kristinawood.com ~ View topic

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Relying on the tank alone can actually make things difficult. It's easiest for me to rely on a heavy blitzkrieg on the enemy blind side, using Scouts/Engineers to steal bases due to their accuracy and firepower, while dropping Shocktroopers to get past the big defenses and tanks.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

D0es this game have multiplayer aspects to it?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Yep. As both Co-op missions to pass those nearly impossible checks and a versus mode to have fun with one another.

Sadly, it's Ad-hoc run only.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

Meaning no internet play right?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Yeah. Although Xlink Kai can bypass this, it's a hassle to set up.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

Darn. Oh well, its not bad. We'll get to complete online connectivity to handhelds at some point.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Yep, but until then, we have Xlink Kai.

Regardless, Co-Op missions are fun. Haven't played 'em myself, but I've seen some gameplay of 'em.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 04 Jul 2011 Posts: 1665

This game looks very interesting. What's the story to it?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Story?

Depends on which game, but the general gist of it is...

You are a Gallain Soldier. Gallia is an a small Principality/Indepent nation in the world of Europa, where technological advances are all traced into an energy ore called ragnite. On the left side of the world, you have the Federation and on the right, the Empire. These two sides have squared off in wars before and each time they do, it is because of either a Ragnite shortage or aa difference in political regime. Gallia has a policy of armed neutrality and after the first EWW ( Europan World War ), almost all of their citizens receive a regular military training program via high school. Gallia doesn't have such a massive army like the Imperial or Federation quite does, so when they go to war, they draft in the Militia. (( The first game. ))

The game also centers around a group of people who seem to be born with dark blue hair. They are recognized as Darcsens. Darcsens have a big role in the game, because they are often discriminized because of an old legend called 'The Darcsen Calamity'. I won't spoil what this is of course, even though they mention it several times in the game. Regardless, Darcsens suffer heavy racism and everyone follows what they call the 'Valkyrur' like a religion. A Valkyrur is a person that has some form of holy bloodline and lineage, usually containing a heavy infusion of ragnite in their own blood. This allows them to use special weapons that are also made heavily of ragnite and exhibit strange and amazing abilities.

The one on this thread is the second game, one made for the PSP which follows up on what happens after the events of the second game, the EWW2. Gallia is stuck in a Civil War, where Gallian nobles take arms to one another to try and wrest control of the goverment for their own. Again, I won't ruin the story.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

Thats pretty descriptive.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 04 Jul 2011 Posts: 1665

Now I want this game. Makes me wish I hadn't sold my PSP a few years back.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

Games like that is rare considering the generation we live in.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

(( More thoughts on Valkyria Chronicles 2 as I'm now working through the month of August in Lanseal. I've finally taken a break from Achieveables hunting in WoW (And bonus-points to those of you who get the "Achieveables" reference. ) Mind you, I'm in a weird mood right now… so my thoughts are going to derail and sidetrack every now and again. Probably more often than every now-and-again.

First, some new thoughts on the various classes I haven't commented on yet.

Anthem Corps:
AP: C+
Attack: F
Defense: F
Reaction: F
Quirks: B

Well, I'm just not sure how these guys are supposed to work. They can make one of your troops better… but I can't see losing a super-ultra-mondo-medic to get these guys. It is nice how they can unlock hidden potentials in a trooper (hence the Quirks rating of B), and they can buff all of the combat stats at one time with the current set of instruments... but it just doesn't seem to be enough. In the other trees, the choices are pretty balanced. Snipers or Super Scouts… Commandoes or Machinegunners… Lancers or Mega-Mortars… Medics or… well… Medics. So… Unless I'm missing something obvious, these guys just seem like a waste to me. I made Collette one… tried it on several different missions… and… just… meh.

Fencers:
AP: D
Attack: A-
Defense: B
Reaction: D
Quirks: D

Okay… I've given a spot more time to the Fencers. I'm not sure if it's because of the level difference, or if I've finally gotten some gear for my Fencers, but they're now at least being reliable with the one-hit-one-kill complaint I had earlier. Their serious lack of AP bothers me still… but I do catch myself using Alexis more often. I am kinda curious about the zweihanders the Fencer Elites get.

