Hangar's Armada/Energon Tag Team Tournament: Open!
Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:54 pm
With the Armada-&-Energon Singles Tournament beginning, this week is the launching date for the Armada-&-Energon Conference Tag Team Tournament! As usual, the Tag Team rounds will alternate weeks with the Singles Tournament. As with all previous tournaments, the rules are simple: the eight match-ups are provided, and you, the membership, get to vote for the winning team of each fight. Capsule profiles of each participating team are provided, and you pick who'd more realistically win their matches. (Important note: The key word is "realistically". Please be objective and without bias in choosing the winning participants in each match.) A victory in each hypothetical battle can be gained by forcing either member of the opposing team to surrender, or rendering them unable to continue after a 15-second down period. Outright destruction is not necessary to win, but a very likely possibility. And yes, it is possible for opponents of the same allegiance to fight each other.
In the event that the outcome of a fight's vote total is a tie, both combatants will be eliminated, allowing a bye for their would-be opponent into the next round. If the tournament final's vote becomes a tie, a re-vote will be opened; there must be a winner.
And now, here are the opening-round match-ups for the Armada & Energon Conference Tag Team Tournament:
Match 1: Hot Shot & Rodimus (Energon) vs. Bruticus Maximus & Constructicon Maximus (Energon)
Hot Shot & Rodimus (Autobot) – The rising lieutenant and the galaxy-exploring hero; a balanced blend of youth and experience. The maturing Hot Shot transforms into a streamlined sports car capable of blazing speeds; armed in both modes with a long-range hand-held missile launcher with radar targeting sights. Rodimus transforms into a rocket-powered long-nosed semi-truck; uses an Energon cannon as primary weapon. Duo can Powerlink (or combine) into a single robot, with either member forming the upper or lower body; in either combination, capable of greater speeds and enhanced strength. Both are brave and intelligent fighters with a good sense of teamwork, though Hot Shot may sometimes lapse into his old brash way of thinking.
Bruticus Maximus & Constructicon Maximus (Decepticon) – Ancient Combiner Guardians of Cybertron’s core-based Super Energon, now recruited into Megatron’s fold. Each has a unique method of Powerlinking in that each member separates into five separate transforming vehicular robots (though all five are governed by one mind), which can give them a numbers edge. Bruticus Maximus splits into five heavily-armed military vehicles: two helicopter gunships, two twin-cannon tanks, and an armored missile carrier. Constructicon Maximus divides into two cranes, two front-end payloaders, and a power shovel. Both have immense size, strength and endurance, though intelligence is about average.
Match 2: Scavenger & Smokescreen (Armada) vs. Battle Ravage & Divebomb (Energon)
Scavenger & Smokescreen (Autobot) – Heavy fighters with incredible strength, armor, and endurance; among the toughest of the Armada-era Autobots. Scavenger is an ancient combat trainer (who once instructed Optimus Prime) with vast knowledge of various fighting styles; transforms into a heavy-duty bulldozer. Mini-Con partner Rollbar (who transforms from robot to dune buggy) unlocks an energy blaster. Smokescreen is a direct hand-to-hand fighter with an instinct for anticipating an opponent’s next maneuvers; transforms into a long-armed crane equipped with a rear-mounted winch. Mini-Con partner Liftor (who transforms from robot to forklift) unlocks a missile launcher from Smokescreen’s crane assembly. Staggeringly strong and resistant to damage, but suffer from a lack of speed; Smokescreen may sometimes go into a fight without thinking things through first.
Battle Ravage & Divebomb (Decepticon) – Two of the ferocious Terrorcons built from within Unicron’s deactivated body; plenty of animal instinct and little emotion. Battle Ravage transforms into a jaguar capable of running fast speeds and leaping long distances; claws and teeth can pierce most armor. Equipped in both modes with a missile launcher and a mini-laser cannon; robot mode also uses a barbed mace. Divebomb transforms into a hawk with razor-edged wings that can cut through most metals. Capable of flight in both modes (though faster as a hawk); uses a pair of Energon swords as robot. While both have good energy efficiency, agility and speed, neither is very strong, and armor is very poor.
