last month and its currently happening now. Will we get an open reason from them? Its hard to say but if I am honest, I doubt we will get anything from them in terms of a ToS.

Cher: Yes maybe some ruling in the kotm rules or cw rules. Seems like i have ran out of questions are there anything you would like to say before we depart?

Joshua: Nothing that springs to mind.

Cher: Thank you for your time. Catch you later.

Joshua: Take care sir.

Warg Or Oggun What Does It Matter By Pat Willis#224534

At the end of this upcoming clan war we will have to save either one of the two mecha manufacturing plants. Either the facility that makes the reverse joint legged Warg, or the old favorite slug thrower the Oggun.

The Warg is a 55 Ton, minimum heavy skill of 10  ice thrower, and the Oggun is a 50 Ton, minimum heavy skill of 5 slug thrower. It can be argued that both have their place in a formation, as well as do a stellar job of cleaning up an enemies lines at lower levels. Given the Warg is so much newer than the Oggun it probably won't receive as much love or support from the player community, but hey I could be wrong here.

Truthfully the whole pick one to save thing just doesn't wash either. Especially when you factor in advanced knowledge of the raid by the Clans, and instantaneous travel which is a staple of the game via the gateway system. Split the clans down the middle one to defend one, the other to the remainder, poof problem solved.

Really though does it matter? We save one, the other may get eliminated/taken off the market, who really knows. Honestly aside from their weapon capabilities there really isn't much of a difference between the two. 55 Ton or 50 Ton, minimum 5 heavy skill or 10, only 5 points of difference between them and all of 5 Tons.

Honestly I can't really see a major impact in game or to pilots if one of their manufacturing plants got destroyed or captured. We still have about 22 other mechas to choose from and load up on in the 0-55 Ton range. Also quite a few players have long since passed the levels where either was a serious contender in a fight.

Yes to newer or lower level players this may be a big deal. Admittedly I'm probably missing some big picture here and can't see this as having that big of an  impact on the game as a whole, and will most likely lead to yet another mediocre raid at best.

It would be one thing to have a Regis, Fext, Boreas, etc facility get raided and possibly taken out of play. But a Warg or an Oggun? Not seeing that big of an impact or a lot of players really caring beyond the game making them pick a side.

Reminds me of the Shogunate blood feud that went down. Just add bunnies, mythological hocus pocus and sideline the oh so valued science and tech for magics, and rune covered mechas. Sorry but can't even bring myself to care about the story line much less the raid. Maybe because no matter how it turns out in the end Warg or Oggun it won't really effect anything.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Enkidu Panel by David McCallum #701548

Aargh!


How could they get something so wonderful so... just... totally, absolutely wrong!


Look, this is what you see in all the catalogues...

66 Niodes, 1389 Bioptics and 1107 Ferrite for a precision rating of 10, 7% increase on missiles and ice, a 4% chance of a triple whammy with a measly 2% fire vulnerability built in.


No, its not the fact that yet another high end piece of niode kit has vulnerabilities built in.


Nor is it the cost, which is admittedly the kind of price tag that Midas would bulk at.


You missed it, didn't you?


Tonnage! Look at the Tonnage!


3 times too big!!!


How much more hysterical can I get?


This piece screams... or wails would be more appropriate... the word BANSHEE!


Unless you want a missile or ise mech to start on a back up weapon, put this away.


And wait for its little brother or sister to be released... you know, the one that can fit in a 35 ton chassis?

Submitted by David McCallum #701548

Line Up For Clan Wars 3315

Division Lineups

    Division 1
        FUSION
        HF: Highlanders 1st/1st Inf.
        Spirit of Bunny
        Zeon

    Division 2
        The Brotherhood-Northwind Highlanders
        FISSION
        The Isle of Misfit Toys (MMI)
        Star League

    Division 3
        Smurf Heavy Cavalry
        Death's Collector's {AFF}
        Avengers of Bunny
        Bounty Hunters

    Division 4
        HF: Elite Special Forces BA2/1
        Myth & Legends: Black Cats 13th Armored Division
        ~Heroes~
        Slaughter House 5
        Omegas U.N.M.
        Black Star Lycan Rangers
        MurderBots {AFF}
        OVERLORDS

