Russian Navy (VMF) - Tier 1: Orlan

The Orlan was the first ship which i captained when beginning my journey through the ranks of the Russian cruiser tech tree

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My experience with the Orlan did not feel any different to those of the starter ships of nations such as Japan or Germany. Early tier game-play is very fast paced and hectic. Personally i didn't enjoy tier 1 game-play, however, this is not a trait unique to the Orlan.

A Positive Remark

The Orlan wasn't all that bad. My personal bias against low tier game-play hinders me from really appreciating what this ship has to offer compared to other nations. Given that it was designed as an island water patrol ship, she boasts incredible speed and maneuverability. This is her trump card when engaging in low tier combat. The Orlan has an increased ability to turn and often throw off opponents aim by slowing down and zig-zagging around all while returning enough fire power to make her opponent turn tail and flee.

Why i disliked my experience

Many of the games at low tier, tier 1 especially, end very quickly. Despite being given 20 minutes per battle, tier 1 games are often over in 5 minutes. The short gun range and view range of these low tier ships pretty much mandates that you enter into close quarters combat. Essentially a free for all; at times it felt like i was battling my own team, often ramming into them as all of us commenced a turn-fest to try and dodge the hail of salvos that were raining down upon us.