Review [Issue 57] Community Events - A Sneak Peek Behind The Scenes

[Flexoo 6,980]

 

The successful launch of the EN Community Events at the beginning of September demands a detailed report which will cover the course of the very first competitions. Provided that you take an interest in the old-to-new, bettered Community Events, proceed to read about the entertaining mini-games that took place last month.

 

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Before we unleash information on the action-packed events, I would like to elucidate a few questions that may raise from ranks of tankers who never encountered events before. Feel free to skip this educational part and jump straight into the events themselves if you already have a knowledge of their operation.

 

Q: What are Community Events?

 

A: I would define Community Events as mini-games and challenges which usually provide a different gaming experience from traditional battle modes. In contrast with unofficial mini-games hold by players, community events have pre-defined rules. Official Event helpers uphold these rules and have the power to deal with any violators.

 

Q: Where can I find more about them?

 

A: You can find everything related to the Community Events right in this separate forum section. The forum contains a crucial topic that you should read before attending the events. I advise you check the event's calendar - where you can find the scheduled events for the upcoming month. Also, remember to read the general event rules as well as the rules of each and every event you attend.

 

Q: How can I join/participate?

 

A: You can participate in the Community Events by clicking the link provided on official TO Facebook page. Make sure your rank meets the criteria. Besides, don't forget to convert the event's opening hour (UTC+0) in to your local time.

 

Q: How the Events progress?

 

A: We can divide each event into three stages - preparation, execution and conclusion. Before the event begins, Event helpers create the foundation (e.g. planting mines for Minehunt) and arrange the opening of the Event. Once everything is settled, tankers join the battle and prepare for the Event itself. When Event organizers evaluate the situation and resolve everything is ready, they start the event with the command 'Go'. Once you see this command in the chat, you can execute the event objective. When all the winners are decided, Event organizers and helpers enclose the event with the end phrase and presumably leave the scene.

 

Q: Why should I participate?

 

A: Implicitly, there are worthy prizes waitin' for the winners. However, that's definitely not all. There's also the chance to try and experience new, never tried tasks and challenges which break your daily monotony.

 

 

I hope that clarified things and cleared your unfamiliarity out of the way for the most part. Hence, we can proceed to the narration of the September events. However, before we do so, I would like to point out that event's progress description contains a plenitude of screenshots and text, and thus I took the liberty of posting each event below separate spoilers. If you are interested and want to find out how the course of September events went, click on the spoiler below the event's general overview.

 

Kill The King

 

The first September event I was able to attend and the one I want to let you know about is Kill The King (KTK). The purpose lies in destroying the outwardly powerless but heavily guarded King. The king is practically a mere bystander, dependent on the brute vigor of his defenders. Your job as a participant is to overcome the minefields, defeat the guards (event helpers) and successfully assassinate the resistless Rex before your rivals do so.

 

Find more information here: Kill The King   

 

Event's Course

Date: 18th September 2016

 

 

 

 

I was largely interested in this specific event as I never hit upon it before. The very first thing that caught my eye when I joined as a Spectator was the stockpile of tankers on the stand located in the middle of the Scope map. This was the starting line of the event where all the participants gathered. Another very notable thing was the choice of equipment. Every event has pre-defined rules for equipment, and Dictator/Zero module and White paint were compulsory. I was more concerned about the choice of assassination weapon. Tankers had two choices - either a heavy-damaging Hammer or target-locking Vulcan. At first, I predicted that most would stick to Vulcan, as its range is superior to Hammer's which helps with attacking a distant target (King) protected by minefields and guards. However, my prediction was rather unsound. Hammer and Vulcan involvement in this event turned out to be largely proportional to each other.

 

 

You may know this 'chamber' is directly underneath the stand pictured first. Participants must jump down or try to get to the King by one of the underground paths. A compact minefield creates a first defensive wall which participants must overcome. From what I witnessed, passing through the minefields requires a decent number of Double Armors and Repair kits for you to ever be able to get anywhere near the Guards or King himself. Speaking of guards, as it's visible on the picture, these guys are heavily armored Event helpers ready to grave any assassination attempt. They present the second defensive (as well as offensive) element, but they also serve as tank shields protecting the King. Taking them out was extremely arduous.

 

 

Guards were mobile and overly-protective of the King (Wasp behind), always ready to group together and face the pressure of attackers. Their main weaponry were heavy hulls supported with handful of supplies, perfectly combined with their effective co-operation. As opposed to the guards, the King was a mere bystander; he didn't shoot (which would be impossible in his position anyway) nor did he participate in deflecting the enemy.

 

 

I tried to pick something special for you guys, and so I am posting this image. Even though this event follows the rule ' Every man for himself', tankers in the picture made a splendid move that helped the whole pack on their route to successful murder. As showcased, the group of the tankers chose the faster lane and cleaned just one fringe. This way, they were able to get to the King easier. It's a perfect example how strategically these tankers advanced towards fulfilling the aim.

