| Brood Brother |
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Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:12 am
Posts: 2241
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TRC,
I like the Tau. There are too many things I like about the Tau in general so I'll "try" to curtail my opinions just from an E:A list perspective here.
I have favorites in each category (obviously, I like the list) and my top spot choices are things that just work for me in efficency, effectiveness, and points.
...and yes, I like the pathfinders too - and I don't want to see their points change - but they are definitely not my 'favorite' E:A tau formation overall. You'll have to read below to see which one is. 
NAVY:
Barracudas - I like 3 for the price, I like the delivery on the field, the fighter status gives them manouvrability, and whatever job I relagate to them in the latter half of the turn, they are usually reliable.
Runner-Up:
AX-1-0 for the two rail shots until recently. With the new look that CS is working up, just don't know where this is going to go. From the fluff - this plane rocks hands down and would be in the top spot, but E:A just isn't kind to this plane, and it doesn't look like its getting any better, so for core design - it will at least make my runner up category.
SHT:
Moray - for the looming firepower and fear it puts in my opponent when they don't know where I'll planet fall
Runner-Up:
None to date. I think the Tau superheavies require some work. I don't like the Scorpion or Dragonfish yet. I think they are both over priced. I don't get enough opportunities to field the Manta so cannot make an educated call there... however, in points, I'd rather field two mantas than pay the extra pennies for the manta's cargo capacity. On paper, I just can't justify the Manta - we'll see though. It may eventually make a runner up.
MBT:
HH (either variant) and AMHC over contingent probably for access to network drones. I like these for their effectiveness and solid role in the army that I just cannot seem to get the E:A Tau to work the way I want them too without. So, these tend to be the 'core' workhorse of my armies. I guess these are actually my "Favorite" units overall out of the E:A Tau.
Runner-UP:
Swordfish - for the quality and reliability, background, and scare factor - price and use of upgrade are its downside. However, recent 2 for 25 change we are going to try is encouraging, but they will never make the top spot in this category for me if they are the most expensive MBT and are taking up an upgrade - I do like them a lot though.
SUPPORT TANK:
Stingray - infantry punishing FP without LOF (if you can get a mark for them)
Runner-Up:
None. The skyray should be a MBT, but it doesn't even make the cut for me at the runner-up support tank level. 75 points is just too much for me to swing for that vehicle to date.
LV:
Broadsides - I hate them stand alone, and 300 points is steap for 4 models, and I don't think they should be LV's... but they work great with an Orca and deliver a hammer blow to the enemy medium and heavy tanks. If I get them with a orca - they beat out piranha and tetra all day long. If I don't get an orca with them, well - then I guess my runner-up would move into my first choice slot here.
Runner-UP:
Piranha. I think the tetra is overpriced now in the list. I don't think we should have ever bumped them up in price. However, the piranha is that fast formation that gives some AT to work with when I need to 1. add some models to a formation cheaply, and 2. give me a chance to sprinkle in some AT when I need it.
INFANTRY:
Pathfinder - for the elite scout, sniper, disrupt combo
Runner-UP:
crisis for the cadre, initiative bump, multiple shots per stand, infantry macroweapon, 45cm gun on tau infantry is just rare, and upgrade potential, price keeps them out of top spot and having to buy a 100 point orca to motor them around doesn't help the cost situation. Being able to give this init 1 formation leader just feels right and works - so where they would not have even made the runner up for me - now they work and I like the way they feel - even if they are not my ideal design.
Runner-UP2:
Stealth, for the teleporting markerlight trick factor coupled with scout, but price keeps them out of top spot. Disrupt and 3+ shot at 15cm are just too risky with an army that can't count on going first so the formation feels better to me, but still may be over priced for delivery in many of my games it seems.
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Rob
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