20080730.144615
i added amazon context links... just because i can... if they're not too obtrusive... i'll leave them
20080114.231544
enabled mod_deflate on andromeda. the site is now seeing an estimated 80% reduction in overall size for clients to download
20080109.022443
added an rss 2.0 feed for the news at http://www.subnova.com/news/rss/. it will show the 14 most recent posts
20070823.031056
updated cq calculations so that if a member doesn't login to the website in the past 77 days, the contribution points start vanishing in a hurry... tanking the irank
20070823.024814
removed the referral ads from the bottom of the main content area
The defenders of democracy are here to take their war on terror directly to the GLA. Technology heavy, this side plays similarly to the Allies of Red Alert, with very powerful infantry, and the best recon and airforce out of the 3 sides. Limited ground vehicles and defenses are it's main weakness, as well as the general lack of armor for most units. The US command center will automatically act as your radar, and also has the ability to reveal large portions of the map for a few moments. The US has the excellent ability to research an upgrade that will let all of their units gain veterancy twice as fast as normal. The Strategy center will also grant one of the following passive bonuses to all of your units instantly:
Bombardment: 20% Increase in attack strength
Search and Destroy: 20% Increase in attack range
Hold the Line: 10% Increase in armor
Workers Bulldozer-$1000
Builds and repairs your structures. Very fragile, and has no means of defense, other than running over infantry. While its a good idea to keep some around your defensive structures to help repair them, keep in mind that many blasts directed at your defenses will also injure your Bulldozer, quickly killing it.
Chinook-$1200
The basic resource gatherer, the Chinook helicopter is unique over the other two resource gatherers in that it can fly, and also transport units. Chinooks can airlift $600 per trip, which is the most out of the 3 factions, but only one Chinook can gather resources from a depot at a time. They're also the most expensive of the resource gatherers, but the fact that they can obtain resources the fastest will make up for it. They're very fragile, but because they can fly they will be immune to most fire. You can load up to 5 infantry into one Chinook, and you can make Rangers perform a combat drop into garrisonable buildings. This allows the Chinook directly deposit Rangers into structures without having to land, and also eliminating any enemy soliders that were inside. The Chinook also has a tremendous sight range, and will prove to be an effective scout. The Chinook is the most versatile resource gatherer of the 3 sides, but dont waste too much money on them.
Infantry
The USA arguably has the strongest of the infantry, with powerful anti-infantry and anti-tank units. The hero, Colonel Burton, is capable of leveling entire bases by himself. USA also benefits from having the most methods of transporting their infantry, including from the air.
Ranger-$225
Strong vs: Infantry, Garrisoned Structures, Undefended Buildings
Weak vs: Air, Light Vehicles, Snipers
The Ranger is a powerful basic infantry unit, utilizing a machine gun to take out infantry very well. They can also garrison inside structures from either the ground, or from the air using combat drops from the Chinook. The Ranger can be upgraded to fire Flashbang Grenades, which has a long range and is extremely deadly groups of infantry. One or two shots from this will also clear out garrisoned building. Combat Drops and Flashbangs make the Ranger very effective for clearning out garrisonable structures from either the land or air. Rangers cannot attack other buildings or vehicles with flashbangs. Like all basic Infantry, the Ranger can be upgraded to capture enemy structures. The USA eventually has better choices than this for infantry killing, but these guys work great at the start of the map, especially in Humvees.
Missile Defender-$300
Strong vs: Vehicles, Air
Weak vs: Infantry
Missile Defenders are the strongest of the rocket infantry, dealing 25% more damage than their Chinese or GLA counterparts. A small group of these will be very devestating to any vehicle that gets in it's range, and when garrisoned in buildings, will prove to be almost undestroyable by basic vehicles. They lose all of their power when fighting infantry, dealing almost no damage and becoming highly inaccurate. Watch out especially for enemy Rangers, who can kill all of your Missile Defenders in just a few shots with their flashbangs. Also be careful of Inferno Tanks and Toxic Tractors, which can wipe out your Missile Defenders in one shot. Luckily, these two units are easily destroyed by Missile Defenders.
