I just purchased the Macross II RPG, and I decided to read through it and
post my comments. When I was reading it, I compared it to all the other
sources of information I have on Macross II--the first four episodes, the
information in a Mecha Press, and the Valkyrie II model.

The book doesn't have anything on the big ships used by the Marduk and UN
SPACY. They also decided to put some of the mecha information in a later
sourcebook. I don't really mind this, since the sourcebook will supposedly be
available by the time I can afford to buy it. I just hope that they
really do put the ships into this sourcebook, instead of waiting and
making another sourcebook like they did with the Robotech material.

I notice that the VF-XX is described as being a Valkyrie for use by
Zentran in service with UN SPACY. This contradicts both the Mecha Press
article and the model notes, which claim that the VF-XX was a sort of
technology demonstrator/prototype. I'm curious as to what they say about
it in the sourcebook.

The Metal Siren is not covered in the basic rules. That's apparently one
of the things that will go into the first sourcebook.

There's also a note that the sourcebook will have data on UN SPACY ground
mecha. I wasn't even aware they had any. Is this something from the last
two episodes (which I haven't seen), or did Kevin Siembieda just decide
to invent some for the heck of it?

The VF-2JA is refered to simply as a Valkyrie. In the Mecha Press article
it was called an "Icarus." I don't know where that name came from, but
personally I like it better.

I'm a little curious about whether the VF-2JA can fire its gunpod in
fighter mode. Everytime one of them does any shooting in the series, it
switches to battroid mode first. I'd like to know if they just do that to
look neat, or because the gun won't fire otherwise.

The Valkyrie II (without SAP) is .5 meter to short and about 10 tons to
heavy. This doesn't matter in the game, but it does seem like a rather
careless error.

Not nearly as careless as the next one, though. The SAP Valkyrie II is
listed as having three missile launchers on each forearm. However, the
picture directly above these words clearly shows _five_ launchers on each
forearm, which is the correct number.

The variation that Major Nex flies (called a SAP Special) is rated as
having even better armour than the normal SAP Valkyrie II, in addition to
carrying a big gun pod in place of the four missile launchers on the right
leg. I guess this must be why Nex uses it--it sure can't be because of
the bigger gun, which doesn't do any more damage than a standard Valkyrie
II gun pod.

The Automatic Attack Bits used with the Valkyrie II are pretty
impressive. There's another error here, though. The book says that a
Valkyrie can control no more than four at once, but in the first episode
Sylvie's fighter is clearly controlling five of them.

The new Battle Pod is really impressive. In fact, it's better armed than
any other enemy mecha, including Feff's Gilgamesh! Fortunately for
players having to fight it, it's still got lousy armour.

The new Officer's Pod looks neat, but it's not very well armed. I wonder
if the Marduk have problems with Zentran refusing promotions because they
don't want to fly an underarmed vehicle?

Both the Officer's Pod and Battle Pod have a seperate "reinforced pilot
compartment," which actually make them easier to take out than the old
Regults and Glaugs.

The new Zentraedi Power Armour is a major improvement over the old
Nousjadeul-Ger. It's also _much_ tougher than the Pods. This mecha
definitely makes up for the lack of an improved fighter pod.

By contrast, the Meltrandi Power Armour is a disappointment. It's weapons
aren't much better than the Zentraedi model, and it's armour is, if
anything, slightly inferior. In the Mecha Press article, it's listed as
having four missile launchers and two impact cannons, but there's no sign
of them in the game.

The background information on the Marduk seems a bit confused. Mr.
Siembieda seems to think that the Marduk control all Zentraedi and
Meltrandi, everywhere, including the Bodolza and Lapalamis Fleets which
were fighting in the Macross: Do You Remember Love?

Maybe I'm way of base here, and in the last two episodes this turns out
to be the case, but I doubt it. If the Marduk controlled the Fleets that
were fighting in the movie, why exactly were they fighting each other? If
the Marduk had controlled those two fleets, why is it that both Marduk
and UN SPACY were shocked to find another culture that used song in the
first episode?

On a semi-related note, I wonder if Palladium would be willing to
consider some "historical" sourcebooks now that they've dumped Robotech
and switched to "real" Macross. I for one would _love_ to see sourcebooks
for Macross: Do You Remember Love and Flashback 2012.

