44 replies to this topic

[JC Daxion]

Howdy guys,

I have taken a bit of a break, basically since later summer. I know a few new maps have showed up, and a bunch of new mechs. I have been mainly a HBK-G pilot, though i have bought about 6 other random mechs. I do have a couple slots open, and have seen some interesting changes.

the raven 4x and 2x looked to have been buffed a little, more speed is good right? Think it is time i grabbed one? I already own the 3L


as far as medium mechs go, how are the new ones? I had been thinking about getting that missle medium with JJ's, forget the name.. But i am wondering if there is something else that might peak my interest. I stopped playing right as the black jacks came out which look like mini Jaegers. Is there something else that is unqiue that might play similar to an HBK?


that new Hero Cat, It looks similar to the K2, can anyone fill me in on the differences?

Looks like some hitbox changes are coming.. maybe i will finally pull the trigger on that awesome.. (i wanted the one that is Fast.. the 9 is it?) But i always liked them anyway.


any new mechs to recomend? I own a raven, 3 HBK's, a cat K2, Cat (one with 4 missles), Atlas (ecm) and a dragon.. seems like lots of new goodies have made there way in in the last few months..

[Nick Makiaveli]

With the way skills work, I would recommend getting something that complements what you have so you can work on Elite skills. For example the 2X and 4X would allow you to finish up the 3L, especially if you have some XP saved up on it.

FTR, once you get Elite maxxed, it doubles the Basic skills....

[luxebo]

As Project Phoenix came in, the Shadow Hawk has been said as one of the best mechs in all classes, while Centurion is pretty good as with my experience. I think there is not many mechs similar to the Hunchie, it is one good mech (some variants are somewhat gimped however) but I can't recall any mechs that similarly play with the Hunchie. Shadow Hawk does have it's semi-large cannon shoulder, but it's not so easy to hit off. Raven 2x and 4x can now go up to 140 (something like that) and that means they can be used as decent light hunters or scouts (or slow builds with giant cannons if you wish). Get them so you can master mechs and stuff like Nick said. I think the missile boat with JJs is the Trebuchet, but if you want missiles then probably Catapults or maybe Kintaroes (problems with all three are the large CT, and need for XL). The new hero catapult has double ams, a full 6 energy slots, and JJs, but it's not really all too ideal of a mech. The fast awesome is the 9m, and the fastest awesome is the Pretty Baby, but both are somewhat hard to use. And I think I've covered everything, wish you good luck on your next step.

[Nick Makiaveli]

There's a Catapult with JJs, don't own any so can't quote which one. No clue about Trebs, but I don't recall ever seeing one jump....

[TheCaptainJZ]

Mediums: I elited 3 trebs...it was awful. I moved on to the blackjack which is something of a cross between lights and mediums. I think it's pretty nimble and not usually focused on. I especially like the 1x with 6 med lasers. It can mount the highest engine. You should try out the trial BJ at least. I will probably try out the kintaro eventually. They seem to excel at mounting streaks and going light hunting, plus they are decently fast. I am working on my shadowhawks now. Everyone is talking about how they are perhaps the best first mech to use for new players so they must be good. Previously, hunchbacks were recommended.

[Redshift2k5]

The 2x and 4x are poor mechs on their own, but they are critical to completing the skills for your Raven 3L. You need 3 ravens to complete the basics on all three to unlock the elite tier (and completing three elite ties will allow you to unlock the master skill)

The Shadowhawk is surprisingly similar to the Hunchback, but with jumpjets. Many play the Shadowhawk with an AC20 in the left torso. Fewer backup weapons but more speed and jumpjets. Shadowhawks also excel with missile focused builds much like the 3x SRM Centurion.

The hero Catapult ooks like the K2, but it has 6 energy, 2 jumpjets, and 2 AMS. (the K2 features 4 energy and 2 ballistic with no jumpjets). It's a decent mech and would count towards having 3 catapults to unlock your basic/elite/master skills for the Catapult chassis.

your mech choices seem to be a little haphazard; Trust me, purchasing 3 of a kind to maximize your skills is incrdibly valuable, not only for the Speed Tweak skill but also to double your basic skills leading to more heat efficiency, more torso & limb movement speed, etc.