Pathfinder-$600
Strong vs: Infantry
Weak vs: Detectors
The Pathfinder can only be built once you have purchased the technology from the Generals Upgrade Menu. Pathfinders are invisible units that deliver an extremely long range sniper attack that will kill most infantry in one shot. They also have a very large sight range, and can detect inivisble units (in a much shorter range). When firing, they will make themselves visible for a brief moment. Placing a few of these in a building or Humvee will render most infantry assaults against your base futile. Combine them with Missile Defenders for a highly effective infantry force, or unbeatable garrisoned structure. Especially powerful against GLA players, as they can hang outside of a base and snipe the workers.
Colonel Burton-$1500
Strong vs: Infantry, Buildings
Weak vs: Detectors
Colonel Burton is the Hero unit for the USA force. Being a hero unit means you can only build one at a time, and he cannot be run over. Like the Pathfinder, he is invisible with a large sight radius, and will reveal himself when attacking. His main attack is a rapid-fire minigun, which is capable of destroying infantry and even light vehicles very well. Colonel Burton can perform a melee knife-attack on infantry units to dispose of them without becomming visible. While his minigun is powerful against buildings, Burton can also plant timed or remote bombs on buildings, which are powerful to blow up most buildings in just one blast. Colonel Burton will be visible for a brief second while planting his bombs. Beware of Chinese bases, as their mines will make quick work of him if you are careless. Bringing a Pathfinder with you to spot mines while Burton cleans up the base is usually a good idea. Use Chinooks to slip past enemy defenses and reach the vital buildings in the back, or use Burton's ability to climb steep cliffs to access areas that other ground units cannot.
Vehicles
Lacking in variety, the US vehicles will still prove to be useful, especially when coupled with infantry and air support. Its usually not ideal to not get involved in a heavy land vehicle war with other sides, as their units are more powerful and harder to counter. All US vehicles can purchase one of two battle drones, that will circle them in the air and assist them. The first is the Battle Drone, which will fire a weak machine gun at the enemy and help repair the vehicle that created it. The second is a Scout Drone, which will circle the Vehicle and increasing it's sight radius drastically. Both of these drones are extremely easy to shoot down, so be prepared to replace them a lot. Remember, all vehicles can run over non-hero infantry.
Humvee Military Vehicle-$700
Strong vs: Infantry
Weak vs: Tanks
The Humvee is a quick, lightly armored vehicle, with a chaingun mounted on it. Great for scouting and taking out infantry, and can be upgraded to fire TOW missiles for extra damage against vehicles, air units, and buildings. The real power in the Humvee comes from the fact that it can hold 5 infantry inside it. While inside, the Infantry will be able to fire at enemy units (with their standard attack, not an improved one like when in structures). You can put any combonation of Infantry in the Humvee depending on the situation, making them highly versatile vehicles. However, the combonation of Pathfinders and Missile Defenders tends to work the best. They are still easily destroyed by anti-vehicle fire, so choose your battles wisely. Like all US vehicles, they have the ability to produce Battle Drones and Scout Drones.
Crusader Tank-$900
Strong vs: Vehicles, Buildings
Weak vs: Air, Infantry
The Crusader is the basic heavy tank for the US. It has good speed, attack power, and armor. It will be able to take out other vehicles and buildings well, but will have problems with Infantry. Rocket Infantry and Air units are both extremely capable of blowing up Crusaders, so make sure you support them with the appropriate units. Their Battle Drones will help take out basic infantry, but you'll still need something else to take out Rocket Infantry. You can upgrade the Crusader's armor at the Strategy Center.
Paladin Tank-$1100
Strong vs: Vehicles, Buildings, Rocket units
Weak vs: Air
For one General experience point, you can start making Paladin Tanks. Paladin Tanks are similar to the Crusader Tank, but they have a special laser that not only makes their attack more accurate, but can also shoot down rocket attacks in midflight. This gives the Paladin Tank a better chance at surviving attacks from rocket units, but its still not a wise idea to send Paladins up against them, as the laser fires very slowly. At close range, the laser will also be able to kill infantry. Paladin Tanks also benefit from the Crusader armor upgrade.
Ambulence-$600
The Ambulence is a support vehicle that will heal all infantry in a small radius around it, as well as dispose of toxins that have been left by nuclear or bio-chemical weapons. Infantry can die very quickly, so its usually a good idea to keep one around just incase. Especially helpful against the GLA and it's toxic weapons. It can also transport 3 units at a time.