    Division 5
        ~Heroes Support~
        Merlino e Morgana[IPG]
        Rusty Blades
        HF: The Browncoats 4/9 Balls and Bayonets Brigade
        Adamantium Dragons
        Defenders of Bunny
        Mecha Fanatics
        The Brotherhood-BlackWatch

    Division 6
        111th Delta Knights[RND]
        101 SPARTAN DIVISION [AC]
        Smurf Platoon
        PHOENIX {BHG}
        Diamond Dragons
        Alpha Legion
        Black Star Rising Sun
        Death's Revenge {AFF}

    Division 7
        Smurf Brigade
        Omegas Borg Army
        Myth & Legends: The Emperor's Own
        Steampunk Dragons
        HF: Dragoons
        ~Heroes II~
        Death's Disciples {AFF}
        RONIN [K.I.S.S.]

    Division 8
        Ruby Dragons
        The Brotherhood-1st Kearney Highlanders
        Black Star Bandits
        ITC
        Dead Rockers!!
        Ronins
        Death's Curse {AFF}
        HF: Mobile Infantry 3/2

    Division 9
        Opal Dragons
        HF: 110th Cannon Company. 1st Armored Regiment
        Heroes Ranger Raccoons
        Sapphire Dragons
        Smurf War Patrol
        THUNDERBIRD {BHG}
        The Krauts
        Death's Stalkers {AFF}

    Division 10
        Gold Dragons
        Death's Destroyers{AFF}
        Stark's Pond [IPG]
        •¯_▀▄█▓▒░
        Bacon Addicts
        Omegas Wolves
        Myth & Legends: Blood Wolves
        Emerald Dragons

    Division 11
        Undead Dragons
        Red Alert {BHG}
        HF: Black Sheep Squadron 1/1 VMF
        PSI Corps {AFF}
        123rd Alpha Strikers [RND]
        Topaz Dragons
        Death's Armored Infantry {AFF}
        Lucky Lightening Club

    Division 12
        The Brotherhood-2nd Kearney Highlanders
        Ghost
        ~Heroes Light Brigade~
        Wolf ipg
        today and tomorrow [IPG]
        merlino IPG
        HF:Silent Steel Viper Ranger
        Shadow Camp

    Division 13
        noob city
        Mad scientist IPG
        HF: Training Academy
        Nova Dragons
        Nick's Goof-up's
        INA
        Sigma Squadron
        Mecha Galaxy Training

September 23    Battle One
September 25    Battle Two
September 27    Battle Three
September 28    Prizes Distributed.

K.I.T.T. Shot weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

The Kick In The Teeth (K.I.T.T.) shot was a niode based slug thrower available to pilots levels 8 and up, it also was a limited release weapon Also please note at the time of this pic snap shot prices had been reduced for a 20% off all weapons sale.

So how did this weapon stack up? Well, it beat out the Dual Gattling guns damage of 14 easily, but not its speed of 114. But it is available at level 8 whereas the Dual Gattling is available at level 10. Your other niode weapon based choice is the Air Shock missile system, available at level 8 but only dealing a 13 damage, with a slow 95 missile speed, and 8% splash ability.

The K.I.T.T. sat comfortably well above the other two in damage ability, speed is good but not as good as the Dual Gatt, but this wonderful weapon brings back a fun friend in its ability, the wild ability.

In addition to its 5% trample, this great gun has Wild! I have always found this ability amusing personally. You line up your sights, you have your target locked, you have tonal confirmation of the lock, you fire...... annnd hit the mecha three down from your intended target. Welcome to the wild ability. Anything that can be conceivably hit by your mechas weapon system, will be at some point or another. It's like spray and pray translated to a weapon ability.

Overall a solid buy especially if you got one while the sale was going on, it's pretty much a steal at that point. Happy hunting.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Big Drummer Boy Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Continuing our look back on some old favorite limited release weapons no longer available, we have a niode slug thrower pictured here. As you can see from the image it actually wasn't very expensive, and you could gain access to it at level 29 and up.