Match 3: Arcee & Skyblast (Energon) vs. Sharkticon & Slugslinger (Energon)
Arcee & Skyblast (Autobot) – Two of the Autobots’ Omnicon troops; one a long-time warrior and combat general, the other an Energon miner and processor. While small, both have great speed, sharp wits, and surprising firepower in proportion to their sizes. Arcee transforms into a stealth motorcycle armed with a missile launcher and an Energon cannon; in robot mode, these weapons combine to form a missile crossbow with targeting scope. Skyblast transforms into a jet fighter capable of adopting Energon wing shields and a main Energon cannon; in robot mode, these weapons combine to form a large Energon spear. While hard targets to hit due to their agility, they give away a lot of leverage due to their cruiserweight size.
Slugslinger & Sharkticon (Decepticon) – Lesser-known Decepticon aerial warriors packed with highly-damaging firepower. Troublemaking Slugslinger transforms to a double-cockpit jet fighter capable of traveling great speeds for long distances with little fatigue; armed with wing-edged blasters and a powerful central Energon cluster bomb launcher. Very strong in robot mode, with wing blasters on arms and bomb launcher on shoulder; an expert in gun slinging and firefights. Brutal Sharkticon transforms into a highly-maneuverable shark-shaped aerospace cruiser capable of reaching atmospheric altitudes in the sky, or heavy pressures in the depths of the ocean; bow section opens like jaws to crush targets. Uses an array of body-mounted dual blaster gun turrets and a pair of retractable missile launchers in both modes. Both are known to use the most gruesome methods imaginable to crush a target, but can focus too much on killing an opponent than winning a match.
Match 4: Bulkhead & Inferno (Energon) vs. Thrust & Sideways (Armada)
Bulkhead & Inferno (Autobot) – Not a regular team, but still effective on the battlefield. Experienced veteran Bulkhead transforms into a helicopter gunship with an attachable weapons module, multiplying his firepower. Robot mode is armed with missile launchers and a rotor blade, while weapons module transforms into a combat walker drone; can combine to form a Brute Mode. Inferno is a master sharpshooter and weapons expert with immense courage and strong belief in his cause. Transforms into a fire truck armed with a highly-accurate missile launcher. Bulkhead’s age is a wildcard, while Inferno’s selflessness may put himself in dangerous situations.
Thrust & Sideways (Decepticon/Unicron) – A former Decepticon lieutenant and strategist teams up with the feared agent of Unicron. Both are masters of psychology and manipulation, enhancing their already-formidable physical skills. Thrust transforms into a jet fighter with stealth and Vertical-Takeoff-&-Landing capabilities; Mini-Con partner Inferno (who transforms from robot to long-range missile carrier) unlocks two missile launchers in jet mode, and a rotating-shield Tornado attack in robot mode. The treacherous Sideways transforms and splits his body into a ninja-styled turbo-boosted motorcycle with a humanoid pilot; in robot mode, his pilot can switch between two differently-styled heads for the body. Armed with missile launchers; powers can be boosted due to limited connection with Unicron. Formidable abilities and Unicron allegiance can give them a false sense of invincibility; their arrogance can cause them to underestimate a foe.
Match 5: Cliffjumper & Downshift (Energon) vs. Starscream & Wheeljack (Armada)
Cliffjumper & Downshift (Autobot) – Two of the thrill-seeking members of Team Bulkhead. Cliffjumper is a risk-taking showoff; transforms into a dune buggy capable of fast speeds and maneuverability equal to that of a stunt driver to avoid enemy fire. Has great strength and amazing ability to absorb punishment in robot mode; uses two hand-held missile launchers. Downshift focuses more on speed than strategy or tactics; transforms into a low-slung sports car and uses a hand-held Energon rifle and a missile launcher. Both exhibit great endurance and courage, but can forget their strategy due to their eagerness to show off their abilities, making them vulnerable to a solid game plan and leaving them overmatched if on the defensive. Cliffjumper’s driving style can also wear himself out early in a battle.
