The EXP League

[steven_mcg]

Re: The EXP League

Cheers, lads! Now we can crack on with the penultimate round!

ROUND 4
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION
BLACKROSE Vs MR. T
BlackRose and Mr T spend much of the first half of this fight near the arena centre. Both have the same top Speed, but Martijn's high Manoeuverability is making it hard for Kody to show off his pushing power. Mr T manages to get in a couple attacks with the arm, but BlackRose's side-skirts prevent the flipper from causing any real worry. Growing frustrated with Mr T's antics, Kody sends BlackRose charging into the Pit Release. Martijn's machine follows and the two scuffle a while longer. At one point BlackRose manages to get Mr T trapped against the wall, quickly ploughing underneath and pushing it into Shunt's CPZ. Martijn manouevers back into the arena almost at once, but not without taking a skull-splitting blow from the House Robot's axe. Mr T remains slightly less on-the-ball for the rest of the fight, BlackRose managing to land a few more shoves as time goes on. Martijn, however, refuses to give up and manages to keep Mr T moving until the final whistle.
BLACKROSE: 1 pt
MR. T: 1 pt

HIT 'EM HARDER Vs THE SERVANT
All eyes are on the Pit Release this fight but the Servant, the quicker of the two, gets there first. Hit 'Em Harder shortly catches up and a tussle ensues. Both are evenly matched in Manoueverability, making it difficult for the bots to land any crucial blows. Even the Servant's greater Speed is being counteracted by Hit 'Em Harder's fewer (and bigger) wheels. Both machines land a few decent pushes, but no progress is made until the Servant manages to catch one of Hit 'Em Harder's side-spikes. The flipper fires, sending Lewis' axlebot tumbling across the floor. The Servant quickly charges it, slamming it into the arena wall and flipping it again. Hit 'Em Harder attempts an escape, only for the Servant to scoop it up from behind. Lewis uses his greater Traction to start pushing the Servant away but the flipper fires again before he can go too far. Another shove from Lian sees Hit 'Em Harder only a few feet away from the Pit. Lewis tries to get away, but one last charge and flip from the Servant has Hit 'Em Harder hit the bottom with a thud.
THE SERVANT: 3 pts
HIT 'EM HARDER: 0 pts

PENDULUM Vs THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT
Pendulum zooms forward, just as the Tunguska Project splits over the Flame Grill. The axe swings onto Project One's lid, causing some nasty scars and scrapes which delights Andy. For the first time in the division, Pendulum's weapon has a chance to do some serious damage. The clusterbots attempt to gang up on Pendulum with their combined Traction points, but the axlebot proves too slippery for them to keep a hold of. Pendulum is able to dodge the Projects' charges with relative ease and move just fast enough to keep the blows coming. As the battle wears on, the Tunguska Project's fires eventually go out. Both segments are charcoaled and dented, but still ticking away. At one point they manage to corner Pendulum and knock it towards Matilda's CPZ, but the axlebot is in and out before any serious harm can befall it. Pendulum continues to frustrate the Tunguska Project, landing several decent blows and rolling away before retribution can be dished out. Both Projects One and Two look very tired and battleworn by the end of the battle, but manage to survive just long enough to attain a draw.
PENDULUM: 1 pt
THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT: 1 pt

-------------------------------------------------

ROUND 4
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
EQUINOX Vs SUPER GORE SEPTUA
Equinox is off to a quick start, releasing the Pit and avoiding a squeeze from Super Gore. Kody's attempts to grapple the clamper are met with frustration as Equinox's superior Speed and Manoueverability mean it keeps dodging the claws. At one point Lewis manages to get under one of the claws and lifts it up, attempting a clamp. It's here Super Gore manages to take advantage by pushing back against Equinox with its superior Traction. Super Gore is shaken free and tries to scoop Equinox up in its arms before it can get away. The claws do no visible damage, but they do manage to get a quick hold of the clamper before a spin frees it completely. Super Gore stays in pursuit, but Equinox is proving too quick for Kody to pin down. Likewise, each time Equinox manages to get Super Gore in a compromising position, the Canadian's mighty tracks mean it can push the clamper aside or clamber back onto solid ground. Things stay close until Equinox manages to get under Super Gore's side. The forks snare Super Gore by the tracks and allow Lewis to carry and push the crusher around with more ease. Unfortunately for Lewis, however, Super Gore still puts up a fight and manages to hold on in there right up until the final whistle.
EQUINOX: 1 pt
SUPER GORE SEPTUA: 1 pt

