Both..

Assault mode is back and better more chaotic than ever. Not one, but three flags; not one, but two points! The tables are set, and it's time to find out how the new design performed. All accounts of this are solely from my perspective, so I encourage any logical dissent in the form of a comment. If you want to get an idea of what I thought of the previous version, you can check out my previous review. Spoiler alert: This time, I won't be as hopeful. Why add more flags and points? I think it is important to address the following question: why were three flags and two points added to the mode? It allows the conversation to begin with the cause for the move, not just the effect. By doing this first, we can understand the new function of the mode and the developer's intentions. First, the number of flags available is likely a direct reaction to red team's lack of support of the flag carrier. If you'll recall, the previous version had one flag, and it was common for a team to fight over who carries the flag. With one source of point production, it was an easy target for saboteurs or weaker players to take advantage of. By increasing the opportunity, it lessens the potential stress caused by any hiccups in flag carries and captures. Second, the number of blue points was increased to prevent blue players from advancing across the map to the red side of the map. The job of the blue team used to be relatively easy. Prevent the flag carrier from capturing and dispatch any support that followed the flag. After doing that, it is easy to be drawn out into the open field in search for targets. With two points to defend, there are two areas to focus on, instead of further up the map. We'll talk about the effectiveness of this later. Finally, could the changes be completely random? A gift to players? An, "Oh yeah, we didn't forget about this, so here is something more to play with because you had to wait." I think this is unlikely, but I wouldn't discount it. I know that is unfair to say, but I wouldn't have reviewed the mode the first time if I didn't think it had potential. If it was put on the backburner, then they felt it wasn't worth putting in front of other complicated updates. I did and still do think it has the potential to be a great mode, even better than Control Points. I'll be fair and point out the previous version of the mode (or even the current) was not viable for many maps. The mode offers very little intrigue in symmetrical maps, but would still be functional. It would be too difficult to play with just one flag and one point on a large map like Berlin or Lost Temple. It just wasn't applicable enough to implement in the full game. Cause and Effect Now that we've looked at why changes may have been made, it is time to observe the new effects of these changes. Once again, you can read my previous review and another review by former reporter @sonofchrysalis3 to get an idea of what it was like last year, so we can start contrasting it to the current version. Here is my take on both sides of the mode, and the new flaws in the way it is played. Red Tyranny A simple observation of the red team shows there are three opportunities to take a flag. Now you don't have to wait very long, if at all, to get a flag and advance across the map. It wouldn't be impossible to see someone waiting for a flag who was destroyed and too far away to support the current flag carrier. In that event, it makes sense to wait, but I would still advise supporting whenever possible. Unfortunately, three flags takes away the importance of support. I've seen many instances where a flag carrier can cross the map and capture by his or herself with no help. You could argue the long rangers in the red base helped out or the blue team was weak, but either way, the way the mode is being played allows for this. This takes the point of the game away, to be a united force pushes through a wall to win. There are plenty instances where players pair with a flag carrier, fending off attacks and right there to pick up the flag should the carrier be destroyed. Two flag carriers even pair together and can capture one after the other. I think this is a great strategy, two shots at the same time. This is great to do on an open undefended point. You're getting twice the points within the matter of seconds, which is important in relation to the blue's point progression (which I'll get to). After capturing flags, if still alive, it is helpful to dispatch blue defenders. Just your presence within their base is enough to keep them from defending their points. The less defenders in the way, the easier it is to capture and get 3 points a pop. The power of three flags gives the red team the upper hand. There is a huge amount of cover to weave through to the blue base. Most of the time, red team wins. Tankers are naturally driven to attack. Offensive, always. Blue Armour Not as hard to see that blue divided their point into two on either side of the map. Hard enough to get people to focus on one point, now there are two that could not possibly be any farther apart! The geography already presents a problem for the team. I'm not against the flags being distant from each other, it's that the efforts of the team are not sorted effectively. Defenders are all at one point and can't stop captures on the other side. Half of the team could be on the other side of the map. Previously, it was harder for the blue team to maneuver forward through the map due to its geography. Now the sides of the map are open, making it easy for blue members to wander into red territory. It does not help the cause to destroy red players in their base. "Tackling the root of the problem" does not work in this case. Few red players are destroyed. those that slip away are taking flags and capturing at points that the blue team is not defending at. It defeats the purpose of the defending side. I don't blame the geographical barriers that were removed and I don't blame the players either. Not everyone is good at defending. In fact, most people are not. In a game where destroying tanks is required to progress through ranks, it's natural to want to look for enemies to destroy. It's an unavoidable byproduct of the system. Even what some would consider good defense might not cut it in this mode. A heavy hull that is able to block oncoming attackers is rarely practiced. Defenders waltz out away from the castle prop barrier. I am guilty of this myself; I attempt to