494 replies to this topic

[Tkhaw]

The suspense is killing me!!! Need more info......


Urbie please

[MoonUnitBeta]

Okay good, atleast I’m not the only one looking at the Wolfhound with my ew-face.
Why is it so hyped up? It’s really nothing special (FLAME RETARDANT SUIT, ACTIVATE!).

Or is it and I’m missing something? Maybe nostalgia is the reason that people are wanting it?

ohhhhhh welllllll.

[Red squirrel]

Isn't the Hollander a 35tonner?

[Bishop Steiner]

Red squirrel, on 29 January 2014 - 03:21 PM, said:

Isn't the Hollander a 35tonner?

introduced in 3054
also doesn't get a second variant til 3056 and the 3rd til 3114.

(Not to mention it would get wrecked in this game) You can build a Ghetto Hollander on the Raven. It don't do too good.

Edited by Bishop Steiner, 29 January 2014 - 03:41 PM.

[Solis Obscuri]

Red squirrel, on 29 January 2014 - 03:21 PM, said:

Isn't the Hollander a 35tonner?

It will be in 3054.

[NRP]

Hopefully PGI will drop some screenies or hints prior to release. They used to do this with hero launches, right? Then again, they didn't do anything leading up to the Grid Iron's release.

[Strum Wealh]

Solis Obscuri, on 29 January 2014 - 01:29 PM, said:

We already have the stealth-armored invisible headhunter mech, anyway - Atlas D-DC.

The Wolfhound is very shy on variants, and those it does have mainly distinguish themselves by shifting lasers from rear to front arcs. There isn't much to work with there. It's a shame the Panther isn't available (for unknown reasons), since it's a very iconic Succession Wars light mech, and could reasonably produce three variants from the PNT-9R, PNT-8Z, and PNT-10K2 with just a little hardpoint inflation.

I like the Hermes except for the MASC issue - if the Flea can't come in, I don't see how the Hermes can. Same issue for the Mercury.

The Thorn might be viable... though differentiating between variants could be tricky. The THE-N, THE-S, and THE-T are essentially identical except for tech level and swapping one LRM for an SRM. As nothing in their weight class has more than five hardoints total, it could be hard to spin those into anything distinct. The THE-Nb would be cool, but PGI has avoided using any SLDF Royal units thus far, plus it uses MASC. The THE-S1 would be a nice option, but it's faction-limited to Comstar and doesn't debut until Tukayyid, making it unlikely to appear.

I like the Javelin a lot as a light striker and recon unit, but it's another one that would be hard to create variants for. The -10N and -10P are pretty much identical for weapon type/location (only side torso missile slots), making them difficult to differentiate even through hardpoint inflation. The -11A and -11B could potentially solve that problem, with the -11B carrying an ECM slot at the cost of some missile hardpoints and the -11A losing some module slots and maybe taking some negative variant quirks as a tradeoff for its mini-Swayback arrays of energy weapons. I'm not sure that either is actually into production at this point in the timeline, though.

The Firestarter is another mech I'm very fond of, but variants are a bit of a problem again. The FS9-H variant has by far the best selection of hardpoints (2E in each arm, 2E CT, 1B each side torso). The -M variant just drops hardpoints for armor, which isn't very beneficial as a variant. The -A is distinct for replacing the ballistics with two more energy weapons, but the -K is another all-energy variant with fewer hardpoints, which isn't terribly attractive unless it gets a buff elsewhere. The -S1 and -C variants could potentially be unique for including ECM and a missile hardpoint, respectively, though I'm not sure they fit within the timeline.

The Hermes could still get by with the (MASC-less) HER-1S variant, together with the (also MASC-less) HER-1A & HER-1B variants.
Though, it then runs into the same issue as the Wolfhound (with its WLF-1, WLF-1A, and WLF-1B variants)- namely, that all of the variants are fairly homogeneous in terms of minimum hardpoint layout (an energy mount in each arm, plus an energy mount in the Center-Torso); they'd have to create some rather substantial differences in torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, and AMS capability in addition to what limited hardpoint inflation could be done in order to substantially differentiate the variants.