MEATLOAF 2 Vs WEDGA: E.X.P.
Andy begins the battle with Wedga in passive mode, trying to ram Meatloaf into submission before any serious damage can be caused. Martijn, however, has other ideas. Meatloaf is able to dodge most of Wedga's charges and lands some spark-enhanced blows on its sides. This soon leaves its skirts looking rather a mess as Meatloaf persists in its attacks. Wedga tries to pin Meatloaf down, but the axlebot is just slightly too quick and nimble for Andy to catch it unawares. Soon the sparks fly again as Martijn lands some impressive blows on Wedga's sides. The flipper's Armour gradually gains more slices and dents as the battle wears on, but Andy perseveres. Once, near one of the walls, he manages to ram Meatloaf into the barrier and fire the flippers. Meatloaf, however, is thrown away to one side and once more starts running rings around Wedga. The constant barrage of barrel attacks soon leaves the flipper looking battered and worn, until one last blow near the end of the match disables the left-hand drive completely. Meatloaf twirls in triumph as Refboat counts out the crippled Wedga.
MEATLOAF 2: 3 pts
WEDGA: E.X.P: 0 pts

HEAD OVER HEELS Vs METALLIC DOOM
Metallic Doom immediately goes for the Pit Release, but Head Over Heels proves the quicker of the two and rams the walker into the Button itself. The flipper flicks Metallic Doom off the ground, but doesn't push it all the way over. Lian tries to bring the claws into play, but Joey is too quick for him. Head Over Heels gets under Metallic Doom again and shoves it straight into Sergeant Bash's CPZ. The House Robot lets loose a lick of flame, though it doesn't seem to bother either opponent much. Another ram from Head Over Heels knocks Metallic Doom aside, allowing it to scuttle back into the warzone. Head Over Heels is hot on its heels, however, and gives the shuffler another hard shunt. The two clash near the arena centre briefly, as Lian tries desperately to get a hold of Head Over Heels. No such luck, it seems, as Joey outmanouevers the walker and slides underneath for some more pushing fun. Metallic Doom is slammed into the bottom barrier, just a few feet away from the Pit Release, and scuttles away to get some distance. Head Over Heels catches up with a burst of speed and promptly sends Metallic Doom to its doom via the open Pit.
HEAD OVER HEELS: 3 pts
METALLIC DOOM: 0 pts

-------------------------------------------------

LIGHTWEIGHT STANDINGS (4/5):
1. THE SERVANT = 8 pts
2. BLACKROSE = 6 pts
3. MR. T = 5 pts
4. PENDULUM = 4 pts
=. THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT = 4 pts
5. HIT 'EM HARDER = 2 pts

HEAVYWEIGHT STANDINGS (4/5):
1. EQUINOX = 8 pts
=. HEAD OVER HEELS = 8 pts
3. MEATLOAF 2 = 7 pts
4. SUPER GORE SEPTUA = 3 pts
5. METALLIC DOOM = 2 pts
=. WEDGA: E.X.P. = 2 pts

-------------------------------------------------

ROUND 5 DRAW - FINAL ROUND
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION
BlackRose VS The Servant
Hit 'Em Harder VS The Tunguska Project
Pendulum VS Mr. T

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
Equinox VS Wedga: EXP
Meatloaf 2 VS Metallic Doom (tactics in)
Head Over Heels VS Super Gore Septua

The end is in sight, gentlemen. Seeing as it's the final round of the League, I think you've earned a little extra time for tactics and whatnot. How does Saturday/Sunday sound?

Thank you and good luck, y'all!

[kodster]

Re: The EXP League

BlackRose vs. The Servant

I beat him on ARC, but barely, so that means absolutely nothing. XD This, however, decides the LW winner of this tourney so I'm going to have to give it my all. I have to win, WIN.

