Here is a little break from gameplay with some Armored Warfare news, instead.
Starting tomorrow, there will be a maintenance period (no idea how long) and after that, Update 2.0 will finally be available for NA/EU players (subject to any unforeseen circumstances or other mishaps)! Read the announcement here.
Secondly, a teaser about the Storyline Campaign, that will be rolled out with Update 2.0. Although the specific details aren't discussed, here is what was said.
In Armored Warfare, the tier VII T-90 has a lot in common with the tier VIII upgraded T-90A. In reality, they are the same vehicle, since both can trace their roots well proven chassis of the T-72 and the turret with all latest weapon systems of the later developed T-80.
The T-90 is the earlier model in this series, equipped with cast turret, an 850 horsepower diesel engine and good armor protection from composite and metal layered materials. The T-90A has a welded turret, an upgraded 1000 horsepower diesel engine and armored protection has been greatly improved with the addition of the latest generation of external explosive reactive armor (ERA) modules.
However, a simple Google search would bring up many other in-depth articles highlighting the major differences between those two, real life vehicles. I just wanted to cover the basics in this summary.
Besides, I would rather play it than read about it....
An odd occurrence that I almost didn't capture in time in Armored Warfare. I decided to take out my Terminator Reaper to collect some extra credits and this is what Matchmaker gave me in return....
Basilisk is one of the maps I try to avoid playing on in Armored Warfare. It's not because it's a night, corridor map, nor the fact it has one of the most varied and mixed environments (flat areas, hills, a river crossing, buildings, etc) but it can be one of those "bogged down" sceanaries that can lead to a defeat.
Since Update 0.19, the programing for the enemy bots in PvE has been changed and not necessarily for the better. Even on Medium settings, the bots still have their almost "never miss" aim and don't expose themselves to taking needless damage, like before. They are not perfect adversaries, like some think they see in human opponents, but they shouldn't be just brushed off and underestimated neither.
Which leads me to the "bogged down" part. More and more, I am watching teammates trying to maximize their damage tallies and ignoring the fact they could very well be the instrument for the defeat. I am all for trying to get the most out of a battle, but not at the expense of the victory bonus, that little modifier for even minor damage and action rewards on a win.
Far too many games came down to the timer on the verge of running out and players putting a lot of faith in those last few fired shots to end the battle, discovering they came up way too short on the damage rolls to secure the victory.
Seems a lot of players have forgotten what the red circle in the game is for....
Now that I have finished my detour goals in Armored Warfare, it's time to get back on track towards the tier IX T-90MS. The plan going forward is fairly simple, play out my higher tiered premiums to collect credits and Global Reputation, then deploy the tier VIII T-90A for progression purposes.
Not to say I won't be having a little fun along the way....
Eager to play my latest acquisition again in Armored Warfare, I queued up with the Challenger 2 and was rudely disappointed.
First off, this vehicle doesn't have any upgrades unlocked or installed, still factory fresh, more or less. Although I could have used some banked Global Reputation to correct this issue, I made the choice to try and progress through natural gameplay, something I might reconsider. Another serious disadvantage is the untrained crew, except for the top level commander. Being used to the opposite end of the skill spectrum, I am still coming to terms with actions being carried out rather slowly.
However, that only covers myself, not the teams I am placed with. Now, before you think I am going to start blaming others for my performance or make excuses for....whatever, I'm not. But, teamplay can have a cascading effect with everyone involved if players are not working towards common goals, helping out those facing multiple opponents or attempting to complete a difficult task on their own.
Take a look at this and see what I am talking about....
The tier VIII C1 Ariete has become such a fixture in my Armored Warfare garage, it's going feel very different not seeing or using it on a regular basis anymore. One of the nice features about this game is that I don't have to sell old assets to make room for new ones, so despite moving up in the tiers, I will let my Italian performer sit in storage, until needed for another necessary, future task.
With advancing into the two final tiers of a line, a player isn't restricted with their choices on what to get next. As you can see from the graphic above, I could have taken a short cut and completed my original, main goal of parking a tier IX T-90MS in my garage (along with three other options).
Instead, I have made the decision to continue on with the line and purchased the Challenger 2. Part of the reason was being a stickler for "continuity," another is for a sense of completion, since I have spent more time in the Ariete than I had originally planned.
Don't get me wrong, the Ariete is/was a fantastic vehicle, giving me my first, real taste of the intensity of the higher tiers (only shared with the Challenger 1/Wolf Edition) and served me well.
But, progress called, I answered it and I couldn't wait to try it out....
.... and despite what some would have you believe, I think Armored Warfare is still going to be around, long after I finish my long journey for the T-90MS.
