[Issue 57] [Results] The Mid Ranker's Handbook Mini-Contest

[GoldRock 6,165]

 

 

Thanks to the recently-announced game balance update, we've had to pause part-way through the next instalment of the Mid Ranker's Handbook and scrap it, since there's a high chance it would just become irrelevant in the very near future if published. This means there isn't any Mid Ranker's Handbook article in this Issue, but it'll be making a comeback as we work on a different idea for next Issue.

 

Sorry about that, we hope you understand! In the meantime, here are the results of the mini-contest from last Issue.

 

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Mini-Contest: Results

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The results are here! We saw quite a few high-quality entries, but here are our winning picks...
 

1st place (20,000 crystals):

@Viking4s

 

 

Fortress Kit Xperience

 

 

I bought the Fortress Kit (Mammoth + Thunder + Rustle) when my rank was first lieutenant and with a timely discount (25% savings on all turrets), which helped me to reach the precious amount of crystal required.

Being a fan of Thunder turret, this kit was the obvious choice for me as I was already battling with the Thunder M0 and M1 turrets. The massive Mammoth M2 hull was a new experience for me, as my current garage was filled with middle range hulls: Viking M0 and Hunter M1. I counted on the high health protection of this massive animal to last longer on the battlefield.

 

The protection against Isida and Freeze turrets is of real interest, as the mammoth slow motion make it an easy target for this two turrets, furthermore the 32% Thunder protection is a must have with such a deadly M2 splash damage.

The kit had the Rustle paint (protection and paint all–in-one):     Isida 10%,     Thunder 32%     Freeze 20%

Protecting flag with Fortress kit was definitely paying off on Brest, Rio and Serpuhov maps. With double damage supplies (on Brest) and a double armor supplies (on Serpuhov) dropping times to times either to increase fire power or give extra protection and, combined with Isida patrols, Fortress could play a major defensive role. The heavy weight of the Mammoth makes it harder for attacking tank, with middle and small hulls, to dislodge you from your flag. Dying on the flag post buys time for your teammate to come and secure the unprotected flag.

 

On Highways map, the fortress kit standing as a stronghold on the flag was not good at all in such a small space, you end up basically inflicting self-damage to your hull any time you shoot at close range. A better defensive position is located on the slop of the middle bridge facing our flag. From this spot, the strategy is to thunder the flocks of enemy tanks venturing to our base and camping under the flag preparing an assault or clearing the bridges on the left and right sides.

This kit can play a middle-field support role too on small maps such as Highland and in TDM/CP mode. Standing behind the crack of a wall, on the hill top (blue team) or the CP point is a good deterrent to light hulls. The M2 power of the Thunder turret just reduces considerably the health of incoming tanks, and increase my Kill/Deaths ratio from 1.2 to 1.55.   Gold box, this kit is of no use for gold box quest, too slow, too low and it’s a perfect platform for other tank to climb on. However, I still managed to catch a Goldie. Overall Fortress kit is average, however when you combine Mammoth with Shaft (+ Lead LGC module) you have a stronger proposition. As well the combo of Thunder with Hunter (+ Rustle LGC module) offers you a more versatile attacking proposal.

 

2nd place (15,000 crystals):

@NewbieCupcake

My Experience: Voltage Kit

 

It was the 5th of August, a tanker excitedly heads into his garage and immediately darts his eyes to the Voltage kit. Upon seeing the kit, the user clicks "Buy" and clicks "Yes" to confirm his purchase. His no lifing through Warrant Officer 4 had paid off.

 

Voltage is the only M2 kit I have purchased in my expedition through Tanki. I was very excited about this kit, as I was one of the very few with M2s on this rank, seeing most people are just beginning to save for M2s, I felt special. Railgun M2's piercing power is very good, especially at these ranks. Dictator M2 is a superb gold hull, Electra is an outstandingly eye appealing paint, and the protection module is relevant to the turrets that plague these ranks.

 

After purchasing this kit, I searched the server eagerly. I found a match: Polygon CTF. I entered the battle, and after about 30 minutes of playing, the fabled words appeared: Gold box will be dropped soon. It was my opportunity to see if Dictator was as good at catching golds as people claim it to be. And to my eyes, I took it without any competition.

 

 

After I caught the gold, unsurprisingly, the infamous words "Hacker" were spammed in the chat.. particularly by the Isida/Hornet/Guerilla. I simply ignored them.. but with four minutes left in the battle, again, the orange mystical letters were plastered in the 'Action Box'. I was really tempted to get this gold.. and Dictator did not disappoint.

 

 

I knew that with this kit and some no lifing in some Polygon CPs would allow me to see many golds. But just because the kit is good at catching golds does not mean it's necessarily good in battle. 

 

 

 

Railgun:

I wouldn't say Railgun is the dandiest M2 turret on market, but it's definitely not the worst. Being able to nail your enemies with pin-point accuracy across the map is one of the best feelings you can have, only to be followed by 4 asterisks in the chat, who wouldn't feel good about themselves? However, due note that if tanks ram into your side, sometimes your shot will go over them.

