Post by capthawk on Apr 24, 2016 15:51:01 GMT -5
Lol, I'm going to start a post by...
Disagreeing with fallen!
Fair warning.
This is a long post. I've separated when subject changes. TB please don't feel obligated to read it all.
I cannot find the damn thread again, but Andrew made a response about buffs that I couldn't disagree more with, unless I misunderstood the context somehow.
The thread was debating the use of that last AP... basically, throw a punch, or buff?
Now the point was made by the TB that a buff of, e.g. level 5 is better than an attack of the same. Okay, sure, I can see that.
fallen then made the comment that if you leave/activate buffs at level one, don't use them. Nope, I disagree.
Maybe it's my play style, but I'd rather throw lock down one on my soldier than a punch. Even though it's a small defensive boost, it's going to be there for a few turns. So three turns later you've endured that much less damage (dice depending, of course).
But here's where I really diverge in opinion. As much as possible, I stack the hell out of boosts on my squad. Say we need a TP. I'll stop just out of range of any heavy hitter and mega buff, even if it adds a turn until I can get to the TP.
Okay, fine, many buffs are only level one, but now there's up to five Templars that have boosted my entire squad, plus whatever individual buff that each knight might have.
Now my Lt. with Roar's Talon, SF10, CG10, goes in hitting over 200 on plasma, over 150 on grenades! Goodbye, hungry plated hunter AND spawn tower... and the scittering pack is just collateral.
Sarge on the Roavin/WraithSight punches out shots like a Neptune, BF10.
Capt up to three bills on Rakeen's. BW10.
He's got WW three which is nice, but that might be my highest buff on any knight, a level three. Oops I lie, scouts get into level five with FoF, Null Field. Oh, I really like lying. My Paladins will go to 7 on combat enhancement medics, and Neptunes start pouring points into SP and FV after FA gets to 10.
But other than that I use a ton of level ones!
Every solider gets LD, ASAP. RC, DS follow with leveling.
Scouts are mentioned above, and OD boosted to two, and I'll add more now with leveling with FoF and null up there.
Engineers add heat sink, and will level that up to two as they are enough points. They add the other buff, FPi think is the name, at level one.
Hydra gets HS and RR ASAP.
Paladin, shield and inspiration, heavy combat meds. They get level one shield self buff, too.
Capt. adds speed handout buff, and I mentioned WW.
Then I pour the rest onto attacks, or special attacks.
The Capt. gets a point in both long range curses, just because it's such a unique skill set. Plus, with that head shot on A-team scout, I'm short on hindering attacks.
Berserk keeps her two buffs, that's it until I can get her past 10 at grenades and the kill a pack attack. She hits well into the 300's btw, when stack buffed.
Then add I said, attacks get maxed. Buffs can and will run out is my thought. But a level ten shredding free never find out... Lol unless you heat lock!
* * * *
Well, Cory Trese, have I found an exploit, or is this a legit tactic?
I found in some of the early levels, or on replay mode starter levels,I can get around the SP cap.
Really the only case I really use it is to get a Paladin I "shouldn't" have. I purposely have a third scout I don't use, and swap him in for the extra points. Then, I have enough, and deploy the Paladin. Then, I swap the cruddy scout back out for a legit soldier.
That's the hardcore exploit (?). But I use the gimmick to get an extra 550 knight out at points, too.
I'm personally fine if you choose to close the loophole, if it's a cheat, it's a cheat. If I'm just clever, well, lol. I do enjoy being able to do it though!
* * * *
Random love; those elements of BF that are the very blessings of Shalun.
Pinch and zoom!
From what in my mind is the view from Kathos on the Spear Cutter (zoom out) as I survey the terrain, to mid range, as I account for threats and position my troops, to close in view for the battle! I also like adjusting the view for enemy turns, get it just right to see the action as the fool Spitters round the corner into turret range! Or randomly enjoying a moment where all my troops are lined up in one close up view, usually just before I complete the level, or just before and after an epic battle. Lol or just to see critters getting fricasseed in my level covering promethium!
Gear choices!
I love my gear choices! Alongside respec, what a way to customize for a mission!
Blitz kit today, Darkline tomorrow!
Rakeen's plus lvl 2 Relic plot kit and +18 damage tact for Xeno all day every day, Null Sword and Darkline come out when the Narvs do.
Sweet heaven, I love the Relics!
Even my least used (Slayer Core, although that would change if I started a new campaign, that and Blitz kit on a Capt. I discovered a bit too late equipment points wise this campaign) is still almost always equipped on someone.
