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Welcome to the second installment of the showdown series. For this entry into the competition between old and new, we're going to pit the Goliath -- staple of anti-air assault and powerhouse against infantry -- against the Viking, the new Terran multi-role transforming fighter. These two mechs will go head-to-head, machine-to-machine, in a battle to the death. Let's see who comes out on top.

The Goliath

The Goliath is a fairly cheap mech unit built from the Factory after you build an Armory -- which you can also use to upgrade them. I say fairly cheap because we're talking two resource points, 100 minerals, and 50 vespene for a unit that attacks both air and ground. And does it well.

Pros:

• Attacks both air and ground

• Inexpensive advanced unit to build -- you get more bang for your buck.

• Powerful anti-air missiles.

• Very powerful when paired with Siege Tanks.

Cons:

• Is tied to the ground.

The Viking

The Viking is the new transforming multi-role fighter than can be used as anti-air or as ground support. Probably the most intriguing part of this unit is the transforming. Where the Goliath has missiles and guns to use in varying situations, and switches based on what it's attacking, the Viking switches its weapons based on what vehicles mode it's placed in. Put it in air assault mode? You've got missiles that can take down an enemy aircraft. Put it in ground support mode? You get twin guns that can still fire at airborne targets.

Pros:

• Can transform.

• Can fly over obstacles.

• Not limited to the ground

• Has varied uses based on what mode it's in

• Attacks both air and ground.

• Can switch roles on the fly.

• Opens up new tactical possibilities

Cons:

• Can only attack ground targets when in ground-assault mode

The Verdict

The Viking wins in the fourth round after transforming to fly over obstacles the Goliath must walk around. The Viking's maneuverability makes it a powerful replacement for the Goliath anti-air walker -- and opens up a whole new set of tactics. I fully expect to see massive squads of Terran Vikings flying around Battle.net as Terran aficionados figure out new and dangerous ways to use this unit.

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