Tomohawk-$1200
Strong vs: Stationary Targets, Base Defenses
Weak vs: Vehicles, Air, Rocket Infantry
The Tomohawk missile launcher is a powerful weapon to have around for sieging bases and killing unsuspecting units. It's very long attack range lets it remain well outside the range of base defenses. It's missiles take a while to reach their target, and can be shot down by anti-air units. Tomohawks are also very fragile, and are unable to outrun most vehicles, so keep a line of tanks between them and the enemy. The best strategy to overcome heavy defenses is just to overwhelm them with so many tomohawk missiles that it becomes impossible for the enemy to shoot them all down. Also, while the enemy is busy shooting down missiles, send in an airstrike to assist in taking down defenders.
Aircraft
The USA is all about the aircraft. Sporting the most amount of air units, the US's main attack power relies in it's ability to rain death from above. Be warned, however, the US's aircraft may be very powerful but have pathetic armor. They are some of the most expensive units you'll find in Generals, so its usually not a wise idea to send them on suicide missions. Should an aircraft explode, there is a chance that the Pilot will eject to safety, retaining veterancy. Putting this pilot in a vehicle will raise the vehicle in rank to whatever the pilot's rank is. When pilots eject they are very vulnerable and easy targets, so try to get them into a Humvee or Chinook as fast as possible.
Raptor Fighter Jet-$1400
Strong vs: Vehicles, Buildings, Aircraft
Weak vs: Rocket Infantry, Anti-Air Defenses
The basic attack jet for the US, the Raptor Fighter will fly to it's target and unload four powerful missiles before returning to the airfield for rearming and repairs. It doesnt have much health, but it has the unique ability to launch it's missiles at other aircraft. This is especially powerful against US players, who's workers are air units. Becareful about sending them into dangerous territory, they die very quickly. The Raptor's missles can be upgraded to deal 25% more damage, effectively giving you the power of 5 missiles per run.
Commanche Stealth Helicopter-$1500
Strong vs: Vehicles, Infantry
Weak vs: Rocket Infantry, Anti-Air Defenses, Raptors
The Commanche is a fast attack helicopter that can stay in the air permanately, like the Chinook, and has three attacks. The first is a chaingun that works well against most targets, especially infantry. The Commanche can also fire 4 missiles, similar to the Raptor's, which are very strong against buildings and vehicles. The Commanche will reload the missiles after a few seconds. Commanches can also be upgraded to use a special attack called the rocket barrage, which will cover an area on the ground with a LOT of rockets for a few seconds. Not very accurate, but will wipe out clumps of units or buildings very quickly. This attack takes about 15 seconds to recharge. The Commanche has abysmal health, so always run away from anti-air units when confronted. Note: Even though it is called a "Stealth Helicopter", the Commanche has no stealth capabilities.
Nighthawk Stealth Fighter-$1600
Strong vs: Buildings
Weak vs: Detectors
Only buildable once they have been researched with a General upgrade point. The Nighthawk is a stealth fighter, and will remain invisible until it fires its rockets. This allows the Nighthawk to take out or slip by anti-air defenses much better than the Raptor, but will render them just as vulnerable once they start firing. Nighthawks also only get two missles per trip. More specialized than Raptors, but more useful at what they do. Also benefits from the Raptor missle upgrade
Aurora Bomber-$2500
Strong vs: Buildings
Weak vs: Anti-Air
The Aurora Bomber is a lot of money to spend on something that can die quicker than a raptor, but it can be extremely powerful in the right hands. The Aurora travels at super-sonic speeds, rendering it immune to anti-air fire on the way to it's target. Once it deploys it's extremely powerful bomb, it will slow down to normal speed, allowing units to hit it. The Aurora's armor is extremely poor, and will fall very fast to enemy fire. Four of these are enough to take out enemy superweapons, which is infinately useful... just dont expect them to come back. Best used for taking out key structures, or clumps of vehicles.
Special Structures
The USA suffers from only having one real defensive structure, but, it's pretty good at it's role. It's power generator is good for saving space, but this means that your power can be taken out twice as fast in a siege. Careful base placement is vital for the US to survive.
Cold Fusion Reactor-$800
Supplies: 5 Power
The power generator for US bases, Cold Fusion Reactors can be upgraded to produce twice as much power for $800. While this is basically the same as building another reactor, this does save space and frees up your Construction Dozers for other tasks. However, this mearly means your power can be taken out twice as fast. If you go with upgraded reactors, make sure they're well defended.
