Difference between revisions of "X-Form"

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(note on VUX limpets and changing forms (complete with PR3 quote))
(→‎Tactical Overview: made this line more precise (I think))
 
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__NOTOC__
 
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[[Image:Star_control_i_x-form_databank.png|thumb|225px|Starship Databank Entry]]
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[[Image:Star_control_i_x-form_databank.png|thumb|306px|Starship Databank Entry]]
  
Flexibility is the key to survival. The robotic [[Mmrnmhrm]] understood this concept, as proven by their agreement to join the [[Chenjesu]] in their "Process", but their warships have integrated this concept wholly and fully. The Mmrnmhrm '''X-Form''', also known as the Mmrnmhrm '''Transformer''',  could quickly transform from the slow but powerful X-Wing form to the quick stinging Y-Wing form.{{ref|1}}
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Flexibility is the key to survival. The robotic [[Mmrnmhrm]] understood this concept, as proven by their agreement to join the [[Chenjesu]] in their "Process", and their warships have integrated this concept wholly and fully. The Mmrnmhrm '''X-Form''', also known as the Mmrnmhrm '''Transformer''',  could quickly transform from the slow but powerful X-Wing form to the quick, stinging Y-Wing form.{{ref|1}}
  
==Navigation==
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==Propulsion==
 
===X-Wing===
 
===X-Wing===
The X-Wing form has the dubious honor of being the slowest ship in the game, even slower than the [[VUX]] [[Intruder]].  However, while terribly slow, the X-Wing form has an excellent turning rate, allowing it to quickly bring its formidable weaponry to bear upon its opponents.
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The X-Wing form has an excellent turning rate, allowing it quickly to bring its formidable weaponry to bear upon its opponents. Its top speed is very low.
  
 
===Y-Wing===
 
===Y-Wing===
The quick Y-Wing form relies on the concept of "If you can’t hit me, you can’t kill me". One of the fastest ships in the game, the Y-Wing form is only somewhat hampered by its slow turn-rate. In this form, the ship can quite effectively evade enemy shots if flown by a skilled pilot.
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The quick Y-Wing form relies on the concept of "If you can’t hit me, you can’t kill me". One of the fastest ships in the game, the Y-Wing form is hampered by its slow rate of turning. In this form, the ship can quite effectively evade enemy shots if flown by a skilled pilot.
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
 
===Primary===
 
===Primary===
 
====X-Wing====
 
====X-Wing====
The X-Wing form is equipped with a powerful twin-laser array that deal enormous damage at a short range.  This weapon rapidly depletes the modest energy store of the Transformer, so use the laser array with care.
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The X-Wing form is equipped with a powerful twin-laser array that deals enormous damage at a short range.  This weapon rapidly depletes the modest energy store of the Transformer, so use the laser array with care.
  
 
====Y-Wing====
 
====Y-Wing====
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The secondary ability of the Transformer is to switch between the X-Wing and Y-Wing modes.  This is a fairly intensive process, and will fully deplete the combat batteries of the Transformer.
 
The secondary ability of the Transformer is to switch between the X-Wing and Y-Wing modes.  This is a fairly intensive process, and will fully deplete the combat batteries of the Transformer.
  
It is worth noting that [[VUX]] [[limpet]]s will affect the two forms separately — limpets that attach to the ship while it is in X-Wing form will only affect its maneuverability in X-Wing form, and the same is true of the Y-Wing form.{{ref|2}}
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==Tactical Overview==
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When piloted skillfully the Transformer can prove a lethal adversary to most ships, either by attrition or by short and deadly laser-blast. An experienced pilot can use the flexibility of the versatile Transformer to overcome most ships. However, the Transformer can struggle in battles where speed and maneuverability are simultaneously required.
  
== Tactical Overview ==
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An effective tactical use of the X-Form's transformation capability combines the strengths of both forms in a repeated hit-and-run strategy. The Y-Wing Form's high acceleration and top speed are effective at rapidly getting out of range of an enemy to recharge combat batteries. Once out of range, the X-Wing Form's high maneuverability can be used to quickly rotate around to face the enemy. Another quick switch to the Y-Wing allows the Transformer to attack with the long-range, homing missiles and to retreat again when the enemy gets too close.
When piloted skillfully the Transformer can prove a lethal adversary to most ships, either by attrition or by short and deadly laser-blast. An experienced pilot can use the flexibility of the versatile Transformer to overcome most ships.
 
