The Great SAMAS debate

[Jefram_denkar]

What is your favorite SAMAS and why???

What do you love (and hate) about one of Rift's iconic power armors?

[Josh Sinsapaugh]

FQ Violator, it's just plain, unaldutered, bad ass - both in appearance and function.

I generally like the SAMAS, my only complaint about the armor being that it's just so damn prolific. I guess it makes sense though as every last one on that list - short of the Silver Eagle and Golden Eagle - are based off the USA Samas in one way or another.

~ Josh

[rat_bastard]

Wild weasel, what good is your radio when no body can hear you? what good are your missiles when I can turn them away? what good is radio when I make you blind?

Violator wins many bad-ass points but the Wild weasel owns high tech combat.

[Wildfire]

Violator, 1 cause I am Canadian
2 Cause it just looks so damn nasty and bad ass

[rat_bastard]

my Dislike of most samus is the lack of their full potential, most don't have multi-optics, laser designators or worthwhile secondary weapons. I do like nearly everything else about them.

however it bugs me how willing people in samas are to strap tons of mini missiles to their vital components, its just begging a laser sniper to take your wing off by targeting the mini missle presents that you where so kind to offer him as a target. Just food for thought for you special forces samas lovers.

[Kagashi]

Went with the Super. First off...I like all on that list for various reasons, however here is my reasoning:

Unless you are Coalition, youll get killed for having any of them anyway, so Im assuming im a CS affiliated pilot from this point on. That being said, the Republican, NEMA, and Japanese variants might be cool, but since they would be comparitiavly rare in 109 PA in North America, I ruled them out due to logistics of getting them fixed and general maintenance.

THen I looked at how much they can dish out and how much they can take. That rules out the Smiling Jack, Old style/Pale Death, and Bandito arms versions due to light armor compared to 109 PA level tech. (gotta be honest, dont know much of the War Cheif...so I ruled it out as well).

So that leaves me with the Striker, Violator, Super. In terms of dishing out damage, the Striker wins hands down...but that power only lasts for a few melee rounds then you are left with just your Partical Beam Rifle with a fininte amount of ammo. The Violator's main gun sucks, although the unlimited payload is nice.

Then...I am left with the Super SAMAS...lots of MDC...high altitude (for a power armor)...unlimited payload energy weapons...mass damage with grenades...forearm claws for close combat...

Seems to check all the boxes that are important, even though other units may excel in performance in certian aspects, they lack signifigantly in basic categories. For example, the Silver Eagle may be all glittery, but its weapons pretty much suck.

The only real gripe I have is the lack of emphasis on Electronic Warfare in Rifts (but thats a gripe with an emphasis of the game, not specific units). If the Super Samas had the ECM pods that the Wild Weasle has, that would make it the ultimate power armor. Id like to think that all the SAMAS units have some jamming capabilities of some kind. At the very least RWR gear for threat warning. Granted the WW is built specifically for Electronic Warfare, but to my recolection, its the only in-print reference to Electronic Warfare (the other being the OOP recce jet in the old Robotech RPG).

[Josh Sinsapaugh]

my Dislike of most samus is the lack of their full potential, most don't have multi-optics, laser designators or worthwhile secondary weapons. I do like nearly everything else about them.

however it bugs me how willing people in samas are to strap tons of mini missiles to their vital components, its just begging a laser sniper to take your wing off by targeting the mini missle presents that you where so kind to offer him as a target. Just food for thought for you special forces samas lovers.

If the missile is not armed, it will not explode.

At least that is what a bunch of people here told me once upon a time.

~ Josh

[Blight]

and they where right.

[Josh Sinsapaugh]

and they where right.

Good to know.

~ Josh

[Dustin Fireblade]

my Dislike of most samus is the lack of their full potential, most don't have multi-optics, laser designators or worthwhile secondary weapons. I do like nearly everything else about them.

I'm pretty sure all SAMAS have multi-optics, which any enterprising pilot can use to designate targets.