Stand out Relics, for me at least:
Relliars Shield!
Relliars Gauntlet! My word, the best versatility gear wise I've gotten out of any Relic. It's most usually on a scout, but it's been on every class that can equip it at some point.
Synchro Sight.
Rakeen's Blade.
Relic Command Armor!
Behemoth Rifle, another great way to get extra gear points out of a soldier. Mine gets passed down the family as soldiers level up.
Dragoon Leviathan Armor, worth every point and then some. Begins on an engineer, once my engineer beefs up, Lt. gets it and becomes a mini captain!
Both plating Relics.
Roavin Furnace.
WraithSight!
Three words. Cyclone. Strike. Proc.
... List beginning to be every Relic lol!
Other gear I love...
Aegis anything, Irid anything, Tact anything, Null anything,
Backbones, all the various MP boost gear,
Armor with evasion, armor that counters, fire resistance gear (poor scouts! Will they ever see any love there?)...
Pilot kits... especially Ballast, aforementioned MP; Relic, specialists series,
I really like that plasma resistance gear is so hard to find. Makes it so fun to see who gets it, and why, per mission.
Scout Rifles! All of them!
Cannon Revolver.
My lovely set of cutlery... blades and axes! Especially the fact that my Berserker gets her 15(!) lvl axe on, eventually, and the Null vs. Arcum difference... meanwhile, pairing the under appreciated Palace Blade with pistol or Paladin.
MK anything, plasma anything. I love having my soldiers each with a different gun and purpose, with different attacks. And to go MK or AR on soldieras I desire, per mission. Meanwhile, the Neptunes dominate switching 18 out for 17 as Xeno give way to Narv.
Hydra Cannons... finally one with a little penetrating punch, too!
Shield versatility and utility, from war/knights to thunder/defender to 7 series... to Nullification 9!
Ordnance!
Turrets get mauled? Done tossed all those Assault Grenades already? Has your LiTR blown all her buffs keeping said ranks alive?
Just ask for Malachi, your friendly Quadrant neighborhood Templar Engineer, at a Quick-E-Capture TP near you!
Love secondary ordnance! SP value and XP boost!
And this moment.
You've found sweet, sweet, rare and precious, Assault Overflow!
You look to your SP... 1123... and you know it has a supply booster, and you have called your squad of six out already... Null Shield, Reactor Jolt x6...
Commanders deployment!
Squad and self buff the hell out of each other, Capt. AND Berserker or Neptune get the AO, you rebuy Commanders as needed...
Goodbye, level!
Skills that are gear, such as grenades, turrets!
Buffs that are gear... more armor, weapon and defensive bonus can be attached to gear by buffing.
This post is long, and detailed, but so is the game lol!
* * * *
My current squad mix. Anyone who can get grenades here gets alot of points there. Soldiers and Scouts are Gauntleted in Irid, with Aegis/Relliars in play depending on gear and level mix. Neptunes will go Aegis Gauntleted, of not Irid or Relliars if it's sensible. Everyone loads up on extras to max if they can, My B and C guys get the best extras they can.
Melee Capt. Rakeen's/Null. Null Shield/Relliars. Either of the lvl 9 armor or Relic. Most often Lvl 2 pilot kit Relic and +18 damage Tact. BW10,FG10,WW3, bonus movement 1,FC1, other long curse 1
LiTR - was Lt. Roar's, Chaplain Gauntleted, maxed extras, was Dragoon, now Legion Leviathan Armor, orlately the 80℅ deflection of Density Plated. SF,CG 10, every buff at lvl 1. CS lvl 2.
Lt. - was Sgt. But now my mini Capt. Roavin. Dragoon Relic Armor. Maxed extras. BF,CG 10,9. Every buff lvl 1.
Sgt. MK9. Legion Leviathan Armor/80℅ deflection. BF CG 7/7 OW4 or 5. DS1 buff.
Grenadier. Legion Leviathan/Density Armor. AR3. Grapple2. CG 10. DS. Might have thrown a point or two on OW, but I think not.
Pvt. MK8, Legion Leviathan/Density. BF CG as high as I could. DS.
Scout A. SynchroSight/ high penetrator on Narvs. Null Storm Armor. HS10, NF5,OD2,FoF5
Scout B. HellSight/ higher penetration fire Narvs. Ranger Deep Armor. CF7, NF5,OD2,FoF3.