[luxebo]

Nick, all Catapults but K2 have JJs and Treb has JJs.

[Arnold J Rimmer]

Trebuchet is... tough to make perform well. The Shadowhawk is brilliant - I was very worried before its introduction because it has only a slightly narrower silhouette than the Awesome, but once I started playing it, my fears evaporated. It's probably the best Medium right now.

I love the Kintaro, despite its (still) huge CT, the BJ was a lot of fun (running around hunting Assaults, I called it the Apple-corer). The only Medium I've never tried is the Cicada, and only because it's an overweight Light.

It all depends what you enjoy. If you're primarily a Hunchie pilot, I'd recommend the Shadowhawk. 5 extra tons, JJ, missile and ballistic hardpoints at the same time. It's pretty much a straight upgrade.

[Victor Morson]

JC Daxion, on 22 November 2013 - 09:10 PM, said:

Howdy guys,

I have taken a bit of a break, basically since later summer. I know a few new maps have showed up, and a bunch of new mechs. I have been mainly a HBK-G pilot, though i have bought about 6 other random mechs. I do have a couple slots open, and have seen some interesting changes.

the raven 4x and 2x looked to have been buffed a little, more speed is good right? Think it is time i grabbed one? I already own the 3L


as far as medium mechs go, how are the new ones? I had been thinking about getting that missle medium with JJ's, forget the name.. But i am wondering if there is something else that might peak my interest. I stopped playing right as the black jacks came out which look like mini Jaegers. Is there something else that is unqiue that might play similar to an HBK?


that new Hero Cat, It looks similar to the K2, can anyone fill me in on the differences?

Looks like some hitbox changes are coming.. maybe i will finally pull the trigger on that awesome.. (i wanted the one that is Fast.. the 9 is it?) But i always liked them anyway.

any new mechs to recomend? I own a raven, 3 HBK's, a cat K2, Cat (one with 4 missles), Atlas (ecm) and a dragon.. seems like lots of new goodies have made there way in in the last few months..

I'd highly recommend the Shadow Hawk, all three models. It is an absolutely exceptional 'mech and superior to the Hunchback in every way (except being 5 tons heavier) at present time.

Buying three 'mechs of any type to master them is highly recommended, though the Raven is currently less popular than the Jenner for a bunch of reasons.

Finally, as you didn't list it, I highly recommend you pick up Cataphracts. They are great heavy 'mechs, with the 3D being a stand out and the 4X really having value in the AC/5 meta. Definitely must own chassis.

PS: Buy a Victor over the Awesome. The Awesome is inferior in almost every way to the Victor, which makes me sad because I love the Awesome in BattleTech. But it's terrible here. The 9M is fast, but the Victor is fast too.. while carrying actually good firepower. Definitely consider it.

PPS: Skip the hero Cat. The Jester has 6 energy slots, no ballistics (unlike the K2) and is generally terrible. If you're looking for a new hero, check out the Ilya Muromets. It's a great 'mech if you enjoy ballistics and one of the best money makers in the game.

TheCaptainJZ, on 22 November 2013 - 11:03 PM, said:

I will probably try out the kintaro eventually. They seem to excel at mounting streaks and going light hunting, plus they are decently fast. I am working on my shadowhawks now. Everyone is talking about how they are perhaps the best first mech to use for new players so they must be good. Previously, hunchbacks were recommended.

Run a Shadow Hawk 2D2 with the largest possible XL and 4 Streak/2s; it's only one streak less than the Kintaro and generally a far better 'mech in every other way.

Arnold J Rimmer, on 23 November 2013 - 12:26 AM, said:

It all depends what you enjoy. If you're primarily a Hunchie pilot, I'd recommend the Shadowhawk. 5 extra tons, JJ, missile and ballistic hardpoints at the same time. It's pretty much a straight upgrade.

Also it has a high, cockpit level AC/20 mount that doesn't hunch up and let you get hit in the front arc from behind. That's huge.

Edited by Victor Morson, 23 November 2013 - 12:39 AM.

[Turist0AT]

The jump jetting k2 is the jester. Pure enegry (6E hardpoints) and super fast (max 97.3km/h). Super fun mech. Max engine XL355

You can pack this baby up with 5 large lasers or 6 medium puls lasers and anything in between(ppcs included).

