The Battle Simulation Exercise (戦闘 シミュレーション 演習, Sentō Shimyurēshon Ensyū ?)[1] or more commonly known as the Battle Sims (戦闘 シミュ, Sentō Shimyu ?)[2] is a turn-based tactical game developed for Phase 1 of the Away Mission Test.
Gameplay
Squads play against each other 1.v.1 with their units in a series of turns. Each turn is designated by a 150 second Input Phase and a 15 second Action Phase: the former is used for determining both parties' courses of action, while the latter is spent carrying them out.[3] The match ends after six turns.[3] After the match is over, if the difference between the two squads is two or more units, the one with more survivors is the winner. If the difference is two or less, then it is counted as a draw.[3] In subsequent days, this difference is increased by one in regards to the increased units.[4]
Each Squad's operator is assigned to the Radar and can mark enemies regardless of range.[5] However, any combatant can access the radar.[6] [7]
Units
Each Squad is given a set number of Units (ユニット, Yunitto ?) based off of the combatants' Databook statistics and chibi forms. These Units are divided into 2 types: Standard Units (基本 ユニット, Kihon Yunitto Lit. Basic Unit ?) and Back-up Units (ヘイルプ ユニット, Heirupu Yunitto Lit. Help Unit ?).[8] Additionally, combatants can control any unit[8] with no limit on how many they can control as demonstrated by Satoshi Mizukami.[9]
On day 1 each team was given 9 units, with 8 of them being standard units (2 for each player), while 1 is a Back-up Unit. Each team can only pick one Back-up Unit from the same pool: Kei Tachikawa, Kōhei Izumi, Isami Tōma, and Sōya Kazama. [8]
On day 2 each team was given 14 units, with 12 being standard units, and 2 being backup. This time, 3 are given for each player instead of 2. The back-up unit pool was also changed to only include Kusakabe Squad combatants and the remainder of Arashiyama Squad (as Ai Kitora is taking the Away Mission test).[10]
On day 3, each team was given 24 units, with 20 being standard unit, and 4 being back up. This time 5 are given for each player instead of 3. the back-up unit pool was changed to include Rei Nasu, Katagiri Squad (excluding Asumi Amakura), Kako Squad (excluding Mai Kitagawa), and the remainder of Miwa Squad (as Shōhei Kodera is taking the Away Mission test.[11])
Parameters
Like the Databook, each unit has a set of parameters which are:
| Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Action Token[12] (行動力, Kōdōryoku?) |
Amount of Action Tokens the user has. |
| Trion[12] (トリオン, Torion?) |
Amount of Trion the user has. |
| Attack[12] (攻撃, Kōgeki?) |
Amount of damage the user can do. |
| Defense[12] (防衛, Bōei?) |
Ability to defend teammates. |
| Evasion [12]1 (回避, Kaihi?) |
Ability to evade attacks. |
| Support[12] (援護, Engo?) |
Ability to support teammates. |
| Technique [12] (技術, Gijyutsu?) |
Accuracy and precision of attacks and defense. |
Translation Note
- "Evasion" (回避, Kaihi ?) from the Unit's parameter and "Mobility" (機動, Kidō ?) from the Databook use two different kanji, thus will be counted as different things.
- Do note these are assumptions based off of the databook
A list of all known character parameters can be found here.
