i also got filtered by the red bugs ambush. i tried a bunch of skills but they seem detrimental, since the characters just spin in place for a while and then get separated and swarmed.
it also took me a while to realize i actually had to click on the missiles to use them, i defeated the first 4 bugs without any missiles and it was a slog
your game looks amazing btw, i can't wait to see more of it
15 days ago(+1)
On the ambush, sometimes you can get your squad away by maneuvering at a right angle away from their incoming path. But if you want to be safe, activate the breakthrough skill (blue icon, leaves a blue trail) and plow through them to the other side of the swarm (aim the skill reticle as far as you can, then continue issuing move orders while the skill is running). Make sure you keep going through and move clear past the swarm or else you'll be vulnerable once the skill expires (it takes only 3-4 bugs engaging your mech in melee to kill a pilot).
About the "spinning in place", you're probably referring to the red-orange shield skill and leaves a yellow-green trail. That one doesn't require aiming, its a last ditch if a pilot is already pinned down and more bugs are immediately inbound. They'll stay pinned down as they were but will manage to dodge a lot more incoming attacks for a short period. That gives the rest of your team a chance to do something in the meantime, maybe come to their aid or whatever.
The white arrow skill button shoots you to the targeted destination. You can't change trajectory and you're vulnerable to attack, so its easy to kill your pilot with this skill if you aim for the wrong place or your path takes you through enemies.
Thanks a lot for the feedback, I'll put in some more visual cues during the tutorial, everything explained via text was just an easier start for me.