Lancer Elites
AP: C
Attack: A
Defense: A
Reaction: D
Quirks: B

If I were a Goblin… I'd be a Lancer Elite. While I wait for the chance to try out Mobile Lancers, I promoted Rene and Coleen into Lancer Elites. And… all I gotta say is I like it when the tanks go BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!! (Complete with Rap Music induced "BOOM" dance move) (And double-mondo-bonus-ultra-points for the obscure BOOM reference… if anyone gets it.) Anyway, notice the extra "O"s and "!"s in the comment? These guys don't screw around, when it comes to making burning, scrap piles out of enemy vehicles. And… it's also kinda fun to rocket snipe with these guys, iffn all you can see are infantry. And… how can you not like the "Randall Shoots… and SCORES!" Comments that Rene makes. Though, it took me a while to realize she was using her last name.

Mortar
AP: C
Attack: C
Defense: A
Reaction: D
Quirks: B

I've caught myself using Noel and Elvis… I mean Vario (Two Lancers I've promoted to Mortar troops) more often in the last couple of months. It's nice to have some mortars that can blind fire, knock over terrain, and get into trenches. The problem still is their lack of AP… and their annoying firing arc. The firing arc for the Mortar soldiers I just can't seem to figure out. Stuff I think they should be able to shoot at they can't… and other times, the seem to be able to blind fire around corners. Although Vario is probably the better Mortar trooper, as he makes the ladies swoon with his packed charges… I just like how Noel talks.

I haven't done a lot with the tier-3 units yet… as I'm still trying to get the requirements for some of them to get promoted.

And now some more thoughts about the game.

I am really starting to like playing with some of the characters. Mostly because of their quirky comments. For example, I use Lotte… a lot. I mean, how can you not like a reporter who wants to be a Prinny, Dood? Erik is growing on me too. Currently he's my only Machinegun trooper… though I'm seriously considering making Marion one too. I mean, she really does enjoy guns. I mean… Marion really enjoys guns. Why not give her a bigger, harder, longer, firmer gun to use right? Nothing double entendre about that idea. I'm just giving her a better weapon to use. I'm also liking the Helmut and Heinz paring. The Imperial Scout with his ever so diligent butler. His "With your leave, Master Bourdais" comment when he and Helmut shoots is just so… bulter-ey. And I do like the voice actor Steven Jay Blum, which probably explains why I've gotten into a habit of using Helmut.

Ah, July. As with any, standard, anime, you need one of two possibilities. Either a bath-house episode, or a beach/swim suit episode. Valkyria Chronicles 2 is no different. Opting for the swim suit episode in July was kinda cute. Especially just before the Lanseal Cup Finals. Oddly, though, I liked the beach R&R scene from Valkyria Chronicles better. If nothing else… Brigette Stark does look pretty darn sexy in a 1940s-esq swimsuit.

Anyway, now that I'm in August, as long as I pick August missions or later, I can get a second-in-command, which gives me one more Command Point. Which is fun. I'm also noticing that I'm using my Lancers more now, instead of just having Sharky blow the snot out of a tank. I also notice that, while very anime-story-trope, I am enjoying the mini-missions and stories of the characters too. It has kept me from having favorites as much as I did in Valkyria Chronicles 1. What I mean is, in Valkyria Chronicles 1 I used the same ten Soldiers is every mission… with only occational changes. For example, I used Ted Ustinov a lot… sometimes Cherry Stijnen… sometimes Aika… sometimes Fressia… sometimes Susie... but mostly I'd use Ted and Alicia. In Valkyria Chronicles 2, I've been rotating around my Scouts to see what the other stories are from the other characters. So… that's kinda neat that Valkyria Chronicles 2 gives you a better incentive to try out all your characters.

I am enjoying the fact that Valkyria Chronicles 2 has made Shocktroopers hell-a-useful. In Valkyria Chronicles 1, Scouts were… just a bit too much. I played Scout heavy, with a couple of Engineers for backup… and Marina for some long-range support. I brought Rosie and Edy along too… but I was definitely packing in the Scouts over pretty much everything else. In VC2, Scouts are considerably more Light Infantry. They can move, and they have rifles to shoot with... but they really aren't meant to fight. In VC2, Shocktroopers are your primary offensive unit. More hit points, better ability to take intercept fire, and better damage make them your assault units. Your Scouts, in VC2, mark the target. Your Shocktroopers smash the target.

I also like the fact that the stolen plans / parts you find in Valkyria Chronicles 2 are considerably more useful than the stuff you looted in Valkyria Chronicles 1. I think, at most, I used like… one or two tank parts I stole from Imperial faction when playing Valkyira Chronicles 1. In Valkyira Chronicles 2, I often find that the stuff you loot is equal to stuff of the same tier… and sometimes challenges stuff of the next higher tier. So, it gives you more incentive to find enemy heroes. In Valkyria Chroincles 1, I was hunting the enemy heroes more to try to earn the super-mondo-ultra-rare medal you could earn. In Valkyria Chronicles 2, it was to get access to new blueprints.

