We’ve taken a look at Sentinel and Destroyer, but now it’s time to talk about the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal. This mischievous Shell introduces mobility to the choice of Runner Shells; you could even say that Vandal puts the Runner into Runner Shell. But speed isn’t the only thing that Vandal has going for them; they’re also lethal.
Mobility aside, the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, also has an arm cannon for a more lethal approach. Some of you Megaman fans, or Rockman to some, may enjoy this Shell for their arm cannon alone. But you shouldn’t use a Shell for one of their abilities only, so let’s take a look at all of their abilities, so you’ll know what you’re getting into.
The Abilities Of The Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal
The Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, enters the arena of Tau Ceti IV with an arsenal of abilities built for swift lethality and maneuverability. Three of Vandal’s abilities feature some form of movement, while only one could be considered lethal, but that isn’t anything to scoff at. Let’s begin by examining Vandal’s prime ability, Amplify.
Vandal’s Prime Ability: Amplify
The prime ability of the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, enhances their agility and heat capacity. Amplify allows Vandal to perform more movement abilities without overheating in a few seconds, but that isn’t all. Amplify also enhances the dexterity of your weapons, allowing you to aim, reload, and swap your weapon much more quickly.
Though keep in mind that when you activate this prime ability, you’re very bright, and a bit multicoloured. So, make sure you use Amplify and get moving, lest you want to get picked off for standing out so much. Though with how quickly you move with Vandal, I doubt your enemies will land a decent shot on you anyway.
Vandal’s Tactical Ability: Disrupt Cannon
Vandal’s right arm can transform into a powerful cannon that fires a high-powered energy projectile that deals damage and pushes targets away. And if it initially feels weak to use, then all you have to do is hold down the ability button to overcharge Vandal’s arm cannon. Overcharging Vandal’s arm cannon greatly increases the size and damage of the blast.
While it is the only lethal ability of the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, it’s definitely a good one to make up for it. Vandal carries what is essentially a grenade on demand inside their arm, though it does take time for it to do some real damage. However, you should also keep in mind that it’s great for displacing enemies as it has massive knockback.
Vandal’s Trait Ability: Microjets
Staying on theme with the abilities of the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, this ability makes use of Vandal’s integrated jet boosters. Similar to Destroyer, Vandal can use these jets to propel itself in a direction at the cost of additional heat. Unlike Destroyer, though, Vandal propels itself upward instead of forward, allowing Vandal to double jump.
Paired with the Amplify prim ability, Vandal can reach vantage points or outrun and outflank enemies at alarming speeds. Alongside speed, the prime ability also reduces the heat that Vandal generates. Meaning that once you activate Vandal’s prime ability, you can pretend to be your favorite blue blur and say, “You’re too slow!”
Vandal’s Trait Ability: Power Slide
Another ability of the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, is Power Slide, an ability that doesn’t have a cooldown whatsoever. Though Microjets also doesn’t have a cooldown, you still need to wait until you land before doing another double jump. But the Power Slide allows you to use it just as you get back up from the first slide.
Although this ability grants you incredible movement possibilities, it costs a lot of heat, but Amplify could mend that. However, what Amplify doesn’t do is mask the sound of your slide, which is as obvious as Theif’s graple device. So keep in mind that the enemy will definitely hear you coming or flanking.
Is That All For The Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal?
That is indeed all in terms of the abilities of the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal. However, we haven’t covered their cores in today’s guide, but it won’t stay that way. I’ll cover the various cores of the different Runner Shells on a different date, so you’ll have to wait a bit.
Until then, Season 2 is ramping up, so get out there and try out the Marathon Runner Shell, Vandal, for yourself!
For more information on games and Marathon, stay tuned with us.
