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[AnimeFreak40K]

• Upon logging in, I find that the mech that is/was selected at the time my account had a snapshot taken is present, as expected (in this case, the Urbie R60). This is all well and good, however, I do not see any sort of ‘Configure’ button, which was present before. This is something I liked seeing, as I could immediately go right into configuring that mech if I wanted

Possible Fix – Add or return the blue ‘Configure’ button.

• My usual habit of selecting mechs to tinker around or choosing to go into battle with (if they are different than what has already been selected) involves me clicking the ‘MechLab’ button. I have always preferred this UI and I found that I outright detest the ‘Select Mech’ screen. However instead of being greeted with the MechBay Grid that I am accustomed to (and really enjoy), I am brought immediately to the configuration portion. On one hand, I really like the smooth transition, on the other, I did not want to muck about with my UrbanMech (it’s fine as-is) and I did not find an immediate means to be able to change mechs. Yes, the ‘Select Mech’ button is right there, but I have been trained to hate that button and it’s damnedable interface and favor the MechBay Grid.

Possible Fix – When someone clicks ‘MechLab’ bring up the MechBay grid. If this defeats the purpose of some configuration aspects, then allow for an option in the ‘Select Mech’ menu (see my next point).

• Clicking the ‘Select Mech’ Button brings up the general UI that I hate with a passion, but I admittedly like the options show certain mechs based on the various factors. This is actually pretty cool and I feel that if this method of sorting existed for the MechBay Grid, this thing would be pure frikkin’ gold.

Possible Fix – When someone, at any time, clicks the ‘Select Mech’ button there is some sort of toggle option (pull-down, whatever) to view as the MechBay Grid or the present UI…whatever the user prefers.

• Since I was given a stupid amount of C-Bills and MC to play around with, I decided to go and buy some Mechs. Since I did not see any listing or pulldown for ‘Purchasable’, I decided to try the Store. No, this is not a dealbreaker and it actually makes a bit of sense (I was just in the habit of using the ‘Purchasable’ pulldown menu is all). In the store, I found the menues to be pretty much as I expected them… though again, I would have preferred to see the MechBay Grid here, it is actually somewhat understandable (and tolerable) to see the list menu that I detest so much, as usually when I’m going to the store, I have a pretty solid idea of what particular mech chassis I’m looking for. On a lark, I went ahead and bought an Anansi. Standard Q&A about being sure blah blah… all well and good.

• Now that I have a shiny new mech, it’s to play with it. Home -> Mechlab -> Select Mech -> Traverse the menu of hate and rage -> select the mech. So far so good… though it would be nice if there was a MechBay Grid (If it isn’t apparent by now, I am going to continue mentioning this when needed…get used to it).
  - Anyway, digging the overall layout. I see that there is a way to move from Loadout to Weapon Groups, Camo Specs and the Cockpit all right there. Easy Peasy. I like this
  - The locations are annotated with available hardpoints as well as relevant information on the mech itself (name, type, class, faction, tonnage (current and max)) is all there. Each location shows the individual slots present and how they are taken up, that’s neat and convenient.
  - Center shows my mech, which is nice, because I like to see how my mech looks and changes as I add different gear and such. Cool.
  - Right side has a listing of all of the stuff that I can put in the mech with a toggle switch giving me the option to choose to show everything or just what I own. More specifically, I can toggle weapon types or classes. Could be useful as a general thing.
  - Buttons such as Ammo, Equipment, Modules and Engines all seem somewhat self-explanatory to me, as they all seem to adhere to the same methodology as the weapons. That said, I really like small touches that show what is available via what is highlighted based on section that is selected (center torso on the Anansi only has missile hardpoints so only stuff that can use those hardpoints/spaces are shown by default). So this is neat.
  - I really like the option to expand the MechStats button. As I try to build my mehcs to make the most of any bonuses, it helps to have a handy guide to see what those bonuses are exactly at any time, but I can also minimize that screen at any point as well.
  - Noticed the option to switch the layout from Column to Expanded and doing so brings up a UI very similar to Smurfy’s. This is downright sexy right here. Thanks!
  - Lastly, I noticed there was a ‘Strip Mech’ and a ‘Reset Mech’ button. Both of these, to me, are self-explanatory and make easy resets.

Something to consider – I did not see or notice any means of seeing how many available crit sots I had at a glance. I think this would be a nice addition if it is possible to add it.
Something to consider – I know this was mentioned elsewhere and I would like to also voice that the addition of a button that resets the mech back to its default build (much like how someone can reset their camo and colors to default). Yes, this may mean that equipment that is unowned would be purchased if the player had sold all of that stuff, but that shouldn’t be a significant concern until they hit ‘Save’ anyway.

Overall, I have to say that I am modestly pleased with the UI change. I really, REALLY want to give this a 10/10 rating or somesuch, but the fact that there is no MechBay grid really kills it for me.