I'm not sure what to think of the whole tank, tech-tree. Early on, I must have looted about the most awesomest turret… evar. It's all three types of cannons in one. You have an anti-armor cannon that's better than 90% of the Gallian anti-armor turrets. You have a machinegun cannon that has 3x the shots the normal co-axial machine gun has, and does a solid amount of damage. Lastly, you have the mortar. So… because of how awesome this turret has been… I haven't really tried out any of the other tanks… or the other turrets. And… in some cases, the tank almost feels overpowering. Which is weird, as my tank is only listed as a level 8 troop… but it busts through enemy medium and heavy tanks without a care.

I'm still frustrated and disappointed with the randomness of getting required experience. I like how the overall group all levels up at the same time… but having to redo the same mission over and over again, so your stupid engineer can get "Sppt X" is retarded. My poor Super-Butler Heinz is still just an Engineer, because he can't seem to get a Sppt to save his life… though, annoyingly, he has FOUR friggin Diploma's now. Joy. If I were designing the game, what I would have done is say "Okay, you have earned this many Sppt Xs for this battle. You can distribute them amongst the troops that actually took place in the battle. The random distribution just seems like… such a glaring flaw when the rest of the game is pretty well done.

I still notice that the load-times bother me. Especially when it comes to trying to find out what special EXP a scenario gives. I understand the limitations of the PSP… it just seems like the designers didn't try to make any work around. I mean, I can look to see what special EXP someone has earned, while at the training grounds, without having to smack-up load times… but I can't see what special-EXP can be earned in the battles unless I load that specific battle? Seems… short sighted to me. Anyway, I finally wrote down all the month scenarios from Jan - July… still have to do the character-specific battles… and I still have little to no idea where I can get some of the special gear/parts needed for various weapons. Anyway, the load-time for the battle screen bothers me. Again, if I were designing it, I'd have at least included that bit of information on the main-menu, before loading the battle, similar to the fact you can scan lists of special-EXP earned by a character when at the training grounds. If you want to know what are the potential enemies, or potential plunder, you have to load the battle.

So… there you go. Some more, rambling thoughts on Valkyria Chronicles 2. ))

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Caroline, I'm gonna go ahead and invite myself to give you some pointers of my own.

- The Fencer Elite Zweihander's are always a one hit kill and if they have the luck to be upgraded in damage terms with a Unit's abilities and the ocassional Anthem Corp, they can even take down Boss units (( Geirolul, Baldren, Dirk, etc. )). Those things are dangerous and their defense can withstand just about everything.

-I found something out about the experience points. When you check the menu mid-battle and look at how your troops are doing, you can find a small checklist that shows the points that your characters have gotten so far and how to get more/avoid losing more. It is hellishly effective for when you need a specific soldier to get that extra point.

-Anthem Corp. is downright terrible an even then, they only become moderately usefull when they reach their Tier 2 sections. The extra boosts are quite handy on the Anthem Elite and the stat reductions to the enemy on the other make them good for those extra missions when Baldren or Dirk are being a pain.-

-The tank is almost always a wild card, primarily because of the amount of customization you can give it. Light, Medium, Heavy, APC.... the options are limitless. It's always usefull to go for Tank Specs because there's always subtle differences in armor and AP. Hell, found a looted spec of a light tank that uses only one AP, making it pretty damn deadly.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

(( Still even more thoughts on Valkyria Profile 2:

Okay, I liked how Valkyria Chronicles 1 did wounded better. In VC1, you had three turns… or else. If you couldn't make it to your buddy in time, you lost them. Permanently. It put a sense of urgency into rescuing someone. It also made me restart the game too, once I realized they were serious about it. In VC2, your characters get hospitalized, which means you can't use them for 3 missions… which means, that you play 3 side-missions, and BOOM, they're back. No real sense of worry or concern that Soldier Z is gone. So… I prefer how VC1 put a sense of realism into having injured characters.

I like how VC2 does the "A", "B", "C" rating and so on. In VC1 you had one turn to get an "A" rating. That was it. This meant that you, often, did not act tactically at all, and just rushed for the end-point of the scenario… as the "A" bonus is a huge bonus (in both exp and Royal weapons you'd earn), and also a requirement for a specific medal. So… there was often little strategy involved when trying for an "A" rating. In VC2, depending on the scenario, you have various amounts of time to get an "A" rating.