Paladin A. Null/Arcum. Relliars/ Defenders. Warded/Blackwing. Slay 10, SB1, CME7, INS1, WS1.
Paladin B. Palace/Null. Carapace/Thunder. Warded/Blackwing. Slay 9, same rest.
Berserker. Devastator Axe. Defenders/Relliars. Lvl 3 (I just love this armor so much) Assault Leviathan Armor/Warded. Cyclone Strike Proc/+30hp Proc. A good backbone/Lock Targeting. UB10,AG10.
Neptunes A and B. MK18/17. Obliterator Relic Armor/Summit Plate/Sentry plate. FA10, FV5,SP6 and 5 on Neptune B.
Hydra. VX series cannon, on Xeno or Narv I switch. Heavy Void Armor. Extra deflection plating, Roavin Furnace. Narvs might see the slower armor but with Relic movement booster and Recoil plate. NC10, HS9, HS3,RR1.
The Engineers, there's three.
All of them get Legion Leviathan/Density and Canon revolvers, and rock the level 9 Indus fist.
They usually boost reactors to move, but become protective on Narvs, or switch to the Density. Scanners are swapped in and out alot, usually the Chief Tech gets the Relic. They go ST10, HS2, FP1, Capture 4, then pump up DS.
My third string swaps off her shooting points for a scan and and TP repair, plus an extra heat sink point.
I am level 32, my leader solider is 31. Chief tech is 30. Lt. 28. Sniper 27.
Hydra and Berserker to 27.
Boss Neptune 25.
Combat medic is 25.
Some 24s, a 23 Engineer, then some 21s.
I might train up a second Berserker, or maybe third scout in lieu of one soldier or engineer. We'll see.
I really want to keep replaying this squad to see if I can't max the whole lot lol.
Right now I play the main campaign then sweet Stratos each replay.
I tried to maintain equal leveling with reserves for awhile, but now I want to max a class first, then bring the reserves up to par by using the elites to protect them.
The combos I can envision...
Fire and steel, but this Templar rambles on! As if 86 ancestors were all trying to speak at once...
Okay, I've exhausted myself lol. I meant to call it part one for a reason!
I've got the Narv core to dismantle, and writing this has got me stoked.
The last time I ran it I finally figured out a strategy where I wasn't so heat locked by the time I got to the Mind.
Sentry turrets and Hail Hydra FTW!
Disagreeing with fallen!
Fair warning.
This is a long post. I've separated when subject changes. TB please don't feel obligated to read it all.
I cannot find the damn thread again, but Andrew made a response about buffs that I couldn't disagree more with, unless I misunderstood the context somehow.
The thread was debating the use of that last AP... basically, throw a punch, or buff?
Now the point was made by the TB that a buff of, e.g. level 5 is better than an attack of the same. Okay, sure, I can see that.
fallen then made the comment that if you leave/activate buffs at level one, don't use them. Nope, I disagree.
Maybe it's my play style, but I'd rather throw lock down one on my soldier than a punch. Even though it's a small defensive boost, it's going to be there for a few turns. So three turns later you've endured that much less damage (dice depending, of course).
But here's where I really diverge in opinion. As much as possible, I stack the hell out of boosts on my squad. Say we need a TP. I'll stop just out of range of any heavy hitter and mega buff, even if it adds a turn until I can get to the TP.
Okay, fine, many buffs are only level one, but now there's up to five Templars that have boosted my entire squad, plus whatever individual buff that each knight might have.
Now my Lt. with Roar's Talon, SF10, CG10, goes in hitting over 200 on plasma, over 150 on grenades! Goodbye, hungry plated hunter AND spawn tower... and the scittering pack is just collateral.
Sarge on the Roavin/WraithSight punches out shots like a Neptune, BF10.
Capt up to three bills on Rakeen's. BW10.
He's got WW three which is nice, but that might be my highest buff on any knight, a level three. Oops I lie, scouts get into level five with FoF, Null Field. Oh, I really like lying. My Paladins will go to 7 on combat enhancement medics, and Neptunes start pouring points into SP and FV after FA gets to 10.
But other than that I use a ton of level ones!
Every solider gets LD, ASAP. RC, DS follow with leveling.
Scouts are mentioned above, and OD boosted to two, and I'll add more now with leveling with FoF and null up there.
Engineers add heat sink, and will level that up to two as they are enough points. They add the other buff, FPi think is the name, at level one.
Hydra gets HS and RR ASAP.
Paladin, shield and inspiration, heavy combat meds. They get level one shield self buff, too.