                            Kenneth G. Hagler

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  I'm not sure of the model #, but I've got a Valkyrie II. The gun folds up,
and clips onto the leg, so it can't be fired in fighter mode.
--
Mike Swaim            |"Can she suck a golfball through a garden hose?"
sw...@owlnet.rice.edu |"No, but she can stick her tongue up my nose."
Disclamer: I lie.

   Hmmm. does it or doesn't it have legs? What's the firepower like?

   I hear the thing looks like a starfish... Too bad, I was hoping they
were going to 'evolve' the basic designs...

   How does having a separate pilot compartment make the mech easier to take
out? Is it a new location on the hit charts or something?

   Looked very similar to me.

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          Ah, I see an error in your assessment... :)

          The Reinforced pilots compartment is *under* the main armour... So,
to hit it, you have to get through the main-body armour FIRST...

Fin.

In article <CC73v1....@rice.edu>, sw...@owlnet.rice.edu (Michael Parks Swaim) writes:

That's the VF-2SS/SAP, which is for use in space--I have the same model. Not
all SAP Valkyrie IIs have the big gun pod that clips on the leg, most carry
smaller gun pods which fold up and slide into the forearm armour packs (where
they still can't be fired in fighter mode.

Ken

It doesn't have legs--it uses antigravity instead. Armament consists of:

--two small lasers mounted under the "eye" that do 4d6 when fired together.
--two big particle beam cannon mounted on top that do 2d4x10 together.
--two missile pods, each of which hold 36 short range missiles (72 total).

It doesn't look like a starfish, but it does (I think) look sort of like one of
those fancy tropical fish. It doesn't look at all like the old Glaug. In fact,
when I first saw it I thought it was an improved fighter pod, since it _does_
look sort of like that.

Yes, it's a new location. You need to make a called shot to hit it, but it has
only a fraction of the main body damage capacity.

Really? I thought it looked more like the old Queadlunn-Rau myself.

Ken

In article <CC813A....@ccu.umanitoba.ca>, jcur...@ccu.umanitoba.ca (James Gordon Currie) writes:

No, you just need to make a called shot. However, a "house rule" I normally use
is that to hit the pilot's compartment you have to know where it is and have a
clear shot at it. For instance, on the new Battle Pod I'd make the players
shoot at the hinged plate on the back--if they were shooting up it it from
underneath, they'd have to settle for the main body.

Ken

   You know... in the first episode or so, when they show the Marduk hangar
bay just before deployment, you see a Battlepod lifting off in the
background and for an instant, a thinnish beigish-brown leg pass in the
foreground... I was wondering therefore if the BattlePods had folding legs
or something... Oh well...

    Hmm... well, it was green and lumpy and had the distinctive little gun
in the middle of the chest... But then again, I only saw it for a second or
two.
   Marduk's wierd red mech: Do you really like the French Curves mounted on
telescopic joints on its back? Is it supposed to look like an angel or
something?

--
      /| ________________   |pr...@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu|  Lord of the Flies
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No folding legs, but they do have pivoting thruster/missile launchers mounted
about the same place legs would be. Maybe that's what you're thinking of?

There are glimpses of them aboard the Sarride in Episode 4. They're certainly
more common than the new Meltran Power Armour, which is in one scene in Episode
2.

They're sort of neat. I do like the scene where Feff uses one to cut of the arm
of Nex's Valkyrie. It seems pretty likely to me that the Marduk have been
around for much longer than Christian mythology, so I don't see how the
Gilgamesh could be meant to look like an angel. Maybe an angel is meant to look
like a Gilgamesh? :-)

--
                            Kenneth G. Hagler

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**********************************************************************

In <CC73v1....@rice.edu> sw...@owlnet.rice.edu (Michael Parks Swaim) writes:

             Actually, NEITHER Valkyrie can fire it's gunpod in fighter mode.
Unlike the Robotech Veritech Fighters, the gun pod is stored *internally* on
both Valkyrie models, in the rather large forearm (and, the Valkyrie ][ *also*
has an *additional* gun stored in the inside "calf" of either leg , which
eliminates the missile launchers on that leg).

Side Note: The person who armed the Valkyries did something *real* stupid...
 (s)he armed a unit designed for space/micro gravity combat with a RAIL GUN!
 (which is what the two "hand-gun" units are, the difference being, one fires
  explosive shells (the one stored on the Valk ]['s leg), and the other
  doesn't)

Fin.

