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Warzone => Game Questions => Topic started by: Pax on November 16, 2009, 07:02:37 AM

Title: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Pax on November 16, 2009, 07:02:37 AM
So, a question for the masses. I finally got myself together to get my own set of purple sharks, while I already got a set of Great Grey I'm now sitting and looking at the rules and thinking of what they could be used for?

I do notice the PS is worse than the great grey, it got less RC, less AC, less hight band range, same WD, and it is 3 points cheaper than a GG. With one exception, I got to buy a crew member along for 21-37 points extra. Also they can't team up but are only deployed in teams of 1. :(

So I'm looking at the three options: Gunner, Comm and Commander and I'm not sure what to chose.

Gunner: makes the RC same as the GG(!) and in essence makes the PS a 3/3 vehicle. That is nice and cost me the least, 83 points in total.

Comm: got marker grenades, forward observer ability. Thing is, the rules state he can't use his personal weapon while riding the PS. Do I have to disembark with him to make him able to throw that grenade? :)
Also is it even possible to use the forward observer ability? Will the PS stand still in mid air if doing so? It's a multi-crew vehicle after all so he must spend actions with the driver, but do that mean the driver only get 1 action he can do something on and I must use the forward observer ability on the first action? it takes 3 actions after all to use.

Commander: The commander acts as if he got a commanders helmet. This is nice. He must use this ability when within 20 inches of a unit though, 10 without a penalty so he must more or less be above them to avoid any larger penalties. Beyond that he do nothing unfortunately on the PS.

I'm obviously leaning towards the Gunner buyout, but what do others use these options for? And is someone able to explain the comm question?
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 16, 2009, 08:55:55 AM
I use the gunner exclusively as a rider. I prefer Orcas as a vehicle choice, but the purple shark has proven itself very useful in a lot of games.

Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 16, 2009, 10:45:58 AM
That's why I've been quietly clamoring for a vehicle rules update - I think it'd be nice to revisit them and spruce up their purpose/effectiveness, and the game rules around them.  :)

D
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 16, 2009, 12:15:11 PM
That's why I've been quietly clamoring for a vehicle rules update - I think it'd be nice to revisit them and spruce up their purpose/effectiveness, and the game rules around them.  :)

D

Yes indeed. That is why I am checking to make sure I have enough vehicles to field them appropriately when the new rules come out.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 16, 2009, 12:56:52 PM
I'd love to play a few larger battles with several vehicles - I have 3 Imperial walkers, 5 dragon bikes, and a whole fleet of purple shakrs!   ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 16, 2009, 01:20:45 PM
You may be able to soon.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Pax on November 16, 2009, 09:52:40 PM
So, run with gunner and avoid the mess of the rest? :P
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Enker on November 17, 2009, 12:26:16 AM
Put your Purble Shark model in a shelf behind some glas.
It is useless, unless you want to have on of these two things:
1. You want a fast forward observer.
2. You want to take a location and let the optional Commander leave the Purple Shark.
Beside that this question has never been answered if the Commander can leave the Purble Shark.

If you just want to shot enemys the Great Grey is the much better choice.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Pax on November 17, 2009, 12:57:58 AM
heh, I'm actually seeing some use of them with a gunner since they would be a 3/3WD unit and have the same RC. Granted for more point cost, but at least I'd not have to worry about the PS being crippled in turning abilities or RC values if something manages to hit it twice.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 17, 2009, 06:15:46 AM
Put your Purble Shark model in a shelf behind some glas.
It is useless, unless you want to have on of these two things:
1. You want a fast forward observer.
2. You want to take a location and let the optional Commander leave the Purple Shark.
Beside that this question has never been answered if the Commander can leave the Purble Shark.

If you just want to shot enemys the Great Grey is the much better choice.

I tend to dissagree (respectfully). You may want to come to a Talamania and watch Dodger or Cobalt play these. They definately have figured out how to use them effectively.

Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 17, 2009, 12:16:33 PM
It would be a shame if those were their only uses -- they're such aweesome models and cool concepts - I do think they should be more effective - I've always felt they should have some kind of special RC penalty to be hit - since they're moving so fast.

D
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Pax on November 17, 2009, 12:33:49 PM
Well, getting higher AC had been useful. (harder to hit).

