4
Impressions?
Cons:
-Despite the Clan XL, they are VERY fragile.
--Hitboxes are like slightly enlarged version of the IS Model but
--with no Structure/Armor or Mobility Quirks.
--No need to armor Arms. The are worthless even as shield, and almost never get hit.
-Limited Weapon Pitch. Noticeable because you quite literally cannot shoot a UAV unless it's like, 500ish meters away. Or a Light Mech that is hugging your ankles. And only the Early Adopter's Charlie Model has arm hardpoints to overcome this.
Pros:
-Even without mobility quirks, feels pretty nimble when elited.
-JJs are pretty good on them
-Super high shoulder mounts are great for sniping, especially because of JJs
-Arms don't need armor. Up to 2 tons freed right there!!
-Looks real spiff in Jade Falcon Skin?
-Can pack some reasonably heavy payloads for it's weight
So, overall, I like them. They pilot real nice, can go up to 95 kph, and the JJs give good bang for buck. The issue? You can't really play them like an IS Hunchback. They are too delicate to brawl. And the lack of pitch can really screw you at times for sniping. They are indeed a Glass Cannon.
Changes needed, IMO?
- Hitboxes. Alrready on the way, but as discussed here:
http://mwomercs.com/...39#entry4890839
But I really don't think exposing more CT is the fix they need. Instead add more "arm" to the ST hitbox area, around the shoulder.
- Increased -/+ Pitch Angle. It has a base Pitch of on 20º, which is pretty miniscule for a mech that has no arm weapons. Would love to see it in the 30-35º range of a Trebuchet or many other Mediums.
Easiest way to kill an HBK-IIC (and there are many ways, lol)? Pop a UAV near it. It cannot shoot it down if it's within detection range. And 95 kph is probably not fast enough to run away. Let your LRMboats do the rest.
- I could see some argument for slight torso buffs IF the hitbox adjustment still leaves it stripped too easily...though I don't really want to lose that all or nothing feel.
-I do not think it needs mobility or offensive quirks.
Just my 2ct
*****Hitbox Update:
how much and how effective, only time will tell, but definitely better than more CT!
*****EDIT*****
And overall the fixes needed for all four Origin Mechs, IMO:
-Jenner:
Honestly, nothing. I think once things settle and sort out, it's niche will be clear. It's the one I'd be most leary of buffing because it's the easiest to turn into a terror that makes the the old over quirked ACH seem like a chihuahua in comparison. It quite simply packs too much firepower, on too fast and agile a package to not have a downside. IMO, it shoudl be what it is, a total Glass Cannon. Easy to kill in the open, but a premier backstabber.
IF, after another patch cycle or two, it's truly found wanting, then it's the sole IIC I would recommend Offensive Quirks for. Buff it's structure or mobility, we will have a problem child on hand. But make it's SRMs cluster tighter, better range, lower heat? Aka, make it even more of an all or nothing design? That I could see IF, again I say IF, for those who can't keep ideas in context, it actually needs anything.
-Hunchback:
Again, it's getting it's arm hitbox extended onto the shoulder part of the ST. Hopefully that helps it shield a little bit of incoming fire.
The most crucial thing it needs fixed, IS the Torso Pitch. It's quite simply untenable ATM. As mentioned before, the lack of arm weapons leave sit too vulnerable to UAVs and thus LRMageddon, and to ankle hugging Lights. 30-35º would be the optimal pitch range.
Beyond that, a ST buff similar to the IS HBK, perhaps 12 pts structure per torso, I think is more crucial than actual mobility on the HBK-IIC. Once unlocked I find it reasonably agile. But it loses those STs far too easily. I would probably NOT add the 18 pts to the armor though, considering the ability to pack extra firepower and the Clan XL. Perhaps after a couple passes if it was still found lacking then we might revisit armoring the STs.
-Orion:
On this one, I don't think Mobility is so much the matter as structure buffs. It packs a lot of firepower, swords and boards pretty well, but it's arms are of minimal use as a shield anyhow. What betrays it is it's huge and boxy torso. So IMO, focus on giving it's ST and CT some Structure and possible Armor buffs. I agree with Wintersdark that one or the other, and I think toughness is more suitable and useful to this chassis.
-Highlander:
This is the reverse of the Orion. I think it's geometry is OK, overall, but every indication is it moves like a sow wallowing in a sty. Give it the same mobility quirks it's IS version has. This will do a lot for it. And again, IF, after a few passes, it still is a little weak, then we can consider toughness buffs.
Big thing to recall, is that NONE of the parent chassis are exactly Tier 1 Metamechs, either. As long as the IIC are on par with their parent design, then mission is accomplished. For those who want to see them buffed to be the next Metalords, sorry, but no.
Edited by Bishop Steiner, 02 January 2016 - 08:44 AM.