So how did it compare? The niode weapon in the same category just below this is at level 27, that gives you access to the Neutralizer slug thrower. It has 38 damage, and a speed of 110, with the abilities of Kickback at 30% to deal out 50% damage back to you. I say The Big Drummer Boy has that one beat in all but the speed. But lets be honest who is going to go for a gun that is likely to blow up in their face?

Then at level 36 you gain access to the Ferrite Storm weapon. That does 50 damage, has a speed of 108, and has the ability of Trample at 15%. Well the Drummer out guns that weapon for damage, again is beat out by speed, and it has multiple abilities compared to the singular on the Ferrite Storm. Yes the Storm has a higher percentage to go off, but as most mechas come with some kind of x2 or x3 damage multiplier built in to the design, I can see this weapon being more versatile.

Especially when coupled with any number of the cockpit equipment pieces which further augment the potential for the damage multipliers to come into play. As always skill point allotment, mecha build stats, and equipment load out will pretty much make or break you in combat for any circumstance. May as well hedge your bets on damage multipliers and doing more straight damage with this gun, than mucking about with the others.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Clan Logo: Undead Dragons By Carlos Hicks ID# 905078

The Undead Dragon Clan is a new addition to the Dragons United family. After the Banhammering, many of the project clans have been left decimated and unable to compete. The Undead Dragons will be made up of several active players who still have the will and desire to compete.

Pyrocannon Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

And now from the other end of the elemental spectrum of limited weapons from the past we have the Pyrocannon. Again keep in mind this is a look back on weapons that WERE available at one time but are no longer.

 First thing to know off the bat is that this weapon is listed for normal price the 20% sale is over, secondly there are 68 left at the time of this writing out of the 150 originally released.

It is a niode based flame weapon available to levels 8 and up. Now this weapon is easily beat out by the birthday fist niode flame weapon available at level 1. But I would say that is a special case as you can only get 4 total, aside from that the first niode based slam weapon you'll run into is at level 19. Then you will find yourself having access to the Red Plasma weapon.

Even with that though the Pyrocannon can give it a run for its moneyt. R.P. does 27 damage with a speed of 105, and a burn of 6%. Compared to the Pyrocannon with its 35 damage, 101 speed, and abilities of Burn at 3%, and Precision at (3). The Pyrocannon has superior damage, but looses out to the R.P.'s speed. The R.P. also has a higher percentage base for its weapon ability, whereas the Pyro has multiple abilities that are half of the R.P.

So a level 8 can get a hold of a nice damage weapon right out the gate, that buries the damage on a weapon 11 levels higher.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

A Message from our Illustrious Leader

Direct from the keyboard of Chef...



An alt purge was just completed, and now THE BAN HAMMER HAS BEEN PUT AWAY. The purge is over. If your accounts are still active as of right now, you should be in the clear, as long as you follow common sense. (More details on that below) 

We're actually thrilled that people love to play so much. (Including the majority of you who only play one account!) Thanks for playing in our Galaxy :) 

Mecha Galaxy players are allowed to have a few accounts, for example, you may play one account on FB and another on Kong. 

Roughly 90% of active players are only actively playing 1-2 accounts, with the vast majority only playing one. 

I would rather not spend time on this, and just let everyone play, but I have to respect the wishes of the community. 

My goals: 
— Serve the wishes of the community 
— Encourage new, low level players 
— Apply all rules equally and fairly 

If the developers, at their sole discretion, identify a player engaged in “alt-abuse” the developers reserve the right to de-activate some, most, or all of the alt accounts. 

The final definition of “alt abuse” is at the sole discretion of the devs. In general, the devs do NOT seek to de-activate players. We want you to play! 

"A few" is less than “several” which is less than “double digits” 

Alt abuse includes: 
— Lying to the devs in a private message. (This almost never happens, but it’s the quickest way to get shut down) 
— Competing against yourself (especially in clan wars) 
— Any clan attempting to enter clan wars without several unique players 
— Low level alts “camping” and winning multiple KOTM medals, including silver or bronze. (Low level KOTM divisions are meant for new players. Too many alts taking all the prizes discourages new players from joining.) 
— Playing more than several accounts for any reason. 

No one should enter more than a few accounts in any given clan war. 

"A few" is less than “several” which is less than “double digits” 

If you play more than 2 accounts you should be careful to not discourage new players by claiming low level gold/silver/bronze prizes. 