 

 

 

Dictator:

Again, just like Railgun it's not the best M2 hull out there.  Don't get me wrong, Dictator is awesome at gold hunting, but at certain times it can feel very awkward to use.. e.g.,

 

Protection Module:

Along with the kit, there comes a protection module. This time, it was Grizzly T-D M2.  And let me say, this is probably the best protection module at this rank. 25 protection against Twins, Smoky, and Isida. These turrets are not only annoying to face (especially with Railgun), but are also a plague in the common everyday matches. 

Conclusion:

I believe with this kit deserves a 7.5/10. It's what I call a 'bridge kit', a kit you purchase to save up for a better kit.

 

3rd place (10,000 crystals):

@zaydie_boy2000

                                        Anaconda Kit

                                                                                   My Personal Experience 

 

I zoomed across the massive battlefield with the crimson flag of my enemies held above my tank. I had double speed equipped and was steady approaching our flag zone. But as I neared the final stretch I was struck by a torrent of bullets that seemed never to cease and my tank veered off coarse. The weapon was tearing me apart and I knew I wouldn't make it to our flag in time. I took one final glance at my assailant; an M2 Vulcan mounted on the towering Dictator M2. 

 

Vulcan M2 is currently my primary weapon and has been since ranking up to Second Lieutenant. I have lots of experience using Dictator with Vulcan so I hope this kit review proves to be beneficial to you. 

 

 

Vulcan M2

 

Pros:

• Unlimited firing 
• Unlocked at a low rank
• Capable of taking down an M1 Dictator in its clip
• Good damage at medium ranges
• One of the cheapest M2s
• Not many tankers have protection modules against it
• Knock-back force capable of flipping hornets and wasps if timed correctly
• Excellent accuracy and auto aim

​Cons:

• Considerably less damage at farther distances 
• Draws a lot of attention to yourself 
• The rotation speed slows greatly when firing
• Barrels take time to start spinning, thus having a delayed reaction time
• Performs poorly at close ranges
• Self heating when firing for too long can cause you to severely damage or even destroy your tank

Vulcan is in my opinion, the most underrated turret in the game. The pros outweigh the cons and this turret ends up being extremely over powered. Vulcan works best with heavy hulls do to the self damage over time.

 

This kit comes with the beloved dictator M2, the tallest hull in the game. The health at M2 is decent but not great (equivalent to the lighter viking M2). The height paired with Vulcan gives it a slightly better angle of fire but also makes you an easier target. Dictator is probably the most conspicuous of hulls, and paired with Vulcan makes it really stand out in battles and easily noticed by the enemy. For these reasons, Dictator may not be the best of hulls to pair with Vulcan. 

 

The paint that this kit comes with resembles the scales of an python with aesthetically pleasing patterns along it.

 

The protection module however, is slightly disappointing. It's protection against freeze and shaft is not very useful due to the fact that they are one of the least common turrets in the game. 

 

Ratings:

Vulcan M2- 8.5/10

Dictator M2- 6/10

Python paint- 9/10

Protection module- 3/10

Overall summary and rating:

This kit is unlocked at a low rank and comes with a strong turret and hull, a nice paint, and a poor protection module. The combo is fair though has some minor issues due to its size and height. With all these factors accounted for, my final rating of this kit is a respectable 7/10.

 

Consolation prizes of 5,000 crystals (in no particular order):

@jwimmer2 - entry (if the link doesn't work: post #46 on the 3rd page)

@FaceOfEvil - entry (if the link doesn't work: post #79 on the 4th page)

@sre123 - entry (if the link doesn't work: post #71 on the 4th page)

@AlexanderCrete - entry (if the link doesn't work: post #89 on the 5th page)

 

 

Congratulations to the winners, and a very well done to all the entrants for writing engaging and informative pieces! Prizes will be given out on Monday 10th October. As previously mentioned, we hope to make a return with the next instalment of the Handbook next Issue. Until then, make sure you read our other exciting content!

 

[Ninja 10,468]

Congratulations to the winners, I expected this with the midrankers series becoming irrelevant. :(

[zaydie_boy2000 20]

When can we expect to see the crystals for the contest prize appear on our accounts?

Thanks, Zaydie_boy2000

[Viking4s 10,791]

Congratulation to all the winner, and they were lost of good entries.

Thank you for picking my entry, really appreciated.

[zaydie_boy2000 20]

Congratulation to all the winner, and they were lost of good entries.

Thank you for picking my entry, really appreciated.

Have you received the crystals yet?

[Flexoo 6,980]

Prizes will be distributed on Monday.

[Viking4s 10,791]

Have you received the crystals yet?

Don't be too hasty, this process takes some times. You only need them for the next sale anyway. ;)

[sre123 595]

Yaay!! I got Conso!! Thanks a lot!! :) :D