First off, let me say right from the start, I'm not a veteran player. I have been playing for a little while against many of the armies available, and I feel I can play decently with my own army (Eldar) against most other armies.
Within the last 2 months, I've had the displeasure of playing againt Tyranids repeatedly. Some of the earlier problems was using the old Tranid list on the Specialist Games site. I'd suggest you guys should really try to make sure that the list there is updated as you refine the list.
After several games against the Tyranids, I have to say that they are the least fun army to play against. Before it is asked, yes I have lost every game against them. I don't think that this is the reason that I find them so unenjoyable to play against. There are other armies that I've played against and lost every game to that I didn't feel were 'broken' or did not have fun playing against.
Some of the problems I see with the Tyranid list are the stats of some of the units within the list. I know this is a work in progress, but a single point in this game can have a big impact and need to be closely looked at. Many units have stats that seem to be right on the money. Other just seem a bit off kilter. I'll give an example of one of them. Raveners have a Close Combat value of 4+, which is the same as a Carnifex. Other 'lesser' units have a 5+. Although the Ravener may be better in Close Combat than some of these 'lesser' creatures, I don't feel it is at the 4+ range...the extra point is a huge difference. This problem is typical of a few other units, but this serves as an example.
The main problem with the list to me is the 'Unstoppable' rule. The ability to totally ignore Blast Markers (one of the most basic concepts and rules of the Epic game) is a huge advantage. Much too huge! The 'Unstoppable' rules breaks such a basic rule that it requires other rules just to handle the problems that arise from including this rule (i.e. the Victory Condition rules). The benefit of never having to worry about breaking, never having to consider being supressed, and always having an automatic +1 to Combat Resolution should be paid for by every single unit that receives these abilities, but there seems to be nothing extra in the cost to account for this over similar units in other list (units with similar stats). This rule really REALLY needs to be examined.
I think something more along the lines of the Space Marine rule is in order. I understand that you are trying to get the 'feel' of the Tyranids, but background is never justification for rules that are broken. The situation that illustrated the problems inherent with this rule happened in the last game. A unit of Vypers without Blast Markers was fired on by the Tyranid player. Nothing was damaged by this shooting, but the unit received a Blast Marker. The Tyranid player retained the Initiative and assaulted the Vypers with a unit of Genestealers. The Vypers (Skimmers) were only able to cause a single casualty, and the Genestealers (having no Firefight value) weren't even able to touch the Vypers, yet received a +2 Combat Resolution for just being there due to the Unstoppable rule. With him outnumbering me, he had a total modifer of +3. I lost the Assault, and most of the formation to enemy units that couldn't even affect it that cost 60 points less! I've had opponents do some tricky things to turn a game against me, but I usually have to admire their cleverness. Not this particular trick.
Another thing with the rules that I would urge you to reconsider would be the Regeneration rule for War Engines. A War Engine being able to roll a d6 for each point of
starting Damage Capacity is a bit harsh. I agree with the idea of the rule, and how it fits into the 'theme' of the Tyranids, but I'd urge that the War Engine only be allowed to roll a d6 for each point of Damage Capacity that it has lost. Although I had dedicated Titan hunting formations in the form of Super-Heavy Grav Tanks, I found it hard enough to put any points against it's Damage Capacity. Then after using those formations to rack up a total of 4 points of damage capacity, it Regenerates 3 of them with its 8 rolls. I understand that it was some good rolling, but this was disheartening to say the least. Rolling 4 dice and seeing 1 or 2 points regenerate would have been enough.
I'd urge you to play against the Tyranids with some players who aren't trying to make it work fairly; players who are going to try to make it an overwhelming force to play against. See if you have fun. See if you think the army list is 'fine'. I intend to ask for help from other veteran player against the Tyranids and will be making major modifications to my list, and probably be adopting a mindset that isn't so friendly or fun to play against. I'd rather not, but until the list is fixed, I'd rather do that then play a game against an army that isn't fun to play against.
I know this is coming off pretty harsh, but I want you to see it from the 'other side of the fence'. I think you have a generally good idea, but some bad implimentation of it. I'd rather see a balanced, fun Tyranid army list to play against then to have to change the basic premise of the game (i.e. just be competitive - not fun) to play against it.
StoneFoxx
...waiting to hear just how 'wrong' I am.
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