If the software thinks you are playing more than 2-3 accounts, your lowest level accounts will be flagged by the software and will be un-able to enter KOTM tournaments lower than division six. Once these level up to join division six, they can join normally. 

In this purge that just ended, if any accounts targeted for de-activating by the devs had spent money to buy Niodes in the previous 12 months, the devs transferred triple the number of purchased Niodes to the highest level account controlled by that player. (Strictly at the desecration of the devs, max of several thousand Niodes) 

If any clans need leadership transfered, send me a message. 
If you think any mistakes were made, send me a message. (But remember rule #1, don’t tell me anything that isn’t 100% true) 

The purge is now over. I have been in direct contact with most of the people directly affected, and the response from almost all of them has been very positive. 

All rules are enforced equally with everyone. 

I’m really thrilled that so many people like my game. 
Thanks for playing!


So there you have it.

We know what is expected of us and what will happen in the future.

Lets put this to rest and get back to killing each other, and let's not let the legal eagles loose again...

Galaxy Gathering Editorial Team

on behalf of

The Gamescraftsmen

Ballistic Amplifier Equipment Review by David McCallum #701548

It must be getting colder. My advertising fliers aren't arriving in my mailbox.


Either they are being nicked so that folks can start their fires as the nights close in, or Kenneth is filching them for extra fuel for that illicit still that he thinks I don't know about. You know, the one he plans to use to supply Patrick's 'habits' at a cut price or while he isn't looking, crawly bum lick that he is.


Now you may wonder why I'm bothered about not getting unsolicited advertising material?


Well, how else am I supposed to keep a track on whats being released?


Love an advertising flier! Not quite as much as I love a free sample (hint, hint) but love and advert!


And how do i know my fliers are going missing? Because so far this month I've noticed two bits of kit hit the shops before they were advertised.


First was the dual Epsilon shields... at least two of them had been on sale for a few days before I saw wide advertising.


The second was this beasty of a new engine that was released for the big boys without so much as a tootle of fanfare, which is just not cricket.... and I'll tell you why.


Love an engine!


Weapons and targeting and shields are all good when the bullets are flying, but if you just want some downtime to go out for a leisurely cruise, you want chassis and engine all the way.


It's an engine. make 'vroom vroom' noises. You know you want to.


The thing that surprised me a tad about this engine was that the release didn't coincide with its target. I'll show you what I mean.


For a cost of 66 Crystal, 1472 Bioptics and 1819 Ferrite, you get an engine that will fit into a chassis from 90 up to 100 tons and gives you a speed rating of 5 and the stability to increase Missile damage
by 5% and Projectile by 2%.


From what I can see, they've stiffened the mounting blocks and flipped it into a transverse configuration so that all of that annoying roll you get from the torque on these big things that would normally slew you sideways is now transferred into a slight forward rolling motion, and its far easier to compensate vertical bracketing on your fire from a solid munition than try to compensate for a lateral jerk.


Unfortunately that lack of jerkiness means that a laser shot gets those few more microseconds to heat the target spot, giving you a 3% increase in Laser vulnerability.


I sort of wandered off there on the technical aspects, but from those stats, we can see this wasn't necessarily designed to go with the latest mech to hit the market. Yes, it's not a bad fit for the Rumbaba, but all the projectile increase is going to do is give it a chance of a secondary weapon.


In fact apart from generalists like the Aspis and the 'Thesis, the only mech that's going to get the full benefits of this engine is our old 'friend', the Potatotron.


Well, might as well fit some and take the thing for a whirl.


Yup, still zips across country in the same way that a graceful swallow in flight doesn't.


At the end of the day, I'd trade one or more kinetic converters on my current builds for these, but that's about the size of it. The trade off in enhanced damage for some vulnerability could well be worth it.


But you still aren't going to win any drag races.


And if you just want to go cruising, for crying out loud go out in something that has more style than your Potatotron.

Submitted by David McCallum #701548

Regis Build by David McCallum #701548

You know how you go into a raid or a boss fight, and the way your luck is running, you are resigned to just getting the guaranteed items?


And sometimes, just on occasion, against all expectations you come away with something really really nice?