In article <CC9y55....@ccu.umanitoba.ca>, jcur...@ccu.umanitoba.ca (James Gordon Currie) writes:

The gun pod is only stored in the forearm on the SAP Valkyrie II--on a Valkyrie
II without SAP (or a VF-2JA) the forearm isn't big enough. The big gun pod goes
on the _outside_ of the leg on some SAP Valkyrie IIs--Nex has one, but Sylvie
doesn't.

Well, a railgun will work fine in space. It's not as if the Valkyrie II doesn't
have any thrusters to counter the recoil. I'll agree that it would make more
sense to give the VF-2JA the railgun and the VF-2SS the beam gun, though,
instead of the other way around.

--
                            Kenneth G. Hagler

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*            --Daidoji Yuzan Shigesuke, _Budo Shoshinshu_            *
**********************************************************************

They do have updated versions of the Destroids. They are somewhat
overarmed and have wheels (!) in their feet, but they look nice. They
weren't included in Mecha-Press because of a lack of space.

It cames from the actual Japanese references. Actually, it
translates as "Ikaros" but "Icarus" was deemed correct by our japanese
friends.

Probably the former. :)

+---------------------+---------------------------------+
| Marc A. Vezina      |`Business is a combination of war|
|---------------------| and sport.'                     |
| Editor, Dream Pod 9 |          -The Jovian Chronicles |
+---------------------+---------------------------------+

In article <CCAKC3....@newsflash.concordia.ca>, kgn...@cs.concordia.ca (Marc-alex Vezina, Ianus P>

Wheels, huh? Sounds like whoever designed them was getting ideas from Gunhed.

What were the Japanese references, anyway? I'd like to try to get copies next
time I'm at Book Nippon.
--
                            Kenneth G. Hagler

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*   so.                                                              *
*            --Daidoji Yuzan Shigesuke, _Budo Shoshinshu_            *
**********************************************************************

jcur...@ccu.umanitoba.ca (James Gordon Currie) writes:

Why is it stupid to arm it with a rail gun? *scratches his head*

Axly
*************************************************************************** ****
*   Axly     *  "Is Axly tough? Yes. Talented? Yes. Brave? Oh, certainly.     *
* Red Sword  *   He is also erratic, irresponsible, accident-prone, and a     *
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*************************************************************************** ****

[munch, munch on Macross II discussion]

The references were several issues of B-Club, Hobbyapan and other anime
publications. Also, try and get your hands on the Macross II
Entertainment Bible (can't remember the number, tho).

+---------------------+---------------------------------+
| Marc A. Vezina      |`Business is a combination of war|
|---------------------| and sport.'                     |
| Editor, Dream Pod 9 |          -The Jovian Chronicles |
+---------------------+---------------------------------+

Is is just me, of does the SAP Special not exist? If you look carefully
at the illustrations it is clear that the SAP Special is nothing more
than the SAP with the back-plate thingy flipped up and one of the missle
launchers replaced with a holster.

--
Robert Mc Daniel (bbs.tec...@tsoft.net)

In article <ek9u9B5w1...@tsoft.net>, bbs.tec...@tsoft.net (Robert Mc Daniel) writes:

I don't think it's just you. The only difference between a "SAP Special" and
any other SAP Valkyrie II is the gun mounted in place of four missile
launchers. The big gun on the back flips up like that to fire in Battroid
mode--the rest of the time it just sticks up in back. This is the same for the
both types of SAP.

--
                            Kenneth G. Hagler

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*   so.                                                              *
*            --Daidoji Yuzan Shigesuke, _Budo Shoshinshu_            *
**********************************************************************

jcur...@ccu.umanitoba.ca (James Gordon Currie) writes:

Actually, rail guns were DESIGNED for use in space. They use
electromagnetic propulsion eliminating the need for fuel/oxygen.

--
Robert Mc Daniel (bbs.tec...@tsoft.net)

In <9aaX9B4w1...@tsoft.net> bbs.tec...@tsoft.net (Robert Mc Daniel) writes:

Arrggghhh!  But why use a railgun when you can have the tech for
particle beam?  At the speed enemy suits fly at, the moderate velocity,
recoil and "questionable" accuracy of railguns make it less than ideal.
But, it's cheaper to produce I guess...

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In article <9aaX9B4w1...@tsoft.net> bbs.tec...@tsoft.net (Robert Mc Daniel) writes:

   Right, that's true.... My only problem would be (I know nothing about
this mech really, except what it looks like) is rapid-firing this thing
without putting an incredible electric power drain on the mech's engine, h?
I don't know of any rapid-fire rail-gun ideas out there (but correct me if I
am in error.)

