The Metal Storm is an unmanned ground combat vehicle of the Chimera.
Gameplay[]
Metal Storms are compact units with a surprisingly high amount of health, stealth and a devastating, short-ranged weapon. They can be augmented in the same way as an Exosoldier, gaining additional speed and health regeneration.
Though a peculiar unit, Metal Storms excel at mid-game harassment, especially against opponents with long supply lines. As a stealth unit, it can easily roll its way to their production facilities undetected. From there it could be either used to provide real-time intel or attack and withdraw. The double damage boost on breaking stealth complements it well, and when used offensively, the accumulated damage can then cripple the opponent's economy in the long run, forcing them to dedicate resources on buildings that they will eventually demolish. Not much different from hit and run tactics frequently used by Scorpio, Comanche and Humvee, Metal Storms are arguably superior with their low overall cost. One can already cause noticeable amount of damage, and a few can possibly decimate whatever that's sent to counter it, being able to demolish infantry while damaging helicopters and ground vehicles. Both the speed and health regeneration allow them to live much longer than expected to pester enemies further, as they can be sustained without external repairs and reach their targets or escape faster.
Despite their near-unmatched performance, Metal Storms have some alarming weaknesses. As they require the SWORD Protocol and upgrades to be effective, Metal Storms can require a relatively significant investment. They have very short range and their health, while higher than both the Humvee or Scorpio, still don't stand up to damage well. They rely on getting successful attacks off and as soon as they lose stealth enemy units have no trouble destroying it. Although they do not cost credits, 400 aluminum is a very large number, making them a gamble to use, as they are much slower than other equivalents. If any strategy revolving it falls on its face, you'll lose behind on economy instead as Chimera is heavy on aluminum for the likes of upgrades, units and especially the Terminator. In terms of recon, Chimera has the Ninja whose superior speed, increased sight range, anti-stealth and reduced aluminum cost for credits makes it the better option. Speaking of anti-stealth, Metal Storms are no answer due to their range disadvantage, unless they end up with an element of surprise. It certainly doesn't help that Metal Storms are locked behind the SWORD Protocol, which already provides a plethora of units devastating on offense, while their upgrades require an even greater investment. In sum, Metal Storms are pure speciality units, but what they achieve can be insidious and effective with strategical use.
Upgrades[]
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Autorepair Provides slow health regeneration for Metal Storms and Exosoldiers. Costs
 1750. Researched at the Defensive Center. |
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Intelligent suspension Doubles movement speed for Metal Storm and Exosoldier.
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Trivia[]
- Metal Storm's role as a stealth UGV is based on the Task Force Talon's Bomb Drone in Act of War. Spawned by their Spinner UGCVs, Bomb Drones can also gain stealth, are unmanned and typically used to pull off surprise attacks.
