Unread postby enk » 16 May 2008, 07:02
Here we go again, bored at work etc.
I used to think that level 4 is rather obvious victory for the Vamps (which it does seem like according to the poll results!) but other units do have their plusses. In this contest the participants seem to be: Arch Mage, Crusader, Greater Basilisk, Ogre Mage, Silver Pegasus and Vampire Lord. Phew, that leaves only medusas and demons out, plus those weirdly leveled elementals. As a spoiler I can say that I still picked the Vamp.
Starting with the mages, one can only say that there's one effective ranged unit. One of the best shooters in the game and nice specials. Not too fragile. I like their spell point cost reduction especially in maps where wells are rare. The arch mage is altogether a very solid unit that has no real weaknesses. It's just that level 4 is really really though. So sorry old fellow, you are not getting too high in this one.
The damage output of crusaders is very nice. What I don't like about them though, is their rather low HP for a melee tank unit, which clearly hints that they are not this kind of unit. Defense value is good though, so they're not taking that much damage but they're still a unit you need to be careful with. Somewhat on the slow side too, but this is not much of an issue really. So while the damage output is nice, they are not super units by any means. In my books they're competing with the ogres and the winner really depends on the situation. If there's no need to absorb damage, the crusaders win clearly.
The basilisk is what I'd call a gamble unit. It's rather fast and the petrification special can save your day when playing Fortress. However it's not something to rely on and otherwiser the basilisks are not so great. They're fairly speedy though which is a nice thing in the Fortress army. I've won difficult siege battles and hence games thanks to the petrification special, so these green guys do reserve a honorary mention. That's about all they're getting in this competition though.
The ogres are freaking sturdy. 60 HP for a level 4 unit? Yes please! Not only are they durable, but they pack some punch as well. The spellcasting special is okay, at least they got something to do if they're not able to engage the enemy ASAP. These guys are excellent tanks and retaliation stealers, perhaps allowing your wolf raiders to attack unretaliated. If there's anything left to attack that is. Seriously though, the ogres are not much more but walking stacks of HP but that alone means a lot. A big stack of them is something no one takes lightly. In some situations they are better than crusaders, in others not. So they're either second or third.
The pegasi are fragile. The magic dampening special is not as good as the magi's but still okay if the battle drags on, or the enemy was in short supply of spell points in the beginning. This however is not usually the case. This is actually much the same as dragon flies. Fast, but not very durable. You don't send them out there instantly because if you do, they die so fast it's not even funny. They do give an early casting though. There's not much for me to like about this unit really, since it's just way too weak. The added growth compensates though and does make this a good competitor but only against the basilisk and arch mage.
Vampires rule. Even after seriously considering the good sides of all other level 4 units, the vampires are awesome. Any other level 4 unit will somewhat diminish in numbers during the course of the game but not the vampires if you know how to play with them. Okay speed, flyer, no retaliation and little to no losses against living units. Good HP too. What they don't have is damage output but they make up for it by being in bigger numbers than other units, usually, and lasting longer. The enemy has to put some serious effort into hurting them too which either leaves them free to do what they will, or ties the opponent's resources for a while allowing your other units to go on a rampage. Vampires + counterstrike is great fun too and animate dead doesn't even need to be mentioned. Even without Necropolis fangirling I'm just simply compelled to vote for them.