Right. Wedge set-up again. We're as manoeuvrable, so we can get out of sticky situations just the same. The Servant can't beat me in a pushing match though, so if we deadlock, I can push him down the pit or something. He's faster, but if he can't put all that speed to the ground with low traction (and this doesn't exactly apply just to ARC, Marti :P ) then he's gonna be skidding a bit. I'll take advantage of that and try to get under his sides and push him down the pit. He can flip me over but I work the same inverted, just without the extra reinforcement of the sprung-down wedge underneath the hinged one in front. With all my skirting I should be able to stave off a lot of flips as well, anyway, and I can drive off his flipper if he simply wedges me, it looks flat enough.

tl;dr - get him down the pit, whether it's a deadlock push, or getting under the sides and throwing him down.

Super Gore Septua vs. Head Over Heels

Since I've no way to really win, I'm just going to have fun with this. Joey may not want to risk his position since he's tied for first, but I'm thinking I'd like to go after the house robots, and encourage Joey to join me if it's not too much to ask. If it is, attack them anyway.

Good luck Lian, happy poundings Joey, and Steve, I shall now sum up my feelings about this tournament in a quote from a dA flash clip you showed me:

Ooh, I feel so...TINGLY all ovah...YES!

Yes, it's been that good.

[death robotics]

Re: The EXP League

My tactics here is HOLD ON

When Black Rose comes out, hit the pit release, then leg it, just stay away from that pit, hang around that floor flipper
if he gets me on his wedge im 100% confident i can drive over the top of him, just keep away from that god forsaken
pit, if the opportunity presents itself get him down, get down more than me when i stick my Foo Fighters Greates Hits
CD in, just hold on till the end to win my 1st ever tournie

Good luck man

and the HW- open the pit and drive into it

[Guest]

Re: The EXP League

Hit 'em Hard vs. The Tunguska Project

Not sure what the ruling on clusterbots is here, can't remember, but it doesn't effect my tactics really, just focus on one and try to get it down the pit ASAP. If it's the 100% rule then try and do that without getting shoved in without the other one pushing me in........... Somehow meh, not too bothered about HeH here.

Equinox vs. Wedga EXP

Okay, this I'm more bothered about. This fight could decide whether I win over or tie with Head Over Heels, but if we both lose or tie it could give Meatloaf a chance to take the title. I'm playing to my strengths as much as possible - use my far superior manoeuvrability as much as I can and try and lift him up then clamp him before I take him to the pit. I want to dodge that flipper, but the remainder of the time stay towards the centre of the arena anyway. I can self-right, I just don't want to be OOTA'ed. Essentially it's my usual tactics, but I have a big advantage in manoeuvrability here that I'm playing to big time. If the clamp takes too long or is ineffective just rely on the forks and barbs like Panic Attack did and leave the clamp in the air so it doesn't get in the way.

Good luck Joey/Andy! and congrats Steve on this quick and fun little tourney

[andrewj]

Re: The EXP League

Pendulum vs. Mr. T

Well, we are fairly evenly matched... as with all the previous battles, I think Mr. T will have trouble lifting or pushing me anywhere. So I will use the usual tactics of thwacking it whenever possible, keeping out of trouble, and playing for another point.

Equinox vs. Wedga: EXP

Same tactics as usual - try and get under the skirts, push it towards the arena wall, and flip it out. Hopefully Equinox will struggle to get under my own skirts and...erm...drive down the pit or something.

Good luck guys, if you need it. :wink:

[joey_picus]

Re: The EXP League

Head Over Heels vs. Super Gore Septua: I'm afraid I can't risk my position Kody :P sorry...tactics will be to go for the pit release button, and then go for the sides or rear of Super Gore and pit it as efficiently and with as little risk to HOH as possible - if it gets me from the front, which is unlikely, I think its claws will just slide up the bodywork of Head Over Heels due to the angling. If Super Gore is in a CPZ or attacking a house robot that might get me I will wait for it when it comes out but try not to endanger myself in the process. If I get the chance I will flip SGS prior to pitting it as that complicates things less.
And then secretly cheer Wedga: EXP on...