  
An effective tactical use of the X-Form's transformation capability combines the strengths of both forms in a repeated hit-and-run strategy. The Y-Wing Form's high acceleration and top speed are effective at rapidly getting out of range of an enemy to recharge combat batteries. Once out of range, the X-Wing Form's high maneuverability can be used to quickly rotate around to face the enemy. Another quick switch allows to the Y-Wing allows the Transformer to attack with the long-range, homing missiles before inertia carries it too far away, and to retreat again from the enemy as the wrap-around effect and inertia eventually bring the enemy ship uncomfortably close once more.
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Transformation (by itself, without thrust) does not influence the X-Form's velocity, leading to another effective tactic. The Y-Wing form can be used to build up speed before transforming to X-wing form and strafing the enemy. This allows you to do high damage and then retreat quickly, and can work well when this attack is not expected. It is imperative that while in X-Wing form that you do not press the button to accelerate, as your speed will drop to the top speed of the X-form. You also have very little ability to maneuver, so make sure there are no planets nearby, as they will kill your crew and stop your movement.
  
Strong Against: Nearly every ship not listed below.
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==Minutiae==
  
Weak Against: The [[Chmmr]] [[Avatar]], with its ZapSats able to neutralize the Y-Wing form's missiles, a more powerful laser with greater range than the X-Wing form, is deadly to the Transformer, leaving little choice but attempting a suicide-run with its lasers hot.  The [[Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah|Kohr-Ah]] [[Marauder]] can effectively lay mines which the slow-turning Y-Wing form can hardly evade. [[Chenjesu]] [[Broodhome]] Crystaline Shots can do the same but it takes a good aim. The [[Yehat]] [[Terminator]]’s shield turns it into a major adversary. An unwary pilot can find the Earthling [[Cruiser]] rather deadly too. The [[Androsynth]] [[Guardian]] in blazer form can outrun and easily out maneuver the Y-Wing, making it difficult to avoid a costly collision and forcing the X-Form to rely on its short range X-Wing lasers. Finally, the [[Ilwrath]] [[Avenger]], with its cloaking device, can render the Y-Wing form's tracking missiles almost useless and force the Transformer into a deadly close-range exchange.
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*[[VUX]] [[limpet]]s will affect the two forms separately — limpets that attach to the ship while it is in X-Wing form will only affect its maneuverability in X-Wing form, and the same is true of the Y-Wing form.{{ref|2}}
  
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{note|1}}''The names for the two forms are found in the [[Star Control II]] manual, p. 85 (PC) or p. 36 (3DO).''
 
{{note|1}}''The names for the two forms are found in the [[Star Control II]] manual, p. 85 (PC) or p. 36 (3DO).''
 
{{note|2}}''From a [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=4259.msg55489#msg55489 mail] by [[Paul Reiche III]] to a [[Star Control II]] player:''
 
{{note|2}}''From a [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=4259.msg55489#msg55489 mail] by [[Paul Reiche III]] to a [[Star Control II]] player:''
::I should probably come up with some good rationale, but game-design-wise
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::I should probably come up with some good rationale, but game-design-wise I think we were looking for ways to encourage the player to shift forms. When play-testing the Mmrnmhrm we noticed that more advanced players would engage in a very slow and (to some) boring strategy of remaining at long distance, constantly shooting missiles. By allowing the limpets to be negated in the alternate form, the player would be more likely to shift in order to avoid the limpet slowdown.
::I think we were looking for ways to encourage the player to shift forms.
 
::When play-testing the Mmrnmhrm we noticed that more advanced players
 
::would engage in a very slow and (to some) boring strategy of remaining
 
::at long distance, constantly shooting missiles. By allowing the limpets
 
::to be negated in the alternate form, the player would be more likely to
 
::shift in order to avoid the limpet slowdown.
 
  
::So for a rationale, hmm... Perhaps the Mmrnmhrm ship has total
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::So for a rationale, hmm... Perhaps the Mmrnmhrm ship has total redundancy between key functional systems for its 2 forms, including hull plates.  That way damage, besides loss of crew, would not affect the functionality of the alternate form.
::redundancy between key functional systems for its 2 forms, including
 
::hull plates.  That way damage, besides loss of crew, would not affect
 
::the functionality of the alternate form.
 
  
 
{{ShipBox|image=X-Form_icon.png|link=xform|race=[[Mmrnmhrm]]|crew=20|value=19|batt=10|regen=0.29 / 0.14|primary=Laser cannons / Missiles|prim-rate=0 / 20|prim-cost=1 / 1|secondary=Switch forms|sec-rate=0|sec-cost=10|speed=20 / 50|turn=0.33 / 0.07|accel=2.5 / 10|mass=3}}
 
{{ShipBox|image=X-Form_icon.png|link=xform|race=[[Mmrnmhrm]]|crew=20|value=19|batt=10|regen=0.29 / 0.14|primary=Laser cannons / Missiles|prim-rate=0 / 20|prim-cost=1 / 1|secondary=Switch forms|sec-rate=0|sec-cost=10|speed=20 / 50|turn=0.33 / 0.07|accel=2.5 / 10|mass=3}}
  
