[Mars]

This is a pretty simple mission based on the multiplayer gauntlet missions of FS2. It's a single player mission, the goal is to survive as long as possible.

It's not completely balanced yet, but suggestions are welcome.

Download here

[bigchunk1]

A gauntlet? Downloaded...

Ouch, this gauntlet is tough. Don't underestimate that fury ai. Died 3 times in a row on the first wave on medium. Not for the feint of heart. Good challenge for those who didn't feel like they had enough from the campaign!

Spoiler:

The retail briefing is nice but a little misleading:
You are facing UEF forces not GTVA
Then the clause "These will eventually include one or more warships, so you may wish to include a bomber in your wing." You are the only fighter in your wing.

After realising that I would not get far, I cracked open FRED:
Got a bug assert in the SEXP 'Warships'. Might want to check it for bad data, as it could cause a crash later in the gauntlet. I used a nightly, 6827.
The game ran ok for as far as I could get. (2 waves)
The fighters jump at you pretty close to your location. I guess it's ok. When that Sanctus rolls in, it's going to surprise some people if they can make it that far.

Nice going! This was a nice surprise.
   

[Mars]

To live, try:

• Nyx with Prometheus and Kaysers, with one bank of Harpoons and one bank of TAG-Cs
• Atalanta with Balor (or Maxim) and Kaysers and TAG-C
• Draco with Kaysers (It won't take down the warships
• Perseus with Kayser and Prom
• Aurora with Kaysers and Balor

All of those combos are comparatively survivable. The Balor is good, but it takes too long to take down those Uhlans. Prom S can take one down in a few volleys with a Nyx.


Also try it on easy. I'm trying to get it so that I can play through it with some difficulty on easy, as that's how the gauntlet missions were in FS1 and FS2.


I haven't messed with the warships yet, I've been concentrating to get the beginning somewhat survivable. It's still pretty darn hard, and the Uriels are insanely hard to tackle. I've tried making them as weak as possible, but the fact is 8 banks of training lasers are a threat.

[Droid803]

Well it can only ever use six of them at a time unless the linking restriction is lifted.

[crizza]

Wow...up to the Izrael or however that fighters were called...I hatet the scimitars and the Uhlan...for their fire and forget missiles...autsch^^
I ended the mission when I charged maxim blazin' and missiles spiting straight into that cruiser^^

[Mars]

lol, yeah; I was thinking of Fredding in something so that a fighter without TAG-Cs could take down that cruiser. (Escort a AWACs or something) we'll see though.

I'm thinking of leaving out the Izre'als though; those things are absurdly powerful.

[Mars]

I tried balancing it out a little more. Gemini should be the first wing to pose a serious threat.

Download

[crizza]

Well, you should leave out that vishnan fighter...makes that mission incredible easy.

[Flak]

I just have problem with the harder Lao Tzes, Pisces I think. Everytime I get one in my sights they immediately goes burners, and the Nyx's engine can't keep up with them before I can even touch that cruiser. And did you tweak up that Upanishad's weapons, I didn't think it has Karuna-style PDS on them.

[-Sara-]

I just have problem with the harder Lao Tzes, Pisces I think. Everytime I get one in my sights they immediately goes burners, and the Nyx's engine can't keep up with them before I can even touch that cruiser. And did you tweak up that Upanishad's weapons, I didn't think it has Karuna-style PDS on them.

I found the trick is firing way before that targeting reticle. They'll afterburner away from your primary weapons fire but get hit since you fired more ahead then they expect. Rapiers make quick work of them this way.

[crizza]

Just use Tempest and Trebs...works fine for me:)
And when one of these little bastards is going afterburners, target the next one.
And for the transport and Sanctus...engage the fighters not next to them, and after finishing them off, kill the big ones...

[Mars]

I just have problem with the harder Lao Tzes, Pisces I think. Everytime I get one in my sights they immediately goes burners, and the Nyx's engine can't keep up with them before I can even touch that cruiser. And did you tweak up that Upanishad's weapons, I didn't think it has Karuna-style PDS on them.

I found the trick is firing way before that targeting reticle. They'll afterburner away from your primary weapons fire but get hit since you fired more ahead then they expect. Rapiers make quick work of them this way.

You don't get Rapiers

As for the Upanishad, yes, I upgraded its defenses.

[Mars]

Okay, I think it's getting closer to being finished.

I'm currently worried that it's too easy, but it might be that I've been trying to play through it so much I've gotten better at it. The Izre'als and Lao Tzes are tricky, as a warning.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5Z91DUJK

[Damage]

Sorry to necrothread this, but does anyone know where I could a copy of said gauntlet?  I could FRED my own if necessary but I'd love try this one first.

[MatthTheGeek]

Freespace2\blueplanet2\data\missions\

I cannot guaranty whether it will be compatible with the current release though.

[Mars]

Hmmm. . . I'll upload what I have tomorrow, I am not so sure it is the same as the one I uploaded before however. I partially rebalanced it and ran out of time.

[Damage]

Don't make too much effort just on my account.  I was just interested when I saw somebody had made one already as those original gauntlets got me through many stressful days of college.

[Mars]

Alas, I have it no longer.

[Damage]

Guess I know what my next project will be, provided I ever get to relax at home this month.