Now, WolfStride, I'm going to have to take your man card for your comments on your tank, and to even dare suggest that Lavinia should drive the Light Tank or an APC. And here's why.

First, my Lavinia is not going to be caught dead driving around in a mini-van… er I mean the APC. I mean, really, could you really imagine Lavinia rolling down the driver's window and saying, "Alright Kids, follow me! To Soccer practice!" LAME! My Lavinia is a rock-hard, overall wearing, gear-head chick, not some prissy-girl who wears pajamas outside the house and calls them "casual pants."

Next, my Lavinia is also not going to be caught dead driving some eco-friendly, tree-hugging, high gas-mileage, hybrid…er I mean Light Tank that uses only 1 Command Point. In fact, I can see it now. *makes a mocking, hippie voice* "Follow me, Kids… to the Drum Circle, where we can all eat granola and tell Mother Earth how much we love her. It's groooooooovy." I mean, really, my tank is called "Sharky". If I used the Light Tank chassis, I'd have to change the name to "Shark-bait". No, my Lavinia eats red-meat, preferrably off the bone and slathered in bar-be-que sauce, washing it all down with gallons of hard liquor while she sits near a bonfire roasting a pig.

So NO! Not in my army. My Lavinia is BAD ASS! You wanna know how BAD ASS she is? I'm glad you asked. My Lavinia drives a rebel stomping, tank smashing, wall crushing, hill climbing, ice bashing driving machine! My Lavinia only drives vehicles which are a V-10 and have a 450 cubic inch engine that's a turbo-charged-custom… at a minimum! My Lavinia is so BAD ASS that when she shouts, "Alright Kids, Follow Me!", a tumultuous roar erupts from the Loyal Gallian forces. To be worthy of my Lavinia, a tank's main gun has to shoot rounds that would make a 180mm depleted uranium round sulk home with its tail between its legs.

As such, my Lavinia only drives the medium-chassis tank. A tank-chassis that Chuck Norris himself gives an approving nod too. A tank with an engine so huge, the ground trembles for miles. A tank so righteous that it can boldly paint pin-up art of Brigette Stark as if to say "She's ours, LOSERS!" A tank with a cannon so massive, that hardened anti-tank bunkers are blown to dust with just one shot. A tank so awesome, that its speakers blare a rebel slaughtering soundtrack containing songs like:

- Scorpions: Rock You Like A Hurricane
- Metallica: Enter Sandman
- Bang Camaro: Push Push Lady Lightning
- Clutch: Electric Worry
- Alice in Chains: Rooster
- Blue Oyster Cult: Go Go Godzilla!
- AC/DC: Thunderstruck
- Queen: Another One Bites the Dust
- Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries
- Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
- Michael Jackson: Bad (Shut up! There was a reason he was the KING of POP!)
- ZZ Top: La Grange
- Manowar: Warriors of the World
- Holtz: Mars
- Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra
- Creedence Clearwater Revival: Fortunate Son
- Survivor: Eye of the Tiger
- Devo: Working in a Coal Mine
- Talking Heads: Psycho Killer

So, while your Lavinia probably wears skirts, eats Koshi cereal, and refuses to get grease on her newly-manacured nails, my Lavinia wears leather-thigh-high-stomping-boots, eats nails, and spits out hot, leaded, death, all while getting another tattoo on her sleeve. Catch my drift? So, they're be no more talk of even suggesting my Lavinia drive something other than the tank she's currently driving. ))

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Where do you get off in saying that MY Lavinia wears skirts and girly gloss? Your medium piles of Scrap heap do naught more than become walking armor for my main troops if I say so myself. Sure, you can talk all you like about the power of Medium Tanks. Great, they can tear through more ass than you can think of with those giant overpowered rounds and of course they can just run around in their fancy turbo, plowing through the enemy's defense like they were nothing more than flowers trampled underfoot.

