Can't get past 1st level

[brianwisconsin]

I played this 20 years ago and had no trouble moving up through the levels. Now I can't make it through the first damn level. Playing as an american. All weapons seem useless and i can never kill the enemy in time. I have it set on very easy. I simply don't know what to do! Any advice or mods are welcome.

[DivisionByZero]

I like to use the Bobcat (the Light Tank) to dispatch enemies easily. The Hornet missiles are very powerful and it's easier to lock on from a distance (max range 200m), only two hits are needed to destroy a fighter (+1 AT-Stabber round on medium difficulty and up). There's also the "Rave Gun" easter egg weapon by the supply depot if you don't mind bright flashing lights. It's essentially a rapid-fire rocket bomb and direct hits will disintegrate enemies fast.

Also note you can use the 'T' key to target an enemy. If you have the target lead indicator enabled in the game options (which it should be by default) there will be a little icon showing you where to aim your weapon to score a hit (assuming your target doesn't change trajectory).

If you want to cheese the mission a little bit, when the very first fighter appears you can send your scavenger back to base right away - the mission script doesn't require it to go all the way out to the scrap field first. This lets you skip all but the final fighter that attacks the second scavenger.

If you can make it past the first mission you'll probably have a better time with the rest of the game as you'll get to build units to help with combat. You're not the only one who's had difficulties with this first mission. Hope these tips help!

[GrizzlyOne95]

In addition to Div's excellent advice watching a walk through could help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVRyRAKXvU&list=PLoNi7b73a5joxWNh51Yoju4w9BxAj_bMG&index=1