Game Mechanics
Action Tokens
Each Unit is given a specific amount of Tokens they can use for each action phase. Each action takes up a certain amount of tokens, though the amount used for each action is unknown for most actions. Faster units appear to have more tokens[13] as shown with Katori and Oki, who have 16 and 15 tokens each while Osamu has 13.[12]
List of Token Costs
| Cost | Action |
|---|---|
| Unknown | Grasshopper was said to allow the user to jump up to 4 stories at a reduced cost, but the exact amount is unknown.[14] Defending.[15] Wielding Triggers.[15] |
| Increased by 1 | One additional action token is consumed when an enemy unit enters a cell with wires.[16]
Units inflected by lead bullets have an increased action token cost.[17] The specifics of the cost increase are unknown. |
| 1 | Moving a space.[15] Moving up a story.[14] |
| 2 | Unspecified Shooter Triggers.[18] |
Attacking
All triggers have an area of effect cone, whose length and width depends on trigger type. Rotation is possible, but not size change. An example of cone difference is a Sniper Trigger's long but narrow cone — difficult for wide defensive coverage, but can block off a whole street.[19] Contrarily, Raygust's is wide but short.[6] A trigger will automatically attack an opponent if it is within the cone[20] as long as there are action tokens.[21] It should also be noted that when two units converge, the statistically stronger one will win.[22]
The effectiveness of shields and ranged weapons depends more on a unit's trion parameters, while melee weapons depend more on a unit's attack parameters.[23]
theorized equations for damage[23]:
- Ranged: Trigger's Base Attack Rating X (Trion Stat(Big effect) + Attack Stat(Small effect))
- Melee: Trigger's Base Attack Rating X (Attack Stat(Big effect) + Trion Stat(Small effect))
Dealing with Attacks
There are two ways for a unit to deal with damage: they can either Defend (防御, Bōgyo ?) or Evade (回避, Kaihi ?). The user can use a defensive trigger to block or use Bagworm to evade; but if no trigger's cone overlaps with the opponent's cone, there is no way to block/evade the attack.[24] Defending will cost an unknown amount of tokens,[15] but it is unknown if evading will cost any tokens.
Action Inputs
There are several other types of movements units can do. Not all were shown, but these were the ones listed.
| Name | Action |
|---|---|
| Option[22] (選択, Sentaku Lit. Choice?)≠ |
No Official Info |
| Destination[22] (地点, Chiten Lit. Spot, point on a map?)≠ |
No Official Info Presumably will go to a point on the map |
| Protect[25] (護衛, Goei Lit. Guard?) |
Supposedly an automatic support option as it was mentioned that a Miura Unit shielded both a Kitora and Okudera unit.[25] |
| Standard Command[22] (固有 コマント, Goyū Komanto?) |
No Official Info |
| Standard Movement[22] (移動, Idō Lit. Movement?) |
No Official Info |
| Homing Movement[22] (追跡移動, Tsuiseki Idō?) |
Automatically goes after a specific Unit that appears on the Radar or Map;[26] was said to be convenient but easy to predict.[27] |
| Standby[22] (待機, Taiki?) |
No Official Info The unit will stand in place |
Translation Note
≠: is covered by text so might not be full name and/or rest is presumed
Skills
There are three named types of skills.[28][29] Each Unit has at least one skill, [30][29] with the most common amount being three.[2] There is a maximum of four skills.[31]
Combo Skills
Combo (連携, Renkei Lit. Cooperation ?) aka Combo Skill (連携 スキル, Renkei Sukiru ?) is a type of skill where if the user attacks and an ally has a similar trigger, they will preform a follow-up attack with half to no cost.[28][31]
Penchants
Penchant (適性, Tekisei Lit. Aptitude ?) aka Aptitude Skill (適性 スキル, Tekisei Sukiru ?) is a skill where the user gets an effect relating to their specific trigger.[29]
Negative Skills
Negative Skill (マイナス スキル, Mainasu Sukiru ?) is a skill that make the user weaker in some way.[32] There is only one known Negative Skill, being Chika's Combat Inexperience skill.[32]
Strategy
Collaborative teamplays seem to be the most common way to fight, with effective communication proving to be most important.[33] Contrarily, it should be noted that going solo can be advantageous, as demonstrated by Satoshi Mizukami:[34] players would not need to communicate, thus granting more time to think.[35] But this is implied to require a high amount of skill.[36]
As unit quantity steadily increases, strategies involving stronger units are enhanced, whereas weaker units only grow more vulnerable.[37]
Purpose in the Exams
The Battle Simulation is one of three main ways to get points, along with assignment points and A-rank evaluations; however, it is considered the least important out of the three. Points allocated depends on the given day, type of simulation, and match outcome.