But never underestimate the power of my speed bastard. Your Metal Jaws can break into V2's and Heavy Tank's headfirst? Fine. My Hrist Valkyrur and it's light speedyness destroys the enemy before they even have a chance! And the fact that my Lavinia is just as Bloodthirsty as yours makes her just as good, if not a better opponent that can stand up to your overpowered rolling death machine. While you are too budy taking slag after slag from just a few Command Points in a tiny corner, my little Hrist can storm up from behind and not only do some accurate tank sniping that can pop a headshot on a sniper from Lanseal to Randgriz, but it can also hold it's own against Baldren even. They all cower when Hrist comes out and boy can she pack a punch. Just because your Lavinia wears overalls, doesn't mean my sits idly by with a dainty little white dress and fears of getting an oil stain. No, my Lavinia rushes headfirst into the Gun fire with lightning fast reflexes and popping more Anti Armor Lead than I can count. Ragnite Plates and Shielded V2's cower before the might of my Hrist and as vain as their defense is, they cannot penetrate my Tank Master and her doom legion.

So don't go sayin' that yer Lavinia is all hot when mine is just as hot, if not, hotter than yours. Mortars, gunshots, Tank shells, you name it. My Lavinia drives her Hrist to combat with one sickly badass sticker of Witch Profile on her side, and sometimes even the Crazy Taxi just to give her opponents that brick in their pants to know when to run away. My Lavinia chews iron and spits napalm mortars unto those Rebellious scum.

So there. You may go heavyweight, but this Lightweight will play circles around yours.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

You two certainly enjoy your games of VC2. I definately want to buy the game now. How big is the file?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

I don't remember. Cost me 20 bucks at the nearby Gamestop and I had downloaded the game to my Memory stick to shorten load times. The game is insanely long though

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

Long games are fun, so long as its simple as it is enjoyable.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 04 Jul 2011 Posts: 1665

Imagine this in a boxing arena kinda...

This is going to be one hell of a fight today John as two legendary fighters square off in the ring. That's right Phill. One a world champion specializing in heavy metal warfare, her unstoppable force of tanks destroys everything in it's path. The other a world renowned fighter who has destroyed his enemies using agility, and speed to gain victory. The two contenders are now approaching the arena and the crowd is going crazy! Wouldn't you agree Phill? Phill? Whoo yeaahhhh!! I agree completely John!

*A mic descends from the ceiling, and a familiar looking Panther takes hold of the Mike*

In the Red corner The defending champion of the ring. The heavy metal fighter extraordinaire. Caroline Wellwater!! *Crowd cheers* and in the blue corner. Today's challenger. The lightweight lightning machine Wolf Stride *Crowd cheers again* Now lets get ready to rumble!!!!!!! *Ding-Ding*

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

Yet Still even more comments for Valkyria Chronicles 2. I finally managed to finish August, and have started in September. I will say, if you're starting this game, write down what bonuses/special experience each scenario gives you… it'll save you a ton of time in the long run. Trust me. And, for as superb as this game is, the glaring flaw of farming for specific, special exp (that is randomly generated) is just such a horrible flaw. I would say, if I were rating this game on am F to A (i.e. F, D, C, B, A) scale, this flaw would deduct a full letter grade from the game. Not a third, or a half-point, a full letter. It has bothered me that much.

As an aside, Disgaea sort of has special experience too. It's called mana. You want to propose a bill to the Demon Senate, you need mana. You want your mage to get more powerful spells, you need mana. You want to learn a new special skill, you need mana. You want to generate a new character type, or rebirth an existing character, you need mana. So, in Disgaea, getting mana is just as important as getting experience. However, there are several ways to generate mana, and it is way, Way, WAY easier to know how much mana a character is going to get for an action. And, even for characters who find it hard to generate mana, as they're main abilities are more supportive in nature, you can buy small mana jars from the shop, and potentially find a Mana Shop when doing dungeon diving.

If VC2 wanted to insist on using the Special EXP thingy, they really should have done it where you generate a pool of Special EXP, and let you decide how it gets distributed amongst those members of your party who have participated in a skirmish. Or, at least let you buy it from the store at ridiculous prices (so you can't really start buying them into five or six months into the game). I swear, I have over a million ducats in this game, and nothing to spend it on. This random way it is generated just… is hair-pullingly stupid. Especially since the upgrades in higher Tiers is so significant to the functionality of a class. I still have characters that are locked into Teir-1, yet have enough experience to actually fulfill a Teir-3 slot. Yes, I know I've commented on this aspect of the game several times before… this effect just seems to get worse as the game goes on.

Anyway, I've finally started to get some more of the Tier 3 units, and see what they can do. Anyway, some more thoughts.

Heavy Scout:
AP: C
Attack: B
Defense: B
Reaction: B
Quirks: C

Well, while I wait to earn the special exp required for Scout Elites, I made Avan into a Heavy Scout. And… I'm not really impressed. Yes, the grenade launcher gives you a decent range to throw the grenade, with a seemingly more reliable ability to determine the arc than the Mortarer has; however, you lose your ability to use basic grenades, and you lose a ton of AP. Scouts should be mobile, not grenade chucky. So… I don't like these guys. To me, the Heavy Scout is a downgrade.

