[Issue 46] The Ultimate Reporter Showdown: Why BP is Better than XP

[Phoenix-Warbird 1,329]

Phoenix-Warbird: Want to go battle, Gold?

GoldRock: Sure, because this isn’t a lame article opening at all!

Phoenix-Warbird: shut up OK, you make.

GoldRock: Sandbox XP it is.

Phoenix-Warbird: Make it for BP too.

GoldRock: Why?

Phoenix-Warbird: BP is the best, duh.

GoldRock: (laughs hysterically) That’s almost as funny as you claiming to be good at it!

Phoenix-Warbird: (laughs for real) That laugh is so fake!

GoldRock: (laughs… uhm, more realistically) No it’s not hahaha…

Phoenix-Warbird: And excuse me, BP is better than XP anyway.

GoldRock: Uhm, no. XP is like, way funner, OK?

Phoenix-Warbird: No.

GoldRock: Pffft, yes.

Phoenix-Warbird: No...

GoldRock: Yes!

Phoenix-Warbird: No! Wasp is such a fun hull to drive and with enough skill, it’s the best. It holds quite a few records in the game as the lightest and fastest hull. It can fly, for goodness’ sake. No wonder it’s the favourite among parkourists. Pair it up with the most popular gun in Tanki and you have the dream combo: BP. With so much power to every shot you make, it’s a ninja among slugs. A Reporter among chat mods. A phoenix among rocks---

GoldRock: Noob, that Reporter-among-chat-mods line was my ide… actually uhm, nice insult OK hi Ostrica (points at Pho) it’s all her---

Phoenix-Warbird: AS I WAS SAYING - but most of all, BP is plain deadly. How many of the most famous SL players were BP users? More than a few, and with good reason. It’s a combination for only the most brave and daring, the most challenging combo on the battlefield but a huge threat when you’ve got the skill (which explains why you aren’t particularly a threat). It can dodge perfectly, make stunning plays and tear up the battlefield with its lightning speed and effectiveness. BP is the best that’s out there for a reason. And it stands for Being Pro. :3

GoldRock: Look, you’re not fully appreciating the pro-ness of XP. Not that you’d know anything about pro-ness, but anyway, let me enlighten you :P The XP combination has been at the heart of the development of Tanki's gameplay. It's arguably one of the most seamless combinations in the game, with Hornet's stability and speed beautifully matching Railgun's high damage and recoil. It fits a variety of offensive, midfield and defensive situations---

Phoenix-Warbird: If enlightening means inducing sleep in your world, you’ve succeeded.

GoldRock: AHEM, as I was saying - basically, there’s a reason why XP’s probably the most-used combination in game. It’s reliable, open to all tankers but extraordinarily difficult to perfect, and extremely powerful in the right hands. It’s the core of a team, yet also its most shining star. Need I say more? Anyway, dramatic speech over, feel free to applaud and/or break down into tears as you realise how wrong you really are. And also, XP stands for… uhh… Xtremely Pro. k. Because it’s just too pro for typical swag-deficient spelling conventions.

Phoenix-Warbird: Pffft, who needs stability when you can go with BP and have such high speed?

GoldRock: Well, stability is very important in a lot of dangerous and tricky situations, which are often also crucial points in the game. Think about it. You’re jumping down into your base to capture, you have to get that shot off to keep your swarming opponents at bay aaand… wham, you flip over because your hull is as light as a phoenix feather (see what I, no wait, what you did there because you gave me the idea for that pun but nvm I claimed it?).

Phoenix-Warbird: Perhaps you mistake stability for weight? While it does take skill, there are ways to take advantage of Wasp’s low weight so that it’s not causing you to flip over all the time… And, um, what kind of skilled player jumps off a ledge while shooting to get himself upside down, hhhh? By the way Wasp’s tracks are actually super grippy - and you can tell they are, particularly when you’re making sharp turns without losing momentum.