That's all, best of luck to Kody and everyone else

Hit 'em Harder vs. The Tunguska Project:The Tunguska Project will, as its fight matters not in the overall standings, have the entire internals of the robot sprayed with and packed with petrol and paraffin in addition to the external armour. They will enter the arena separately this time and not go for the flames deliberately but will attack as normal; all the genuinely expensive components have been removed so we'll see if we can pit HEH before it can blow either or both clusterbots up ;P

Good luck Lewis

Many thanks to Steve as well for what has been an enjoyable tourney, give yourself a pat on the back and count me in any future editions.

[kodster]

Re: The EXP League

SGS - drive down the pit then :sad:

[steven_mcg]

Re: The EXP League

Thanks, guys, and with Martijn's tactics in via MSN, methinks it's time to end this madness once and for all. :P

ROUND 5 - FINAL ROUND
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION
BLACKROSE Vs THE SERVANT
Both robots immediately head for the Pit Release, but the Servant makes it there first. The Pit descends, just as BlackRose rams the Servant and tries to push it in. The Servant speeds away, however, and Kody is forced to follow him up to the Floor Flipper. The bots dance for several tense moments, their equal Manoueverability making it hard for them to attack each other. The Servant's greater Speed gives it an edge, but its lower Traction allows BlackRose to clip it a few times itself. Eventually the Servant slips a little too much, allowing BlackRose to get in a broadside attack. Kody rams the flipper straight into Matilda's CPZ and quickly backs off. Luckily for Lian, the Servant is quick enough to escape without damage and the dance continues. Soon its Lian's turn to get a blow in, as he clips BlackRose's side. The Servant scrapes under the skirts and manages to roll the rammer over. Kody doesn't seem to mind, however, and gets right back on the offensive. Things don't liven up until nearer the end when BlackRose manages another side-attack and slams the Servant into the western wall. Kody gets a couple good blows in, but the Servant speeds away before more can be dealt. Following another close-quarters tussle and a smack from BlackRose, the fight draws to a close.
BLACKROSE: 1 pt
THE SERVANT: 1 pt

HIT 'EM HARDER Vs THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT
The petrol-soaked Tunguksa Project surprises everyone by avoiding the Flame Grill for a change and attacks its final opponent head-on. Hit 'Em Harder ignores them for now and releases the Pit. The Twins close in but Hit 'Em Harder's superior Manoueverability lets Lewis dodge them with relative ease. The three robots play dodgems for a while, staying in close quarters and trying to push each other around. It's not too long, however, before Hit 'Em Harder gets under Project Two and pushes it into the nearest wall. Project One follows to save its twin, but isn't powerful enough to bother Hit 'Em Harder. Keen for a pretty lights show, Lewis then shunts Project Two into Sergeant Bash's CPZ and runs away. The House Robot sprays the little bot with fire, turning Project Two into toasted cheese. Undeterred, the blazing Project Two goes kamikaze and charges straight at Hit 'Em Harder, currently running rings around its twin. Not keen on catching fire himself, Lewis does his best to avoid Project Two and shortly gets under Project One. Hit 'Em Harder puts on a burst of speed and before Project Two can touch it, Project One is sent tumbling into the Pit. Its tournament over, Project Two gives Hit 'Em Harder one last mighty punch in vengeance, causing a small fireworks display on the burning cluster's Armour. Refbot, for everyone's sake, pushes Project Two into the Pit as well and douses the twins in foam.
HIT 'EM HARDER: 3 pts
THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT: 0 pts

