User blog:NJGW/Series 9, Heat C rundown

So, this heat marks the halfway point of the new series of Robot Wars already, but after our first two heat winners strolled to victory, can we expect something different this week?

Tauron vs. Thor vs. Chimera 2 vs. Concussion
Part of the reason I haven't been on the Wiki much this week is because I've supposedly suffered this after hitting my head this week - Concussion. I hope this version will be something that I'll enjoy a bit more, because it certainly isn't enjoyable right now! I fully expect it to progress along with Thor, with the two eventually grinding down Tauron. This could potential go to a Judges' decision between the three though. As for Chimera2, it's a shame it has to be wedged in here. It's a much more advanced design from Chimera, and although that's not hard, it's a shame we probably won't be able to see it do all that much before being immobilised. I wish it was at least in the other melee.

To qualify: Thor and Concussion

M.R. Speed Squared vs. Expulsion vs. Foxic vs. Heavy Metal
The weaker melee, but an interesting one nevertheless. Heavy Metal seems chunky, resilient and aggressive, so I'm strongly backing it to go through. Expulsion seems the type that will suffer terminal damage pretty early on, and sadly for Foxic, I fear for it again. It seems like it'll give a much better account of itself that it did last time, but I'm not sure how well those wheels will cope. M.R. Speed Squared and Heavy Metal to progress.

To qualify: M.R. Speed Squared and Heavy Metal

Concussion vs. Thor
Thor to start strong but to expose itself ala Terrorhurtz against Sabretooth and to suffer the consequences as a result.

Winner: Concussion via KO (3 points)

M.R. Speed Squared vs. Heavy Metal
As aforementioned, Heavy Metal looks very resolute, and it should be able to drive M.R. Speed Squared around the arena for fun before pitting it/immobilising it.

Winner: Heavy Metal via KO (3 points)

M.R. Speed Squared vs. Thor
This has to be Thor's all day long. I can't really judge M.R. Speed Squared completely until I see how the improvements work, but Thor should be able to bowl the flat, circular shape around with the combination of its new front wedge with its speed. The axe will also cause its fair share of damage. Thor to KO M.R. Speed Squared after a dominant first half of the battle.

Winner: Thor via KO (3 points)

Concussion vs. Heavy Metal
I feel very split on this one, because, on paper, I really can see Heavy Metal making consistent good use of its front and bullying Concussion around the arena. However, 3 minutes is a long time to draw this out for, and I think Concussion will cause key damage at some point. This is one battle I'm very split on though - it could go any way of Heavy Metal breaking down after one hit, Heavy Metal bullying Concussion throughout, or Heavy Metal controlling proceedings and then suffering the key damage. I'll back the latter and I don't think Concussion will have things its own way in general play, but I'll back it to come out with the points.

Winner: Concussion via KO (3 points)

Thor vs. Heavy Metal
Again, Heavy Metal should be able to be very competitive. Thor should also be able to evade being completely swept up by Heavy Metal's wedge on some occasions due to its rear wheels, but it should be another competitive watch. Both machines will push each other around, with a couple of Thor axe blows deciding things.

Winner: Thor via Judges' decision (2 points)

M.R. Speed Squared vs. Concussion
Unless M.R. Speed Squared catches Concussion with an incredibly precise/lucky hit, I can't see this going any other way. A swift knockout.

Winner: Concussion via KO (3 points)

Thor vs. Concussion
I may have backed Concussion to win in the Head-to-Head round but this time Thor will last the bout, and pound Concussion into submission.

Predicted heat winner: Thor

Conclusion
Well, it's a very interesting one, and I've ended up with Concussion to pick up 9 points in the Head-to-Head round, but I can't say that I'm backing that with any real confidence. Despite my predictions for Heavy Metal, I still have a bad feeling for how it will cope if it faces the two big dogs in one-on-one battles, although M.R. Speed Squared should firmly remain a melee type robot only. Anyhow, I still have a feeling that whoever loses the Heat Final will have a strong chance at the wildcard.