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I want to kick off this new series with an intense and heated showdown between an old unit that players have come to love and the new unit that thus far is scheduled to replace it in SCII. A battle for supremacy as a tier 1.5 unit and in this case a struggle for survival in the SC universe, the Firebat takes on the Marauder. At first glance both units are evenly matched and I think this is going to be a true barn-burner. Who will have what it takes to come out on top?

Firebat

Pros:

• Early game unit, tier 1.5
• Only required a Barracks and Academy to build
• Uses dual mounted flamethrowers on arm to deal extra damage to enemy
• Increased damage superior to the Marine
• Better armor and more resistant to heat damage
• Could be healed by a Medic
• Could be stim-packed
• Good support unit for a Marine & Medic group

Cons:

• No anti-air defense
• Range of attack was limited to short distances

Marauder

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Pros:

• Early game unit, tier 1.5
• Only requires a Barracks with an attached Tech Lab to build
• Can be healed by a Medic
• Can be stim-packed
• Is a valuable support unit for a Marine & Medic group
• Fires dual concussion grenade launchers that slow enemy unit's movement
• Grenades do additional bonus damage to armored units

Cons:

• No anti-air defense

Scorecard:

This is a tough call to make. Both units are very evenly matched and both serve the same support role in a group of Terran infantry. Both units also share the same common weakness of not being able to defend from an air attack. However, while the Firebat is a tried-and-true unit, the Marauder seems like it has the advantage primarily because of its range of attack. The Firebat had to get up close in order to use its deadly flamethrowers where as the Marauder thus far will be able to fire its grenades from a farther distance. Not only that but if you pit both these units against each other in game the Marauders grenades would slow down the Firebat's movement and deal considerable damage to the 'bat before it even got close enough to unleash its napalm.

The Firebat has had a great run, but it is easy to see why Blizzard has decided to move on and give the Terrans a newer more versatile unit in the Marauder. The Marauder has all of the Firebat's strengths and then some (like bonus damage to armor) which is why it is a better choice in my mind as a support unit for groups of Marines and Medics.

Marauder wins in Round 12 by way of KO.

RIP, Firebat.

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