GoldRock: Perhaps not. The stability of a hull depends entirely on its weight and its shape, and Wasp has issues when paired with Railgun in both areas. However skilled a Wasp-driver you are, a pro opponent can easily take advantage of your lack of stability to make you miss that vital shot, and you often wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. Nobody wants a useless tank on their team, and a flipped player counts as a team-mate down for a good 15 seconds at least. Enough time to lose a flag or two. And of course, you’d know all about that (hint hint)

Phoenix-Warbird: Nug, you make it sound like Wasp is completely helpless and impossible to drive when actually it has great stats! (and a great driver in my case, plz :c...)
For example, most other hulls require you to press the left/right arrow keys a bit early because the turning speed isn’t all that good, but Wasp is superior to every other hull in that respect. Maybe you wish Wasp could drift like a Hornet, but the amazing grip is definitely useful during a hasty escape with the flag.

GoldRock: But manipulating your arrow keys to suit your hull really shouldn’t be a problem, considering the manoeuvrability advantage that Hornet possesses. Its drifting ability might make it less ‘grippy’ as you say, but it really can be utilised by a good XP player to turn the tide of a battle and demonstrate skill, flair and style. Something which you could do with more of, Miss BP Hy6 :3

Phoenix-Warbird: Actually it’s not possible for me to have any more than I already do, sorry :c and what you say about the XP combo is true, but is it really more fun to play with? You’re not exactly speeding around with Hornet, and there are some pretty cool stunts that only a Wasp can pull off. I don’t really have the words to tell you how playing with BP is way more exciting than XP for me. Especially in XP/BP battles where I am a Wasp among Hornets, I feel like I have an advantage over them k. It might be because it simply goes at my type of pace, and I’m pretty sure there are at least a few tankers out there who understand.

GoldRock: To answer your question: yes, XP actually is more fun to play with, at least to me. I mean, it may seem like Wasp has the upper hand here, what with its typically aggressive, dynamic gameplay style. But if you look beyond the idea that charging into the heat of the battlefield non-stop is the only way to have fun (as you demonstrate so well in Polygon CPs), then you’ll quickly start to see that XP gameplay definitely has its merits, too.

Phoenix-Warbird: OK, so it depends what your techniques are. But that doesn’t mean XP is superior. As a famous pholosopher once said: “XP is not the answer.” ~Yirs Trewlee

GoldRock: Oh please, lemme finish noob. Look, the fact that the XP combination is so versatile is what makes its gameplay the best there is. It can be used in practically all positions and situations on the battlefield. Try to imagine a BP providing defensive cover or offensive support. Now imagine that same BP being flipped and blown apart, or hopelessly pushing at an enemy tank to knock it off. Wasp is light and speedy, but not so all-rounded when it comes to high-damage, high-impact gameplay.

Phoenix-Warbird: Excuse me! I think you’re forgetting that a good BP is stealthy. It can dodge, attack from behind and handle flags with swift moves. Float like a butterfly, sting like a Wasp!

GoldRock: Speaking of stinging like an inferior Hornet, there’s some clear technical points why XP really is superior. It weighs more (like y… ok actually I won’t go there, you’re a girl so :3) with more physical power behind it (like me ok). It’s got more health - a noob like you would say (imitates) “but it doesssnt matterrr cuz like xp still dies in two shots eyy”, but a skilled player knows that it can be important when it comes to surviving double shots, and especially when facing weapons other than Railgun.

And that means that unlike you, I don’t need to put on a Rail protection paint every time I enter an XP/BP. I can wear my flashy In Love paint all I want. Sucks to be you!

Phoenix-Warbird: Hey, look at the time, it’s year 2042 and you still haven’t stopped talking!

GoldRock: Nug, you’re just never gonna understand the superiority of XP over all. One of many things you’ll never be able to understand, dwdw it’s an intellectual matter don’t stress yourself over it :3 In any case, I might as well summarise why for our more enlightened readers.

*clears throat, ignoring Pho’s irritated/ing noises of protest*

In short, BP can be pretty deadly, I grant you that, but it’s just not quite the same as that all-rounded firepower which XP brings to the team, which is what makes XP indispensable. You could have a full light format team of XP players, but BP players? There’s a reason clans go ‘all BP’ for fun when they’ve already won a game - because they know losing a round won’t matter. BP is powerful in its own right, but the understated XP is ultimately even more so. BP is a component. XP is fundamental.

