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So, I've been re-reading a lot of the finer points of the blood angels codex, and I'm actually fairly depressed by what I see. I mean, sure, the Blood Angels have some interesting options, but it all comes at a pretty high price. All of the units like tactical squads and assault squads, along with rhinos are just overpriced. I mean, the overcharged engines are nice, but if I can't assault out of it, then it seems counterproductive in an all melee army. They also lack options for things... such as forcing you to grab units in groups of 5s or 10s.

So I'm stuck between normal space marines, and blood angels. Let's throw fluff aside for a while. What do you think is the stronger 5th ed army, dakkits?

Remember that the Blood Angels get the Death Company costed into their units, so that you get them for free for Terminators, for example.

Unlike Codex Astartes Marines they can have special weapons in short squads (also a great way to get more Death Company), Veteran Assault Squads, Turbo-Charged Rhinos, and freakin' Dante.

Not to mention Furioso Dreadnoughts - including Veteran Death Company Furioso Dreadnoughts.

Hrm... let's compare some similar lists here....

Normal Marines version -

Chaplain w/ jump pack
10 man tac squad - melta gun, power weapon, flamer, rhino
10 man tac squad - melta gun, power weapon, flamer, rhino
5 man assault squad - power fist
5 man assault squad - power fist
Attack Bike - heavy weapons option
Attack Bike - heavy weapons option
Predator - side sponsoned heavy bolters

Blood Angels version -

Chaplain Lemartes
5 man tac squad - melta gun, rhino
5 man tac squad - melta gun, rhino
5 man assault squad - power weapon
5 man assault squad
4 man death company - jump packs
Attack Bike - heavy weapons option
Attack Bike - heavy weapons option
Baal Predator - side sponsoned heavy bolters.

I guess in comparison, the top list has a lot more units in it. Heavier ranged support atleast. It is lacking in the BA's close combat, but where that happens, it makes up with extra ranged support, and cheaper prices to buy more wargear.

I wouldn't compare BA to SM. SM are better when played as a shooty army with a small counter attack force while BA excel in close combat. Here is what BA have that sets them apart from other chapters:

Great special characters:
Dante, Mephiston, Lemartes, Corbulo

Honorguard
Death Company
Veteran assault squads
Assault squads that count as troops
Baal Predator
Furioso dreadnaught w. Venerable upgrade

Veteran assault squads are one of the best assault units when juiced by Dante and/or Corbulo. The ability to field assault squads as troops is powerful and fits the theme of the army. Baals are one of the best tanks in the game for the points. OCE is also very powerful for grabbing objectives.

If you aren't using these units then you are not taking advantage of what BA has to offer.

G

Yeah, I'd say the ability to take a whole whack of assault squads and then fast attack choices is a pretty good one.