The Thorn variants (the THE-N, THE-S, and THE-T) have their three minimum hardpoints (a missile mount in the Right Arm, an energy mount in the Left Arm, and an energy mount in the Head), hardpoint inflation could see one variant getting two extra missile hardpoints in the Right Arm (for a total of 2E/3M), another variant getting two extra energy hardpoints in the Left Arm (for a total of 4E/1M), and the third variant gets one extra missile hardpoint in the Right Arm and one extra energy hardpoint in the Left Arm (for a total of 3E/2M).

The Javelin is another chassis where, like the Hermes and Wolfhound (and the already-implemented Quickdraw with its similarly-armed QKD-4G and QKD-4H variants), the differentiation of its variants (JNV-10N, JVN-10F, and JVN-10P) would have to come more from other characteristics (e.g. torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, maximum number of Jump Jets, etc) than from hardpoint inflation/distribution.

The Firestarter's available variants (as of 3050) are the FS9-A, FS9-K, FS9-H, FS9-M, FS9-S, and FS9-S1.
The FS9-S1 would have a minimum of seven energy hardpoints, ECM capability (in place of the FS9-S's BAP), a stock un-tweaked top speed of 100.2 kph (with a stock entine rating of 210 & an Engine rating cap of 295) and Jump Jet capability - all sure to make it very popular indeed (and just imagine the howls from the playerbase if the Firestarter is the chassis for February and the FS9-S1 isn't one of the variants implemented ).
The "basic" FS9-H is just as fast & still jump capable, and trades the ECM capability and one energy mount for twin torso mounts (one on each side).
The -A and -K are energy boats (8E and 5E, respectively) like the -S and -S1 (7E each), while the -M carries a minimum 2B/4E distribution (versus the 2B/6E of the -H).

[80sGlamRockSensation David Bowie]

If Tuesday brings us a functional UI2.0 & mechlab along with the Urbie, it would be on good standing to be the best patch just short of Patchmas 2012 when we got Endo Steel, DHS (again), and FF armor!

[Strum Wealh]

MoonUnitBeta, on 29 January 2014 - 03:20 PM, said:

Okay good, atleast I’m not the only one looking at the Wolfhound with my ew-face.
Why is it so hyped up? It’s really nothing special (FLAME RETARDANT SUIT, ACTIVATE!).

Or is it and I’m missing something? Maybe nostalgia is the reason that people are wanting it?

ohhhhhh welllllll.

Because it's the 'Mech heavily associated with IS MechWarriors (namely, Phelan Kell (in the Blood of Kerensky novels) and Ciro Ramirez (in the BattleTech animated series)) being captured by Clanners and becoming part of their warrior caste?

[Solis Obscuri]

Strum Wealh, on 29 January 2014 - 04:47 PM, said:

The Hermes could still get by with the (MASC-less) HER-1S variant, together with the (also MASC-less) HER-1A & HER-1B variants.
Though, it then runs into the same issue as the Wolfhound (with its WLF-1, WLF-1A, and WLF-1B variants)- namely, that all of the variants are fairly homogeneous in terms of minimum hardpoint layout (an energy mount in each arm, plus an energy mount in the Center-Torso); they'd have to create some rather substantial differences in torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, and AMS capability in addition to what limited hardpoint inflation could be done in order to substantially differentiate the variants.

The Thorn variants (the THE-N, THE-S, and THE-T) have their three minimum hardpoints (a missile mount in the Right Arm, an energy mount in the Left Arm, and an energy mount in the Head), hardpoint inflation could see one variant getting two extra missile hardpoints in the Right Arm (for a total of 2E/3M), another variant getting two extra energy hardpoints in the Left Arm (for a total of 4E/1M), and the third variant gets one extra missile hardpoint in the Right Arm and one extra energy hardpoint in the Left Arm (for a total of 3E/2M).