Starscream & Wheeljack (Decepticon) – Two Decepticons with a history of switching sides in the Armada battles. Starscream is driven by a will to take Decepticon command; Wheeljack is a bitter fighter seeking vengeance on the Autobots, specifically Hot Shot. Starscream transforms into an advanced jet fighter, arguably the fastest flier of the Armada Decepticons; robot mode is a master swordsman. Mini-Con partner Swindle (who transforms from robot to race car) unlocks a pair of shoulder-mounted obliterator cannons. Wheeljack transforms into a race car with great speed and endurance; robot mode uses Energon batons that double as primitive blasters. Mini-Con partner Windsheer (who transforms from robot to stealth jet) unlocks a glide mode for Wheeljcak’s car mode. Starscream’s ego may cause him to overrate his skills; Wheeljack’s anger, though controlled, may blind him to clearer thought.
Match 6: Optimus Prime & Jetfire (Armada) vs. Shockblast & Sixshot (Energon)
Optimus Prime & Jetfire (Autobot) – The legendary Autobot Commander and the cocky daredevil Aerospace Lieutenant. Heroes with great power and talents, though with differing attitudes. Optimus transforms into a tractor trailer; robot mode uses a large laser cannon rifle and twin energy disruptor guns. Trailer opens up to form a multi-function combat station; can combine with robot to form a Super Mode with multiplied strength and firepower. Mini-Con partner Sparkplug (who transforms from robot to sports car) enhances Prime’s strength greater than the average Minicon. Jetfire transforms into a galactic space shuttle; robot mode uses a giant laser cannon rifle and a hand-held deflector shield. Mini-Con partner Comettor (who transforms from robot to moon rover) boosts the cannon’s firepower. Optimus’ regular robot mode and Jetfire can Powerlink to form a “Jet Optimus” combined robot mode, capable of flight and aerial maneuverability, in addition to strength and resistance to damage. Team exhibits few physical weaknesses; but Jetfire’s high confidence and daring can conflict with Optimus’ wisdom-through-experience mentality.
Shockblast & Sixshot (Decepticon) – Two of the most dangerous Decepticon criminal brothers in the Energon era. Shockblast is volatile, hot-tempered, and merciless, while younger brother Sixshot is reserved, sneaky and manipulative. Both hardened criminals will employ any tactic they can think of to win, bolstered by their physical strength, surprising speed for their sizes, and durability. Both have Triple-Changing capability, transforming to orbital weapons satellite and ground-assault maser cannon tank modes, with long-range particle blaster cannon as primary weapon (which become their right arms in robot mode). Their differing approaches to combat may confuse an enemy in mid-battle, or clash against each other and hinder their effectiveness; still, they care little for tactics and focus only on the main goal; winning.
Match 7: Landmine & Prowl (Energon) vs. Megatron & Tidal Wave (Armada)
Landmine & Prowl (Autobot) – Two members of Rodimus’ galactic crusaders team, and a combination of brute strength and speed. Landmine is one of the strongest of the Energon-era Autobots; transforms into a heavily-built construction vehicle with crane arm and front-end plow. Vehicle splits into robot mode and a personal weapons emplacement; can combine with the station to form a Brute Mode with increased arm and upper-body strength. Prowl transforms into a Formula 1-styled police cruiser, one of the fastest of the Autobots in this mode. Armed with a dual-setting Energon rifle that shoots energy bolts or restraining cables around its target. Meshing of abilities and long-term teamwork under Rodimus make them a well-rounded team, though partly hindered by Landmine’s average speed and Prowl’s inadequate armor and occasional doubts.
Megatron & Tidal Wave (Decepticon) – Size, power, weaponry, armor; these two both have it to frightening degrees. Megatron, the brutal Decepticon Leader, transforms into a heavily-armored H-styled battle tank; robot mode uses a side-slung rocket launcher and generates electrical blasts from horn-shaped antennae. Mini-Con partner Leader-1 (who triple-changes from robot to attack vehicle to handgun) unlocks more offensive weaponry in both modes. Tidal Wave, the largest of the Armada Decepticons, transforms into a giant aircraft carrier with almost indestructible armor, capable of traveling through aerospace and on water; also splits into three armored watercrafts (troop transport, aircraft carrier, and multi-gun warship) known as his “Dark Fleet” mode. Tidal Wave can split apart and Powerlink to Megatron as body armor, which enhances their physical strength and bolsters their combined firepower to greater degrees. Megatron is clearly the brains of the team; Tidal Wave’s intelligence is severely lacking. In combined mode, Megatron may be forced to strain his own limitations to access Tidal Wave’s full destructive potential.