Edited by Turist0AT, 23 November 2013 - 01:22 AM.

[JC Daxion]

Ok, after patching which took me about 2+ hours.. guess a lot of stuff has rolled out.. I got into the mechlab, and found some interesting new mechs..



the locust, Is this the new fastest light? it says only 20 tons, so i have to wonder what you are putting on this thing..



Kintaro, I do like missiles, but here they are still in a state of flux. It kinda reminds me of a heavier trebuchet.



Orion, this thing looks bad as hell. But it does have that larger left shoulder. I have to wonder if it has the same issue as the hunch.. aka, that get's taken down first often. It also has the Energy/ballistic/missile combo that i like. I really like ballistic for main damage, lasers for back up, and missiles for circumstantial damage.


Any thoughts on these new ones?




i am not a huge fan of all energy mechs, but the idea of 6 pulse on a jester sounds pretty cool. I love pulse lasers.. though if so i would wait for a sale.



the shadowhawk does sound like a beefed up HBK, which makes me wonder if it is just a powered up hunchie with out the hump.. Kinda seems unfair for all those HBK's... at least for balance, what purpose would an HBK serve now?

the shadow hawk, with more tons is faster yes? Plus JJ, and caring a Ac-20, with back up energy???

[Victor Morson]

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

the locust, Is this the new fastest light? it says only 20 tons, so i have to wonder what you are putting on this thing..

Answer: Not much. It's too light to be useful; you're better off with any other light really, but the Jenner is still king.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

Kintaro, I do like missiles, but here they are still in a state of flux. It kinda reminds me of a heavier trebuchet.

The Shadow Hawk 2D2 only sacrifices 1 missile hard point for a great overall setup, so I'd recommend you consider that first.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

Orion, this thing looks bad as hell. But it does have that larger left shoulder. I have to wonder if it has the same issue as the hunch.. aka, that get's taken down first often. It also has the Energy/ballistic/missile combo that i like. I really like ballistic for main damage, lasers for back up, and missiles for circumstantial damage.

Ultimately the Cataphract beat it for popularity due to jumping mechanics. The Orion isn't awful though.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

Any thoughts on these new ones?

Again, Shadow Hawks - a must buy. A great 'mech that'll do anything you want, really, between the three variants.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

i am not a huge fan of all energy mechs, but the idea of 6 pulse on a jester sounds pretty cool. I love pulse lasers.. though if so i would wait for a sale.

The Thunderbolt (available next month for cbills) out Jesters the Jester, honestly.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

the shadowhawk does sound like a beefed up HBK, which makes me wonder if it is just a powered up hunchie with out the hump.. Kinda seems unfair for all those HBK's... at least for balance, what purpose would an HBK serve now?

They are 5 tons lighter, but have already been outdated by Centurions for a very long time.

JC Daxion, on 23 November 2013 - 12:15 PM, said:

the shadow hawk, with more tons is faster yes? Plus JJ, and caring a Ac-20, with back up energy???

It's a little slower-per-engine than the 50 tonner, so a bit less speed, but it's minor given you can carry a lot more firepower.

AC/20 + Medlas fit very well on a Shadow Hawk, but 2 AC/5s and a PPC is the common current meta build. You can do other things with it though, including LRMs and SRMs (4 Streaks is solid) on the 2D2.

Keep in mind the Shadow Hawk's gun is high mounted like the Hunchback but NOT on a Hunch, so it's all the strength without the weakness.

Edited by Victor Morson, 23 November 2013 - 12:28 PM.

[luxebo]

Yup, Shadow Hawks are really badass now. Locust is not the fastest, Commando is, but both of them are very underplayed and probably wouldn't be all too much use until the drop weight limits. Jester is personally really bad as far as I see it, but if energy is for you then you might want it. While Victor's advice is good, don't let it stop you from looking at other options, like the other lights if you like them (Commando, Locust, Spider), or other mediums besides Shadow Hawk.

[Turist0AT]

Oh man take a look at the Kintaro Golden Boy, its slow but can packs so many streaks it can one-shot lights with streaks alone. (5 missiles and 3 energy)

Boars Head the hero atlas comes with 6MPLs stock.

