Battlefront Paintball- Hubbard Ohio: A Viper probe droid has landed on ice planet Hoth near Echo Base and alerted the Imperial fleet to the Rebel’s location. Shield generators have come online and should be able to withstand orbital bombardment, but will provide little defense against a ground assault.
Massive numbers of the Empire’s 501st Legion troops combined with AT-ATs and AT-STs, are in the process of gathering on the outskirts of the base, ready to strike the final blow to the Alliance. Hasty defenses are being constructed around the main power generators as they are likely to be the Empire’s primary target. Rebel forces must hold Echo Base at all costs or face possible annihilation.
On February 20th, join Battlefront Paintball and 1st Strike in the defense of Echo Base for the Battle of Hoth.
On February 20, 2010 the Rebel Alliance came under attack on Hoth, the sixth planet in a remote system of the same name. Hoth is a snow covered world which is not the most hospitable place to engage your enemy, with traction at little to none you must plan accordingly. You also have to watch out for the native Wampa who gets a little angry when you make aggressive actions towards them….
The day started out with a long drive to the field for this writer, over 2 hours of travel laid ahead of me and my fellow team mates who piled into the old Explorer for the 130 mile trek. With a quick stop off for caffeine and sustenance we were off into the frozen tundra of what is known as Hubbard. Snow abounded the field, with paths carved out nicely by the staff at Battlefront Paintball. Unfortunately I was a little lax in my preparation and missed the opening day briefing so I was a little lost at the beginning of the game. So off to start the day I had to ask what we were attacking, defending or just doing in general. There were around 140 players who were brave enough to enter the snowy tundra that laid before us, giving all of us plenty of opportunities for movement and targets throughout the day.
The action started with the Empire attacking the defending Rebels who were perched up on a hill and near the town fortress. The snow being a big factor kept the Empire moving slow allowing the Rebel forces to keep them at bay, even with the dastardly Empire sending in their attack vehicles spearheaded by the ever present AT AT. The two manned vehicle pushed the lines back only to have the rebels dig in to hold it back long enough to allow the special weapon, a Nerf launcher, to get into within firing distance to disable the vehicle. This seemed to be the theme of the day every time the AT AT or other attacks were instigated by the Empire.
The first half of the day saw the Rebels pretty much dominating the game, with each and every push of the Empire crowd the Rebel side just dug in, made well placed shots and pushed the Empire back to their respawn points. Much of the action was controlled by well established teams and coordinated efforts lead by the Rebel general.
David Foster, General for the Rebels had this to say about the day, ”I personally loved the scenario. It was simple and uncomplicated but still fun and full of action. The game producers made sure that everything ran smoothly and with very little kinks.
I can see where the Empire had a hard time trying to accomplish objectives. First off they were attacking with an equal number of people as we (Rebels) had, and we were dug in. 2: The snow reduces mobility and adds an extra noise factor to any “sneaky” advances . The Wampa, AT-AT, AT-ST and Orbital bombardment (I heard a lot of people complaining about these) helped to even things out.
The biggest assets to the Rebel side would definitely have to be the scenario teams. Without scenario teams that can function cohesively we would have been doomed. Also, the medics were a large contributing force, but also a pain because some of them(Rebel and Empire medics) weren’t following the rules that were laid out during the briefing. I personly think that the medic rules were very well thought out and functional but for some reason weren’t followed.
I also would like to thank my team captain Brian for all of the advice and support during the pre-game planning and during the action, I’m sure his voice is just about as hoarse as mine is.
Over all it was a great day of play and I would really like to see a re-do of Hoth next year. Great job 1st Strike, keep up the good work.”
After a few hours of play it was time for a break, during which a member of the Band of Brothers was given a surprise birthday party, Happy Birthday David where everyone who wanted enjoyed cake, donuts, and chips. With our bellies full we longed for the thump of paint breaking on our opponents. So with another briefing the action thus began.
The Empire seemed to learn from the mistakes of the morning and overtook the Rebel stronghold with a valiant push of the city structures. Unfortunately for them the Rebels were able to rally and regain control not long after. To win the game the Rebels only had to have two pilots escape from the frozen abyss that is Hoth, which was fairly easily accomplished. With the game in hand by the Rebels the end whistle blew.
Tired, smiling and ready to pack their gear the crowds funneled back off the field. Happy to have braved the cold elements for a game that will not soon be forgotten.
Teams in attendance:
Band Of Brothers
FEAR
Eville Empire
Arc Troppers
Total Resistance
Ohio University
Witness
Immortals
Youngstown Devils
Animosity
If you ever get the chance to get out there in the snow and play do so, it is very fun and adds a special element to the game.
Be sure to check out Battlefront Paintball if you are ever in the Ohio area.
http://www.battlefrontpaintball.com/
For the video of the day see F.E.A.R Paintball’s production of Hoth below
Paul Forcier