Match 8: Blurr & Sideswipe (Armada) vs. Demolisher & Snowcat (Energon)
Blurr & Sideswipe (Autobot) – An unstable combination of the no-nonsense professional and the inexperienced rookie. The serious and highly intelligent Blurr has surprisingly great physical powers for his average size; great strength as robot, blinding speed as race car; uses two missile launchers in both modes. Mini-Con partner Incinerator (who transforms from robot to race car) unlocks a flight mode for Blurr’s car mode. Sideswipe transforms into a street racer; though with average physical abilities and good intelligence, has great courage and enthusiasm with great combat potential with a hand pistol and an Energon dagger. Mini-Con partner Nightbeat (who transforms from robot to motorcycle) unlocks a rear-mounted launcher in car mode. Clashing mentalities may hinder the team’s performance, with Blurr’s all-business mindset losing patient with Sideswipe’s efforts to keep up with him.
Demolisher & Snowcat (Decepticon) – The duo of Demolisher & Cyclonus from the Armada wars have been rebuilt with bodies, and Cyclonus given the new identity of Snowcat. Though power and weaponry are still impressive, mentally they are still less than adequate. Demolisher’s reformat has increased his strength and added a more savage, primitive streak; transforms into an armored dump truck. Uses a hidden ripple-fire Energon rocket launcher in both modes. Snowcat is also strong and wild with an audio-splitting yodel for a battle cry; transforms into a snow-traversing all-terrain vehicle. Uses a pair of reciprocating Energon missile launchers in both modes. Long friendship can lead to team continuity, but can be outsmarted easily.
To cast your vote for the winners in each fight, you can e-mail me at excellence-execution@excite.com, reply right here in this thread, or even let me know in a Chat or IM. In the rare moment that we might talk in person or on the phone, casted votes also count there. As usual, you cannot cast your vote for the same match(es) more than once (yeah, an anti-ballot box-stuffing measure).
Voting for this round will be open, until the deadline of Saturday, March 18, at 7pm Pacific Daylight Time. Next week, the results will be posted, along with the second-round matches for the Armada & Energon Conference Singles Tournament.
EDIT: Had to correct some mistakes. Begin voting!
Outtsyder
In the event that the outcome of a fight's vote total is a tie, both combatants will be eliminated, allowing a bye for their would-be opponent into the next round. If the tournament final's vote becomes a tie, a re-vote will be opened; there must be a winner.
And now, here are the opening-round match-ups for the Armada & Energon Conference Tag Team Tournament:
Match 1: Hot Shot & Rodimus (Energon) vs. Bruticus Maximus & Constructicon Maximus (Energon)
Hot Shot & Rodimus (Autobot) – The rising lieutenant and the galaxy-exploring hero; a balanced blend of youth and experience. The maturing Hot Shot transforms into a streamlined sports car capable of blazing speeds; armed in both modes with a long-range hand-held missile launcher with radar targeting sights. Rodimus transforms into a rocket-powered long-nosed semi-truck; uses an Energon cannon as primary weapon. Duo can Powerlink (or combine) into a single robot, with either member forming the upper or lower body; in either combination, capable of greater speeds and enhanced strength. Both are brave and intelligent fighters with a good sense of teamwork, though Hot Shot may sometimes lapse into his old brash way of thinking.
Bruticus Maximus & Constructicon Maximus (Decepticon) – Ancient Combiner Guardians of Cybertron’s core-based Super Energon, now recruited into Megatron’s fold. Each has a unique method of Powerlinking in that each member separates into five separate transforming vehicular robots (though all five are governed by one mind), which can give them a numbers edge. Bruticus Maximus splits into five heavily-armed military vehicles: two helicopter gunships, two twin-cannon tanks, and an armored missile carrier. Constructicon Maximus divides into two cranes, two front-end payloaders, and a power shovel. Both have immense size, strength and endurance, though intelligence is about average.