Phoenix-Warbird: My turn, OK? *clears thr-- coughs and splutters* In conclusion, I am better at life while Gold continues to roam the Earth, wondering how to get a life of his own. Yes, he nicknamed his parents’ house ‘the Earth’.
Also I think---

GoldRock: OK I’m sure everyone’s heard enough, yeah yeah whatever. I reckon we should finish off this debate by us arguing and you getting destroyed, and then it ends with something like “Legend has it that Gold is still outclassing Pho to this day” or something k.

Phoenix-Warbird: Legend has it: BP IS PRO. Enough said.

GoldRock: Wow, you still seriously think that after everything I’ve sai---

Phoenix-Warbird: BP is better. It just is.

GoldRock: NO.

Phoenix-Warbird: YES OK, YOU’R--

---

After a lengthy debate in which Pho completely destroyed Gold, it was finally proven once and for all that BP is the superior combination.

Legend has it that Pho is still outclassing Gold to this day. Edited January 8, 2016 by GoldRock

[Rohit_1997 456]

BP is better :lol:

[TheGoldenTanker 4,951]

XP is better :lol:

Corrected  ;)

[0MN1V01D 599]

^ Very much Wrong.

[I.Devastation 2,053]

Gold lost :c probs coz it's impossible to win in an argument with a girl but xp still better !!!

[KillerGnat 3,135]

GoldRock: Uhm, no. XP is like, way funner

The grammar police have arrived. Before anything nice can be said about the article, we must come and bash all the little mistakes, namely this. According to the dictionary I have (an old Oxford from 1990), funner isn't a word. Correction over, you may go back to enjoying the article. 

XP is better.

 

[GHOST68INVINCIBLE 152]

Shut up I guys I am fed up of this agurment.Just think that both combos are better.

[Lhamster 4,081]

The grammar police have arrived. Before anything nice can be said about the article, we must come and bash all the little mistakes, namely this. According to the dictionary I have (an old Oxford from 1990), funner isn't a word. Correction over, you may go back to enjoying the article. 

XP is better.

 

Have you considered it was deliberate?

 

Shut up I guys I am fed up of this agurment.Just think that both combos are better.

I think you missed the humour...

[KillerGnat 3,135]

Have you considered it was deliberate?

Yes, I considered that, and threw it into the dust like any other good grammar nazi would do. Away with you and your petty excuses.

No :ph34r:.

 

[fordmustang12345 3,910]

The grammar police have arrived. Before anything nice can be said about the article, we must come and bash all the little mistakes, namely this. According to the dictionary I have (an old Oxford from 1990), funner isn't a word. Correction over, you may go back to enjoying the article. 

XP is better.

 

#annoyinggramernazi

 

 

BP ftw

 

[slycleaversmart 1,154]

BP is best :)

[Destrod 2,634]

lol. XP is better, cuz BP just too long to master. 

[Supernatural 2,053]

BP is the best, a pro BP player can NEVER be outplayed by a good XP. Check my profile if you don't believe so.. I have experience with BP.

[r_gigiz0 327]

I am a noob. XP is better. GoldRock is soooo awesome!

XP RULES :)

Edited January 8, 2016 by GoldRock
Please don't quote the entire article when posting, thanks!

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Phoenix-Warbird: Want to go battle, Gold?

 

GoldRock: Sure, because this isn’t a lame article opening at all!

:lol: Nice article opening.

[Quarks 2,255]

 

 

 

Well I just can't seem to see your post here anymore. Sorry.

 

To everyone else, I appreciate your constructive comments and opinions, hope you guys liked the article ^_^

 

I guess the marriage discussed in the dictator just crashed and burned, and it is great to see you back gold.

[TheGoldenTanker 4,951]

^ Very much true.

Corrected again  ;)

[Benefactor 6,888]

Was the duel recorded? I am most interested to see it.