Secondary weapons I tend to somewhat agree. The newer CS versions are ok. The old style I just move the mini's to the wings and add a wrist mounted weapon system like the CAJ5 that the CS Juicers use.

[rat_bastard]

my Dislike of most samus is the lack of their full potential, most don't have multi-optics, laser designators or worthwhile secondary weapons. I do like nearly everything else about them.

I'm pretty sure all SAMAS have multi-optics, which any enterprising pilot can use to designate targets.

Secondary weapons I tend to somewhat agree. The newer CS versions are ok. The old style I just move the mini's to the wings and add a wrist mounted weapon system like the CAJ5 that the CS Juicers use.

the only Samas with a designating laser is the Wild weasel and the rue samas do not have multi-optics, but the CWM ones do...

[Dustin Fireblade]

the only Samas with a designating laser is the Wild weasel and the rue samas do not have multi-optics, but the CWM ones do...

The SAMAS has radar, a targeting computer and a combat computer - so there's no reason it can't upload targeting information via it's radio.

I did note that RUE says "standard" for sensors but I see no reason to change 17 years of playing it with superior optics. Beside's CS tech is higher than anyone else's on NA, so their "standard" should be better than NG or Chipwell.

[dark brandon]

old style. Dreads > ALL

[rat_bastard]

the only Samas with a designating laser is the Wild weasel and the rue samas do not have multi-optics, but the CWM ones do...

The SAMAS has radar, a targeting computer and a combat computer - so there's no reason it can't upload targeting information via it's radio.

I did note that RUE says "standard" for sensors but I see no reason to change 17 years of playing it with superior optics. Beside's CS tech is higher than anyone else's on NA, so their "standard" should be better than NG or Chipwell.

and you can use a wrench like a hammer but a hammer is still a better choice.

[rat_bastard]

I can't decide. They're all pretty good.


And while we're discussing the SAMAS, here's a fun little thought experiment for ya. What will the CS reaction be if contact is established with Japan and they see the Samurai SAMAS?

nearly identical to their deal with corboda, they would say nice things about them but nothing would get done.

[Dustin Fireblade]

the only Samas with a designating laser is the Wild weasel and the rue samas do not have multi-optics, but the CWM ones do...

The SAMAS has radar, a targeting computer and a combat computer - so there's no reason it can't upload targeting information via it's radio.

I did note that RUE says "standard" for sensors but I see no reason to change 17 years of playing it with superior optics. Beside's CS tech is higher than anyone else's on NA, so their "standard" should be better than NG or Chipwell.

and you can use a wrench like a hammer but a hammer is still a better choice.

Well if a soldier today on the ground can call in artillery or air strikes with far less capabilities than the SAMAS offer's its pilots, then the SAMAS can sure as heck help its pilot call in a strike.

[rat_bastard]

the only Samas with a designating laser is the Wild weasel and the rue samas do not have multi-optics, but the CWM ones do...

The SAMAS has radar, a targeting computer and a combat computer - so there's no reason it can't upload targeting information via it's radio.

I did note that RUE says "standard" for sensors but I see no reason to change 17 years of playing it with superior optics. Beside's CS tech is higher than anyone else's on NA, so their "standard" should be better than NG or Chipwell.

and you can use a wrench like a hammer but a hammer is still a better choice.

Well if a soldier today on the ground can call in artillery or air strikes with far less capabilities than the SAMAS offer's its pilots, then the SAMAS can sure as heck help its pilot call in a strike.

there is little doubt that a power armor can use its basic sensors to call in air strikes, but a laser designator is really way more accurate. A standard Laser designator would really up the Samas's appeal for me.

[Dustin Fireblade]

there is little doubt that a power armor can use its basic sensors to call in air strikes, but a laser designator is really way more accurate. A standard Laser designator would really up the Samas's appeal for me.

What would be wrong with the standard laser targeting?

