Ransack Vs. Scorponok: Battle of the grapplers

[darkknightmare]

I thought I do a little comparison thread for the two most interesting figures in the Transformers line. Scorponok and Ransack are both what I like to call "grapplers"(since they're the only ones that "grab" an opponent besides Omega Supreme). I'll be looking at the pros and cons of each.

First everyone's favorite, Scorponok

Pros:
30 Points for a pretty good figure
10 speed
Large size base
Not so easy to take down
Special Power can bring two Insecticons from your back ups
Can take down anyone with ease

Cons:
Speed sweet spot is 9
Special Power is too specific
Relies on a person's strength
Have to get in close to attack
Special Power Ratio 10/26
White Spots are spread out

Now for Ransack

Pros:
20 Points, nice and cheap for what he does
8 Speed, sweet spot is 9
Can Recover
Can take down anyone ease
Can attack from a distance
Has two different ways of attack: Prodding and Grappling
Special Power Ratio 13/26
White Spots are grouped pretty close

Cons:
Small Base
Special Power is too specific. Requires Crumplezone, a weak striker
Moves slower than Scorponok
Relies on a person's strength
Requires you to get a good shot on the opponent

Well there you have it, my opinion on what I think are 2 of the best figures in the set. But which one you use depends on personal opinion and playing style. I personally go for Ransack cause he's a bit cheaper, has a better power, and and attack from a bit of distance. I hope this article is somewhat helpful to all players, new and old.

[dvandom]

Crumplezone is SO bad that as far as I'm concerned, Ransack has no special ability, because no one would waste 30 points on Crumplezone. I'd also add "top-heavy" to Ransack's cons column, as it conspires with the small base to make him very easy to knock over.

---Dave

[thecasualoblivion]

Scorponok(the only TF I do not possess) seems by all means a solid figure. It has great defense and an amazing attack, which balances out not having a great special power. Unlike Ransack, Scorponok can easily get multiple kills against formations, and while I can't say from experience, I could imagine being able to throw figures into other figures at distance. It doesn't really rank with the best 30pt strikers, but its worthy of mention and worth using.

Ransack is a marginal figure at best. The Decepticons have a better option at 20pts in Battle Ravage, who is faster, a lot more resistant to enemy fire, and has a power that works better in game situations. Battle Ravage only really requires you using several, which isn't really a bad idea. Ransack's power requires Crumplezone, and while Crumplezone hits hard, his arm is so short that its easy to miss with. Missing with a striker is intolerable. Also, unlike Scorponok, Ransack has no real possibility of multiple kills.

[darkknightmare]

I wouldn't exactly call battle ravage resistant, many a time i have taken them down with a mere Minicon from about 4 tix away

[thecasualoblivion]

Its all relative. Battle Ravage is far more resistant than the other two 20pt Transformers strikers, Scourge and this topic's Ransack. I'd also call Battle Ravage more resistant than the vast majority of 20pt Star Wars figures.

As for 4 tix with a mini-con, I could personally kill any figure in the game other than Super Optimus Prime at that range.