[MandolinMarc 874]

Why is there an attempt at humor in nearly every single line? If I want to laugh at some easy humor I can go watch a sitcom or something. I came here expecting an in-depth and considerate analysis of two combinations. I more or less got what I was looking for, but it was difficult to extract from this article due to the wacky format and constant humor.

 

This is an unpopular opinion, but I feel that humor is becoming overvalued. Humor is a really powerful tool that can help man find joy in the darkest, wierdest aspects of life, and thus can make them more approachable. But it can also overshadow more complex thoughts and emotions, which blocks people from deep contemplation or inspiration.

 

I'm not saying that the TO Newspaper should get rid of humor; some parts of this article gave me a good laugh. I'm saying it should be used with a lot more sparsity and care, because it's limiting the potential of the TO Newspaper to unite the community and help tankers find joy in the game.

 

Don't be afraid to be serious.

Edited January 8, 2016 by MandolinMarc

[marc.jp_44 20,837]

Yes, I considered that, and threw it into the dust like any other good grammar nazi would do. Away with you and your petty excuses.

No :ph34r:.

 

*Grammar Nazi. There Proper Nouns! :P

Great Article. BP is probably better in XP/BP battles to to its light weight but in everything else, XP is better.

[Meliora 1,652]

I was going say a similar thing to MandolinMarc, but he has clearly expressed himself far better and more eloquently. I would have enjoyed the article very much more if not for the long-winded introduction (could have been cut down to two lines). Humour is being used far more now in articles, especially those with two authors. It is getting rather repetitive and takes the value away. It would have made for a very intriguing and heated debate otherwise, actually.

[lukey0 27,543]

BP is better. :P

[Phoenix-Warbird 1,329]

Really appreciated the feedback ^_^

Please keep in mind that this is a light debate between two wackos, and we wrote everything up quite naturally. It's our actual way of conversing, with the nug humour and all XD

Sorry if you didn't enjoy it. For the same subject with a serious approach, you can see Fen's article, XP vs BP

[GoldRock 6,165]

In writing the article, we weren't looking to be super technical or serious or deep about the matter, we just wanted to converse as we would naturally about the issue (sorry if that's a bit too wacky, hh, we're kinda like that). 

I understand completely where you're coming from and I personally love a deeply critical, contemplating and powerful debate, but to be honest, I'm sure I would have bored Pho out of her mind eventually if I launched into it with that approach. I agree with you two exactly, I would even personally prefer to read a more intellectual debate myself; however, we're writing for the majority of readers here who Pho would represent in her more light-hearted viewpoint, to make the debate both substantial and easy to read, and I think we managed to achieve that. As far as I'm concerned, I appreciate your feedback but we were able to satisfy the majority of readers and provide them with an enjoyable read. 

If we were to have taken your approach, most readers would not have enjoyed this article as much, even if myself and yourselves may have found it much more rewarding. Sorry for being populist, but the duty of the newspaper is to write articles suited to our playerbase, and I hope you understand that. Thus, we tried to achieve a 'middle ground', where we did make some thoughtful points for the more critical reader to consider, but also didn't get overly involved in the intellectual side of things and kept it fun.

 

So yeah, in short - don't be afraid to be light-hearted. The reason the newspaper uses humour is because our readers enjoy it. In fact, I keep on getting asked to put out more humour, not less. If you'd like an intellectual article, there are always detailed guides and the like targetted at that, but they inevitably are quite 'niche' articles. I would write intellectual for an intellectual newspaper - this is a gaming newspaper, so I write for the gaming playerbase. I take most joy and pride in being able to write for my audiences, something I personally find a valuable quality for any writer.

 

Hope I've made at least some sense, and thanks for the feedback!

(Just thought I'd edit and add this bit for clarity. In short, I'd personally very much enjoy an intellectual debate as you would, but I'm not writing for myself or the intellectual minority here, but for the majority of more light-hearted readers, if that makes sense. Oh, and I do also enjoy being light-hearted too :P)

Edited January 8, 2016 by GoldRock

[GoldRock 6,165]

***POLL ADDED***

Make sure you vote BP and Pho kk.

Edited January 8, 2016 by Phoenix-Warbird