Kemco Games

ROBERT · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 122

I didn't notice about ATACMS till I began accesing this forum (thanks SF, DP, DT and all you guys)...I mean I ve been aware of them since always (as they've never locked), but not of their superb capabilities. I' been calling them my "line breakers" and relying on those tough MFs (even neglecting fire support) to make things much easier.

Sometimes (mostly when I see the enemy on chicken run after a bombardment) I get to think that the use of a bunch of those is like cheating, or spoiling, but then I think of them, as JVGFanatic said on his FAQ, as "Exploits" as I keep saying to myself: "a warrior takes wise advantage of every resource available"; is just that things get a lot easier keeping those handy.

ROBERT · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 122

errata

On the text posted below, at the end of the second line must read "air" support, not "fire" support as posted.

SemperFi2382 · Posted: May Fri 20, 2005 8:52 am Post subject:

On higher difficuly levels (Normal, Hard) and maps with choke points, the ATACMS are excellent for defensive operations. Especially if you are facing multiple enemies.

For me, the whole use behind the ATACMS are containment. Contain the enemy and allow for minimal strong armored defensive units. Once I go on the offensive, it makes for breaking through such choke points easier as well because I'm not slugging it out for each hex. (Maps like four kingdoms for example when trying to attack/defend against the nation in the mountains.)

Not to mention that War is all about exploiting the weaknesses of your enemy.

On the flip side, I've seen a reliance on them cause a massive failure to an army. My friend didn't postion his correctly and they were erradicated quickly. Due to the high cost of the ATACMS, he would have been unable to rebuild enough units to fend off the attacks in time. So, while they are good units, they are pricey to build and rearm. Not to mention vulnerable and unable to defend themselves at all.
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"The Object is not to die for your country, but to make the other poor bastard die for his." - General Patton

DanielRuoss · Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 103 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

SemperFi is right about the ATACMS being exceptional at defense. Position them correctly at a choke point and watch with glee as the enemy marches into a very deadly trap! Twisted Evil

He is especially spot on about the dangers of relying on them too much. I've had situations where I've been so concerned about having an ATACMS line that I neglect the threat of helicopters and other air attacks. The enemy sends in a couple of attack helicopters and the ATACMS get used up pretty quick. This leaves you in a desperate situation as the enemy's armored columns slam into you untouched. All too often this situation is impossible to recover from. So while the ATACMS is an exceptional weapon the real key to victory is balance. If you have a balanced force you're more flexible and can exploit enemy mistakes/failures quickly.

DoubleTap · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 76 Location: Manhattan

I don't think I've ever used more than 2 ATACMS in a scenario. I like to roll my armor up to engage the enemy's advance, and use an ATACMS inconjunction with a recon helo to pulverize the enemy art'y behind their lines.
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"If an evil is minor, resist it nonetheless. If a good deed is trifling, perform it all the same." -Liu Bei

SemperFi2382 · Posted: May Fri 20, 2005 1:20 pm Post subject:

DoubleTap · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 76 Location: Manhattan

One supply unit for each 2 ATACMS?
_________________
"If an evil is minor, resist it nonetheless. If a good deed is trifling, perform it all the same." -Liu Bei

ROBERT · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 122

is there a key or paramter to evaluate if an army is well balanced in a given situation?

For "army balance" I understand the variety between ground/air/naval forces in proportion with the enemy ones, I mean... not to have too many of the same type of units, but a pre-planned mixture of all in order to be able (at a given time) to send combined attacks against the enemy, or to adapt your forces to succesfully face an enemy attack as well.

SemperFi2382 · Posted: May Fri 20, 2005 3:53 pm Post subject:

DanielRuoss · Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 103 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

I would say that the only parameter for army balance is if you're winning. Success needs no justification. Army balance depends foremost on what your strategy is for a given scenario. For instance in some scenarios I totally disregard the naval aspect and use air units to attack the enemy's capital. But just because I'm not using a navy the computer might be. So I use ground based aircraft with anti-ship missiles to ward off any amphibious attacks. When I think of balance I think of trying to make sure my army isn't vulnerable to multiple attacks. Whether they be naval, air, or ground.

Manikese · Guest

I think a good balance is 6 M1A2 Abrams, 6 Arti Tow 155mms, 18 Apaches, 6 A10 Thunderbolts (pack 2), and 2 Strike Eagles with AAMRAMs. And of course some support and capture vehicles/troops. Can we say boom shaka lacka?

(in other words, more air support than actual ground units)

side note: Starwars Episode 3 rocks!

SemperFi2382 · Posted: May Fri 20, 2005 4:08 pm Post subject:

DoubleTap · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 76 Location: Manhattan

What about capture capable units, SF? Are they included in your helo force?

I always have a few groundpounders, for capture/defense/tenacious D.
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"If an evil is minor, resist it nonetheless. If a good deed is trifling, perform it all the same." -Liu Bei

SemperFi2382 · Posted: May Sat 21, 2005 7:45 pm Post subject:

tyrannical · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 51

Triangle island. 12 ATCMS
Over 10,000 enemy sub-units destroyed. I lost under 500.

Suuuuure I could have been faster. But ATACMS are fun!
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Red army much agressor!!!! They make big war on you. You blue army commander. You stop red army. You make all bases belong to you! Go Blue Army, Go for great justice!!!