Match 2: Scavenger & Smokescreen (Armada) vs. Battle Ravage & Divebomb (Energon)
Scavenger & Smokescreen (Autobot) – Heavy fighters with incredible strength, armor, and endurance; among the toughest of the Armada-era Autobots. Scavenger is an ancient combat trainer (who once instructed Optimus Prime) with vast knowledge of various fighting styles; transforms into a heavy-duty bulldozer. Mini-Con partner Rollbar (who transforms from robot to dune buggy) unlocks an energy blaster. Smokescreen is a direct hand-to-hand fighter with an instinct for anticipating an opponent’s next maneuvers; transforms into a long-armed crane equipped with a rear-mounted winch. Mini-Con partner Liftor (who transforms from robot to forklift) unlocks a missile launcher from Smokescreen’s crane assembly. Staggeringly strong and resistant to damage, but suffer from a lack of speed; Smokescreen may sometimes go into a fight without thinking things through first.
Battle Ravage & Divebomb (Decepticon) – Two of the ferocious Terrorcons built from within Unicron’s deactivated body; plenty of animal instinct and little emotion. Battle Ravage transforms into a jaguar capable of running fast speeds and leaping long distances; claws and teeth can pierce most armor. Equipped in both modes with a missile launcher and a mini-laser cannon; robot mode also uses a barbed mace. Divebomb transforms into a hawk with razor-edged wings that can cut through most metals. Capable of flight in both modes (though faster as a hawk); uses a pair of Energon swords as robot. While both have good energy efficiency, agility and speed, neither is very strong, and armor is very poor.
Match 3: Arcee & Skyblast (Energon) vs. Sharkticon & Slugslinger (Energon)
Arcee & Skyblast (Autobot) – Two of the Autobots’ Omnicon troops; one a long-time warrior and combat general, the other an Energon miner and processor. While small, both have great speed, sharp wits, and surprising firepower in proportion to their sizes. Arcee transforms into a stealth motorcycle armed with a missile launcher and an Energon cannon; in robot mode, these weapons combine to form a missile crossbow with targeting scope. Skyblast transforms into a jet fighter capable of adopting Energon wing shields and a main Energon cannon; in robot mode, these weapons combine to form a large Energon spear. While hard targets to hit due to their agility, they give away a lot of leverage due to their cruiserweight size.
Slugslinger & Sharkticon (Decepticon) – Lesser-known Decepticon aerial warriors packed with highly-damaging firepower. Troublemaking Slugslinger transforms to a double-cockpit jet fighter capable of traveling great speeds for long distances with little fatigue; armed with wing-edged blasters and a powerful central Energon cluster bomb launcher. Very strong in robot mode, with wing blasters on arms and bomb launcher on shoulder; an expert in gun slinging and firefights. Brutal Sharkticon transforms into a highly-maneuverable shark-shaped aerospace cruiser capable of reaching atmospheric altitudes in the sky, or heavy pressures in the depths of the ocean; bow section opens like jaws to crush targets. Uses an array of body-mounted dual blaster gun turrets and a pair of retractable missile launchers in both modes. Both are known to use the most gruesome methods imaginable to crush a target, but can focus too much on killing an opponent than winning a match.
Match 4: Bulkhead & Inferno (Energon) vs. Thrust & Sideways (Armada)
Bulkhead & Inferno (Autobot) – Not a regular team, but still effective on the battlefield. Experienced veteran Bulkhead transforms into a helicopter gunship with an attachable weapons module, multiplying his firepower. Robot mode is armed with missile launchers and a rotor blade, while weapons module transforms into a combat walker drone; can combine to form a Brute Mode. Inferno is a master sharpshooter and weapons expert with immense courage and strong belief in his cause. Transforms into a fire truck armed with a highly-accurate missile launcher. Bulkhead’s age is a wildcard, while Inferno’s selflessness may put himself in dangerous situations.