Or they could be made to field in group of 1-2. Then they would have a advantage towards the GG that must be fielded alone. This could also balance the higher cost for the PS. Of course that had probably made them into Capitols Necromovers on wings. :P

Or they could have gotten a rule, that would hurt the GG a bit I suppose but:

PS is able to hover in place due to twin engines. So able to acquire a +3 stand still RC bonus. GG must always move forward with only one engine that bolts it forward (Flying unit standing still in air = crash) after all. :D

Edit: Anyway, no one that got any suggestions on how to use them? Except in the display case of course.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: dmcgee1 on November 17, 2009, 05:13:00 PM
Put your Purble Shark model in a shelf behind some glas.
It is useless, unless you want to have on of these two things:
1. You want a fast forward observer.
2. You want to take a location and let the optional Commander leave the Purple Shark.
Beside that this question has never been answered if the Commander can leave the Purble Shark.

If you just want to shot enemys the Great Grey is the much better choice.

I tend to dissagree (respectfully). You may want to come to a Talamania and watch Dodger or Cobalt play these. They definately have figured out how to use them effectively.



I concur.  It was, originally, jjdodger for whom the term, "Richard Dance" was coined.  He initiated with the EDD, then turned it into an art form on the level of the Flamenco with the Purple Shark.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: dmcgee1 on November 17, 2009, 05:14:39 PM
It would be a shame if those were their only uses -- they're such aweesome models and cool concepts - I do think they should be more effective - I've always felt they should have some kind of special RC penalty to be hit - since they're moving so fast.

D

Speed is it's own addition to AC.  Of course, one has to make use of it.  Please, refer the Richard Dance.

P.S.:  Has anyone else noticed how dangerously close to 1000 posts WarzoneD is getting?
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 17, 2009, 07:42:54 PM
Or they could be made to field in group of 1-2. Then they would have a advantage towards the GG that must be fielded alone. This could also balance the higher cost for the PS. Of course that had probably made them into Capitols Necromovers on wings.


You may be on to something.

Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 17, 2009, 10:33:16 PM
Me close to 1000 posts?  I hadn't noticed... Is that good or are their Semai infiltrators on their way?
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Enker on November 18, 2009, 12:08:08 AM
The problem of the Purple Shark is that you pay a fully second model; the Gunner / Commander / Forward Observer.
But this second model does give you only a slight benenefit. You cannot use it full but you pay the full price.
(maybe exept the Commander, old discussion again).
The Great Grey is much more cost effective and thats what is important in UWZ,
except the slight benefit is very very usefull for a scenario goal.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 18, 2009, 06:19:58 AM
The problem of the Purple Shark is that you pay a fully second model; the Gunner / Commander / Forward Observer.
But this second model does give you only a slight benenefit. You cannot use it full but you pay the full price.
(maybe exept the Commander, old discussion again).
The Great Grey is much more cost effective and thats what is important in UWZ,
except the slight benefit is very very usefull for a scenario goal.

OK. I just like the color purple on the model then.

You have a good point above - same main gun one less guy to worry about = great grey.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: Pax on November 18, 2009, 09:22:30 AM
hmm, the possibility to drop a lone forward observer on a hard to reach location actually just sounded rather nice when I was thinking about it. Since they don't target models but the ground they could avoid LOS and use their own for devilish purposes.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: luckyone on November 18, 2009, 09:49:37 AM
hmm, the possibility to drop a lone forward observer on a hard to reach location actually just sounded rather nice when I was thinking about it. Since they don't target models but the ground they could avoid LOS and use their own for devilish purposes.

Now your thinking with your dipstick Jimmy.

Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 18, 2009, 03:48:00 PM
I don't play with cost effectiveness in mind - I've never been a number cruncher when it comes to gaming.  More of a flavor savior.

D
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: dmcgee1 on November 20, 2009, 04:29:56 PM
Me close to 1000 posts?  I hadn't noticed... Is that good or are their Semai infiltrators on their way?

Oh...you hadn't heard of the initiation into the "Guys with Entirely Too Much Time on Their Hands" club?  Archer, enlighten him!


Make it a good one!  ;D
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: dmcgee1 on November 20, 2009, 04:32:39 PM
I don't play with cost effectiveness in mind - I've never been a number cruncher when it comes to gaming.  More of a flavor savior.

D

Unless in a tourney, I agree, D.
Title: Re: Question about Purple Sharks
Post by: warzoneD on November 21, 2009, 01:27:58 AM
Wish I had too much time on my hands - I usually squeeze these posts in between umpteen things I'm doin'!