Battle Simulation Schedule
There are 10 matches a day starting from 3pm until 7pm, which averages around 20 minutes for each match; [38] each squad gets a break for one round.[39]
| Day | Win | Draw | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Day 2 Battle Simulation 1[40] |
50 | 10 | 0 |
| Exam Day 3 Battle Simulation 2[40] |
100 | 20 | 0 |
| Exam Day 4 Battle Simulation 3[40] |
200 | 40 | 0 |
Special Battle Simulation Schedule
| Day | Win | Draw | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Day 5 Battle Simulation 4 Special 1[40] |
100 | 20 | 0 |
| Exam Day 6 Battle Simulation 5 Special 2[40] |
150 | 30 | 0 |
Special Assignments
Day 1
Question: Why do you think have your squads were shuffled for the purpose of this test? Think over the possible reason(s) as a team, compile your opinion, and submit your responses. (under 400 words).[41]
Responses:
- "The squads were shuffled to make it feel like a festival. Please make this festival a yearly event".[42]
- Commenter: Tatsuhito Ikoma[42]
- Testing for potential candidates for future captains and management roles.
- Commenter: Sumiharu Inukai[43], Takuma Yuba[43], Shōhei Kodera[43], Kōtarō Suwa[43], Masataka Ninomiya[43], Tetsuji Arafune[43], and Kazuki Kurauchi[43]
- Gave Points: Yuri Rindō[43], Reiji Kizaki[43], Haruka Ayatsuji[43], Risa Maki[43], and Shinji Fuyushima[43]
- A large-scale experiment related to long term prospects of Border.[43]
- Commenter: Hana Somei[43], and Kazuaki Ōji[43]
- Gave Points: Yūichi Jin[43], Kyōsuke Karasuma[43], Mitsuru Tokieda[43], Jun Arashiyama[43], Isami Tōma[43], Yuri Rindō[43], Reiji Kizaki[43], Risa Maki[43], Haruka Ayatsuji[43], and Shinji Fuyushima[43]
- Shuffling the squads is a rehearsal in case some of the agents die on the mission and the squads have to be rearranged on the fly.
- Commenter: Hyuse[44], Yūma Kuga[44]
- Gave Positive Points: Reiji Kizaki[44], Yūichi Jin[44], Jun Arashiyama[44], Michael Cronin[44], and Isami Tōma[44]
- Gave Negative Points: Kirie Konami[44]
Day 2
Question: Why did the matches of B-Rank Wars pit three or four squads against each other, instead of just two? Think over the possible reason(s), compile your opinions, and submit your response. (Under 400 words).[45]
Responses:
Point 1 & 2
Skilled honed by complex rank Wars, and Downside(s) of matches between just two squads.[46]
- Kazuki Kurauchi: Put us in the habit of exploiting the state of battle.[46]
- Daichi Tsutsumi: Abundant data forces us to divert our attention.[46]
- Yūko Kumagai: Strong formations and tactics tend toward what's safe and stable.[46]
- Aki Hiyami: Less progress toward improving tactics and trigger usage.[46]
- Kō Murakami: all squads would need four fighters, lest there be a power gap.[46]
Point 4
Relevance to away missions in the neighborhood (re: combat or otherwise).
- By gaining experience with complex, multi-faceted situation, we learn to be more cautious and adaptable on missions in uncharted territory of the neighborhood.[46]
Point 3
Relevance to defense missions and other duties of the organization.[47]
- Battling multiple squads at once in rank war matches help us envision the possibilities of different formations and tactics. When multiple squads have to work together during defense missions, teamwork will run smoother. Battling multiple squads at once can inform us how best to act in the event we need to defend against a large-scale invasion waged across a wide area. We learn to think with that board, bird's-eye view.
- Matches between just two squads at a time would mean a lot more matches - a bigger strain to manage. Depending on the total number of active B-Rank squads, simple vs. squad matches could result in some leftovers, making it difficult to put together the full schedule.
