Selfish, on 27 October 2013 - 10:42 PM, said:
I could see Shadowhawks becoming cheap fire support. Their SSRM 'light hunter' variants are pretty poor vs a light pack, so I'd only recommend an AC/20 2D2 if you're going to be trying to gun down lights.
I would like to say maybe the LCT 3M would see some action, but even with 5MLas + 2 AMS it's easily legged in one salvo from a Jenner. There's no reason to undercut your lights by choosing something so unreliable.
I haven't elited the TDR or BM yet, but I doubt any of them would be particularly viable. They lack JJs, while the TDR-9SE is as reliant on an SRM HSR improvement as much as every other shelved brawler. If SRMs get improved, the mech could find a place in some groups looking to brawl. Otherwise, you're passing over some powerful fire supports for them.
Then you are missing the whole beauty of the Shad.
Over-specializing is precisely what one needs to avoid. It is a generalist, and shockingly,in a game dominated by boating and overspecializing, that is where it shines.
Under-engine a Shad to pack an AC20 and any sort of decent support weapons, you strip it of it's biggest asset over the HBK or CN9, mobility. Over-engine it, to make a StreakHawk, and you lose any decent use of the ballistic, not to mention the KTO-18 will always be the better Light Hunter.
Shawks rock it best with max JJs, and XL engines between 275 and the 300 range. 2D2 loaded with 4 SSRM2, 2 MLaser and a UAC/AC10/LB-X is beyond dangerous. You stick with the group, and support. Don't fixate, but use your mobility to protect the Big Uglies from Light packs (much more effective than "Light Hunting" which tends to leave your team unsupported, and against coordinated Lights, a dead Medium), and adding your fire power to containing any salients, or lop off an over extended foe. Shoot, then scoot. If you get the kill great, if not, oh well, as long as the team gets the win. The Shawk is possibly the most useful "team mech" I have found because it does so many things well with a balanced build, whereas so many mechs feel like a giant compromise
But hey , what do I know? I only have a 4.7 KDr, and average 650 damage and 3-4 kills with my 2D2. (My 2 LLaser/ AC10 toting 5M Super-Enforcer" is starting to catch up also. Did a nice solo cap defense the other night, where I fought off and killed 4 out of 6 defenders, 712 damage before succumbing. And winning the match for my team).
Shawks are the perfect all purpose mech, just like they were in TT. Glad to see one finally translate to perfection.
MeiSooHaityu, on 28 October 2013 - 07:42 AM, said:
We must have similar tastes in Assaults. I like the Victor due to its fast/manuverable nature (for an Assault). The Battlemaster has some good speed too.
I do think the Battlemaster is a bit more of a traditional Assault though. It seems to fall somewhere between a Victor and a Stalker (there might be a better comparison, but my experience with Assaults is limited).
As for the Shadowhawk, that thing is FUN. Still working on a go-to loadout I like, but overall it is my favorite of the group.
Oh, I gots some loadouts for you ta try........ lol.
And yeah, the BLR is more traditional, but it's fast traditional, and with better hardpoints and Hitboxes. then say the AWS-9M or Pretty Baby. But it's not a slug like the Stalker, Atlas or HGNs.