82 replies to this topic

[Tor Gungnir]

SRMs generate far too much heat in my opinion. That's my biggest gripe with them. Even a single stack of 6's or even 4's will give you a huge "heat spike" when fired. A stack of three SSRM 2's don't seem to generate the same heat.

Plus, I'd rather have lesser damage focused on the CT than more damage spread all over.

zraven7, on 10 July 2013 - 04:46 AM, said:

And what build implementing these would you recommend as a first mech?

Any that has some missile hardpoints to spare, really. SRMs are horrid (in my opinion of course) and LRMs are not so effective unless you have a 20-30 swarm of them. SSRMs are also very lightweight and a single ton of ammo is most likely all you'll need, too, so it is easy to squeeze some in if you have but a few extra tonnage.

Admittedly I use them currently on my Atlas and Highlander as they are in need of an anti-Light system moreso than other Mechs, but I'm sure any Mech can benefit from them if they fit the above criteria (low number of free missile slots and some extra tonnage to spare). You could probably make a nasty "Destroyer" type of Light/Medium that is focused on countering enemy Lights.

Edited by Tor Gungnir, 10 July 2013 - 08:05 AM.

[Hebdomas]

Tank Boy Ken, on 08 July 2013 - 01:01 PM, said:

Another good Mech is the Stalker-3F and Highlander-732. Both can make heavy use of PPCs and/ort Lasers and SRMs. Though the Centurion-A certainly is tough for it's weight class.

I'd avoid assaults for a first mech, they're slow with their stock engines and they're quite expensive. You can practically buy both a CN9-A and a CN9-AL for the cost of a Stalker or Highlander.

I'd also stay away from lights for a first mech as they pretty much require a xl engine that will cost more than the mech itself.

[Tor Gungnir]

As long as you know what you're in for when you buy an Assault or a Light, I don't see no problem with it. Only time I would recommend buying a Medium/Heavy instead is if you're not sure what role you want to play.

[Void Angel]

Except that this thread is entitled, "Recommendations for first Mech."

[Tor Gungnir]

Void Angel, on 10 July 2013 - 10:07 AM, said:

Except that this thread is entitled, "Recommendations for first Mech."

.... and?

If you've done your research on how to play either a Light or an Assault there is nothing wrong with making one your first Mech.

[zraven7]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

.... and?

If you've done your research on how to play either a Light or an Assault there is nothing wrong with making one your first Mech.

What research would you recommend before purchasing your first mech? Also, what roles are there to consider?

I'm hoping that, given enough time, this thread will be enough to give a new player enough knowledge to pick a good 'mech all on it's own.

[Tor Gungnir]

Just the different playstyles. Assaults are the extreme of one end of the spectrum, Lights on the other end. There are a lot of YouTube videos out there, and one can't stress the importance of spectating other players when you die.

[zraven7]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 10:53 AM, said:

Just the different playstyles. Assaults are the extreme of one end of the spectrum, Lights on the other end. There are a lot of YouTube videos out there, and one can't stress the importance of spectating other players when you die.

So, if you had to choose one mech for a player who had done no research and had no idea what role they wanted, and this would be their mech model until they elited 3 variants, which one would you choose to best ensure the player learn and enjoy the game in that time?

Edited by zraven7, 10 July 2013 - 10:57 AM.

[Tor Gungnir]

Well ideally I'd tell him to do his research to save him time/C-bills.

Edited by Tor Gungnir, 10 July 2013 - 11:02 AM.

[Skydrive]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 11:02 AM, said:

Well ideally I'd tell him to do his research to save him time/C-bills.

I get the feeling that a ferris wheel is on somewhere...

[zraven7]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 11:02 AM, said:

Well ideally I'd tell him to do his research to save him time/C-bills.

Yes, that would be ideal, but what if it wasn't an ideal situation?

Better, what if PGI decided that every one would get one free mech, but it would be the same mech, and all you could choose is the variant. Which one do you think they should pick so the player enjoys the game AND effectively learns most of it's aspects?

[RF Greywolf]

zraven7, on 10 July 2013 - 11:09 AM, said:

Yes, that would be ideal, but what if it wasn't an ideal situation?

Better, what if PGI decided that every one would get one free mech, but it would be the same mech, and all you could choose is the variant. Which one do you think they should pick so the player enjoys the game AND effectively learns most of it's aspects?