intercept the enemy in the midfield. It generally doesn't work. The four entryways to each point is clear cut and obvious, yet the blue team never puts up a solid defense. The mode has been in the game for a good few weeks and some have picked up on the appropriate times to return flags. If the supporters, who followed the flag carrier that was destroyed, are close, it would be a good idea to return so they can't take the flag in hopes of capturing. However, if no one is around, the flag can be left where it lay. This prevents red from taking more flags and advancing further. The theory that I initially introduced for the two points is increasingly unlikely after watching players performance from the first version. It is difficult to get a team of players to all defend. Most cases, blue team loses. Battle Variance Before I get to the numbers, I want to explore the possibilities with the battle setup itself. This is crucial information in determining which team is likely to win most often. XP/BP Format Upon entering most matches, blue always had the lead in points. Red was just unable to rack up points fast enough. In part because gold dropped so often. In XP, that is an arduous ordeal. Many players that have one hit of damage have to self-destruct every time they see that gold is about to fall. Though this is not the sole reason for the lack of competition in this format, the lack of variables makes it easy for the blue team to defend even if it is not done efficiently. PRO with no Supplies (with drops) I played ten rounds (five on each side) and found that the red team won only three times. I leave out more details to allow you to make your own connections. Batting .300 isn't too bad in baseball, but I one would think a game mode is best balanced fifty-fifty. Without supplies and drops, blue has the advantage of fighting red without any tools. I will divulge the fact that those ten matches were closer than a lot of matches because there were supply drops. General match with smart cooldowns The most common and easiest to enter into is the non-pro battle that produces mostly red wins. It is very rare that blue can prevent the exponential rate at which red is able to capture flags. Supplies are in the hands of both sides that for all intended purposes everyone knows how to use. But people don't know how to defend and only know how to attack. Some Math As mentioned earlier, the red team captures a flag and receives 3 points. The blue team receives 1 point around every 10 seconds; so 6 points per 60 seconds. This means the red team only needs to capture flags at a minimum rate of 2 per minute in order to tie. Here is an example of a winning capture rate: Nearly five captures a minute?!? That is insane! This doesn't take into account the varying rate of capture, this is just to show you the general principal behind the point structure. In the event of a red team loss, the capture per minute should turn out to be less than two. Point Gap When it comes to the points a player receives on the roster, the same tough effort on either side produces two different amounts. In CTF mode, you can score 900 points on one side and score 900 again on the other side, depending on the map. Adversely, a defender doesn't score as much as the attackers who take and capture flags. The same principal is applied to Assault for the worst. There is more incentive to play on the red team purely by the fact that you can score within the thousands and the blue team can only reach the high hundreds, as you see in the example below. If by the sheer number of kills alone, I believe Gabriel and I deserved more than 300 crystals. Red hogs the fund to an absurd degree. This can be fixed by allowing players to attain points by sitting by the point itself, like the mechanism in CP. This would not effect the score at the bottom right but would effect the roster. The range of the point ought to be wide enough to encompass the square area that is within the castle props, but the blue stream does not need to connect to each player, it would be an unneeded visual cue. Looking Back I think I should quickly readdress my last review a year ago. I believe I was a little too enthusiastic about the mode. The lack of further public testing over the course of a year proves that I might have been a little too high on the experience. In the first part on the positive aspects of the mode is mostly true today. The roles on each team are the same and still require genuine teamwork. The mode has obviously not been in the game to be experimented on with eSports, though I have less enthusiasm about the possibility of it becoming a big mode in that area of the game. CTF still provides the most stressful and tactical experience to participate in at that level, so Assault would be a step-down. As for the negatives, I know why I went into a debate on whether the fighting over flags was sabotage but I don't know why it needed that much space in the article. That issue is also resolved with two additional flags added. I assume my point on predictability was getting at the fact that the repetitive failure on either team was concerning, though that happens all the time. Now I think the mode is better equipped to work in other maps (Still available to make them if ya need some *wink*). The Take away I saved the final theory on why the additional points and flags were actually added until the end; not only to give you that "ah-ha" moment but to sound the alarm: They were added so it would be implemented into the game. That doesn't come with statements like "ASL ranks high on the list of favorable gifts." Developers did not do anything with the mode, as far as we know, until it was set to be added late this last December. Credit is given where credit is due. I think the mode is better of than it was a year ago; that's not to say it should be put off now. Developers, do what is necessary to implement the mode, don't sit on it. You brought the mode back because you see its potential. And players, if you see the potential too, you should hold the developers' feet to the fire. I'll leave you with a suggestion from my French counterpart Viking4s. Don't forget to check out his complete, comprehensive review on the New Years Map! Did the changes to ASL work for the better? What did I get wrong? Please continue the discussion of Assault Mode if there's something that should be deemed worthy of further discussion. Thanks for reading; hope you enjoyed.