Capt. adds speed handout buff, and I mentioned WW.
Then I pour the rest onto attacks, or special attacks.
The Capt. gets a point in both long range curses, just because it's such a unique skill set. Plus, with that head shot on A-team scout, I'm short on hindering attacks.
Berserk keeps her two buffs, that's it until I can get her past 10 at grenades and the kill a pack attack. She hits well into the 300's btw, when stack buffed.
Then add I said, attacks get maxed. Buffs can and will run out is my thought. But a level ten shredding free never find out... Lol unless you heat lock!
* * * *
Well, Cory Trese, have I found an exploit, or is this a legit tactic?
I found in some of the early levels, or on replay mode starter levels,I can get around the SP cap.
Really the only case I really use it is to get a Paladin I "shouldn't" have. I purposely have a third scout I don't use, and swap him in for the extra points. Then, I have enough, and deploy the Paladin. Then, I swap the cruddy scout back out for a legit soldier.
That's the hardcore exploit (?). But I use the gimmick to get an extra 550 knight out at points, too.
I'm personally fine if you choose to close the loophole, if it's a cheat, it's a cheat. If I'm just clever, well, lol. I do enjoy being able to do it though!
* * * *
Random love; those elements of BF that are the very blessings of Shalun.
Pinch and zoom!
From what in my mind is the view from Kathos on the Spear Cutter (zoom out) as I survey the terrain, to mid range, as I account for threats and position my troops, to close in view for the battle! I also like adjusting the view for enemy turns, get it just right to see the action as the fool Spitters round the corner into turret range! Or randomly enjoying a moment where all my troops are lined up in one close up view, usually just before I complete the level, or just before and after an epic battle. Lol or just to see critters getting fricasseed in my level covering promethium!
Gear choices!
I love my gear choices! Alongside respec, what a way to customize for a mission!
Blitz kit today, Darkline tomorrow!
Rakeen's plus lvl 2 Relic plot kit and +18 damage tact for Xeno all day every day, Null Sword and Darkline come out when the Narvs do.
Sweet heaven, I love the Relics!
Even my least used (Slayer Core, although that would change if I started a new campaign, that and Blitz kit on a Capt. I discovered a bit too late equipment points wise this campaign) is still almost always equipped on someone.
Stand out Relics, for me at least:
Relliars Shield!
Relliars Gauntlet! My word, the best versatility gear wise I've gotten out of any Relic. It's most usually on a scout, but it's been on every class that can equip it at some point.
Synchro Sight.
Rakeen's Blade.
Relic Command Armor!
Behemoth Rifle, another great way to get extra gear points out of a soldier. Mine gets passed down the family as soldiers level up.
Dragoon Leviathan Armor, worth every point and then some. Begins on an engineer, once my engineer beefs up, Lt. gets it and becomes a mini captain!
Both plating Relics.
Roavin Furnace.
WraithSight!
Three words. Cyclone. Strike. Proc.
... List beginning to be every Relic lol!
Other gear I love...
Aegis anything, Irid anything, Tact anything, Null anything,
Backbones, all the various MP boost gear,
Armor with evasion, armor that counters, fire resistance gear (poor scouts! Will they ever see any love there?)...
Pilot kits... especially Ballast, aforementioned MP; Relic, specialists series,
I really like that plasma resistance gear is so hard to find. Makes it so fun to see who gets it, and why, per mission.
Scout Rifles! All of them!
Cannon Revolver.
My lovely set of cutlery... blades and axes! Especially the fact that my Berserker gets her 15(!) lvl axe on, eventually, and the Null vs. Arcum difference... meanwhile, pairing the under appreciated Palace Blade with pistol or Paladin.
MK anything, plasma anything. I love having my soldiers each with a different gun and purpose, with different attacks. And to go MK or AR on soldieras I desire, per mission. Meanwhile, the Neptunes dominate switching 18 out for 17 as Xeno give way to Narv.
Hydra Cannons... finally one with a little penetrating punch, too!
Shield versatility and utility, from war/knights to thunder/defender to 7 series... to Nullification 9!
Ordnance!
Turrets get mauled? Done tossed all those Assault Grenades already? Has your LiTR blown all her buffs keeping said ranks alive?
Just ask for Malachi, your friendly Quadrant neighborhood Templar Engineer, at a Quick-E-Capture TP near you!
Love secondary ordnance! SP value and XP boost!
And this moment.
You've found sweet, sweet, rare and precious, Assault Overflow!