Other
- Yuzuru Ema, and Hiro Kitazoe were stated to struggle with this assignment.[46]
Day 3
Question: Come up with rules for a new match format different from the three-way and four-way battles currently employed for B-rank wars. you may also add new elements to the existing rules. In addition, explain the reasoning behind your new and revised rules.[49]
Responses:
- Team up, for two squads versus two squads.[50]
- Commenter: Kotarō Tomoe[50], Kazuaki Ōji[50], Shirō Kikuchihara[50], Ai Kitora[50], and Kazuki Kurauchi[50]
- Split each sub-rank into two teams that are pitted against each other.[50]
- Commenter: Taichi Betsuyaku[50], Atsushi Hokari[50], Yuzuru Ema[50], Yutaka Kashio[50], and Fumika Teruya[50]
Issues
- Forcing all of B-rank to participate in that type of match would leave border short-staffed for defense missions.[51]
- Atsushi Hokari bought up this point[51]: "Implementing this would require a staggered schedule. For instance, the top sub-rank would fight on Monday, and thursday, the mid sub-rank would do it on tuesday, and friday, with the bottom sub-rank on wednesday, and saturday. Updating the ranks would have to happen on the weekend".
- Agents not participating in a given match could watch the match and submit a report on the observed battle tactics.[51]
- Commenter: Fumika Teruya[51]. and Yutaka Kashio[51]
- All of B-rank could be split into a siege team and a defense team for a fortress-defense match.[51]
- Commenter: Yutaka Kashio[51], and Hisato Sasamori[51]
- Destroy the enemy's tower to win big points. (small map. Agents would not be teleported to random locations at the start).[52]
- Commenter: Yuzuru Ema[52], and Atsushi Hokari[52]
- A few times per season, hold a handicap match with one top-ranked B-rank squad versus three bottom-rank B-rank squads.[53]
- Commenter: Yuzuru Ema[53]
- three-way matches should involve a top, middle, and bottom-ranked team. defeating opponents from a rank higher than one's own would award bonus points.[53]
- Commenter: Hisato Sasamori[53]
- Simulate a defense mission pitting two or three squads against a large-scale invasion of trion soldiers. squads would compete to eliminate the enemies in the fastest time, with the fewest causalities. Would foster a better understanding of what sort of enemy forces one is capable of dealing with. would be a bit of a burden on management, since they'd have to concoct new mission loadouts everytime. (Kōtarō Suwa).[54]
- Commenter: Kotarō Tomoe[54], Atsushi Hokari[54], Kōtarō Suwa[54], and Hisato Sasamori.[54]
- Trigger loadouts for all squads are predetermined by management.[55]
- Commenter: Kotarō Tomoe[55], Shirō Kikuchihara[55], and Fumika Teruya.[55]
- Before each match, a list of available triggers (categories, as well as specific ones) would be made available. Agents on a given squad would divvy up the triggers amongst themselves. the list would be the shared with the opposing squad.[55]
- Commenter: Ai Kitora[55], and Kazuki Kurauchi[55]
- Reasonings:
- Getting a taste for triggers that one doesn't typically use could offer a chance to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of other other types of fighters.[55] (Kotarō Tomoe[55], Fumika Teruya[55], Kazuki Kurauchi[55])
- This would strengthen one's ability to improvise if, on an away mission, one got into trouble and was left unable to use one's usual triggers.[55] (Shirō Kikuchihara[55], and Ai Kitora[55])
- Each squad could come up with and use original triggers with modified functions.