Misery is the only stalker with a balistic hardpoind.

The Orion is the heaviest heavy in the game! But suffers from HUGE center torso along with kintaro.

Victor Morson: Dont forget Jester is fast fast fast.

Edited by Turist0AT, 24 November 2013 - 04:42 AM.

[80sGlamRockSensation David Bowie]

I have a question


Why the fk are they so ******* big?

[Koniving]

Nick Makiaveli, on 22 November 2013 - 10:27 PM, said:

There's a Catapult with JJs, don't own any so can't quote which one. No clue about Trebs, but I don't recall ever seeing one jump....

All except the K2.

[Koniving]

mwhighlander, on 23 November 2013 - 02:12 PM, said:

I have a question
Why the fk are they so ******* big?

You'd actually be surprised. The Hunchback isn't large enough to fit a pilot at the spot the game actually puts him. It's actually physically impossible to fit a pilot in the Commando. He'd require the entire head, not just the left eye. Even the Atlas can't fit the pilot.

The original models were outsourced. They used a smaller pilot. All current models uses MWO's pilot model, which is actually the Crysis game's battlesuit.



On the left is the MWO pilot. On the right is Haruko's adjustments to make him more 'human'.



Pilots compared to mechs.

Spoiler

Pilot in a spider.


Shadowhawk compared to a tank.


"Unbuffed nanosuit pilot" on the shoulder of a Centurion.


Pilot, back of the Shadowhawk.


Commando cockpit inside Commando.


The size the Commando must be to actually fit the cockpit where it belongs.

...Scary, isn't it?

The new mechs are scaled semi-properly (the pilot fits exactly where he's supposed to be). The old ones not so much as the outsourced company used a much smaller character.

That said, I still think the Centurion and Trebuchet are a lot wider than they need to be, and it's entirely because the arm position has to match certain other mechs since they are recycling animations.

(Thunderbolt = Awesome's animations. Kintaro = Awesome's animations. Battlemaster = Highlander's animations. Orion = Highlander's animations. Locust = Raven's animations. Commando = Jenner + Atlas animations. [Try walking in a Commando, recognize that walk?] There's many more 'recycling'. Centurion = Dragon's animations. Quickdraw = Dragon's animations.)

Edit: Picture credits all go to Haruko.
Check out his thread using the MWO assets for art here.

Edited by Koniving, 24 November 2013 - 07:50 AM.

[LapsedPacifist79]

OP, My advice would be to elite the frames you have. Double heat and manouvering efficencies plus speed tweak make those old mechs shine.

I can speak to the Orion. After my hiatus, I somewhat foolishly plumped for one before I checked the forums. That aircraft hangar size CT and the large LT made for a steeeeeep learning curve. Elited they perform much better but that CT will still be getting grazed despite the slim profile and your most fervent torso twisting.

You can strap some nice tools to it though and XL is no problem cos the CT WILL go first.

[luxebo]

Turist0AT, on 23 November 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Oh man take a look at the Kintaro Golden Boy, its slow but can packs so many streaks it can one-shot lights with streaks alone. (5 missiles and 3 energy)

Boars Head the hero atlas comes with 6MPLs stock.

Misery is the only stalker with a balistic hardpoind.

The Orion is the heaviest heavy in the game! But suffers from HUGE center torso along with kintaro.

Victor Morson: Dont forget Jester is fast fast fast.

The problem of the Kintaro hero is that it's slow, the KTO-18/19 is better as light streak hunter, and even with alpha of SRMs the Golden Boy has less missiles, which is disappointing, as that mech is the one that's worse than c-bill variants, and it costs money... That being said it's still a hero, and the 30% c-bill bonus is the good thing. Boar's Head is a good Atlas, Misery is a good Stalker, and Orion is more of a support brawler/mid range fighter. Oh, and you spelled Victor's name incorrectly. Just saying.

Edited by luxebo, 23 November 2013 - 09:18 PM.

[Turist0AT]

Koniving:

OMG, that blew my mind! Thank you.

Pilot in a spider: i died XD

Edited by Turist0AT, 24 November 2013 - 05:02 AM.