[rat_bastard]

there is little doubt that a power armor can use its basic sensors to call in air strikes, but a laser designator is really way more accurate. A standard Laser designator would really up the Samas's appeal for me.

What would be wrong with the standard laser targeting?

its laser targeting, its not a designator. its for the guns and the dumb missiles.

[Dustin Fireblade]

there is little doubt that a power armor can use its basic sensors to call in air strikes, but a laser designator is really way more accurate. A standard Laser designator would really up the Samas's appeal for me.

What would be wrong with the standard laser targeting?

its laser targeting, its not a designator. its for the guns and the dumb missiles.

I don't see where it would make much difference but I guess its a moot point - we've already established that it can use its sensors to call in air strikes. I would give it the standard SAMAS targeting bonus to do so and I would guess that you wouldn't?

[AdmTolval]

I like most of the SAMAS designs. The old-style was my favorite until I saw the Golden Eagle style. I love it just because of its looks.

[Lord_Dalgard]

Chello!

Old Style all the way...the main reason most of my CS PCs these days are ISS.

Tony

[Jefffar]

The laser targeting system would provide an accurate location of where the target is at the momment hte laser targeting system "pinged" the target, allowing for very accurate indirect fire from supporting units.

A laser designaion system would "paint" the target with a laser that the incoming shell/missile could detect and home in on for pinpoint accuracy.


Incidently, as for the poll - I'd take SPAAG/SAM vehicle and knock y'all out o' my sky.

[Jefffar]

It's in New West.

The Wild Weasel is definitely an interesting PA, but its a support PA rather than a combatant. It needs to fly with a platoon of more combat oriented SAMs for it's own protection and to have the best effect. The WW blinds and mutes the enemy while the combatants go for the kill.

If I was looking at a 1 on 1 duel, it wouldn't be the mount I'd choose.

[sHaka]

Old skool death's head all the way for me.

[The Galactus Kid]

I personally like the V-sam, but I get rid of the penalties for activating its main weapon. I think thats just silly, but it does go along with the nerfing the rest of that book received.

[bigbobsr6000]

"Grinning Demon" Super SAMAS - The name says it all.

I choose this one because "The name says it all."

Big Bob................................

[Jefram_denkar]

I will confess a love for the Violator SAMAS.

Out of all of them I find it just has the best mix of abilities. This of course dose not count the fact the vibro blade wings are just plain fun.

[Nxla666]

Striker, nothing says "Good bye *****!" like a volley of AP missiles.

[The Galactus Kid]

Does anyone else dislike the weapon penalties for the V-sma as much as I do, or am I alone on this?

[Dustin Fireblade]

Does anyone else dislike the weapon penalties for the V-sma as much as I do, or am I alone on this?

I thought it was silly.

[Jefram_denkar]

Does anyone else dislike the weapon penalties for the V-sma as much as I do, or am I alone on this?

I agree it is a pain but considering the fact that it only applies when it is running off the suit power supply. Use of an E-clip or better yet a NG power pack is a good temp fix to the problem.

It is a design flaw and one I think was set out for an attempt at game balance. Of course I imagine any operator worth his salt could fix the problem.

[The Galactus Kid]

Yeah, I can see that. As I've mentioned before, though, I feel that the entire book was nerfed for some reason or another. The shake and bake railgun was another example of this.

[rat_bastard]

Yeah, I can see that. As I've mentioned before, though, I feel that the entire book was nerfed for some reason or another. The shake and bake railgun was another example of this.

I do like the theme of fighting with the army you have instead the army they would have with another year or two of R&D.

[Aramel]

i am for the super samas all the way... you cant beat it for speed and armor, not to mention it has integrated weapons that outclass most others. on top of all of that you have a very wide choice of hand weapons to choose from... not just the standard samas rail gun.

as for the golden eagle samas what book is that in and what page... i would love to take a look at one.

