User blog:NJGW/Series 10, Heat E - Predictions

6th. Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin is one of a few robots in this Heat making their returns after disappointing Series 9 campaigns. Unfortunately, for Harry Hills and co, I don't see things improving much from the melee last time around. I would love this type of machine to do well, and hopefully the fundamentals of the machine are sorted, but I'm still unconvinced that it'll be manoeuvrable enough, and will find itself exposed against most opponents here.

5th. Push to Exit
Little in the way of improvements, lots of parts on the machine to hit, and also a machine that is too fast for its own good. I'm not a man who jumped on the PtE hype-train last series, and I won't again this time around. The flipper will struggle to be brought into play, and I doubt the fragility from Series 9 will go away. Push to Exit just seems like it'll prove to be a consistently underwhelming machine that you hope does better because of the type of weapon it has but will rarely, if ever, deliver.

4th. Expulsion
This Heat is very much split into three categories, as far as my predictions go. After getting past machines I have consistent doubts about, we now go onto Expulsion. This is an interesting machine, and although it isn't the weightiest, it should prove hard for the lesser robots in this Heat to damage or get hold of. It was nice to see a school team get into the swing of things in Series 9, and now I hope they solidify a place as solid competitors with performances in this Heat.

3rd. Coyote
It's close between Expulsion and Coyote for a place in the rumble, but I'm backing the machine that I really like, and hope will solve the drive issues for its outing this time around. If its teething issues are sorted, then Coyote is set up for some solid performances. I expect a competitive fight between it and Expulsion in the Playoff, with Jamie McHarg's machine just doing enough for the win and a spot in the Rumble.

2nd. Thor
And now the third bracket in this Heat: Thor and Magnetar. These two are by far the favourites, but after a rather flat Series 9, Jason Marston and his machine will have a bit of a point to prove. Although I expect some classic Thor, with strong, aggressive driving, solid use of the axe, and generally competent performances, the final machine in this set of six looks like a strong candidate for the title itself.

1st. Magnetar
Magnetar is the name, will disappointment be the game? After two series of waxing and waning from Pulsar, Ellis has tinkered with his machine once again, including a name change - the most essential of upgrades! On a serious note, Magnetar looks seriously frightening, but despite this, I don't have much to say. We all know about how good Pulsar could be at its best, and Magnetar will prove just as strong at the peak of its powers, but how will this machine pace itself in 3 minute fights as apposed to big, individual attacks? That's what we can't call, but if the gremlins are dealt with, Magnetar could well be on for a podium finish in the Grand Final.