PENDULUM Vs MR. T
Both robots spend most of this final Lightweights fight spinning and skidding around the arena like a ninja ice show. Both are, of course, equally quick and highly manoueverable, but while Mr T has the higher points in that department, Pendulum's shape makes it very difficult for Martijn to get a hold of. Each time Mr T gets a flip in, Pendulum simply tumbles to one side and rolls off to safety before coming in for an attack of its own. Fortunately for Martijn, Mr T's high Manoueverability means it is able to get some good blows on Pendulum and flip it around a few times. Pendulum, meanwhile, compensates for its inability to damage Mr T by flailing around and landing some cosmetic damage. The battle continues much this way until the end, when the two robots' tussle eventually leads them to the top end of the arena. Mr T manages to land another flip on Pendulum, which sends the axlebot tumble into Dead Metal's open arms. The House Robot instantly graps hold and starts sawing into one of those giant wheels. Andy, however, uses the wheels to his advantage by clambering over Dead Metal's claws and back into the arena at large. The two robots spin madly again for a few seconds, Mr T getting one last flip in before time runs out.
PENDULUM: 1 pt
MR. T: 1 pt

-------------------------------------------------

ROUND 5 - FINAL ROUND
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
EQUINOX Vs WEDGA: E.X.P.
The fight begins with a clash in the arena centre. Wedga tries to get under Equinox's side for a flip, but Andy finds it hard with only half of the clamper's Manoueverability. Lewis, meanwhile, is finding it hard to bring his lifting forks into play. Wedga's skirts are managing to keep Equinox at bay, at least for now, and he can't find the right time to bring the clamping arm into play. Soon Wedga back off, trying to coax Equinox closer to the arena walls. Lewis does the opposite and charges off to release the Pit. Both bots soon meet back in the arena centre, where another close-quarters clash ensues. This time Equinox manages to scrape under the skirts and start lifting Wedga's front off the ground. Andy counteracts by firing the flipper, managing to rock himself off the forks and back into action. Wedga clips Equinox and tries an offensive flip, but misses. Equinox spins and gives Wedga a shunt, but Andy jerks away before the forks can come back into action again. Time is ticking down and Lewis is anxious to end things quickly. Going all out, he soon makes himself an opening and gets back under one of the side-skirts. The forks go up and Wedga goes over, rolling onto its back. Equinox barely has time to start pushing it to the Pit, however, when Andy self-rights and the dance-off continues until Lewis closes the fight with one last ram on Wedga.
EQUINOX: 1 pt
WEDGA: E.X.P: 1 pt

MEATLOAF 2 Vs METALLIC DOOM
The two most dangerous robots in the contest meet in the arena centre. Meatloaf's high Speed and Manoeuverability give it an early edge, dodging Metallic Doom's claws and striking some good blows. Metallic Doom attempts to grab hold of Meatloaf, but Martijn's machine proves too nimble. Meatloaf continues attacking, even landing a couple blows on the claws themselves. Metallic Doom is starting to show signs of damage, but Lian isn't out of it yet. The shuffler backs off, reversing into the Pit Release. Meatloaf follows, dodges the claws and lands a side-blow just as Metallic Doom turns. Lian perseveres and charges, almost snagging Meatloaf in its cluctches, but the axlebot once more proves too quick, reversing towards Sergeant Bash's CPZ and darting away back to the arena centre. The fight continues as before, with Meatloaf dancing around Metallic Doom and raining down blows. Soon the shell begins to look battered and one of the claws appears bent a bit. Metallic Doom continues to fight on, though getting slower as the fight wears on. Despite Lian's best efforts, he can't catch up with Meatloaf, who continues to smack Metallic Doom until the shuffling feet come to a halt.
MEATLOAF 2: 3 pts
METALLIC DOOM: 0 pts

HEAD OVER HEELS Vs SUPER GORE SEPTUA
Knowing he's out of the running for the title and that it's the last fight of the League, Kody decides to have some fun. He ignores Head Over Heels at the start, instead deciding to attack Matilda. The House Robot tries to pay out Super Gore, but the tracked bot has already started sinking its claws into her side. Head Over Heels, after releasing the Pit, gets fed up with being ignored and attacks, forcing Super Gore to let go and return to the arena. Poor 'Tildy is left with two great puncture marks and a possible puncture on her wheel, as Head Over Heels and Super Gore clash near the Floor Flipper. Both are equally powerful and nimble, but Joey's Speed advantage is giving him the edge. Getting around to Super Gore's side, Head Over Heels starts pushing the crusher all over the arena. Super Gore soon manages to get its claws around Head Over Heels, but Joey just quickly backs off before it can become ensnared. Super Gore eventually finds itself being pushed towards the Pit, but a neat twirl manages to get it out of harm's way...and straight into Sergeant Bash's side. Super Gore sinks its teeth into the House Robot's wheel, while Head Over Heels decides to join in the fun and throw the Sergeant over completely! His grip released, Kody backs off into the arena, but not quickly enough. One last shove sees Head Over Heels back in control and Super Gore in the Pit a few seconds later.
HEAD OVER HEELS: 3 pts
SUPER GORE SEPTUA: 0 pts

