So we had a much better turnout last week, perhaps due to a number of fan favourite maps being played, or the fact that this week featured a key battle which could have had a significant effect on the course of the campaign. Additionally there were a number of new faces due to fresh players signing up to participate, so numerous factors are at play here. Either way this resulted in one of the most exciting rounds of the campaign so far, so more of the same please.
ROUND 1: LOK WASTELANDS
Following a surprise defeat on Lok, the Empire re-consolidated its forces and mounted a counter attack on this backwater world. Supply lines held this time, so with both forces being fairly evenly matched, it would be a matter of whoever deployed the superior tactics on the day would win the battle. Key installations in the region were captured, lost and recaptured again as the battle progressed pitting the swift heavily armoured but comparatively short range Rebel T1-Bs against the Imperial's heavier longer ranged Firehawke main battle tanks. The combination of these with further fire support from AT-ST Walkers looked to shift the advantage in the Empire's favour, but good use of infantry in the compounds in the area supporting the Rebel armour with anti-tank weapons managed to turn the tide, and once again the Empire found themselves driven from the planet.
ROUND 2: STRIKE AT PARMEL
Emboldened by their recent victories against the Empire the Rebel starfleet had decided to take the battle to the enemy and strike at an Imperial advanced research station where Alliance intelligence had learned of the development of a powerful new prototype TIE Fighter. Their aim? To destroy the design before it can be put into production. However when the starfighter strike force jumps into the system they find that the prototype is already operational and must pit their best fighters and pilots against this new and powerful threat. The battle proves to be fierce with the new prototype TIE Defenders proving their worth by decimating a good number of the attacking Rebel ships, but the Alliance pilots persevered and were finally able to defeat the Imperial forces stationed at the Parmel research facility, hopefully meaning an end to this dangerous new threat.
ROUND 3: JUNDLAND WASTES
After suffering a number of defeats in recent engagements with Rebel Alliance forces, it was crucial that the Imperial starfleet maintained a foothold on Tatooine or their influence in the sector would be severely compromised. Having learned of a Rebel resistance cell hiding out in the Jundland Wastes region of the desert planet, Imperial forces deployed in an all out attempt to rout the Rebels and crush them once and for all. Following a trail which lead to a remote Moisture Farm they finally engaged the Rebels hiding out in the nearby settlement of Anchorhead. Swift and maneuverable AT-PT walkers engaged Rebel light armour out in the desert and finally forced the Rebel troops back to their hidden base where despite heavy loses the Imperial forces managed to score a victory, and an important and significant victory at that.
Taking full control of Tatooine has clear consequences for the entire sector. With the primary hyperspace lane in from the core located in this system control of it was vital. Now the Empire can freely move fresh troops into the sector making nearby worlds such as Lok and Ryloth now too hot to hold onto for the Rebel Alliance, and despite having fought hard to take these territories this development means that the Rebels' smart move is to withdraw to fight another day and leave the Empire in control of the sector.
Check out the following Holonet records of these crucial battles in the ongoing conflict.
So the Rebels have taken 2 rounds, Imperials won the all important Jundland battle. That grants 25 points to Rebels and 20 to Imperials, who also took that sector of the galaxy (Ryloth, Lok and Tatooine).
Due to numbers of unregistered players Imperials lose 1.5 points, taking them down to 18.5 while Rebels lose 0.5 points taking them down to 24.5. Adding that to the scores so far leaves us with:
Imperials 79
Rebels 92
With their victory at Parmel, the Rebels have once again decided to risk a supply run to Taloraan. With Imperials in control of of the Tatooine sector, the Rebels have decided to launch an assault on the Rhen Var Research Facility. Fearing an upcoming Imperial attack, the Alliance must also attempt to remove all personnel from the Hoth sector before the arrival of the Emperor's troops.
So, the next round's maps in order are:
Escape from Hoth
Rhen Var: Research Facility
Battle of Taloraan
If we see the same increasing numbers as we saw last week, that could make Taloraan a very interesting match. We shall be updating the rules of the Campaign to ensure battle outcomes reflect the changes in the current sector ownership. Stay tuned folks!
If you feel you have the skills to help out either faction in its quest to rule the galaxy, head on over to:
We saw a low turnout again, with players even exiting the games before the end of round, a very disappointing result. Rebels took all three rounds granting them 30 points, with Imperials taking 15.
ROUND 1: BATTLE OF RYLOTH
Last week saw the front line of the Galactic Civil War conflict return once more to fire windswept plains of Ryloth. Defeated there once before by a seriously dug in foe, the Imperial forces sent out there to vanquish the Rebel presence in the sector regrouped for another assault, bombarding the location of the underground Rebel base from orbit, Imperial forces headed back down there for a second surface attack. Imperial Firehawke tanks laid down intense barrages of long range fire which finally allowed them to push the Rebel forces back into their subterranean hole allowing the Imperials to gain a foothold within the base. It looked like the end was now near for the Rebels, but they maintained a stalwart defense suppressing the Imperial advance with point blank fire from a Mortar Freerunner parked in the main hangar. In the end this hard fought battle resulted in another victory for the Alliance.
ROUND 2: LOK WASTELANDS
The war then turned to the remote world of Lok. The Rebels bolstered by a number of recent victories took the fight to the Empire and their remote outpost on this world. The Empire however were ready. Already dealing with a number of local insurgents the outpost was unusually well defended for such a low key installation, resulting in a battle that had both factions fighting tooth and claw for every scrap of dirt they could win. Eventually though an issue with supply lines meant that Imperial resupply and reinforcements were not forthcoming and as their numbers dwindled due to the continuing brutal punishment of the battle, the Rebels finally got the upper hand and were able to claim victory in this system too.
