thereisnotry wrote:If anything is overboard with SSM, it's the combo of MotF2 and Mettle on GOWK. That is why SSM was originally changed back in 2009. But then the damage ceiling (and the number of attacks made per round) increased a lot, which is why we changed SSM back to its full/original definition. If anything, those factors have only increased since SSM was restored to its full definition, so you'd think that GOWK would be less significant now than he was before. In fact, I'll contend that that is exactly the case. There are now SAs like Rigged Detonators and Suppressive Fire, both of which completely nerf SSM and turn it into goo.
And therefore, if anything, I think there is more room--not less--in competitive SWM now for SSM than there has ever been before.
[And we haven't even considered all of the melee-specific tank-busters that help melee figs to beat SSM (Brutal Strike, OWF, Overwhelming Power, etc). But that's getting into the whole SSM-hurts-melee-more-than-shooters debate, which is a slightly different topic.]
Huge +1 here. Also, I typed some thoughts in response to arguments on the other thread, but I'll post them here:
In regards to SSM encouraging people to camp and shoot instead of engaging, I would contend that this is actually pro-melee. One of the best (And most fun
) ways to counter beatsticks is with beatsticks. Melee pieces are way more qualified to deal with SSM than ranged pieces are. If your opponent has to stay back because the SSM is too intense, that means that the pieces they are using can't stand up in melee combat, and therefore your opponent would be better equipped if they had a solid melee beat along.
As far as having to go for GOWK first because his allies' defense ratings are too high, the main thing I would say to this is: 'That's why I play GOWK!'
But seriously, I've played GOWK a lot. I'm not claiming to be the ultimate authority on him, but while he looks invincible on paper, if you stick him out in the wrong spot, he'll still go down fast. He can't get FP quickly, but he's too expensive (and too useful as a meat shield) to leave sitting in the back charging up FP. He's a good damage-absorber,
but he still can't hold out indefinitely against a focused attack.And lastly, I ask not out of sarcasm but genuine curiosity: has GOWK or Zannah even been at tournaments recently?