Thrust & Sideways (Decepticon/Unicron) – A former Decepticon lieutenant and strategist teams up with the feared agent of Unicron. Both are masters of psychology and manipulation, enhancing their already-formidable physical skills. Thrust transforms into a jet fighter with stealth and Vertical-Takeoff-&-Landing capabilities; Mini-Con partner Inferno (who transforms from robot to long-range missile carrier) unlocks two missile launchers in jet mode, and a rotating-shield Tornado attack in robot mode. The treacherous Sideways transforms and splits his body into a ninja-styled turbo-boosted motorcycle with a humanoid pilot; in robot mode, his pilot can switch between two differently-styled heads for the body. Armed with missile launchers; powers can be boosted due to limited connection with Unicron. Formidable abilities and Unicron allegiance can give them a false sense of invincibility; their arrogance can cause them to underestimate a foe.
Match 5: Cliffjumper & Downshift (Energon) vs. Starscream & Wheeljack (Armada)
Cliffjumper & Downshift (Autobot) – Two of the thrill-seeking members of Team Bulkhead. Cliffjumper is a risk-taking showoff; transforms into a dune buggy capable of fast speeds and maneuverability equal to that of a stunt driver to avoid enemy fire. Has great strength and amazing ability to absorb punishment in robot mode; uses two hand-held missile launchers. Downshift focuses more on speed than strategy or tactics; transforms into a low-slung sports car and uses a hand-held Energon rifle and a missile launcher. Both exhibit great endurance and courage, but can forget their strategy due to their eagerness to show off their abilities, making them vulnerable to a solid game plan and leaving them overmatched if on the defensive. Cliffjumper’s driving style can also wear himself out early in a battle.
Starscream & Wheeljack (Decepticon) – Two Decepticons with a history of switching sides in the Armada battles. Starscream is driven by a will to take Decepticon command; Wheeljack is a bitter fighter seeking vengeance on the Autobots, specifically Hot Shot. Starscream transforms into an advanced jet fighter, arguably the fastest flier of the Armada Decepticons; robot mode is a master swordsman. Mini-Con partner Swindle (who transforms from robot to race car) unlocks a pair of shoulder-mounted obliterator cannons. Wheeljack transforms into a race car with great speed and endurance; robot mode uses Energon batons that double as primitive blasters. Mini-Con partner Windsheer (who transforms from robot to stealth jet) unlocks a glide mode for Wheeljcak’s car mode. Starscream’s ego may cause him to overrate his skills; Wheeljack’s anger, though controlled, may blind him to clearer thought.
Match 6: Optimus Prime & Jetfire (Armada) vs. Shockblast & Sixshot (Energon)
Optimus Prime & Jetfire (Autobot) – The legendary Autobot Commander and the cocky daredevil Aerospace Lieutenant. Heroes with great power and talents, though with differing attitudes. Optimus transforms into a tractor trailer; robot mode uses a large laser cannon rifle and twin energy disruptor guns. Trailer opens up to form a multi-function combat station; can combine with robot to form a Super Mode with multiplied strength and firepower. Mini-Con partner Sparkplug (who transforms from robot to sports car) enhances Prime’s strength greater than the average Minicon. Jetfire transforms into a galactic space shuttle; robot mode uses a giant laser cannon rifle and a hand-held deflector shield. Mini-Con partner Comettor (who transforms from robot to moon rover) boosts the cannon’s firepower. Optimus’ regular robot mode and Jetfire can Powerlink to form a “Jet Optimus” combined robot mode, capable of flight and aerial maneuverability, in addition to strength and resistance to damage. Team exhibits few physical weaknesses; but Jetfire’s high confidence and daring can conflict with Optimus’ wisdom-through-experience mentality.
Shockblast & Sixshot (Decepticon) – Two of the most dangerous Decepticon criminal brothers in the Energon era. Shockblast is volatile, hot-tempered, and merciless, while younger brother Sixshot is reserved, sneaky and manipulative. Both hardened criminals will employ any tactic they can think of to win, bolstered by their physical strength, surprising speed for their sizes, and durability. Both have Triple-Changing capability, transforming to orbital weapons satellite and ground-assault maser cannon tank modes, with long-range particle blaster cannon as primary weapon (which become their right arms in robot mode). Their differing approaches to combat may confuse an enemy in mid-battle, or clash against each other and hinder their effectiveness; still, they care little for tactics and focus only on the main goal; winning.