-------------------------------------------------

FINAL LIGHTWEIGHT STANDINGS (5/5):
1. THE SERVANT = 9 pts
2. BLACKROSE = 7 pts
3. MR. T = 6 pts
4. HIT 'EM HARDER = 5 pts
=. PENDULUM = 5 pts
6. THE TUNGUSKA PROJECT = 4 pts

E.X.P. LEAGUE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION:
THE SERVANT (LIAN WALSH)

FINAL HEAVYWEIGHT STANDINGS (5/5):
1. HEAD OVER HEELS = 11 pts
2. MEATLOAF 2 = 10 pts
3. EQUINOX = 9 pts
4. SUPER GORE SEPTUA = 3 pts
=. WEDGA: E.X.P. = 3 pts
6. METALLIC DOOM = 2 pts

E.X.P. LEAGUE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION:
HEAD OVER HEELS (JOEY MCCONNELL)

And so we have our winners! Congratulations to Lian and Joey for their very impressive victories, kudos to the runners-up for their lovely silver and bronze medals, and a great big bravo to the others who gave us such a good show.

Well, I don't mind telling you guys I had a lot of fun writing this 'experimental' tournament. It was interesting working with a brand new stat system and it felt great being able to post up more fights more often. Most importantly, you guys seemed to be really enjoying yourselves, which is what I really wanted to achieve with this little league.

I'll still be chugging along with the Vapourbot Grand Prix (Monaco GP up soon, promise! ), but I think I'd definately like to do some more contests like this one. The real question is: do you guys want to do some more contests like this one? This was a 'trial' tourny after all, so post up your thoughts, advice, budgerigars etc and tell me what you thought of it all.

Well, I think that's everything for now. Thank you and good afternoon.

[death robotics]

Re: The EXP League

WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO

I finally won something, what a great send off for the Servant, well done Kody for a hard
fought battle and major thanks (And kudos) To Steven for this awesome tournie

*Goes for a celebratory orange juice*

[kodster]

Re: The EXP League



Well done to Lian, and to Joey, and of course to Steven for an incredibly well-written league. Yay silver!

mostly though

[joey_picus]

Re: The EXP League

...it happened...this made my day really, I've had a fantastic time at Barnsley and it all working out in this is the icing on the metaphorical cake ^___^ w00t!

Sorry to Kody for dumping down Super Gore Septua ;P and commiserations to everyone else, and congrats to Lian on the lightweight title too. Head Over Heels will definitely be back so consider me already signed up for a place in the next one, if it happens, Steve, it's been brilliant and I've very much enjoyed it.

[Guest]

Re: The EXP League

aw Equinox

oh well, 3rd ain't bad! excellent writing Steven, and congrats to Lian and Joey for the wins. I'll definitely be back for another of these tournaments, I reckon they could be the future of FanFic!

[andrewj]

Re: The EXP League

Well done to Lian and Joey for their wins!

This was a refreshingly different and enjoyable tournament, which was well-run and good fun.

Perhaps ARC could learn a thing or two from reading this... [/cheapshot]

My own experiments didn't work so well - Pendulum, although undefeated, couldn't rack up enough points to challenge for the title, which is what I wanted to find out, and Wedga: EXP, despite having the hugely powerful flipper and quite a bit of traction, couldn't do what so many others did in the Series 7 arena and flip an opponent out of it, which was a bit disappointing, but lessons have been learnt.

Depending on the timing, I might have to sit the next one out due to my ever-increasing workload, but I hope that this style of tournament continues.

Nice job, Mr. McG!