Same weight and except for one variant same speed cap as the Firestarter, worse hardpoints, no jump jets.
Basically Firestarter with worse weaponry and no JJ's...
Prediction: FAIL
Crab:
I've had much fun in other 50 ton mechs, as one can get a good balance between mobility and firepower. No jumpjets except for the special variant is a disappointment.
All energy hardpoints is also a great disappointment.
The success of the crab may well depend on the hitboxes, if ST will be easy to hit it won't be good for XL, so it will either be relegated to energy sniping or standard engine which limits either speed or ffirepower.
Prediction: SUCCESS (if you like only energy)
Black Knight:
The Black Knights feels very much like a heavier Thunderbolt but without the ability to mix up the weapons loadout.
Again, all energy is a big disappointment, it will be one variant that is decent, the rest will just be fillers so that you can master it. Boring.
I'm just not sure why anyone would choose this mech over a Thunderbolt.
A bit more weapons, worse hardpoint locations, slower and easier to hit.
Prediction: FAIL
Mauler:
This is perhaps the most interesting model of all R2 mechs as it is not a boring laser vomit wagon. Furthermore it can mount some combinations of weapons that hasn't been possible before. Also, it's fun to pilot.
Prediction: SUCCESS
EDIT: Seems as though my predictions are coming true...
Edited by Yellonet, 24 September 2015 - 04:07 PM.