 
[[Category:Mmrnmhrm]]
 
[[Category:Mmrnmhrm]]

Latest revision as of 08:43, 3 December 2015

Starship Databank Entry

Flexibility is the key to survival. The robotic Mmrnmhrm understood this concept, as proven by their agreement to join the Chenjesu in their "Process", and their warships have integrated this concept wholly and fully. The Mmrnmhrm X-Form, also known as the Mmrnmhrm Transformer, could quickly transform from the slow but powerful X-Wing form to the quick, stinging Y-Wing form.1

Propulsion[edit]

X-Wing[edit]

The X-Wing form has an excellent turning rate, allowing it quickly to bring its formidable weaponry to bear upon its opponents. Its top speed is very low.

Y-Wing[edit]

The quick Y-Wing form relies on the concept of "If you can’t hit me, you can’t kill me". One of the fastest ships in the game, the Y-Wing form is hampered by its slow rate of turning. In this form, the ship can quite effectively evade enemy shots if flown by a skilled pilot.

Armament[edit]

Primary[edit]

X-Wing[edit]

The X-Wing form is equipped with a powerful twin-laser array that deals enormous damage at a short range. This weapon rapidly depletes the modest energy store of the Transformer, so use the laser array with care.

Y-Wing[edit]

The Y-Wing form uses long-range twin missile launchers with fair tracking systems. While the missiles cause little damage individually, their range when correctly mixed with the Y-Wing form’s immense speed can slowly demolish a ship, causing slow but constant attritional damage from a safe distance. Being able to outrun most ships, the Y-Wing form is vital to winning any battle.

Secondary[edit]

The secondary ability of the Transformer is to switch between the X-Wing and Y-Wing modes. This is a fairly intensive process, and will fully deplete the combat batteries of the Transformer.

Tactical Overview[edit]

When piloted skillfully the Transformer can prove a lethal adversary to most ships, either by attrition or by short and deadly laser-blast. An experienced pilot can use the flexibility of the versatile Transformer to overcome most ships. However, the Transformer can struggle in battles where speed and maneuverability are simultaneously required.

An effective tactical use of the X-Form's transformation capability combines the strengths of both forms in a repeated hit-and-run strategy. The Y-Wing Form's high acceleration and top speed are effective at rapidly getting out of range of an enemy to recharge combat batteries. Once out of range, the X-Wing Form's high maneuverability can be used to quickly rotate around to face the enemy. Another quick switch to the Y-Wing allows the Transformer to attack with the long-range, homing missiles and to retreat again when the enemy gets too close.

Transformation (by itself, without thrust) does not influence the X-Form's velocity, leading to another effective tactic. The Y-Wing form can be used to build up speed before transforming to X-wing form and strafing the enemy. This allows you to do high damage and then retreat quickly, and can work well when this attack is not expected. It is imperative that while in X-Wing form that you do not press the button to accelerate, as your speed will drop to the top speed of the X-form. You also have very little ability to maneuver, so make sure there are no planets nearby, as they will kill your crew and stop your movement.

Minutiae[edit]

  • VUX limpets will affect the two forms separately — limpets that attach to the ship while it is in X-Wing form will only affect its maneuverability in X-Wing form, and the same is true of the Y-Wing form.2

Notes and references[edit]

1The names for the two forms are found in the Star Control II manual, p. 85 (PC) or p. 36 (3DO).
2From a mail by Paul Reiche III to a Star Control II player:
I should probably come up with some good rationale, but game-design-wise I think we were looking for ways to encourage the player to shift forms. When play-testing the Mmrnmhrm we noticed that more advanced players would engage in a very slow and (to some) boring strategy of remaining at long distance, constantly shooting missiles. By allowing the limpets to be negated in the alternate form, the player would be more likely to shift in order to avoid the limpet slowdown.
So for a rationale, hmm... Perhaps the Mmrnmhrm ship has total redundancy between key functional systems for its 2 forms, including hull plates. That way damage, besides loss of crew, would not affect the functionality of the alternate form.
X-Form icon.png
3DO Mmrnmhrm X-Form
Basic stats
Crew: 20 Value: 19 pts
Battery: 10 Batt. Regeneration: 0.29 / 0.14 units/frame
Armament
Primary: Laser cannons / Missiles Secondary: Switch forms
Refire delay: 0 / 20 frames Refire delay: 0 frames
Energy use: 1 / 1 units Energy use: 10 units
Propulsion
Max speed: 20 / 50 world units/frame Turn rate: 0.33 / 0.07 facings/frame
Acceleration: 2.5 / 10 units/frame Mass: 3