46 replies to this topic

[therealswilly]

For some people who know me, or have fought me. You've probably seen me in one of my hunchies, Blitz(HBK-4SP) or Sharpshooter(HBK-4H).

I've been piloting the hunchbacks since the beta, in fact the Hunchback is the only mech I've mastered. This is due in large part because its expensive and tough to find a proper mech. But its also because I just have a lot more experience with my Hunchies.

So, I guess as someone who hasn't really piloted something else, like ever until the CW, I can provide some form of testimony.

A. Hunchbacks are ******* durable for the loadouts. A lot of people are talking about the Wolverine's ability to withstand punishment and that might be true, but the for the sheer amount of weapons you can pack onto a Hunchback, especially the HBK-4H and HBK-4SP, you're going in with a lot of bang and buck.

B. Hunchbacks are versatile, even with the quirks. For a lot of the builds they've built the quirks nicely into specific rolls but even with those quirks you still have a lot of wiggle room to maneuver around and get the build that compliments you and the main weapon in the shoulders. Build around the shoulders and what you feel comfortable with.

C. Hunchbacks are teenage Atlases. Make no mistake, you will never or rarely win in a long range contest against opponents, the AC/LRM shoulders help with wearing down an enemy at the distance but unless you're the 4J, you're ultimate goal is to go up and face a mech head on. With a hunchback, as soon as you commit to an attack, you need to stay committed and keep to the back and sides, You'll generally turn and twist faster then the larger opponents you'll be put up against because Hunchbacks are teenage Atlases, your versatility lies in taking the current situation and manipulating it to your advantage, go around cover and hit from behind, strike and run, hit your opponent in the face and go around them as they try to fire at the front.

D. You're a mech meant for long term engagement, short term brawls. One of the things I picked up on as I continued to pilot the Hunchbacks is that they're brawlers, but they're increased survivability means you can wait. Once the fighting starts, get in and out. Time your shots, strip off arms and then run, staying in a spot is the best way to get cored quickly.

E. Stick with your own. Do not separate out, never leave the group. This is a general rule but this goes double for mechs similar to the Hunchback, even if you're faster, you still should have other mechs around to help you in times of need.

F. You're dangerous, and the enemies know it. You should too. There's a reason mech pilots tend to focus on certain mechs, including the Hunchback. Its because for their size and speed, a pilot makes the wrong mistake they'll be missing a shoulder, their back will be wide open and their about to get hit in the face by a heavy or assault. They know this and they'll target you for it.

So yeah, there's the **** I've picked up since around the beta when I first purchased for the 4J and then the 4SP.

[LordNothing]

hunchies are one of those chassis wherer you need to keep 2 or 3 to get the full experience. wolverine looked like a keep one and sell the others chassis. if you have a large number of free mech bays, go with hunchies.

[Rhent]

You are honestly better off with the griffin. It is highly maneuverable and JJ capable with good aiming angles. It makes the Shadowhawk feel like its playing with a full body cast in comparison to the Griffin.

[Macster16]

I MUCH prefer playing HBKs. The only WVR I enjoy and own is the 7K which makes for a good SRM bomber thanks to having range and cooldown SRM quirks. The 6K was very deadly when it had LPL quirks, though I found it boring to play. Then they changed quirks to LLs and the thing became dead to me, so I sold it. It's still pretty strong, but I just couldn't enjoy the 6K with LLs.The 6R can be fun, but again, having basically all your payload locked into a single low slung arm turns me off badly when my ideal preference is high mounted torso hardpoints nice and tight together for minimal spread.

The HBKs on the other hand are some of my favourite meds. I own the 4G and 4P and both are an absolute blast to play. Nothing more satisfying than that AC20 on the 4G and my 4P has probably the best stats of all my meds. I use 2 LPLs and 3 MLs, all mounted nice and high for a 37 alpha - no need to stagger and it runs really cool.

[Yokaiko]

LordNothing, on 06 March 2015 - 02:31 PM, said:

hunchies are one of those chassis wherer you need to keep 2 or 3 to get the full experience. wolverine looked like a keep one and sell the others chassis. if you have a large number of free mech bays, go with hunchies.

Wolverines are solid, damn near my favorite IS medium overall. The laserine, and ghetto Dragon-1n are both keepers, the 7k I'm only meh on.

[Porcorosso101]

Get BOTH! You can see positives of the two from everyone and no one is slagging off either mechs as both are really fab..

Ive got both and the HBK is awesome but i prefer speed and JJs a tad more

[Deathlike]

It kinda depends what you are aiming for.

If you want a superior weapons platform... the Hunchback is better for that.

If you value speed with your firepower, the Wolverine is pretty good for that.

There's no right or wrong answer... I still suggest labbing @ smurfy's for ideas before you commit to anything.