Anti-Tank Sniper:
AP: C-
Attack: A
Defense: D
Reaction: D
Quirks: B

Not sure what to think of the Anti-Tank Sniper. They can attack tanks, APCs and bunkers now semi-effectively doing about the damage of a Lancer Veteran, and with super better accuracy than the Lancers. Yet, they lack the AP to get rear/side shots… and it seems like they can no longer head-snipe infantry soldiers to death either. So… I'm not sure. The jury is still out on these guys.

Auto-Rifle Sniper:
AP: C-
Attack: A+
Defense: D-
Reaction: D
Quirks: B+

I made Lotte into my Auto-Rifle Sniper. She can now take out just about any infantry, with the burst fire effect of her sniper rifle. Even if it takes all three shots, or the soldier is in the grass or behind sandbags, Lotte can kill it with a burst. (And it's also pretty groovy when Lotte gets her double movement thingy.) Auto-Rifle Snipers even do pretty decent damage against the V2 thing-a-ma-jigs. They do lose a tremendous amount of survivability with the hit to hit-points. And, I'm not terribly fond of the Auto-Rifle Sniper uniform. Still, a pretty good upgrade in the sniper tree.

Mobile Lancer:
AP: C+
Attack: A
Defense: A
Reaction: D
Quirks: B+

I have to say, the entire Lancer tree is pretty sweet. (I'm catching myself using Mortarers more often to blind-fire into grass and stuff too… just to weed out those sneaky-hidey bastards). Well done with the overall design of the Lancer tree.

Mobile Lancer's are friggin' sweet! The extra amount of AP they get makes for some great opportunities. They lack the direct punch of the Lancer Elite weaponry; however, they have a more reliable ability to hit a tank's flank/rear. Plus, they're more likely to get where they need to go with their enhanced mobility using only one CP. Being as I like my army to be "move-y" in nature, the Mobile Lancers really are pretty schway for me. So, I like how the Lancer Tree lets you be either mobile or more punchy. Pretty balanced, and pretty good flexibility for different styles of players.

Okay, since Coleen and Rene are my Lancer Elites, I made Reiner into a Mobile Lancer. I have two hard hitters with Coleen and Rene; however, the improved mobility of Reiner makes him more able to hit the flanks/rear of a tank. And, he's also more likely to be able to find cover after his attack, or have the AP needed to make it to attack in one turn. And Reiner's comments remind me a lot of Largo, who I thought was pretty schway from VC1. Still, though, the weapon the Lancer Elites carries is pretty butch… so… the choice here really is up to the player. The mobility of the Light Lancers… or the direct punching-power of the Heavies.

In short, it really is a tricky choice between the Mobile Lancer and the Lancer Elite. I'm glad I went with both.

Shocktrooper Elite
AP: C+
Attack: A-
Defense: B+
Reaction: B
Quirks: B

I'm… just not impressed with this upgrade. They get more grenades, and some better stats… but… they just seem like Shocktroopers. Don't get me wrong, Shocktroopers are good and all, but… for a Teir-3 upgrade, it's… disappointing to me. Very similar to how the Heavy Scout has disappointed me. And I've never used more than 1 grenade, so the fact that they carry 5 seems like a waste. Especially when compared to the Commando option. Speaking of which…

Commandoes
AP: B-
Attack: A
Defense: B+
Reaction: B
Quirks: B+

Commandoes are friggin sweet! Improved mobility and a FLAMETHROWER! Yeah, they lose their grenades, but… A FLAMETHROWER! And, the grenade loss isn't really a big deal, as Scouts still have grenades, and Mortars are like SUPA-grenades. Anyway, I'm really liking Commandoes. Cool name, and a very impressive improvement.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "But Caroline, the Flamethrower has the same range as a sword, and you hate the Armored-Tech-Melee-Tree-Thingy-Sword-Range." And… you're right. The Flamethrower has the range of the sword, and I hate the Armored Tech tree. HOWEVER, the Commando has the AP to actually get to the target using only one CP. And, you can't fully dodge a flamethrower. If you aim the flame at the feet of the trooper, even if the trooper dodges, they'll still take like 40% of the damage. As far as my experience has been with the sword, they can dodge the sword, even when aimed at the feet. And, even if the Commando can't get into FLAMETHROWER range, they do have a sub-machinegun they can spray bullets with. Win Commando.