   Personally, I always visualized space-bullets with propellant AND
oxydizer in one cartridge. Less thrust than normal bullet, but no drop off
because of no gravity... Unfortunately, heating of the barrel is always a
problem.

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SL> Arrggghhh!  But why use a railgun when you can have the tech for
SL> particle beam?  At the speed enemy suits fly at, the moderate
SL> velocity, recoil and "questionable" accuracy of railguns make it
SL> less than ideal.  But, it's cheaper to produce I guess...

* Cheaper to produce, which you mention.
* They're actually quite accurate, as the velocity of a projectile
  will likely be significantly higher than that of a suit.
* Significantly lower power consumption.
* Greater potential damage when a hit is scored.
* Little radiation shielding required which is reflected in lower cost
  and lower mass.

From the standpoint of efficiency, railguns are superior to particle
cannon or lasers. Their drawback is limited ammunition.

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In <RATINOX.93Aug27133...@denali.ccs.neu.edu> rati...@denali.ccs.neu.edu (Richard Pieri) writes:

In atmosphere, railguns suffer from weather conditions just like any other
projectile weapon.  In space, enemy suits can come in at well over Mach
20, and fight at hit & run speeds (altho not likely).  You'd have to aim
the railgun ahead to where the enemy will be in a 1/2 to 1 sec.  That
degrades accuracy.  And if a railgun fired REALLY high of a muzzle velocity,
then recoil affects accuracy.  Then you'd need compensating-thrust on the
gun to eliminate recoil... adding more power use, etc.  Or make a very big
gun!

I guess it could be a little easier on power, but this is in the future,
and we're not talking heavy damage PB weapons anyways, so it shouldn't be
much of a power problem.
H
Hmmm... I'll always had the notion small particles do more damage (hence
fusion), but it's a weak assumption.  Any physics lesson to teach me here?

Particle beam weapons are much costlier, no kidding, but we're talking a
VF here!  You certainly wouldn't arm the ATF (F-23? or 22?) with just a Vulcan
gatling gun because it's more cost effective than missiles!  And rads... it
doesn't seem much of a concern in the series.  But, of course, in 6 OAV's
you have little time to tell a good story, let alone work out technical
aspects.

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  Quick Comment here, Ever played "WING COMMANDER 2" There is a targeting
predictor that gives an indication where one should aim to hit the opposing
ship at a given speed ... if we can do that now that wouldn't be _ANY_ problem
150 years into the future ....

  Remember in the Original Macross Series all of the Mecha were powered by
thermo-nuclear reactors .... I don't see power being a _REAL_ problem ....

  Okay, Have any one of you considered the mecahnical problems that could be
afforded by a Particle Cannon? A 'mechanical' Rail Gun is less likely to have
problems with 'getting screwed up' after getting into Melee Combat .... A
particle cannon would require one to HEAVILY shield the gun from physical
dammage as an out of place lens could cause a minor _EXPLOSION_ in the
internals of the weapon.  A rail gun, if dammaged, Would stop working (due to
magnetic coil problems) But as the amunition is non explosive and _REQUIRES_
the magnetic coil to go anywhere there would be no possible amunition
explosions.  And I'd hate to have to realign one of those Particle Cannons ...
just remember the Old Military Adage  .... K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid ...

-Josh Seely

JS>   Quick Comment here, Ever played "WING COMMANDER 2" There is a
JS> targeting predictor that gives an indication where one should aim
JS> to hit the opposing ship at a given speed ... if we can do that
JS> now that wouldn't be _ANY_ problem 150 years into the future ....

BTW, we *can* do it today. Something like this is standard on the
targeting mode for most modern fighters.

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In <CCMrvp....@hub.cs.jmu.edu> STU_JDSE...@VAX1.ACS.JMU.EDU (JD Seely) writes:

Well, I found the mass drivers to be the hardest to use of all the weapon
types (ramming with the Broadsword was the best :> ).  But, if we're
talking that far into the future, I'd also have computer assisted
auto-dodging, making mass drivers completely inaccurate (and Gundam amount
of maneuver jets to go with it).

Very true, but that's why you have beam sabers in close quarters... oops,
wrong show.  Still, if they can maintain VF's, PB guns can't be that hard
to upkeep.  And the gun exploding... it'd make for some interesting death
scenes!

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