'Twas the Night Before the Discounts, when all through the servers Players are filled with a cheaper-price fervor They performed traditional seance and dance In hopes that Godmode_ON will make an appearance The children are refusing to go to bed With visions of crystals raining down on their heads "Hold on Mother, just one more flag to cap!" "Pause it now! You must settle down for your nightly nap" Rio CTF, full supplies, night mode 2 minutes on the clock, time quickly erodes I take the flag from the enemy base Bombarded by enemy fire like a porcupine bouquet A distraction happens by chance Gold box falls, creating a new circumstance Opponents and teammates alike Rush to the rare golden sight. I make a break for home I actually needed that gold, truth be told Upon turning the corner, I am met by an enemy It's... Godmode_ON... one I did not want to see His insurmountable defense Against my mediocre offense His laugh is enough to torment And his attacks require little movement! I am destroyed in a flash Dropping the flag, discarded like ash He returns the flag, while not taking ours Why not end it now? I've been playing for hours "You can't win the crystals for your Upgrade that easily!" blares through my monitor He is toying with me! What do I do? My power is no match for what he can do All efforts to kill him are foiled My team's blood is boiled Many minutes go by Losing track of time Death after death Breath after breath The opposing team is laxed From watching Godmode_ON's attacks! Creating the opportunity, the timing is right All opponents destroyed, only he is in our sights The might of eight versus one Without aid to use, he is the one that's done The God is destroyed Three gold boxes are deployed The enemy goes after them Godmode disappears, without a trace of him I race after the flag Everyone else after the gold in a game of tag Unopposed, I capture I shall reap the rewards soon after We've beaten the god, fresh crystals in hand I will spend it wisely, If I can Out to the garage by chance I find I've got just enough crystals to make my upgrade come alive It is not about the meter or rhyme scheme, it is about the power of the Tanki God! Should you see him, it is a blessing and a curse for he brings you discounts and unnecessary stress. Hope you enjoyed.

The 1 actually does not mean it is the new year one. There are various skyboxes that are similar and I kept it simple and it's what I happened to name it in the survey. I apologize for not including this in the article, but for the record, here are what the choices looked like in the survey: Rio Summer Winter Space Skybox 1 City Desert Summer Night (don't have pic, and few people picked it because of it) My goal was just to get this category on the books, I didn't stress over having every scene, including the various holiday/event boxes. I hope the next curator will use this category and do a better job of orchestrating it.

Not only does your fluency evolve and improve, but so does your content. I originally came on as a reporter with the intentions writing story's and eventually drifted towards uncovering story's through interviews. And as a reporter you naturally find new things to write about.

It seems as though our consensus has produced some results eh?

As you wait for the next Issue, check out some bonus content on the latest Behind the Tank interview with MJ19!

Wait, don't go anywhere! New information has been added on the first comment!

Nice one Adriel! I like the layout. I think the red flag could be moved into the open, but that's just my opinion. I'd be making maps too if I had time. Also

Very nice :)

After how many years...still no. 1.5k?

No UTC -7?

Nah d?

Innocent. Insufficient evidence. PUM is accused of spamming the Forum games section.

No France?