 

 

And lastly, here you have a pic of the successful murder. Participants achieved this in all three rounds. So, kudos to their skills and powerful pressure that outclassed the defense of the helpers. I guess the saying 'Long live the King' does not apply here!

 

 

 

Shooting Range 2

 

An abruptly compelling event where the winner is not the one who destroys the most tanks, but the one qualified and strategically-thinking sniper who manages to destroy the last standing helper (referee). Does it sound easy to you? Well, be aware of the fact that fellow competitors won't stand still. Oh, I almost omitted the fact that helper counterparts are armored beasts always ready to shoot at your positions.

 

Find more information here: Shooting Range 2

 

Event's Course

Date: 20th September 2016

 

 

I track my memoirs of Shooting Range back to the days when it was hosted by the Facebook team. Saying I anticipated anything that would knock me back would be a lie. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that this event is partly different from the old Facebook ones. You can instantly notice that the roles are inverted. Players stand up on the edges behind the flag's locations in the Stadium map. The aim is not to survive as a Shaft/Wasp player, but to kill the last standing Helper.

 

 

There aren't many places in the middle ground where you could effectively hide from fire. Since tankers were placed on both sides, defending was almost meaningless and thus the rounds were a matter of a few minutes each. Still, I consider it quite challenging to kill the last helper, as you can't really guess how much health the last helper has. On top of that, the event helper's gang is always quick at returning  fire. It's usually down to a lucky shot.

 

 

I was somehow able to capture the final seconds of the helper's life before he was taken down by one lucky sniper. I feel like this picture also demonstrates how hard it can be to shoot a target that is directly under your position. It's not the hardest thing to manage, but it was still funny to watch how inexperienced most tankers are when it comes to using Shaft.

 

Box Collector

 

The Box Collector Event must bring back memories from numerous Massacre battles, especially with a popular mini-game usually known by the term 'Save the Repair Kit'. The objective is explicit and can easily be derived from the Event name itself. Catch the predetermined supply (in this case, a Double Damage box) before anyone else. It's an easy-looking but extremely challenging activity which fits the bill of being like a tough gold box situation. Practicing your jumping, timing and tactical approach helps even in everyday battles.

 

Find more information here: Box Collector

 

Event's course

Date: 24th September 2016

 

 

Now we are moving onto the event that even a lower ranked player can fully enjoy. I will quickly jump to the event itself. Box Collector is held for three groups - in very broad terms, one for low-ranked players, another for mid-ranked players and the last for high-ranked players. The above screenshot is obviously from the first mentioned group. I must say that the number of dormant opening was incredible. Most of the tankers looked liked they were lost in the map, seemingly not knowing the purpose of the event. Their technique and strategy was also nondescript.

 

 

You can see what I'm trying to point out in this picture. Many tankers stayed and patrolled only one drop spot (on a map with 2 drop locations) which drastically lowered the number of the opportunities they had for success. Few contestants from the bunch traveled from one spot to another and they usually ended up being the most prosperous. I would expect more of a fight at the low ranks where every crystal is good, but I guess I can't really blame them taking their experience level into account.

 

 

With mid ranks, the whole Box Collecting event changed. It was notable these guys are far more experienced tankers on the battlefields of TO. Not only did they fish for any chance to grab the Double Damage box, but their tactical approach was more evident when they beautifully glided with greatly timed jumps.

 

 

The fight for every Double Damage box was fierce and once the Double Damage box was claimed, practically every single  participant moved to the second drop location.

 

 

The third round made for high-ranked players was probably the most attractive one to watch. Unlike in previous rounds, there was visible cooperation but also ferocious pushing resulting in numerous scuffles which often ended with flips. Here and there, participants were absorbed in the heat of the battle and did not release when they went against the rules.

 

Lone Wolf

 

This event will certainly test you in situations where you can only rely on your own skills and knowledge. Be the best tanker on the battlefield and prove you are able to achieve success with your own power. The first three tankers who place in the top are awarded with decent number of crystals. A perfect exercise for Deathmatch lovers.

 

Find more information here: Lone Wolf

 

Event's course

Date: 26th September 2016

 

 

I honestly hate going through a painful Deathmatch mode battle as I always loved to work in a team, but Spectating this event was a whole other experience. Doing everything on your own can be pretty hard, and the Lone Wolf event sure tests your qualities and capabilities when you operate on your own hook. I was able to witness some really great moments as the one overhead, and I must say I would not like to go against the players who finished in the top places. Their skills when it comes to shooting, utilizing overall strategic thinking, was on a different level.

 

 

This event was filled with whole lot of captivating moments. One-on-one BP confrontations where the best tankers showed their superiority dramatized the whole battle.

 

 

Another particular interesting thing in the Lone Wolf Event is awarding the player with the highest D/L. Placing first is a real hardship, but achieving a highest D/L was just as hard. As you can see, the tanker placed fourth from the bottom had highest D/L and thus won some reward as well. However, the shiniest star went to the tanker in the top place. I won't name him, but he was able to win two rounds and thus definitely deserves an honorable mention in this way.

