"Grav" Beowulf Angers Supplier

The recent modification of the new Tribes 2 Beowulf Assault Tank from wheeled to "grav" vehicle has angered a major supplier of Tribes 2 equipment. Firestone Corporation, a subsidiary of Japanese tire maker Bridgestone, apparently was not notified and was caught off guard by the change.

Firestone, exclusive supplier of tires for Tribes 2 vehicles, has watched as its lucrative contract has been slashed by first one, and now a second, vehicle being switched from wheeled to anti-gravity movement. "First the Wildcat scout bike was converted, and now the Beowulf tank," said an obviously annoyed Firestone spokesperson. "That leaves the Jericho Mobile Point Base as the only wheeled vehicle in Tribes 2."

Dynamix denied allegations that the changes are related to Firestone's legal problems with tire tread separations and rollover fatalities on Ford Explorers. "The changes were made solely for gameplay balance," explained Dave Georgeson, "because grav vehicles can travel over water. With the vast maps in Tribes 2, a grav tank can be a tactical advantage even on water-based worlds. The Jericho, however, is a powerful strategic weapon that requires more limited mobility."

An informal poll indicates gamers are apathetic to the controversy. "Wheels are, like, so 20th century, dude," said one respondent. "Besides, have you seen how l33t it looks now? That is definitely a chick magnet!"