Are Needlejets worthless or neccessary...

[Commy]

No, I'm not asking about is air power necessary, but are needlejets...

I was just wondering, are there any advantages needlejets have over gravships and copters...any at all...just curious, because I usually get MMI before I can prototype a needlejet, so I rarely build them...

[fender]

I like to use them on a large or huge map to patrol the from the outer bases. Their greater range makes them the choice for me, plus I'll have an interceptor or two in these bases also.
I also use them to block the advance of troops when necessary

I'm with you for attack though. Choppers and antigrav drop units work well.

[CEO Aaron]

Well, needles do have one or two advantages which present themselves to the shrewd player. Most obviously, their longer range gives them an advantage over the traditional copter, allowing them to patrol further afield. Second, their ability maintain station between turns without suffering damage makes them ideal for blocking the approach of reinforcement, especially when fighting forces unequiped with SAM or Interceptors.

[Googlie]

Then, too, Doc:Air comes well before MMI (in a current SP game, I'm Miriam, and have Sparta on one side and the Hive on the other, both in vendetta. For 20 years I was the only power with noodles, and managed to enslave Sparta in that time (in fact, I have the tech lead - go figure.)

[Zoetrope]

Yes, I keep a large contingent of needlejets near each frontier (but dispersed and based just far enough in not to be easy targets). Especially useful against the hordes (e.g. Yang or Maar) is to block each enemy approach path by swapping jets in and out so that the ground swarms never get a chance to progress beyond my designated kill zones. Bottling up the enemy troops also makes them easy targets for concentrated assault by choppers.

Isolated troops (or solitary remnants) are easy pickings; I may send probe teams after them. Particularly useful when performed behind enemy lines along the main paths of approach. Must keep scouting!

One advantage that airstrips (forgot the SMAC term) have over bases is that they are immune to probe team attacks. Therefore it can be useful to have airstrips as well as bunkers and sensors, to prepare against enemy approaches. Bunkers and airstrips are even better than sensors in that you can use them in forward positions, even deep inside enemy territory. For best use, plan construction well ahead of war.

Capturing the enemy's own positions (mines, boreholes, high ground, bunkers, rocky squares, sensors, strategically located troops) in the course of a multipronged attack on his/her resources (to cripple them) and bases (for techs and energy) can really blunt their defence. Which way to turn? Where will the next push come from? What will it be? Air? Ground? Sea? Covert? Oh no! Every kind! Everywhere!

If victory can't be quick, sustain the enemy's sheer panic!

[fender]

I didn't mention one other thing I love to use Needles for. Again due to the great range I just love bombing enemy mines, roads, farms, etc. Anything and everything I can.

Sounds a bit cheap, but I like it.

[Frankychan]

I like to use noodles for attacking opposing bases. Already discussed, the range is ridiculous.

I also like to use 'em to destroy enemy reinforcements in transit to the front line. Cutting off enemy units before they can shore up the defense is always a good one.

[Dis]

I never use copters. Am I weird? I prefer needlejets and interceptors.

[Frankychan]

Hmmm, depending on what faction you play I guess. Choppa's are great for offensive factions...and I guess noodles and interceptors are good as a reactionary force.

But I usually get Doc: Air before MMI. Weird....

[Dis]

sure they can attack more than once, but usually they are so damaged, they can't. And Then you can't get them back to base, so they die.

They were great when I was playing on lower or mid levels. Copters could clean out a base. But it's pretty easy when you are going up against synthmetal defenders.

[Sikander]

Originally posted by Dissident
sure they can attack more than once, but usually they are so damaged, they can't. And Then you can't get them back to base, so they die.

They were great when I was playing on lower or mid levels. Copters could clean out a base. But it's pretty easy when you are going up against synthmetal defenders.

Race up to Shard & Fusion and your copters should be able to rip the hell out of the AI.

[Sikander]

Oh, and I don't often build needle jet bombers. When I do it's for long range reconaissance, typically to keep an eye on or block a bottleneck. I usually build my interceptors on needle jet chassis so that they are easily discernable from my attack choppers.

[MRT144]

i love copters but im currently addicted to planet based armies. i guess playing as the gians does that.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Frankychan
Hmmm, depending on what faction you play I guess. Choppa's are great for offensive factions...and I guess noodles and interceptors are good as a reactionary force.

But I usually get Doc: Air before MMI. Weird....

Everbody usually gets Doc air before MMI

[Flubber]

Needles have their uses . Choppers obviously rock for the multiple attacks but needles are better for the long range sniping. I also use them for bombing against an AI since I can take out sensors and make attacks easier. I generally build a lot of them since depending on the circumstances it can take 5 to 20 years to get to MMI when I'll REALLY go to war and I want to begin softening up the defenses of my enemies