Coat

Vikingstar

35

Elyria

BONUS Interview Questions! Sometimes the normal interview length doesn't cut it. Fresh of the press, here are some new details on MusicJam19 before we bid issue 58 goodbye. Viking: How did you come up with the nickname MusicJam19? MJ19: I'm not too sure actually, it's a very old nickname. Must have been a massive music fan in my early years :) Viking: Not much anymore eh? I can see with being a student, entertainment can take a back seat. For those still interested, could you name name a few of your favorite artists/songs? MJ19: Maybe not so much at the moment, a few years ago I was really into electronic music (artists such as Avicii). Right now there are a few that I really like. Feeling Electric by Parade of Lights, Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People, even some bands from the 1980s such as Chicago. Viking: I was a little worried when you said electronic music but you brought it back to Chicago, a good group.. You have worked within various helper groups in Tanki, have you not? MJ19: I had a feeling you didn't like electronic music :P I first started off as part of Bruce's Daily Vlog team (if anyone can remember that I'll give you a medal), which then transitioned into the Daily News and I had a brief stint as a reporter. I also became a commentator and consultant, which were the two jobs I enjoyed the most. Viking: We seemed to have crossed paths in those jobs at the time correct? I also commentated and consulted for a bit. That seems like forever ago, but it was only a few years ago. Do you recall a favorite moment/favorite part of the job? MJ19: I think the moment I remember best was interviewing Semyon. This was around the time micro-upgrades were about to be released, and you can tell from his voice he was very excited about implementing the update and improving our gameplay. He was a great community manager and his efforts will be missed. Thankfully, we have an equally enthusiastic manager now, and I am hopeful for the future. Viking: We have been fortunate to have some great managers work with our community. To cap this off, I'd like to pose a question that taps at your philosophy: How can people believe in something without evidence? MJ19: I think the idiom "always take with a pinch of salt" sums it up. See what vested interests the writer may have and make your own judgement. What I have learned from the US Election is that deep down all of the mainstream media, including the BBC, are biased one side or the other. Read both sides of the argument and don't automatically believe something because a famous guy said it.

I play the mode quite often but I don't know if I would write a guide on it. Some of this may be outdated, but Hog's guide has good tips.