Anyway, when comparing Commandoes to Shocktrooper Elites… I just don't see the use of the Elites. Elites don't get a better sub-machinegun, or a better hand-grenade. They have some more hit points… but… not considerably more. So… right now I'm not impressed with the Shocktrooper Elite.

Fencer Elite:
AP: D+
Attack: A
Defense: A+
Reaction: F
Quirks: B

Okay, first, I hate it when games pretty much require you to use a specific class of characters. So, yes, I've given a spot more work to my two Fencer Elites, Mischlitt and Alexis. Overall, they can, finally, one-hit-kill things with their gninormous swords, and their shields can stop all sorts of intercept fire. However, their AP still blows which means they'll be dragging gninormous sword they carry for two or three CPs until they reach their target. Commandoes get a melee-range weapon, and a solid boost to their AP. Fencer Elites get a tiny boost to their AP, still often causing them to fall short. And, Fencer Elites still have zero ability to react to anything. So, while I have two Fencer Elites… I often find myself using my Anisette's Detachment - Class G Commando Team instead. (And bonus points for those who get the obvious reference.)

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Once again, time to toss you my quarters of wisdom you way by forced manner without invitation. Yes, ain't I just that annoying? ^_^

- Heavy Scouts are indeed with a massive downside. They have the same AP amount as a regular scout and less defense, but they bring one thing that is actually quite usefull. Their rifles. No, not the grenade attachment, which is generally terrible. The rifles themselves boast some massive firepower and can even take down V2's with ease. Upgraded range, damage, Bullets, accuracy and most importantly, status ailments. Throughout the game, it is insanely easy to get morbidly screwed by stat ailments like Def. Down, AP Consumption up, Accuracy down, etc.
Most of the Heavy Scout rifles have a higher chance of scoring ailments and the custom rifles usually pack these in large quantities. Plus the power boost, accuracy and bullet count increase make Heavy Scouts a mean brass. If you were a scout heavy user in VC1, then Heavy Scouts are for you. Just beware the little AP and lessened defense.

-Auto Rifle Snipers vs. Anti-Tank Snipers. There is absolutely no weakness, why? Because Auto Rifle Snipers are good for heavy infantry and bosses like V2's, Baldren, Dirk and even elite troops. They still have death defying accuracy so those headshots usually mean death. However... on this side we have Anti-Tankers. The lack of AP makes them less of a threat, but shouldn't be underestimated nonetheless. Those rounds can deal as good a damage as Medium Tank Armor Piercers and easily destroy Supply Vehicles and back units. When properly upgraded, they can even one shot Lancers and V2's, even if the parts and materials needed to make them are slightly tedious to get.

-Mobile Lancers roll out! Lancer Elites may pack the biggest gun in the squad, but in the end, tactical movement and speedy bastardism will win the war. This is more advice for future missions than facts, but they're still good to know. Enemies will often get smarter and hide tanks and Cannon Towers in tight Crevices that Lancer Elites simply can't reach in time without getting pelted with lead. So take the long way aroun with a mobile Lancer! It still usually takes just one Lance to the radiator plate, so them speedy Gonzales are tanks with feet. Too bad they ain't Metal Gears....

-Fencer Elites = Knights. That armor of their is by far THE best armor you could have running around. It's like having Close range tanks. They are best for snuffing out infantry and are better if you know how to position them so they their blades hit upto five units at once. One of the best Blitzkrieg units there is! But also, Fencer Elites have a brother and their name? Maulers. Same thing, except less personnel damage. But boy do those mauls murder enemy armor! They're perfect for blowing apart enemy sandbags and generally anything with armor plating. No tank or Cannon Tower dare appear with a Mauler out on the prowl.

......by the way, did'cha know that you can get Edy and her entire detachment in Class G? Lovely way to bomb the enemy.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

((WolfStride,

I did play a Scout heavy army in Valk Chron 1; however, I did so because the Scouts had redonkulous movement abilities. I do like my troops to be movey. Especially units that have the name "SCOUT". Iffn I wanted a "HEAVY", I'd use a Shocktrooper. Duh ^_^ So, while Heavy Scouts punch pretty hard... I don't like the serious hit they take to AP. If nothing else, I just coat my weapons with weird chemical effects, and then my Scouts can cause status aliments anyway.

I didn't say I didn't like the Anti-Tank Sniper, just that the jury was still out on them. So, right now, I have one of each. Lotte is my Auto-Sniper, and Melissa is my Anti-Tank Sniper.

