How does the PLA fare against the USMC and EU?

[asgelb]

I know that they're cheaper to field, as you get more men in a unit, and I know that their main tank isn't as powerful defensively (and offensively?) as the abrams and the brits tank.

I also have heard some reports that they are pretty well balanced with the other factions, but has anyone played as them yet? Is it more difficult to score a victory with the PLA when fighting the "stronger" factions, or is it just different tactics, but just as effective?

 

[Sgt. Brassones]

You can check out this thread for a battle report: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=25885

Overall I'd say they're a good match. The Type 99 isn't as tough as the Abrams but the fact that each PLA squad has two antitank weapons kinda makes up for it. Frankly I think the thing that gives the USMC an advantage is the Land Warrior bonuses (max of +1 target and kill for cover).

 

[Turtle]

The PLA has cheaper equipment that isn't as good as other equipment, but they get a lot more of that equipment.

The Type 99 shouldn't be used on the attack unless there's a lot of cover between you and your firing location. Against the Abrams and Challenger 2 they have a 40% chance of killing your tank in one hit in the open.

The PLA infantry have no armor save, have 1 more man than other units, but come with a lot of firepower in the form of 2 short range rocket launchers and one MG.

They rely on cover more since their weaponry is short ranged, and they have no armor, but the move 5" helps.

 

[The Greek]

In my games with them:

PLA 1 USMC 2

With 1 massacre for each and one very close game.

 

[127th Angry Angels]

I've played one game against them it turned into a draw really due to time constraints but i learnt the following:-

1) PLA infantry can easily suppress it's brit equiv when deployed as one team or if teams work well together.

2) The LAW they pack is awesome against infantry and armour. I lost a fully loaded warrior to one shot from the thing and it really turned the tide. Suddenly my boys were half strength and stranded in the middle of a kill zone. They were then whittled away and suppressed each turn.

3) The type 99 isn't equal to the Chally 2 but it's cheaper and it can still murder infantry and hurt the shatter point.

4) The PLA APC can deliver more troops than the warrior and is excellent for suppression. Brit inf sections can't touch it (or the type 99) at the moment. So for rapid reaction deployment they need only fear the Chally.

In short they are dangerous and not to be under estimated.

 

[docrailgun]

The PLA infantry is not cheaper to field... 190 points for a squad of PLA vs 185 for the US Marines, for 1 more trooper. The Type 99 is considerably less expensive, true.
Rather than use your Type 99s to attack enemy armor, instead use them to chew up your opponent's infantry. Neither the Marines nor the Brits are going to be able to hurt your tanks... and if you don't feel like shooting the Marines in cover, run them over! Let your well-armed infantry squads go tank-hunting. Feel free to drop the MG teams from one or more squads to make them dedicated anti-tank units... it's only a 30 point savings, though.
All that being said, the PLA IFV is likely to tip the balance of games a bit. No more foot-slogging through dangerous fields of fire. Suddenly those d10+2 AT weapons have an extra 10" range.

I know that they're cheaper to field, as you get more men in a unit, and I know that their main tank isn't as powerful defensively (and offensively?) as the abrams and the brits tank.

I also have heard some reports that they are pretty well balanced with the other factions, but has anyone played as them yet? Is it more difficult to score a victory with the PLA when fighting the "stronger" factions, or is it just different tactics, but just as effective?

 

[Turtle]

The PLA are very versitile, but at the cost of outright effectiveness. Still they get things done.

Their tank is the weakest, but it can still wreak havoc on infantry, and in cover has a chance of hurting enemy tanks.

Their infantry can hurt infantry and vehicles alike, albiet at a shorter range than any other unit out there currently.

Their APC has a decent gun, huge capacity, and decent speed.

The upcoming command squad is cheap as command squads go.

The FAV, well I'm not too sure what it's good for, it's basically a fast and cheap attack unit that with its MG and small cannon can zip to a spot and fight infantry there.

 

[docrailgun]

I'm guessing it'll be a good point sink, to round out point totals when one is including a command squad. It might also be good for running over enemy command squads, or surpressing them with its guns. I guess it could be a cheap anti-tank weapon against the Tunguska (with a lucky roll = 9+ Kill) or anti-transport (also with lucky rolls= 8 to 10+ Kill scores) by ramming the enemy vehicles.

The FAV, well I'm not too sure what it's good for, it's basically a fast and cheap attack unit that with its MG and small cannon can zip to a spot and fight infantry there.

 

[MongooseMatt]

The FAV, well I'm not too sure what it's good for, it's basically a fast and cheap attack unit that with its MG and small cannon can zip to a spot and fight infantry there.

People are going to love FAVs for all armies. They rarely last long, but can carry some (relatively) heavy weaponry, and have the mobility to put it to good use. The cannon on the Chinese FAV, in particular, is good for rooting infantry out of cover, and is devastating against other FAVs.

 

[Mr Evil]

The FAV, well I'm not too sure what it's good for, it's basically a fast and cheap attack unit that with its MG and small cannon can zip to a spot and fight infantry there.

People are going to love FAVs for all armies. They rarely last long, but can carry some (relatively) heavy weaponry, and have the mobility to put it to good use. The cannon on the Chinese FAV, in particular, is good for rooting infantry out of cover, and is devastating against other FAVs.

ive tried the Chineese FAV V some shadows, and the chineese will learn to bulk up on them although i think there around 10 point each over priced

 

[Jellicoe]

Are there any plans for stripped down and MG/40mm grenade armed land rovers as are being used now? This would be a great addition.

 

[Mr Evil]

Are there any plans for stripped down and MG/40mm grenade armed land rovers as are being used now? This would be a great addition.

not on list for pre december, but maybe if we sing load enough they may do some, would definatly be awsome though wouldnt it. if their worried about the LR tre mark they could just modle camo netting on them th hide any landrovery bits that are to obvouse.

YAY WE WANT LANDYS

 

[Jellicoe]

It would be good for ETF to have non-armoured options, something like this:

 

[Mr Evil]

wooooooooooo six of them !!

thats 2 boxes worth

 

[Mr Evil]

back on subject

PLA are great fun, they have the same fun ellements as the MEA but can have tanks, they also get the APC later thats got a great gun for removong stubourn stains from cover.

whoo needs land warrior when you got big guns.

 

[lastbesthope]

It would be good for ETF to have non-armoured options, something like this:

I'll take 2 boxes of those !

LBH

 

[asgelb]

sweet...they definitely seem quite fun to play. I think i'll start by buying them and the brits, and have them duke it out in an eastern european setting.

 

[Mr Evil]

good thing about the pla and the brits is they look good on temperate terrain as well.