THREE straight issues of "Behind the Tank" interviews that aim high and don't disappoint. The last two episodes of the series had "firsts". Interviewees from Greece and India/Russia. This time, it is the first British person featured. Please welcome a long-time tanker that many recognize, MusicJam19! Player Profile Game Name: MusicJam19 Nickname(s): mj19, musicjam19 (I'm too poor to afford to remove the capitals :( ) Real Name: James Age: 17 Gender: Male Country: England Preferred Combo(s): Viking with either Isida, Shaft or a cheeky Smoky Viking: Hey MusicJam19, thanks for going Behind the Tank. MJ19: Hi there, it's an honour to be here. Viking: Before we get jamming (hehe I'm sorry), could you describe yourself to our faithful readers? MJ19: I thought you were cool until you made that pun xD. But anyway, I am a 17-year-old student from London, England. My favorite subjects are mainly Maths/Physics based, and I aspire to become an engineer. I am quite a mad football fan. I support AS Roma as well as the Italian national team (I am half Italian) and will be cheering them on in the Euro 2016 tournament. I play five-a-side football each week at my local football centre and I also play chess against other schools in the local region (this year we managed to win the league :D). During the summer, I love going camping. In fact, I will be trekking and camping across Snowdonia in a few weeks time with my mates. Viking: [bad pun... Check] The opportunity for it simply could not be missed. I can live without being cool, but I can't live without learning more about you. [Awkward cheesy line... Check] So tell us, at what point did you decide to focus on Math/Physics and what led you to that aspiration? MJ19: Well my dad, who is an engineer, had a massive influence on me when I was younger, so I guess you can say that I want to follow in his footsteps [Overused idiom... Check :)]. As well as that, Maths and Physics are the subjects I enjoy and find the most interesting, especially the way that they link and overlap each other. It's not as dull as you might think. Viking: No doubt they go well together, though I haven't gone into the Physics part yet; maybe at college. As a student in this subject, could you give me us some advice for those who are interested in taking on Physics or the desire to become an engineer? MJ19: I guess this piece of advice can be used for any subject and that is to enjoy what you do. If you are only doing it because your parents want you to, or because you might earn a bit more money in the future but have no actual interest in your field of study, then you will not have a good time in school at all, and you might regret it in the future. Viking: Amen to that. Is this advice any different from what your dad would tell you? MJ19: Heh, my dad? He would say "study study study!" Viking: Ahh, short and sweet. So being half Italian and rooting for Italian football teams leads me to believe you are proud of your heritage; are there other parts of your life indicative of that as well? MJ19: Yeah, of course, my dad was very influential and I normally eat Italian food every day and my family and I often go on holiday in Italy, mostly to visit my relatives there. I forgot to mention earlier that my mum is Vietnamese (interesting combo, right?). Viking: Hmm, Italian dad + Vietnamese mom = a MusicJam19. Intriguing. Did they both immigrate to England? MJ19: Yep, many years ago Viking: That's cool. To be uncool, what was your reaction to the Italy vs Germany match in the EURO Tournament? MJ19: It was quite an intense match, but it was the penalty shootout that killed me. So many players messed up their shot, including Zaza (who is now being mocked relentlessly). I was quite gutted but still proud of Italy as it took the World Cup winners sudden death in penalties to beat them. Viking: Indeed, making it to the Quarterfinals is a great accomplishment. Aside from competing for a first place win within a tournament, is there a different sense of accomplishment when playing five-a-side football? MJ19: Of course, I get a great feeling after exercising and having fun with my friends. It's even better if we win, of course. Viking: I don't think anyone would dispute the feeling of a win. Chess is a different ball game. What did it take to win the league this year? Do you have any tips for a novice player like myself? MJ19: Well it's a much more relaxing "sport", at least if you aren't in a competitive match. I do tend to get quite nervous, and I remember my early years when a few of my older opponents would try to intimidate me (although funnily enough, I think I still managed to beat some of them :) ). I think practice was the key to our success. The guys who were on the team were the ones who would regularly turn up to chess club and play. Chess is a very delicate game; one bad move and the match can be lost. My advice would be to think logically and carefully. Observe what your opponent is doing too - look out for any traps! Viking: Attendance, deliverance, and observance; advice noted. You mentioned a camping trip to Snowdonia National Park in Whales, which I think you went on in the middle of this interview, how did that go? MJ19: Haha, I'm not Jonah - I went to Wales, not Whales :P But yeah, this camping trip was part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold, which is basically an award you get for volunteering, doing a skill and sport (as well as the expedition). Throughout the four days I was camping we had to walk around 60km (that's what, 37 miles?). And it rained. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Not just regular British rain. Welsh standard heavy rain and wind and fog and flying sheep and the lot. (That was a bit of an overstatement - it didn't actually rain on the last day :) ) In fact, the views were not too bad on the last day... But yeah, on the whole, it was quite an experience, I had a great time with my friends and I now know that my walking boots (which are somewhere around my school) can withstand as much rain as you can soak it in. Viking: [facepalm] You can tell I am not British (apologies to all Welsh readers!). Mother nature couldn't hold off for the award-winning volunteer?? At least you had a wonderful last day on the trip. I hope you had a wonderful time going Behind the Tank, it is time to sign off. Your closing words for the audience? MJ19: We as a community are made up of entirely different people, with different lives and different backgrounds. We are together because of our passion for Tanki. Don't let the little things drive us apart. We may not entirely agree with what the administrators do or say, or what one another might say, but we all deserve to respect one another. Thank you very much for having me here, it's been a great pleasure to see you again. [Completed October 13, 2016] Always a pleasure talking with you, MJ19. Thanks for giving me the time to do so. Best of luck to you with your studies and competitive ventures. Season 3 MagisToR RustyNail Season 2 splitterpoint dogm45 Season 1 conanthedestroyer MadDog21 Keep tuning in each month to learn more about the people Behind the Tank. Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoyed.

I can only use what was given in the actual entry. I do not see that picture there. It can be done, the rules would include the terms that go along with that. The idea behind NOT mentioning external photography was so that anyone who was willing to show up to help would be in the pyramid. That way everyone would be involved in the team building experience. I know you are worried about presentation in regards to view with the screens, that was not a huge factor in judging the entries.

PMs have been sent to the authors of the entries, please respond as soon as possible! Each group within the 1st and 3rd placements gets a prize pool of 30k and 10k respectively; 30k/7 = ~4285 crystals, so the winnings have wider portions between placement. Also, it doesn't have to be shared equally, that is up to the author. I enjoyed running this and seeing what you guys came up with but I'd like some feedback on the format and what you think should be done differently if it were to happen again.