If that was the case I would choose something flexible, something that had a wide variety of options and play styles. Most mediums would fit into that category along with a select few heavies. Which ones specifically, I am honestly not sure.

Edited by RF Greywolf, 10 July 2013 - 11:13 AM.

[Tor Gungnir]

But that's taking the lazy route. The easy way out. How many people actually stick to their little Hunchie or Centurion? They are just stepping stones to the more specialized Mechs. Skip the unnecessary C-bill/time-sink, go do your research and make an informed choice instead.

[zraven7]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 11:16 AM, said:

But that's taking the lazy route. The easy way out. How many people actually stick to their little Hunchie or Centurion? They are just stepping stones to the more specialized Mechs. Skip the unnecessary C-bill/time-sink, go do your research and make an informed choice instead.

Yes, Tor, that's the point of the thread here, We are trying to inform. This isn't just an opinion poll, it's meant to be a resource for newer players. You are hopefully writing what they will be looking at when they do their research.

[Skydrive]

zraven7, on 10 July 2013 - 11:21 AM, said:

Yes, Tor, that's the point of the thread here, We are trying to inform. This isn't just an opinion poll, it's meant to be a resource for newer players. You are hopefully writing what they will be looking at when they do their research.

Is this the end of the ride?

EDIT: Please let it be, think of the kittens and the puppies.

Edited by Skydrive, 10 July 2013 - 11:41 AM.

[Void Angel]

Tor Gungnir, on 10 July 2013 - 11:16 AM, said:

But that's taking the lazy route. The easy way out. How many people actually stick to their little Hunchie or Centurion? They are just stepping stones to the more specialized Mechs. Skip the unnecessary C-bill/time-sink, go do your research and make an informed choice instead.

Learning what playstyle you prefer is a requirement before you know which other 'mechs to buy - which in turn requires that you first learn to play the game. None of this is an unnecessary time or money sink; you have to know how the game works before you pick a specialty. Thus, it makes sense to start with a middle-of-the-road chassis with multiple weapon types for your first purchase. If you start with a Stalker, for example, you have to shell out for Misery just to touch an autocannon. Hence, a middle-weight 'mech with a wide variety of capabilities is the best starter 'mech for learning - which is what many people have suggested here.

"Just dig through reams of other peoples' opinions, which you are not qualified to evaluate, and pick one based on that" is not the best advice.

[zraven7]

So, it's sounding a bit like the Hunchback, Centurion, Cataphract, and Catapult are kind of the heads of the race, here.

What do you guys think? Would one of those 4 mechs suit most people for learning the ins and outs of the game, if they were to at least basic 3 variants?

[Void Angel]

Oh yes! They all have variants with multiple hardpoints, and can mount a variety of weapon systems. I would recommend the Centurion out of all of them, however - since it has the option to pile on enough speed to show you if you like maneuverability more than firepower.

[Kazly]

In another thread I asked for feedback on recommending the Centurion CN9-D.

1. With the cadet bonus, it shouldn't be hard to purchase.

2. The 300XL that comes with it can be quickly moved to a Jenner to test the light water, and still retain a medium mech (YES, I understand the drawbacks to XL's, but I also understand their advantages)

3. LBX-10 is easier to hit with - much more forgiving

4. The speed of the stock build is pretty decent, and it offers a good range of weapons

5. The other centurions are relatively cheap, and all good mechs to pilot - unlike other variants like the Raven, Spider, Cicada, etc.....they really only have 1 'great' variant.

6. Hunchbacks take a lot more skill than people realize to protect that right pod. I hated my 4P when I started, but I love it now because I know how to defend my weapons.

[MavRCK]

zraven7, on 10 July 2013 - 11:57 AM, said:

So, it's sounding a bit like the Hunchback, Centurion, Cataphract, and Catapult are kind of the heads of the race, here.

What do you guys think? Would one of those 4 mechs suit most people for learning the ins and outs of the game, if they were to at least basic 3 variants?

That's a key point.. choose a mech chassis where 3 chassis are viable and fun to master.. nothing is more frustrating than grinding on a brutally tough chassis just to get master on another variant...

ie... good: jenners - all 3 chassis are easy grind and do dmg with and level..

bad: Raven3L is the best so far.. the other chassis are rough and expensive to level!