Patriot Missile Defense System-$1000, 3 Power
Strong vs: Vehicles, Aircraft
Weak vs: Siege weapons
The Patriot Missile Defense System is the only defensive structure the US get, and will fire a barrage of missiles at it's targets, delivering excellent damage to a small area. Most effective against air targets and vehicles, but also effective against infantry (to an extent). Its usually a good idea to keep Rangers or Pathfinders around your Patriots to help with infantry. Well armored and able to take a beating, but will be rendered useless should your power go out. Also able to detect invisible units.
Detention Camp-$1000
This structure has the ability to reveal all enemy structures and units on the map for about ten seconds. This ability recharges every two minutes. Infinately useful when planning your attack or watching enemy movements, and because they cost no power, it might be a good idea to build a few of these.
Supply Drop Zone-$2500, 4 Power
The alternative resource provider for the US, the Supply Drop Zone will provide you with $1500 every two and a half minutes. Building many of these is vital for keeping your economy alive late in the game. However, they're expensive and can be destroyed very easily, so defend these with your life.
Particle Cannon-$5000, 10 Power
The US's superweapon is handled a bit differently than the GLA's and Chinese's. Rather than cause mass destruction to a wide area, the Particle cannon delivers massive beam of energy, delivering excellent damage to a small target area for a few seconds. The beam only takes about a second to kill most structures or units, and can be moved while it's firing to hit multiple targets. Excellent at taking out clumps of defenses or units before an attack, and also excellent for defending your own base from attackers, something the Nuclear Missile and Scud Storm cant do. The Particle Cannon also recharges much faster than other super weapons, being able to be fired every 4 minutes. It's small size makes it easier to build multiple Particle Cannons, which will be capable of taking out enemy superweapons before they're even ready to be fired.
General's Upgrades
The US makes up for it's lack of a mass destruction super weapon with two very powerful destructive General abilities. The US also gets some pretty nice units to be researched here.
1 Star Rank Upgrades Paladin Tank
Grants you the ability to produce Paladin Tanks at the War Factory
Nighthawk Stealth Fighter
Grants you the ability to produce Nighthawk Stealth Fighters at the Airfield
Spy Drone
Grants vehicles the ability to produce spy drones
3 Star Rank Upgrades
Pathfinder
Grants you the ability to produce Pathfinders at the Barracks
Paratroopers
Every 3 minutes, you are given a group of rangers to airdrop onto any location on the map. This can be purchased 3 times, giving you 5, 10, and then 20 Rangers at levels 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The plane can be shot down on the way to it's target, but it has a lot of health and it will be hard to do. The rangers can also be shot out of the sky on their way down, so make sure their landing zone is clear.
A-10 Thunderbolt Strike
Every 3 minutes, you will be able to send a A-10 Thunderbolts to deliver massive damage to a small area on the map. This can be purchased 3 times, giving you 1, 2, and then 3 A-10s at levels 1, 2, and 3 respectively. At level 3, this attack is capable of destroying most structures in a good area. A-10s can shot down, but they have a lot of health. Dont worry about losing these once they've unloaded their missiles though. Remember, you get them for free. A-10s also have the tendancy to crash into high buildings while diving on their targets and explode, so make sure you place your attack wisely.
Emergency Repair
Every 3 minutes, you'll have the ability to instantly repair a group of vehicles in a small areas. This can be purchased 3 times, and will increase in armor repaired and area of effect each time. This is only really useful at level 3, and even then it's effectiveness is questionable, what with the US's ability to build battle drones for all of it's land vehicles.
5 Star Rank Upgrades Fuel Air Bomb
Every 6 minutes, you'll be able to drop a massive Fuel Air Bomb and deliver massive damage to a wide area. This attack is very powerful, rivaling the Particle Cannon in effectiveness. Anything caught under the Fuel Air Bomb's attack will be destroyed, save some of the more heavily armored structures. Works great at clearing out defenses before an attack. Plus, the effect is really cool. Always worth getting, although if you choose to go with level 3 A-10 strikes instead, that should be enough. Both is better.
• China - 20030607.161305 - moo
• GLA - 20030607.170604 - moo
• USA - 20030607.155703 - moo