I understand about the Mobile Lancer vs Lancer Elite. I was more commenting on the fact that, even though I like a movey-style army, I'm impressed with the heavy choice. Usually, most games make the heavy choice too slow, and you just pick the fast one as it's better. The Thiemarr rocket-lances the Lancer Elites get are a serious upgrade to the Laancar lances the Mobile Lancers still have. So, to me, either Tier 3 choice is pretty solid.

And, yes I know I can hire Edy and her detachment. However, being as Edy is busy with her Idol career and slapping Homer around, I use Anisette and her detachment ^_^ ))

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

True, true, but it still pays to be careful. Unless you are a supreme mater tactician that can suspect when an enemy is sending a commando and have three scouts or two Gunners to gun their bulk down, you'll see what I mean. Heavy Scouts are very much like VC1 scouts for two main reasons. A, the maps are pretty small, so the AP stunt isn't as bad unless you like re-using the same unit over and over, which can really screw your day. Scout elites are indeed perfect for reconnaisance like they are meant to, but when you get deeper in, enemies seem to predict your movements waaaay too often for comfort, making Scouts easy prey. Pop in a heavy scout to plod around slow and easy and watch the enemy fall to their big ass rifles of firing doom.

So you're screwing around with the material combinations, eh? I've honestly never used them much. Maybe the occasional Scout Attack or Defense upgrade, but it's kind of a go or no there. Top tier missions usually get you rare materials that are... really much of a waste in coating since those materials are better off making more gear and weapons for my troops.

Time to make a personal comment. Nice choice on making Melissa the Anti-Tanker. Her special ability 'Stalk' makes her perfect for bypassing tanks as they roll over and past. She can easily snipe radiators and screw over other units that are at a distance, making her stalking ability a great mark for true creed snipin'.

It is always good to have a combo of both Lancer sets. Lancer Elites end up destroying the offense when sneaking around is not an option while Mobile Lancers destroy the backwards opposition.

B-bu-but what about Marino!? D:

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

WolfStride wrote:

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

@Caroline: Can't expect everybody to have the same tactics, otherwise it would be plain and stale even for less experienced. But that is why the different strategies makes you a bit unique in this case.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

((Hey WolfStride,

I just had an odd thought. I was thinking to myself, "Self... if WolfStride were a character in Valkyria Chronicles 2, what would he be?" And you know what I decided?

Well, I'll tell you.

I figured, since you seem to like big swords a lot, you'd be a Mauler. I bet you were expecting me to say "Fencer Elite"... but... for some reason, I just see you weilding a boat-anchor of a hammer over a sword. Maybe it's due to your insistance that your tank be a Light tank or something. It made sense to me.

Anyway, there you have it. If you were in Valkyria Chronicles 2, you'd be a Mauler.

In a bit I'll put some thoughts up about Elite Scouts, Mobile Mortars, Medics, and Engineer Elites. ))

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

I shall now hop on your brain of thought and think as to what you would be in Valkyria Chronicles 2.

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You like snipers and you like big explosions. You'd be an Elite Lancer in my eyes. I can see it now, a small Wolverine Jill that everyone picks on her size. Well they all cower in fear because she has the biggest gun out there and boy does it pack a punch. I sure as hell would like being a Mauler! Big ass shields, even bigger ass hammer that can put a dent into anything it smashes with an explosion. Yeah.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 6010

lol, I would try to put every effort in having a bit of everything to be prepared for any kind of situation. I don't know exactly how that would be applied in this game, but if its anything like in FFT, then its simply a matter of how you level up your character, not just the classes you use.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Rune, believe it or not, this game isn't mostly on level ups like Final Fantasy is. It's more based on tactical deployment, strategic use of your scant units and the know how as to what you're fighting and why to expect from their tactics. Hell, if you were a great strategist, you could pass an all Armor (( Tanks, enlistment units with armor, etc. )) mission with just the basic scouts. It gives you objectives that you must complete and the routes needed to do said objectives are plenty, giving you a much wider way and much more voices as to what do and how to do it.

Let's say... there's a large field in the map area you are in. The floor is dotted with mines, both large and small. They are well placed and there's no way to walk around them. There's some trenches on the side of the field you can use to safely get pass the minefield, but you don't know if there are enemies lying in wait there. You could get a Technical unit to bypass the lines safely, you could brave the trenches and enemies along the way, he'll you could find a new route wholesale.