 

Tanki Race I

 

The title is pretty much self-explanatory and so I believe I don't really need to go far into the details. Tanki Race I always takes place on Monte Carlo, which is in its own right one of the hardest maps to hold a head-spinning competition. Your assignment is to defeat other racers while constantly turning your turret. This amusing obstacle course will grind your driving skills to the bone!   

 

Find more information here: Tanki Race I

 

Event's course

Date: 28th September 2016

 

 

I enjoy a good Tanki Race. It's probably the only type of race I would ever watch, and if you have ever participated in one you know why. I must acknowledge the work of helpers that took part in this particular event as even a simple request 'move to this place' was almost totally ignored by some bullet-heads. However, once organizers finalized all the preparations, the event ran quite smoothly. As shown in the picture, the forward positions were most lucrative and granted the user a decent advantage over others.

 

 

The most challenging part was to get through the first meters. Since everyone was trying to get the best spot at the front, collision on tight places like Monte Carlo's bridge occurred almost constantly. Once the starting field shredded and tankers gained more elbowroom, the headspinning and driving became far more manageable.

 

 

These smashups occurred way too often. Even after passing the critical bridge area there were other obstacles that often flipped reckless participants. Tankers who adjusted their speed to the confusing turret-spinning harvested the fruit of success. The winners were usually tankers that weren't the speediest, but those who mastered the careful riding around the obstacles.

 

 

Despite the fact that organizing players was difficult, the event was enriched by comical situations. Some creative individuals stepped forward for the event and created their own starting line with Smoky shots.

 

Minehunt

 

One of the oldest events ever to spring from the minds of innovative tankers, Minehunt is rightfully a popular event held almost daily, either as an official Community Event or as a fan-made source of amusement. You can always bet that event helpers, guided by the Event Administrator who's furthermore a leader of the best EN Parkour Club, will create an amazing and challenging minehunt with some really hard-to-reach locations. If you are confident in your parkouring and co-operative abilities, give it a go and try to reach the hardly accessible positions marked with mines.

 

Find more information here: Minehunt

 

Event's course

Date: 30th September 2016

 

 

I can't even put into words how much fun this event was to watch. The number of mine spots awaiting for tankers shocked me. Finding them and eventually collaborating with others to detonate the mines was one heck of a task to take on. Just look at this spot. A huge round of applause from my side. The organizers really outdid themselves with this event.

 

 

I consider these two pics my favorites - never would I imagine that you could find a mine in these places!

 

 

It's not really necessary to say that the only way to get to the mine was through collaborative effort. Here you can view a successful attempt.

 

 

At some point, I almost forgot to take pictures as it was really hard to concentrate on my work. I could not take my eyes off the event - it was packed with heart-rending moments. A truly challenging aspect was not only finding the locations, but also reaching the spot while at the same time avoiding the sabotaging efforts of other teams and players. In the end, the tankers did not explode all the mines, but there was one parkourist who managed to get to at least 3 or 4 spots with the help of his friend. I dare say this was probably the best event that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spectate.

 

The first month of the official EN Community Events is behind us, and I can pleasantly confirm that the Event Helper team did a great job. Naturally, some difficulties occurred at the start, but everything was solved for the participants to enjoy. Join and support the official Community Events and stay tuned for more reports coming soon in the following Issue!

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by Hexed

[GoldRock 6,165]

A little something to complement this article: here's an album from the ''Special Event — Photoshoot with Cedric", taken using our Newspaper Spectator account to provide our readers with a fun look into how the event went. Click the picture below to view the entire album of 68 high-quality and exclusive Newspaper Spectator pictures. Enjoy!

 

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Nice job Flexoo, and...

 

A little something to complement this article: here's an album from the ''Special Event — Photoshoot with Cedric", taken using our Newspaper Spectator account to provide our readers with a fun look into how the event went. Click the picture below to view the entire album of 68 high-quality and exclusive Newspaper Spectator pictures. Enjoy!

 

pic

*cough*

 

However, nice pics, I like one in particular. Please note, you may only see what I see.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Maserati]

 

 

 

 

Lewi [sr.I3oSS] got that mine ))

[Cyborg 3,189]

 

*cough*

Maybe you missed this line on Cedric's Photoshoot topic.

Nothing unpredictable :#

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Maybe you missed this line on Cedric's Photoshoot topic.

Nothing unpredictable :#

Didn't miss it, just forgot it :lol:

[Tank_Master14 5]

A little something to complement this article: here's an album from the ''Special Event — Photoshoot with Cedric", taken using our Newspaper Spectator account to provide our readers with a fun look into how the event went. Click the picture below to view the entire album of 68 high-quality and exclusive Newspaper Spectator pictures. Enjoy!

 

No Screen with @Godmode_ON?

I heard he was there aswell!

[Flexoo 6,980]

^ Hello, these are pictures from September photoshoot with Cedric where I believe Godmode was not present.

[Torben_BoS 1,496]

Great job :)

 

Btw. here is a nice picture from the photoshoot: