43 replies to this topic

[Pariah Devalis]

My problem with the chin turret is it moves one of the arm lasers from each arm to the center torso. That is my issue with it. Not aesthetically, but that it relocates a pair of weapon systems. I know from a MWO playability standpoint, I would also much rather have the medium pulse lasers on the arms rather than a limited center torso point.

Plus, it just looks so much more threatening with those (totally unrealistic) barrels.

[Bishop Steiner]

Pariah Devalis, on 02 November 2013 - 03:55 PM, said:

My problem with the chin turret is it moves one of the arm lasers from each arm to the center torso. That is my issue with it. Not aesthetically, but that it relocates a pair of weapon systems. I know from a MWO playability standpoint, I would also much rather have the medium pulse lasers on the arms rather than a limited center torso point.

Plus, it just looks so much more threatening with those (totally unrealistic) barrels.

*shrugs* to me it looks more threatening in the MW4 version. Different strokes I reckon. One more reason for me NOT to do a MadDog, as my idea of perfection is obviously not the popular one.

[Pariah Devalis]

I donno. Not sure it is either the popular or unpopular view on it. Both designs are good, so I doubt anyone would be pissed if it looked one way or another, and I would not be surprised if the overall preference is about 50/50. That last bit was admittedly an assumption I pulled out my rear, but it feels about right. Hybridization of the two designs would probably be the safest way to go about redoing the mech. Hell, giving the box arms, but tilted 45 degrees in on the top of each and with a pair of accentuated laser ports on them, with the sensor chin thing, you could very easily have a mech that blends both aesthetics well.

I mean, it is not like you are redesigning the marau.... .... Nevermind.

[Nikguy]

are any novas armless like this?

edit-I just read on an now it makes sense, Good work!!

Edited by Nikguy, 02 November 2013 - 06:06 PM.

[MavRCK]

Looks hot Bishop!

[Fury9er]

Always love your work Bishop, I'd love to see your concepts done as model kits!

I rather liked the Nova's twistless design but it struck me as odd that there was nothing mentioned in the P&P rules about twistless mechs. You'd think you would lose some forward arc in exchange for a lighter chassis or something, not having to bother with the considerable mass of bearings and actuators it would need. They'd also have an advantage in being a lower sillhouette which the Nova demonstrates very well.

I never realised the Jenner was one of them, but my BTech gateway drug was Mechwarrior 2 and MW2:Mercs was my intro to IS mechs. I guess they just did it for style purposes in the artwork.

Regarding the Mad Dog MK2, I never liked the idea of it replacing the original, but when I read it was a Ghost Bear economy version I felt placated I'd love to see a version mixed from the two kinds, and it had some evil Alt configs, like that one with six SRM6s.

On the subject of the MK1's (and the timber wolf's) spindly arms it could be argued that they are designed with the smallest cross section possible to concentrate the mass of the armour. They might look thin but theyd be a good 500mm wide and the round shape would encourage shots to glance off rather than penetrating.

[Raven IIC]

Very amazing work, Bishop! It's really all I can say.

Can't wait to see the finalized design.

[MustrumRidcully]

I like it, but I want to see the "armed" version, too.

Battletech artwork often doesn't fit the mech descriptions themselves all that well, though this is more pronounced by "imported" designs. I figure if someone were to redo Battletech with all the types of artistic depictions in mind that exist, we might see constructions rules that make the whole "turreted torso" aspect of a mech also an optional feature, just like hand or lower arm actuators, and perhaps would change engine size or engine criticical hit location to also allow mechs with a powerful center torso mounted weapon (Marauder, I am looking at you. That mech basically needs a STD engine that can split 4 of its crits to the left and right side torsos).

Mustrum "MOAR MECH PRÔN" Ridcully

[Stingray Productions]

MustrumRidcully, on 04 November 2013 - 12:55 AM, said:

I like it, but I want to see the "armed" version, too.

as would I. Would probably look very awesome, as does everything Bishop Steiner does.

[PropagandaWar]

Bishop Steiner, on 01 November 2013 - 07:05 PM, said:

Well, I've been messing around with a bunch of concept sketches, and while I'm not happy with my Marauder, one of the concepts led me to an idea for the Nova.

All mechs in MWO have had waist turrets added, making a huge change to units like the Locust, Jenner and Cicada. So, one would assume the Clanners are no different. Thing is, the hunched hip/shoulder design is central to the Nova's theme.

So this, is my compromise. I left the arms off for now to better display the torso/hip design.


Thoughts?

*edited to fix leg.

I personally think Clan mechs should have more rounded features. Not to rounded just softer edges. By the way great work as usual.

[Bishop Steiner]

PropagandaWar, on 04 November 2013 - 01:24 PM, said:

I personally think Clan mechs should have more rounded features. Not to rounded just softer edges. By the way great work as usual.

Eh. Since the clans are supposed to be so spartan and results oriented, would think the easier repair of flatter surfaces would make sense.

[CyclonerM]

Bishop Steiner, on 02 November 2013 - 04:44 PM, said:

*shrugs* to me it looks more threatening in the MW4 version. Different strokes I reckon. One more reason for me NOT to do a MadDog, as my idea of perfection is obviously not the popular one.

You are an artist, you should be free to create as you like. But i still prefere the classic design of the Mad Dog

PropagandaWar, on 04 November 2013 - 01:24 PM, said:

I personally think Clan mechs should have more rounded features. Not to rounded just softer edges. By the way great work as usual.

Bishop Steiner, on 04 November 2013 - 01:49 PM, said:

Eh. Since the clans are supposed to be so spartan and results oriented, would think the easier repair of flatter surfaces would make sense.

This makes sense. IMHO Clan 'Mechs have a different artistic style and this is why i love them aesthetically.

[kiriage]

Fury9er, on 03 November 2013 - 02:01 AM, said:

Always love your work Bishop, I'd love to see your concepts done as model kits!

maybe..there might be at least one in the not too distant future..stay tuned..

[Bishop Steiner]

kiriage, on 04 November 2013 - 02:29 PM, said:

maybe..there might be at least one in the not too distant future..stay tuned..

nowai!!!!!!!

[PropagandaWar]

Bishop Steiner, on 04 November 2013 - 01:49 PM, said:

Eh. Since the clans are supposed to be so spartan and results oriented, would think the easier repair of flatter surfaces would make sense.

Whaaa. You know those cheapskates have all sorts of Bondo laying around

[A big brave boulder of meat]

Love it...Can't wait to see it with the arms!

[Fury9er]

Quote

maybe..there might be at least one in the not too distant future..stay tuned..

Please be the King Crab

[kiriage]

Fury9er, on 04 November 2013 - 04:11 PM, said:

Please be the King Crab

Edited by kiriage, 04 November 2013 - 04:40 PM.

[ssm]

kiriage, on 04 November 2013 - 02:29 PM, said:

maybe..there might be at least one in the not too distant future..stay tuned..

I like Bishop Steiner's work (an this is probably the best looking Nova I've ever seen), so it piqued my interest.

I have only one question - N-scale or SBT?

[Vanguard319]

Maybe lower the upper torso a little bit so the hips are more flush. That would still allow it to torso twist to a degree, (gotta consider the balancing issues of 12 ER med lasers after all) while maintaining the low, squat profile of the original design.