I had that in real life yesterday.


We have a local recycling store. they take a lot of old scrap, junk, off-cuts, manufacturing waste etc., and they break it down and categorize it for craft use. Its very popular for schools, cosplayers, modelers and the like. Anyone and everyone who is into crafts... its brilliant.


So we were headed down to have a rummage around for the youngest's school science project, and he was going to be making a model of a power generator. Cool, I get to scavenge techy parts, and as you know I'm not averse to the odd bit of modelling myself. Got to be lots of bits and pieces to make stuff myself, and I was of a mind to do a quick project, maybe some sci-fi terrain.


All I can say is that the raccoon gods were smiling, for in the reject toy section, I found what we would all consider to be the pinnacle of our raid haul.

Of course, I had to have it.





A quick scavenge of my bits box and I had managed to cobble together something that would pass for
the trademark shoulder weapon pods.

I love that first undercoat, because that's the point when it all comes together and the different parts blend into something that looked like it was meant to be a single model all along.





The only thing left is to make sure I use a factory standard colour scheme and there you have it... or rather I do, being the proud owner of a brand new Regis.

Submitted by David McCallum #701548

More Random Madness By Ron Frye#879655

Submitted by Ron Frye#879655

Dreadwing Menace? News By Pat Willis#224534

This just in…. A squadron of Brotherhood Novum mecha were attacked and destroyed today by a large group of Dreadwings on resource outpost 547D. The official press release from the Brotherhood ambassador states that, “The attack was unprovoked, and further strains relations between Clan resource collection teams with the Dreadwing inhabitants.”

However, security feeds from the outpost show that the Novum squad was unintentionally attacking the Dreadwing nesting colonies, mistaking them for mineral rich deposits high in the mountains due to the nesting materials the creatures use. They apparently were blasting at what they though to be a vein of resources, turns out it was a nesting clutch of Dreadwings. The attack when noticed by the adult Dreadwings was answered by an attack of the animals.

Fierce fighting turned the high mountain passes into a bloodbath as biomecha clashed with native life. The peaks were splashed and scorched by plasma fire, heavy caliber ammunition, and in some cases were outright destroyed by large overcharged laser blasts.

The Dreadwing grouping clustered together to form a flying wall, while concentrating their plasma gout's into a more efficient and destructive beam. Their formation was a simple nine creature lay out but devastating in its effectiveness. It went as follows...

DW1 DW2 DW3
DW4 DW5 DW6
DW7 DW8 DW9

Dreadwings one through three concentrated their fire in and down, four and six concentrated their fire inwards, and seven through nine concentrated their fire up. All lines of fire converging on the central Dreadwing at point five. Then all they did was move in unison to control and aim.

This behavior has never before been documented with these life forms. This newly formed plasma gout quickly took out the remaining Novum mecha in little time.

The Brotherhood sees this as a hostile act of war by the Dreadwing species and has issued a capture or kill order for all members of that race within their territories, citing the "unprovoked" attack by the animals as their reasoning. Faction representatives may be steeping in on this issue to reach a peaceful compromise.

We will keep you updated as events unfold…..

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Daily News by David McCallum #701548

Niode Bounty for Kings of the Mountain

And since we are a politically correct news network, that also applies for Queens of the Mountain... or even those like Patrick who can get a bit confused as to which they are, especially when they've had a few.

However as an incentive towards participation and honest competition, the Gamesmasters have announced a bonus bounty of 30 niodes to all pilots who win any flavour of medal as a one off incentive.

Not exactly a freeby since you have to work for it, but certainly a nice little bonus for those who do take to the mountain to fight.


The Big Missile Push

I'm having to keep this copy away from Kenneth, because all he can do is make statements like 'Look at the size of those racks' interspersed with 'Phoar' noises and lots of giggling. The things I have to put up with.

All clans have recieved the following statement regarding a rule change in effect for the next clan war.

CW 3315: MISSILES MORE EXPLOSIVE
Pilots returning from missions in and around the Yomi Gravity Reefs have noticed an odd energy trace in their sensors. These unidentified energy readings appear to be harmless, but mecha technicians are working around the clock to make sure they aren’t damaging any of the mech’s systems.

