The ultimate battle for RTS unit supremacy has reached its semifinal stage, with only four contenders remaining. This democratic process, initiated with 16 units, has seen fierce competition and surprising eliminations.
The quarterfinals narrowed the field, with some closely contested matches where victors claimed just 10% more of the votes. The author's personal favorites, the Dolphin and the Peon, were among those eliminated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition.
The Semifinals Bracket
Reflecting on the previous round, the author noted a near miss with predictions, being wrong only about the Peon. The surprising elimination of the Peon by a Mammoth Tank was particularly unexpected. Similarly, the Mirage Tank fell to the Executor Super Star Destroyer, demonstrating the overwhelming power of larger vessels.
The Pride of Hiigara advanced by defeating its opponent, proving the iconic status of this spaceship. In a contest between nature and organized religion, the Priest emerged victorious over the Dolphin, a result the author lamented.
The Semifinal Matchups
Players have until the end of Tuesday (BST) to cast their votes. The remaining contenders are pitted against each other in two monumental clashes:
Mammoth Tank vs. Pride of Hiigara
Mammoth Tank (Command & Conquer: Red Alert)
Described as "unfathomably costly and painfully slow," the Mammoth Tank is a symbol of Soviet strength. Its sheer power is so significant that it's suggested a single unit could win the entire Command & Conquer: Red Alert Soviet campaign.
Pride of Hiigara (Homeworld 2)
More than just a unit, the Pride of Hiigara serves as a mobile base, capable of producing other capital ships and carrying an entire fleet. While its direct offensive capabilities are limited, its role as a mothership and its iconic design make it a strong contender. It gains an advantage in Homeworld 2 by being fully mobile, unlike its predecessor.
Executor Super Star Destroyer vs. Priest
Executor Super Star Destroyer (Star Wars: Empire at War)
Representing a "top-tier Star Wars fantasy," the Executor Super Star Destroyer is an immense vessel, measuring 19 kilometers long. It is armed with numerous turbolaser batteries, capable of overwhelming entire fleets and dwarfing standard Star Destroyers. Its sheer scale and firepower make it a formidable force.
Priest (Age of Empires)
The Priest is known for its iconic "Wololo" ability, which allows it to convert enemy units. While lacking direct combat prowess, its unique utility and memetic status have propelled it to the semifinals.