The Javelin is another chassis where, like the Hermes and Wolfhound (and the already-implemented Quickdraw with its similarly-armed QKD-4G and QKD-4H variants), the differentiation of its variants (JNV-10N, JVN-10F, and JVN-10P) would have to come more from other characteristics (e.g. torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, maximum number of Jump Jets, etc) than from hardpoint inflation/distribution.

The Firestarter's available variants (as of 3050) are the FS9-A, FS9-K, FS9-H, FS9-M, FS9-S, and FS9-S1.
The FS9-S1 would have a minimum of seven energy hardpoints, ECM capability (in place of the FS9-S's BAP), a stock un-tweaked top speed of 100.2 kph (with a stock entine rating of 210 & an Engine rating cap of 295) and Jump Jet capability - all sure to make it very popular indeed (and just imagine the howls from the playerbase if the Firestarter is the chassis for February and the FS9-S1 isn't one of the variants implemented ).
The "basic" FS9-H is just as fast & still jump capable, and trades the ECM capability and one energy mount for twin torso mounts (one on each side).
The -A and -K are energy boats (8E and 5E, respectively) like the -S and -S1 (7E each), while the -M carries a minimum 2B/4E distribution (versus the 2B/6E of the -H).

I always forget to check MUL.

Anyway, I think that mostly puts the Javelin out of the running, though the Firestarter is more viable than I'd thought, though I think it'll be hard to trump the FS9-S1 with any of the other variants. Still, that didn't stop the Raven -3L and it's two terribly handicapped siblings from making an appearance...

I agree on your assessment of the Thorn. I think that'd be a fun little 'mech if PGI decides to put it in. Still hoping for the Mongoose, though.

[Butane9000]

I'm figuring they are going to post what the light is around late Thursday or Friday before they leave for the weekend.

[Bishop Steiner]

Strum Wealh, on 29 January 2014 - 04:47 PM, said:

The Hermes could still get by with the (MASC-less) HER-1S variant, together with the (also MASC-less) HER-1A & HER-1B variants.
Though, it then runs into the same issue as the Wolfhound (with its WLF-1, WLF-1A, and WLF-1B variants)- namely, that all of the variants are fairly homogeneous in terms of minimum hardpoint layout (an energy mount in each arm, plus an energy mount in the Center-Torso); they'd have to create some rather substantial differences in torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, and AMS capability in addition to what limited hardpoint inflation could be done in order to substantially differentiate the variants.

The Thorn variants (the THE-N, THE-S, and THE-T) have their three minimum hardpoints (a missile mount in the Right Arm, an energy mount in the Left Arm, and an energy mount in the Head), hardpoint inflation could see one variant getting two extra missile hardpoints in the Right Arm (for a total of 2E/3M), another variant getting two extra energy hardpoints in the Left Arm (for a total of 4E/1M), and the third variant gets one extra missile hardpoint in the Right Arm and one extra energy hardpoint in the Left Arm (for a total of 3E/2M).

The Javelin is another chassis where, like the Hermes and Wolfhound (and the already-implemented Quickdraw with its similarly-armed QKD-4G and QKD-4H variants), the differentiation of its variants (JNV-10N, JVN-10F, and JVN-10P) would have to come more from other characteristics (e.g. torso & arm pitch and twist, module slot allocation, maximum number of Jump Jets, etc) than from hardpoint inflation/distribution.