You look to your SP... 1123... and you know it has a supply booster, and you have called your squad of six out already... Null Shield, Reactor Jolt x6...
Commanders deployment!
Squad and self buff the hell out of each other, Capt. AND Berserker or Neptune get the AO, you rebuy Commanders as needed...
Goodbye, level!
Skills that are gear, such as grenades, turrets!
Buffs that are gear... more armor, weapon and defensive bonus can be attached to gear by buffing.
This post is long, and detailed, but so is the game lol!
* * * *
My current squad mix. Anyone who can get grenades here gets alot of points there. Soldiers and Scouts are Gauntleted in Irid, with Aegis/Relliars in play depending on gear and level mix. Neptunes will go Aegis Gauntleted, of not Irid or Relliars if it's sensible. Everyone loads up on extras to max if they can, My B and C guys get the best extras they can.
Melee Capt. Rakeen's/Null. Null Shield/Relliars. Either of the lvl 9 armor or Relic. Most often Lvl 2 pilot kit Relic and +18 damage Tact. BW10,FG10,WW3, bonus movement 1,FC1, other long curse 1
LiTR - was Lt. Roar's, Chaplain Gauntleted, maxed extras, was Dragoon, now Legion Leviathan Armor, orlately the 80℅ deflection of Density Plated. SF,CG 10, every buff at lvl 1. CS lvl 2.
Lt. - was Sgt. But now my mini Capt. Roavin. Dragoon Relic Armor. Maxed extras. BF,CG 10,9. Every buff lvl 1.
Sgt. MK9. Legion Leviathan Armor/80℅ deflection. BF CG 7/7 OW4 or 5. DS1 buff.
Grenadier. Legion Leviathan/Density Armor. AR3. Grapple2. CG 10. DS. Might have thrown a point or two on OW, but I think not.
Pvt. MK8, Legion Leviathan/Density. BF CG as high as I could. DS.
Scout A. SynchroSight/ high penetrator on Narvs. Null Storm Armor. HS10, NF5,OD2,FoF5
Scout B. HellSight/ higher penetration fire Narvs. Ranger Deep Armor. CF7, NF5,OD2,FoF3.
Paladin A. Null/Arcum. Relliars/ Defenders. Warded/Blackwing. Slay 10, SB1, CME7, INS1, WS1.
Paladin B. Palace/Null. Carapace/Thunder. Warded/Blackwing. Slay 9, same rest.
Berserker. Devastator Axe. Defenders/Relliars. Lvl 3 (I just love this armor so much) Assault Leviathan Armor/Warded. Cyclone Strike Proc/+30hp Proc. A good backbone/Lock Targeting. UB10,AG10.
Neptunes A and B. MK18/17. Obliterator Relic Armor/Summit Plate/Sentry plate. FA10, FV5,SP6 and 5 on Neptune B.
Hydra. VX series cannon, on Xeno or Narv I switch. Heavy Void Armor. Extra deflection plating, Roavin Furnace. Narvs might see the slower armor but with Relic movement booster and Recoil plate. NC10, HS9, HS3,RR1.
The Engineers, there's three.
All of them get Legion Leviathan/Density and Canon revolvers, and rock the level 9 Indus fist.
They usually boost reactors to move, but become protective on Narvs, or switch to the Density. Scanners are swapped in and out alot, usually the Chief Tech gets the Relic. They go ST10, HS2, FP1, Capture 4, then pump up DS.
My third string swaps off her shooting points for a scan and and TP repair, plus an extra heat sink point.
I am level 32, my leader solider is 31. Chief tech is 30. Lt. 28. Sniper 27.
Hydra and Berserker to 27.
Boss Neptune 25.
Combat medic is 25.
Some 24s, a 23 Engineer, then some 21s.
I might train up a second Berserker, or maybe third scout in lieu of one soldier or engineer. We'll see.
I really want to keep replaying this squad to see if I can't max the whole lot lol.
Right now I play the main campaign then sweet Stratos each replay.
I tried to maintain equal leveling with reserves for awhile, but now I want to max a class first, then bring the reserves up to par by using the elites to protect them.
The combos I can envision...
Fire and steel, but this Templar rambles on! As if 86 ancestors were all trying to speak at once...
Okay, I've exhausted myself lol. I meant to call it part one for a reason!
I've got the Narv core to dismantle, and writing this has got me stoked.
The last time I ran it I finally figured out a strategy where I wasn't so heat locked by the time I got to the Mind.
Sentry turrets and Hail Hydra FTW!