ROUND 3: BANDOMEER REFINERY ASSAULT
The last world to see action this week was Bandomeer, a key location of strategic importance in the sector due to the precious ore that gets processed there. Whoever controls this world will have access to invaluable resources. Rebel forces invaded the refinery installation with a small infantry based commando unit, and as luck would have it the installation at that time was lightly guarded. The day once again went to the Rebels, and with this battle a key victory was achieved securing the sector for the Alliance.
Check out the gun cam footage found of the battles below:
So Imperials lose half a point for unregistered players taking them to 14.5, Rebels lose 1.5 points for unregistered players, taking them down to 28.5.
Having won a decisive victory over the Imperials at Bandomeer, the Rebels have taken control of that sector, the first team to win total control of a sector! With their victory on Ryloth they must once again take on the Imperials on Lok, while their victory on Lok means they return to Tatooine and face off in the Jundland Wastes. Victory on Jundland Wastes could mean either team taking control of that sector, things may just start to look interesting!
As Bandomeer gave a sector control to Rebels, it has been decided that the next map to follow to complete the Trio will be Parmel.
So, next round:
Lok
Parmel
Jundland Wastes (Remember, this is a sector controlling map, victory is crucial)
The maps will be played in that order to ensure we give more players time to help their team gain a sector, this could be vital for the Imperials. If the Rebels win this one, they could announce an intention to attack Yavin, signalling the final round of the campaign.
So lets try and get as many people as possible out there for this week's games. This next round could well prove the tipping point of the campaign. The Imperials appear to have been caught with their pants down for the last few rounds, they really need to bring it back this week if they hope to maintain their iron grip on the galaxy.
If you feel you have the skills to help out either faction in its quest to rule the galaxy, head on over to:
A slightly smaller news update this week, just to keep you all updated with news of the campaign.
This second round was delayed a little due to the holidays and that reflected in the number of players, barely managing to scrape above eight. Perhaps this is what saw a swing in the results, with Rebels almost taking a clean sweep.
ROUND 1: TATOOINE MOS ESPA
Mos Espa was played first, a firm fan favourite this also makes it a very difficult map to gain an advantage, since so many of our vets know each and every alley. Due to the low player numbers the rebels were at a numbers disadvantage, FSDev Twigs who is co-ordinating the campaign has retained the right to play on either team where this occurs. This week then saw him take the rebels side making it slightly more balanced at 5 to 4 in the Empire's favour. The Alliance troopers made quick work of the Empire's advance, quickly forcing them back before taking the final flag.
ROUND 2: BATTLE OF RYLOTH
On to Ryloth, a rarely played map these days due to it's imposing size. The 16 player map does make an interesting challenge for the Imperials though, being forced to try and drive a squadron of Firehawke tanks into the Rebels defensive position. Once again the Alliance held up against the team to take another victory.
ROUND 3: BATTLE OF TALORAAN
Finally, Taloraan, an all out slugfest in space. The idea here is to destroy the opposition's capital ships before you lose your own, and as simple as it sounds there are a lot of tactics here. Lose your freighter and you lose the ability to repair both capital and fighter craft, and also to rearm your fighters with torpedoes.
With their more heavily armed fighters the Rebels chose to try and buzz the Imperials for as long as possible without exposing their own assets. Forced in to making a run towards the Alliance, the Imperial flotilla quickly broke apart leaving that all important freighter exposed and allowing a multitude of warheads to smash against its hull. As they closed towards the Rebel position, a few of the Alliance pilots swapped in to their CR-90 Corvette and manoeuvred it over the freighter to grant precious cover from any onslaught the Imperials could bear down on it. As they Empire's flotilla drew within striking distance, the Corvette's turbolaser batteries opened up, quickly raking into the enemy freighter and tearing through its hull. A distant blast signaled the end of the ship and the rebels turned their attention to the approaching Imperial Lancer. Already sensing a third decisive victory, they powered up the engines and moved forward to engage the enemy one on one. Sadly, this also signaled the end of the Rebels presence in the Taloraan system. Eager to engage what they decided was a weakened enemy, they had forgotten their proximity to their own Gallofree freighter. As they powered up the engines and turned towards the remnants of the Imperial Navy, the CR-90's hull impacted on the Gallo's hull, instantly causing a chain reaction in both ships engines that sent a shockwave racing through the planetary system. The Empire was able to recover its forces and count this as a lucky victory.
Final scores for this second round saw Rebels take 25 points and Imperials 17 due to a couple of unregistered players knocking their tally down. Overall, this means the Rebels have now closed the gap with 37 1/2 points while Imperials clutch to the lead with 46.
Strangely, the results system of this campaign mean that the third round will be played on:
Ryloth
Lok
Bandomeer
We have also been asked by players to start at the slightly earlier time of 2000 GMT, this will take place as of round three, starting 13th January.
We'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year.
And we'd also like to give you all this reminder that the Rebel Defiance First Strike Campaign continues this weekend with round 2. This week's battles will take place on:
Tatooine: Mos Espa (A First Strike classic if ever there was one)
Battle of Ryloth
Battle of Taloraan
So if we get good numbers this week these maps should provide us with the location for some truly epic battles.
Also don't forget that you don't necessarily need to sign up for this campaign to participate, though of course there are advantages in doing so. If you wish to sign up head to these forums to register:
Closed Alpha Test & Deth..