[Nxla666]

i am for the super samas all the way... you cant beat it for speed and armor, not to mention it has integrated weapons that outclass most others. on top of all of that you have a very wide choice of hand weapons to choose from... not just the standard samas rail gun.

as for the golden eagle samas what book is that in and what page... i would love to take a look at one.

SB 1 revised pg. 131, its a Republican PA.

[Aramel]

and which one is SB 1 ?

[Nxla666]

Source Book 1 revised.

Sorry, got used to abbreviating the books.

[Aramel]

thank you

[Aramel]

thank you

[Jefram_denkar]

My vote goes for the Super Samas, but I have one question.

It says the greandade launchers on teh arms of the SS can fire up to 8 grenades, is there anything in canon that says I can't fire both arms at the same time for a volley of 16 b/c when it mentions rate of fire it mentioning it for firing one launcher.

I know of the -2 penalty for one arm and -6 for the other............but anything else I should know of???

Thanks.

Sounds like you got it right.

[Lenwen]

The railgun, while standard on most, can be swapped out, and if switching to an energy variant, can be hooked into the power suppy for unlimited payload.

All said and done, SAMAS all around.

When players of mine hook thier energy weapons up to the suits power supply I always make them drain thier supply faster or have "bugs" going off in thier suits . To simulate any power dampening as per the weapons "unlimmited " shot payload . Sometimes they can only fly 75% thier overall speed , other times they start to overheat the suits ... I try to make it sorta realistic as it were .

I just wish they had a way to show that already printed in one of the books . I know it effectivly does become unlimited or well unlimited so until the PA ran outta juice .. ( lets face it not every suit out there is Brandspanking new an as such should be prone to SOME Problems by now ..)an whos to say exactly how many Energy weapon fireings it takes to start to effect the workings of the Nuclear reactor on thier backs lmao ..

Conversly I have a crush on the Super Samas .. I think it is pound for pound the most brutal the most powerful an the most diabolical P.A. in the CS arsenal..

-Lenwen.

[Jefffar]

They did something similar with the V-SAM stats in FQ


I've been working on a house rule system where the power plant provides only so many power points per melee - everything that draws power redices the available power points.

Most power plants don't provide enough power for full speed, full sensors and full weapons at once

[Lenwen]

Aye that was exactly what I was thinking when I impose those penalties on my players when they jack up thier weapons systems up to thier suits internal power supply ..


Thanks for the Clear up an I would absolutly love to see what you come up with personally for your house rules system my friend


-Lenwen.

[Lenwen]

Okay, I'm biased, I'm a Silver Eagle pilot.

But, I have another one I like, too. My group (bless their furry little souls) stole a CS Super SAMAS for me one game. They beefed up the armor, replaced the controls with the old-style NEMA system (you gotta love the Operator OCC), and added an ECM pod and the NEMA reflective coating. It totally rocks now and I've been known to decapitate nasties on my way through.

Aye that sounds badass !!! Dem duur Super Samas own if you ask me

[Dog_O_War]

The good ol' "death's Head" SAMAS. Iconic in look, it is the cheapest to get ahold of, which means simplicity in repair and replacement. Since the suits are easy to get, and dirt cheap in comparison to some of the others, you can have several SAMAS ready to go, each kitted and customed for a specialty job.

My second choice is the "Smiling Jack", then the "Wild Weasel". Form, then function for me in those cases (love the look of the Smiling Jack, and adore the ECM boxes the Wild Weasel has).

[Shadyslug]

What the heck is a Golden Eagle Samas?

[Dog_O_War]

I still say the Aran is the best.

Unfortunately that's a SAMUS model, not a SAMAS.

[Dustin Fireblade]

What the heck is a Golden Eagle Samas?

The newest model from the Republicans found in the new revised SB1.

[Dog_O_War]

I still say the Aran is the best.

Unfortunately that's a SAMUS model, not a SAMAS.

Pick, Pick, Pick. Still the coolest.

Undisputeable