I'm still going to lobby for the
Cyclops even though I'd be fine with the Banshee if it turned out that way (assuming it'd be either of them, anyway.)
CP-10-Z: being the Cyclops base variant, carries at least 1 Ballistic, 2 Beam, and 2 Missile hardpoints. Nothing special as it tends to make for a slightly lighter Atlas, but the same could be said of the Orion. I'd see them adding either another Ballistic or adding another Beam and Missile hardpoint.
CP-11-Q: Removes the CP-10-Z's Ballistic hardpoint in favor of adding another LRM launcher, making it carry 2 Beam, and 3 Missile hardpoints stock. Add in another beam or a fourth launcher it could be nasty, or add the ballistic back in. I'd be in favor of dropping the ballistics for more Beam/Missile points, though.
CP-11-B: Dual Gauss on this variant provides a good punch. 2 Ballistic, 2 Beam, 2 Missile hardpoints before any are added. It's got a smaller engine then the other variants to fit the extra Gauss. Not timeline appropriate though, as Sturm points out below.
CP-11-A-DC: Cyclops with Command Console? Add ECM and you've got a command 'mech.....as soon as we know what a Command Console will eventually do.
Nothing exceptionally different at first glance, but seeing as PGI always spices up each variant with additional hardpoints and it could be good. Add in ECM on a second Assault 'mech as this is a good candidate for it, and it brings a bunch of the battlefield. Besides, I really want to see Alex tackle this design visually.
Possible Hero 'mech candidates: (Pulled directly from Sarna)
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While the pilot is now dead, they could go the way of Kerensky's Orion and still include it. Not a lot of info lets them play around while also adding a Wolf's Dragoon flavored Hero 'mech to the mix. Who doesn't want to see THAT paint job prowling the battlefield, even if it's not Natasha's Warhammer?
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So, as is quite obvious, Ariana isn't commander of the ELH just yet, but it shows that the 'mech has more options if they wanted to add another Hero 'mech down the line. This would be a really cool Hero 'mech to me.
Strum Wealh, on 10 September 2013 - 02:01 PM, said:
If we're going to get the Banshee having Captain Greg Oliphant's "Court Jester" in would make more sense, as the other Hero 'mech carries an axe. Also, it has ties to the ELH just like Ariana's so it would pair nicely with her Cyclops if it made it into game as well down the road. Besides, Oliphant's additions are awesome and would make for a really cool looking Banshee.
Edited by Jack Gallows, 10 September 2013 - 06:19 PM.