Prolonged exposure to this energy has resulted in its accumulation  in mecha systems. The only noticeable reaction to this stored energy is Missile systems can lock on to the signature more easily, causing devastating damage. Some pilots are reporting that when their missiles strike a target, the stored energy amplifies the explosive power of the warheads.


**************************************************
During Clan Wars 3315, Missile Weapon Specialists will do an extra 160% damage with missile weapons instead of the standard extra 80% damage boost.

This will ONLY be in effect for missile weapons when a pilot attacks a Missile Specialist. 

(Remember: Defender sets the rules)
**************************************************

Possibly related to this are reports of sudden erratic behavior by the Dreadwings. Scientists on Novum who are studying the creatures report they had been acting more docile, until recently. Now the Dreadwings are more nervous and trying to escape their artificial habitats. One researcher compared this new behavior to the behavior of domestic animals just prior to a natural disaster.

Is it possible the Dreadwings can detect this odd energy?


Now it is possible that this turn of events has been triggered by the recent issues around supply and demand in the "T" line of missile systems, and highly suspicious that missile manufacturers are concurrently running a large sale on their wares, but it will be interesting to see how many folks decide to give this much underutilised specialist class a stab.


Reminder... check in twice a day for the latest from the Galaxy Gathering


oh, and


Reminder part 2, weigh in with your opinion on each article in the comments section (inluding your player ID number) and we will give you some niodes for your thoughts!

Submitted by David McCallum #701548

Multi Epsilon Shielding Equipment Review by David McCallum #701548

Oooh! Love a shield!


I've said that before, haven't I?


There's a few things to ;point out about these beasties though....


First is that the initial pair were slipped onto the market without any fanfare a week or so ago.


The second is that I was actually a bit surprised. Partly by the fact that they had been released at all, but also because of the fact that manufacturers thought they needed to be released.


That probably requires some explanation on my part.


you see, an Epsilon shield is aimed at the big boys of 95 to 100 tons. The one thing those things are generally not short of is shielding.


If it isn't an over abundance of shield slots available once fully functional, it will generally be supplemented or replaced by a built in shield of some form or description. As such, you can quite happily fit a swathe of straight Epsilon shields and come out smiling.


Oh, speaking of straight Epsilon, we'd best have the obligatory cost comparison, otherwise Pat may rouse out of his drunken stupor and demand penance. Penance in the GG offices is not pretty, as Kenneth found out the last time he had to do lavatory duty after the Brotherhood had one of their monthly 'Beer and Peanut' nights.


A straight Epsilon shield costs 52 Niodes, 600 Bioptics and 700 Ferrite for a straight shielding mitigation of 42 damage points, a percentage mitigation of 33% and a vulnerability of 8%.


The multi Epsilons cost 50 Bioptics more and while you loose 3 points of straight damage resistance, you gain 1% of of overall mitigation that is now split 23/11 between two different weapon types.


Putting it into perspective, you need to be getting hit with a shot of 300 plus damage to see any huge difference, which at the level when you are fielding BFM class mechs is actually pretty much all of the time.


But getting back to the point that I veered away from, which was why these were actually released, the one thing that an up and coming pilot needs to realise is that at this level most equipment in the other categories comes with built in damage vulnerabilities. And because those big mechs need so many pieces, it is oh so easy to nickle and dime away the shielding in a particular category, whether it is built into the chassis or purchased separately.


So yes, these multi shields are necessary for you to be able to mix and match things just to make sure you don't leave yourself with a vulnerability due to their equipment.


One final word of advice.


I used to think shielding was a no brainer... buy shields, as much as you can, no questions asked. Love a shield.


Now, maybe just... put those funds to one side. don't spend them just yet. get your other stuff. Then go back and get the right mix you need.

 Submitted by David McCallum #701548

Interview With Legendary Pilot Cher Lee ID# 875837 By Kenneth Hicks ID# 846092

K: In past interviews, you and I have talked a lot about camping. How, why, and even helpful hints. I'd like to get away from that some as I feel we've covered that pretty thoroughly.

So after the whole “Alt Purge”, one main explanation that’s come forward is that new people cannot compete in events on even grounds with some of these alts, making it hard to break into the game and enjoy it. You’ve spent a lot of time in the lower tiers on different alts, what’s your take on the situation?