The Firestarter's available variants (as of 3050) are the FS9-A, FS9-K, FS9-H, FS9-M, FS9-S, and FS9-S1.
The FS9-S1 would have a minimum of seven energy hardpoints, ECM capability (in place of the FS9-S's BAP), a stock un-tweaked top speed of 100.2 kph (with a stock entine rating of 210 & an Engine rating cap of 295) and Jump Jet capability - all sure to make it very popular indeed (and just imagine the howls from the playerbase if the Firestarter is the chassis for February and the FS9-S1 isn't one of the variants implemented ).
The "basic" FS9-H is just as fast & still jump capable, and trades the ECM capability and one energy mount for twin torso mounts (one on each side).
The -A and -K are energy boats (8E and 5E, respectively) like the -S and -S1 (7E each), while the -M carries a minimum 2B/4E distribution (versus the 2B/6E of the -H).

correct me if I am wrong, but .....the Thorn is 20 tons, with a max speed of 97 kph and no JJs. So it is a slower locust 3M.

I think... that would be a bad inclusion with the current mechlab.

Solis Obscuri, on 29 January 2014 - 05:00 PM, said:

I always forget to check MUL.

Anyway, I think that mostly puts the Javelin out of the running, though the Firestarter is more viable than I'd thought, though I think it'll be hard to trump the FS9-S1 with any of the other variants. Still, that didn't stop the Raven -3L and it's two terribly handicapped siblings from making an appearance...

I agree on your assessment of the Thorn. I think that'd be a fun little 'mech if PGI decides to put it in. Still hoping for the Mongoose, though.

Well, in theory, the Mongoose would be a faster Deathsnail. Not a bad thing. Defintiely more survivable than the Thorn, which would be a locust with a club foot.

[Hawk819]

well, I can say this. It's not the Ost's `Mechs. Those are banned entirely. Sorry, guys. take it up with Dis-Harmony Gold and Bannned-Dai.

[C E Dwyer]

My money is on either Firestarter or urbanmech and the urbanmech having two hero's like the flame/fang

[Strum Wealh]

Bishop Steiner, on 29 January 2014 - 05:18 PM, said:

correct me if I am wrong, but .....the Thorn is 20 tons, with a max speed of 97 kph and no JJs. So it is a slower locust 3M.

I think... that would be a bad inclusion with the current mechlab.

The Thorn is indeed a 20-tonner with no jump capability, and all of the variants start with a 120-rated Engine (which then gives all of them an Engine rating cap of 170).
Of note is that a STD 120 requires a total of 9.0 tons, while an XL 170 requires a total of 8.0 tons; an XL 170 plus Speed Tweak pushes the Thorn's top speed up to 156.145 kph.

Also, I take it you meant to compare the energy/missile Thorn to the energy/missile Locust (the LCT-3S) rather than to the all-energy Locust (the LCT-3M)?
Personally, I would say that the Thorn would be more like a slightly-lighter (with correspondingly lesser-armored), slightly-faster (154.308 kph, vs 156.145 kph) Commando.

[Johnny Two Legs]

Zyllos, on 28 January 2014 - 02:28 PM, said:

Didn't PGI say in the past that they would end up making some new mechs of their own?

That would be pretty darn controversial...

Yeah - a small terrified part of me is thinking this whilst hoping it's not true...

J2L

[Asmudius Heng]

We all know Urbies would suck since other better lights can carry big ACs.

The ONLY thing that would make it slightly better and maybe amusing would be giving it a 360 degree torso twist and awesome hill climbing ability so that while it is slow the the point of aweful it would have SOME uniqueness.

[Bishop Steiner]

Asmudius Heng, on 29 January 2014 - 07:38 PM, said:

We all know Urbies would suck since other better lights can carry big ACs.

The ONLY thing that would make it slightly better and maybe amusing would be giving it a 360 degree torso twist and awesome hill climbing ability so that while it is slow the the point of aweful it would have SOME uniqueness.

ubersmall size and some major JJ inflation should be in order, too.

[The Silent Protagonist]

Bishop Steiner, on 29 January 2014 - 03:03 PM, said:

Somebody get me two pots of Vaseline and a box of Kleenex!

[William T Riker]

That would ruin the paint! Oh wait...