WAS going to get Arachnid Army book,

[Vic]

But since SST:EVO is around the corner.....

I currently have 40 Warrior models (bought two starter sets). What would you guys reccomend I get next for the Bugs? I was thinking a Tanker bug, and maybe a box or two of blaster/blister bugs?

On the MI side (which I have the army book for), I have 2 CHAS, 4 Squads MI, 1 squad LAMI, 2 Squads Grizzly, 4 squads Cougar and an Ape suit. Am looking at getting another Ape, and 2 Chickenhawks. Maybe heroes of the fed and pathfinders (like the models) Which of the two neo-dog boxes do you think I should get?

Im building both armies to play with my kids in our basement. I know my post seems scattalogical, but my thinking is to build up enough models for me and the kids to play with and have a fun time. They love the Arachnids much better than 40k nids. They say the bugs look "cooler" LOL.

Anyway, suggestions/opinions are much appreciated!!

 

[BuShips]

Vic, I think you're on the right track. Maybe pick up two standard Tankers and the rest as you said. You are loading up on the heavy suits, so for balance on the MI side add more troopers. You can't go too wrong with powersuited troopers. I'm not sure what to tell you on the neo-scruffys. There are others here that know the stats inside-out so maybe they can tell you. You do have the makings of a fine army, well even two of them, lol.

 

[cordas]

Tankers, King Tankers and a Plasma bug or 2. As well as the shooty units you have mentioned, also hoppers are very nasty, but if you plan on playing SST:Evo then I imagine you will have to wait for the main rule book and the flying rules to be able to use hoppers fully.

 

[Makoto]

King Tankers rather than regulars - from MI point of viev regulars and thornys are way too easy to blow up. For shooty bugs imo rather firefries than blisters/blasters, although on this it'd be better to wait until their cards are available.
For MI some more LAMIs for numbers and Chickenhawk for heavy support (Nighthawk if planning to go against other MI in conceivable future).

 

[Vic]

Thanks guys! Good to know I am on the right track!

 

[Vic]

OK, for arachnids, I'm looking at getting 2 tankers, and 2 boxes of Firefries. I think that will give me the shooting I'll need for a bug swarm tyoe army Im envisioning for the bugs....

Im not looking at serious or "tourney" play here, just for me and the kids, so I want it fun and fast (furious is good too).

Honestly, Im just learning the rules (and this is AFTER I bought my first starter set on pre order way back when LOL -was waiting for my kids to get a little older).

Im thinking the neo dogs becaseu my kids love dogs, and well.....

Also need to get the box DVD set to "educate" them.....Birthday present for me

 

[cordas]

Also need to get the box DVD set to "educate" them.....Birthday present for me

Be honest This ain't got anything to do with your kids has it :lol:

 

[BuShips]

Thanks guys! Good to know I am on the right track!

If you go with the Kings, I'd suggest waiting for the retooled and prepainted version. The current kit is a bit fragile on the table with all of the heavy metal and thin plastic between them. The standard Tanker model is much more resilient to table use.

 

[Vic]

Also need to get the box DVD set to "educate" them.....Birthday present for me

Be honest This ain't got anything to do with your kids has it :lol:

My wife would agree with you! But my oldest thinks the Arachnids look cool, and my 5 year old said that the Arachnid bugs can be the "leader" of her tyranid squad (gave them each a squad of nids I had lying about to practice their painting on).

I already built a table in the basement for us, but I will need their help in making "alien terrain". Cant wait to see what they come up with!

Since my wife isnt a gamer, I've had to bide my time and "make" my own gaming club (yes, I live out in the stix of Pennsyltucky, fairly recent transplant from NJ).

 

[Aniyn]

Some hoppers would also be a good choice. They're fast enough to keep your opponent on their tippy-toes, and I've seen few people happy about having to move their troops into striking distance of a lurking unit of hoppers.

 

[Makoto]

Imo ripplers are better - few people remember about AA weapons, also they may be a reason of an MI player to take rapier launcher - greatly derceases AT firepower.
Why the difference? Hoppers must act as ground units to attack. With the easy access to stay frosty and sense presence in MI units they may find it hard to execute the attack run without taking heavy loses to reactions first. At the same time ripplers can make strafing runs while staying airborne - only Ape marauders are safe from their attack, and should "acid" upgrade be chosen armour isn't much of a protection. They also are considerably cheaper than hoppers point-wise.

 

[Vic]

Would Blister/Blaster be better than taking FireFries? Blister/Blaster look stronger, lasting longer on the table over FireFries. Im looking at fielding maybe 10 FireFries or 6 Blister/Blaster. Which would be better to field with the army I have in mind?

 

[Makoto]

blisters/blasters are a bit sturdier they also need more time to approach. Also the must enter within Morita range before being able to shot.

'fries are more fragile,but have the effective range of 21" (jump+shot), enabling them to attack from behind very hard cover and deal out full firepower pretty quickly. Also 'fries are cheaper, allowing to field more of them for the same points - combined w/their firepower very deadly against small armies (exos, marauders)

So it boils down to what tactics Arachnids prefer, blisters/blasters are better if bugs try to conserve models and plan firefights with covered approach, firefries are excellent for players preferring a fast, daring, near-suicide assault.

 

[Ragnarok]

I already built a table in the basement for us, but I will need their help in making "alien terrain". Cant wait to see what they come up with!

Signs & Portents had an article about SST terrain making that I found very interesting. Also, having them look outside for interesting rocks and roots and pieces of wood can make this a fun activity in itself or an add-on to other outdoor activities. Be prepared, though, for third party reactions ( :x , :? , :wink: , :?:, :shock: , :roll: ) when one of the kids runs toward you excitedly shouting: "Look Daddy! A cool root that can be a tree for our aliens!" or "Daddy, Look! A perch for our rippler bugs!"

 

[BuShips]

Ragnarok, if you are mentioning the articles in S&P that used Styrofoam, don't forget that you can "armor-up" the durability as you finish the pieces. Use a mix of acrylic paint and colored craft sand or PVA glue and sand (after the base color is applied). It greatly enhances the look and strength of the finished piece. You can only do so much with a flat board. I like to carve out pits and other features that might offer cover in the game.