CL: My honest opinion, I don’t see a problem in these Kotm events. The power difference of a $500 spender versus a long time camper is different and there’s no way the camper can catch up in strength at level 40 and lower. However, that’s not the issue of camping because you don’t see a lot of $500 players.

What you see in the lower divisions, are year old campers that are not even that strong. Now, I’m not comparing them to my $500 alts. I’m comparing them to the average players in those divisions.

As for me personally, I don’t really do much Kotm. And when I do, I don’t have problems, mainly because I know what to do. I know when to camp, how to level up, and what is the best tier to level to, but also the $500 package really does help me.

K: Most of the camping naysayers I see belong in two groups. The first group is new players who are frustrated and want everything "now" without having put in either the work or the $$ to compete. And then the second group which is made up of power players. By power players, I'm referring to those who are above level 100 and compete in Divisions 1, 2, and 3.

The first group I get, it's frustrating. The group I don't understand is the power players with their incessant whining. What are your thoughts on their behavior towards those that camp lower levels?

CL: I personally don’t mind people camping. They aren’t taking anything strong from me. Like weapons or mechas. See, based on what I’ve read so far about the problems with camping is "new players" versus "campers" and that topic explains why there’s a problem. The problem isn’t camping. The problem is people are expecting the new player to be around the same strength as the camper or a long time player.

People have to look at  three factors here. Usually people normally look at it one way which is the common level versus level.  The three factors I’m speaking of are players, time, and clan.

1, Players is the amount of players there are in that division. The less there is the easier it is to win a gold medal, but it's also harder to gain gold if you aren’t developed at that level, which  brings me to time.

2, Time: How long has the player taken to reach that level or/and stayed at that level. If you've just reach level 100 in 6 months, don’t expect to beat a level 70 (unless if you spend a lot.) Reason why I say don't expect to beat a level 70 has to do with resources. In 6 month times it's hard to be developed at level 100 comparing yourself to other level 100's.

3, Clan: When it all comes down, what clan you are in is what matters most. Why? Because Clan Wars are the events that gives the most income of niodes. Most players that think it's unfair are in clans that can't hold themselves up against other developed clans. In this case they don't gain the amount of niodes to maintain their strength in that division or at that level. Because of this other players in a lower division gains the same amount of prizes as they would the higher division and in which case lower levels can beat higher levels. This by the way has nothing to do with the Clan Wars prize, although that’s the reason why some higher level players lack strength.

K: Let's switch gears for a moment and talk about the upcoming Clan Wars.  What do you think we can expect to see this war in the way of Division mechanics? Do you think Nick is going to switch things up again?

CL: I think like any other clan wars it'll be the same but with a little different ruling. What I'm expecting to see is a lot of clans disbanding because it's not an easy thing to stay at a level if you're limited to players in your clan. In other words, I am expecting to see less divisions.

K: And lastly, is there anything you want to mention, or talk about that we haven't covered yet?

CL: Maybe the ToS as it seem like a big topic in the player page.
A lot of the talk about the ToS reminds me of this year's election process. A lot of people yelling for change, yelling for an end to "unfairness", and yelling. Yet 90% of these people yelling either have no idea what it is they want to change or why, or how it would affect them, or they're just yelling to make something about themselves.

I don’t insist for a TOS but I do know the line as to where things are above or below. I'll just like to put it out there so people would have general idea.

Developers do not want alt abuse. Multiple alts of the same and/or few players in the same clan. But what they dislike the most is muti-alt clans in the same division. Whether that’s two or three in the same division or if it’s one division all by oneself. That's the line. Whereas the amount of golds is unlimited. That is the general idea and anything added or subtracted may vary depending on the dev.

K: Well it looks like we’re about out of time, I’d like to thank Cher Lee for taking the time to come in and talk with us today.

CL: Thanks Ken.

K: And to all of you readers out there, if you’d like to do an interview, put in a comment, share an idea, or even borrow a soap box to stand on, you can contact us either on our Facebook page, in private message, or at www.thegalaxygathering.com for your submissions. This has been Ken Hicks wishing all of you a fantastic Clan War!

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