Match 7: Landmine & Prowl (Energon) vs. Megatron & Tidal Wave (Armada)
Landmine & Prowl (Autobot) – Two members of Rodimus’ galactic crusaders team, and a combination of brute strength and speed. Landmine is one of the strongest of the Energon-era Autobots; transforms into a heavily-built construction vehicle with crane arm and front-end plow. Vehicle splits into robot mode and a personal weapons emplacement; can combine with the station to form a Brute Mode with increased arm and upper-body strength. Prowl transforms into a Formula 1-styled police cruiser, one of the fastest of the Autobots in this mode. Armed with a dual-setting Energon rifle that shoots energy bolts or restraining cables around its target. Meshing of abilities and long-term teamwork under Rodimus make them a well-rounded team, though partly hindered by Landmine’s average speed and Prowl’s inadequate armor and occasional doubts.
Megatron & Tidal Wave (Decepticon) – Size, power, weaponry, armor; these two both have it to frightening degrees. Megatron, the brutal Decepticon Leader, transforms into a heavily-armored H-styled battle tank; robot mode uses a side-slung rocket launcher and generates electrical blasts from horn-shaped antennae. Mini-Con partner Leader-1 (who triple-changes from robot to attack vehicle to handgun) unlocks more offensive weaponry in both modes. Tidal Wave, the largest of the Armada Decepticons, transforms into a giant aircraft carrier with almost indestructible armor, capable of traveling through aerospace and on water; also splits into three armored watercrafts (troop transport, aircraft carrier, and multi-gun warship) known as his “Dark Fleet” mode. Tidal Wave can split apart and Powerlink to Megatron as body armor, which enhances their physical strength and bolsters their combined firepower to greater degrees. Megatron is clearly the brains of the team; Tidal Wave’s intelligence is severely lacking. In combined mode, Megatron may be forced to strain his own limitations to access Tidal Wave’s full destructive potential.
Match 8: Blurr & Sideswipe (Armada) vs. Demolisher & Snowcat (Energon)
Blurr & Sideswipe (Autobot) – An unstable combination of the no-nonsense professional and the inexperienced rookie. The serious and highly intelligent Blurr has surprisingly great physical powers for his average size; great strength as robot, blinding speed as race car; uses two missile launchers in both modes. Mini-Con partner Incinerator (who transforms from robot to race car) unlocks a flight mode for Blurr’s car mode. Sideswipe transforms into a street racer; though with average physical abilities and good intelligence, has great courage and enthusiasm with great combat potential with a hand pistol and an Energon dagger. Mini-Con partner Nightbeat (who transforms from robot to motorcycle) unlocks a rear-mounted launcher in car mode. Clashing mentalities may hinder the team’s performance, with Blurr’s all-business mindset losing patient with Sideswipe’s efforts to keep up with him.
Demolisher & Snowcat (Decepticon) – The duo of Demolisher & Cyclonus from the Armada wars have been rebuilt with bodies, and Cyclonus given the new identity of Snowcat. Though power and weaponry are still impressive, mentally they are still less than adequate. Demolisher’s reformat has increased his strength and added a more savage, primitive streak; transforms into an armored dump truck. Uses a hidden ripple-fire Energon rocket launcher in both modes. Snowcat is also strong and wild with an audio-splitting yodel for a battle cry; transforms into a snow-traversing all-terrain vehicle. Uses a pair of reciprocating Energon missile launchers in both modes. Long friendship can lead to team continuity, but can be outsmarted easily.
To cast your vote for the winners in each fight, you can e-mail me at excellence-execution@excite.com, reply right here in this thread, or even let me know in a Chat or IM. In the rare moment that we might talk in person or on the phone, casted votes also count there. As usual, you cannot cast your vote for the same match(es) more than once (yeah, an anti-ballot box-stuffing measure).
Voting for this round will be open, until the deadline of Saturday, March 18, at 7pm Pacific Daylight Time. Next week, the results will be posted, along with the second-round matches for the Armada & Energon Conference Singles Tournament.
EDIT: Had to correct some mistakes. Begin voting!
Outtsyder
