This is quite simply the best article I have ever read on BoLS. Do I completely agree? No - I think mention should have been made that 1 Troop for every 500 points is a good rule of thumb.
I think that TSons simply aren't worth taking, as they, point for point, aren't any better than regular CSM. I have serious doubts about the validity of Zerks...but I do think they have a place, as do Noise Marines.
I don't like Combat Squadding in Seize Ground - better to preserve your Speeders for a contest - or just blast the foe off two+ objectives, while sitting your pillbox tac squads on two others.
But that's my opinion, and, as we all know, if often differs from those expressed on BoLS. Not JWolf's in particular, probably I agree with him more than most of the rest of them! lol
Finally, it's fantastic that they've seemingly dropped the 'happy happy joy joy' GW approach to unit selection. Every unit ISN'T created equal - it's a shame, but it's a fact. If things are shit, it helps no-one to sugarcoat it.
Saying 'Fire Warriors are shit' isn't exactly a revelation...but it's an important step, nonetheless.
Well done BoLS - please keep it up!
11 comments:
I agree. I was impressed. I think Jwolf might have taken some of the constructive criticism to heart, hopefully.
I think he wants a Bell of Lost Souls to be something to be proud of, not be seen as Bucket o' Lousy Shit.
I found myself mostly agreeing with him too.
I don't think it was a great article, in the same way that his sportsmanship post was. But I do think he's at least trying. I suspect even he's been gobsmacked with how horrible BoLS has been lately.
Problem is, I can sum up the advice I'd give in just a couple of Sentences:
If you're Marines, you need one scoring unit for every 500 points in your list. For everyone else, add at least one more.
And he doesn't even give a link. What are we lazy bastards supposed to do, click more shit?!
Unacceptable ;)
Here's a link, even though you managed to wander over already, Chumbalaya.
http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2010/03/40k-how-many-troops-is-enough.html
It's a lot easier to write articles with substance from questions than from the ether, so please feel free to write (or tag me from the lounge, or respond here) with anything you'd like me to talk about. At this point, after years of articles, I've touched on most every topic, so questions or topics from the outside make generating a detailed article easier.
I have pretty much taken myself out of the "new shiny" discussions; I'm content to let others do that and focus on more core elements of wargaming and 40K in particular. Sure, I can say a lot about the new BA book, but with less than 10 games against it, I hardly feel like I'm an expert yet.
I don't think 1/500 for SM and +1 for anyone else is a bad metric, but I think at the more advanced levels that there really is no metric that stands up past personal style with the army.
As to your specifics, TKE:
I think Tsons would be awesome if the sorceror were free. As they stand, I never take them except to clean the dust off.
I love Berserkers, and find them to be outstanding Troops choices.
Noise Marines are fine but pricy, and don't get enough credit to suit me. Nothing makes for a good day like Doom Sirens.
Combat Squadding depends on the make-up of your forces and the enemy forces, so I don't think either approach is the default best, and our differences on this probably largely demonstrate different gaming styles and/or opponent fields.
Always glad to have rational critique and feedback.
The title of my post linked to the BoLS one. lol
I can't remember such sportsmanship post (If I've read it) so a link would be appreciated. :)
Embarrassing if I recognise it though...lol
I don't disagree with anything else here, so no further comment your honour.
No problem.
http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2010/03/editorial-ethical-wargamer.html
Thanks. I'll read it tomorrow morning.
How the fuck can anyone say Fire warriors are shit?
They're an awesome troop choice, certainly one of the less tactically flexible, but good nonetheless.
-1 Winterous.
They have no heavy weapons, poor Ld, poor overall survivability, and zero mobility. The only thing they can do is anti-infantry, and Tau already have that in spades.
:)
Baw, I think they're great for their cost.
Far better than Guardians.
Well...that's like saying driving is better than walking. As long as your on the road, yes - but not so in a field.
I think I confused myself...
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