- Commenter: Kazuaki Ōji[56], and Taichi Betsuyaku[56]
- Allow us to adjust the parameters for our triggers and trion bodies from the strategy room.[57]
- Commenter: Kazuki Kurauchi[57]
- Shuffle the trion values around within each squad[58] / Automatically give everyone on opposing squads the same trion values during the match.[58]
- Commenter: Kazuaki Ōji[58] / Kōtarō Suwa[58], and Kazuki Kurauchi[58]
- Operators (non-combatants) would be teleported into battle as well. they would provide information-based support via a laptop. A squad whose operator bailed out would suffer an instant loss or at least a high penalty.[59]
- Commenter: Ai Kitora[59], and Kōtarō Suwa[59]
- Designate buildings and NPCs on the map that incur a large penalty if destroyed.[60]
- Don't reveal the identity of the opposing squad. all opposing agents would share a common, anonymous avatar that prevents visual identification. Instills a habit of observing the opponent's movements and triggers. Also forces one to be aware of not needlessly revealing one's own weapons and strategies.[60]
- Commenter: Shirō Kikuchihara[60]
- Incorporate and fight with trion soldiers on the squad. It would benefit border if we knew how to wield trion soldiers.[61]
- Commenter: Taichi Betsuyaku[61]
Day 4
Question: Create trion soldiers using the attached software. Each squad member must crate at least one.
Trivia
- The software has been shown getting updates throughout the arc. It was introduced with version 1.04[62], it would later updated to 1.08[63], and then 1.11[64]
References
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 2)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 216 (p. 12)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 9)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 224 (p. 14)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 217 (p. 13)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 12)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 216 (p. 1)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 World Trigger Manga — Vol. 24 Chapter 213 (p. 17).
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 15)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 223 (p. 20)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 227 (p. 20)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 7)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 11)
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 216 (p. 3)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 10)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 231 (p. 11)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 232 (p. 18)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 11)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 14-15)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 13)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 10)
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 18)
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 224 (p. 4-5)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 16)
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 217 (p. 9)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 17)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 23)
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 3)
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 6)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 216 (p. 17)
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 217 (p. 3)
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 232 (p. 6)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 217 (p. 11-12)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 216 (p. 20)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 223 (p. 2-3)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 223 (p. 4-5)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 224 (p. 19)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 3)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 215 (p. 13)
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 World Trigger Manga — Vol. 24 Chapter 214 (p. 3-4).
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 209 (p. 2)
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 210 (p. 7)
- ↑ 43.00 43.01 43.02 43.03 43.04 43.05 43.06 43.07 43.08 43.09 43.10 43.11 43.12 43.13 43.14 43.15 43.16 43.17 43.18 43.19 43.20 43.21 43.22 43.23 43.24 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 210 (p. 8)
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 44.5 44.6 44.7 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 210 (p. 16)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 217 (p. 16)
- ↑ 46.00 46.01 46.02 46.03 46.04 46.05 46.06 46.07 46.08 46.09 46.10 46.11 46.12 46.13 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 219 (p. 12)
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 219 (p. 13)
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 219 (p. 14)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 224 (p. 21)
- ↑ 50.00 50.01 50.02 50.03 50.04 50.05 50.06 50.07 50.08 50.09 50.10 50.11 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 11)
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 51.5 51.6 51.7 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 12)
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 13)
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 15)
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 17)
- ↑ 55.00 55.01 55.02 55.03 55.04 55.05 55.06 55.07 55.08 55.09 55.10 55.11 55.12 55.13 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 18)
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 19)
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 20)
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 22)
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 23)
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 60.3 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 24)
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 World Trigger Manga — Chapter 237 (p. 25)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 214 (p. 5)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 228 (p. 1)
- ↑ World Trigger Manga — Chapter 241 (p. 11)
| ← Away Mission Test Arc | |
|---|---|
| Related Articles | Battle Sims • Special Sims • Away Test Squads • Away Test Soldiers • Test Rankings |
| Chapters | 200 • 201 • 202 • 203 • 204 • 205 • 206 • 207 • 208 • 209 • 210 • 211 • 212 • 213 • 214 • 215 • 216 • 217 • 218 • 219 • 220 • 221 • 222 • 223 • 224 • 225 • 226 • 227 • 228 • 229 • 230 • 231 • 232 • 233 • 234 • 235 • 236 • 237 • 238 • 239 • 240 • 241 • 242 • 243 • 244 • 245 • 246 • 247 • 248 • 249 |
| Volumes | 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 |
| Episodes | TBA |