The Steamroller has been getting lots of forum debate ever since Grungebob first teased it back in April.
For those they may still not know, it is 3xCapuans, Crixus and Spartacus for 500 pts.
I think it has been largely misunderstood. I think many have associated the hype with it being somehow unstoppable or the cream of the crop. In fact, I contend that if the Steamroller wasn’t hyped so much, the Capuans and the rather obvious steamroller build would be receiving praise at the present, not discounts. I don’t mind saying that I think the Hype created some unrealistic expectations.
However, I offer no apologies for the hype. I think it is justified. Spartacus went from being dust covered to playable with the release of the Capuans. That in of itself is worth applause. I do not wish to change anyone’s mind about the Capuans or the Steamroller. The Steamroller build is just a simple build, a fun build, and at least a some what competitive build. It also served as a fairly consistent, straight forward measuring stick for other units and builds along the way.
The reason it is called the Steamroller is not because it dominates but because when it dominates, that is what it feels like is happening: You are getting steamrolled. Also, once the army starts rolling it is hard to stop, especially against an unbalanced army. For these reasons, the term Steamroller just evolved over time. A classic Steamroll ends with the Gladiators killing the last opposing figure in the starting blocks. There are already reports around the forums of players who have seen the Steamroller work, and there will be more to come. Against strong armies, the steamroller has a fun fighting chance; against weak armies, the Steamroller wins often and easily.
I hope that everyone eventually sees through the hype and the nickname and ends up appreciating what the Capuans bring to the Heroscape party.
For those they may still not know, it is 3xCapuans, Crixus and Spartacus for 500 pts.
I think it has been largely misunderstood. I think many have associated the hype with it being somehow unstoppable or the cream of the crop. In fact, I contend that if the Steamroller wasn’t hyped so much, the Capuans and the rather obvious steamroller build would be receiving praise at the present, not discounts. I don’t mind saying that I think the Hype created some unrealistic expectations.
However, I offer no apologies for the hype. I think it is justified. Spartacus went from being dust covered to playable with the release of the Capuans. That in of itself is worth applause. I do not wish to change anyone’s mind about the Capuans or the Steamroller. The Steamroller build is just a simple build, a fun build, and at least a some what competitive build. It also served as a fairly consistent, straight forward measuring stick for other units and builds along the way.
The reason it is called the Steamroller is not because it dominates but because when it dominates, that is what it feels like is happening: You are getting steamrolled. Also, once the army starts rolling it is hard to stop, especially against an unbalanced army. For these reasons, the term Steamroller just evolved over time. A classic Steamroll ends with the Gladiators killing the last opposing figure in the starting blocks. There are already reports around the forums of players who have seen the Steamroller work, and there will be more to come. Against strong armies, the steamroller has a fun fighting chance; against weak armies, the Steamroller wins often and easily.
I hope that everyone eventually sees through the hype and the nickname and ends up appreciating what the Capuans bring to the Heroscape party.
