2
I like the Hammer. I think the original design (loadout/equipment) is flawed in Tabletop, but still better than a lot of others, which is really what makes it for me rather than just it being one of the oldschool designs. Though that doesn't hurt.
Frankly, I'd like it even more if a few additional tweaks were allowed- not as big as you might think, either.
I could do without the torso ballistics (thanks, variants! No need for explosive machine guns here.) and would have rather had a missile rack in the CT than the RT, but those are really minor foibles. Overall, it's just a solid concept and design, with a fun, varied weapons loadout. It helps that it used one of the older Macross models that looks like an actual war machine, rather than a beflanged, delicate-looking array of way too many ancillary plates.
I don't care about meta or not meta. I like interesting 'mechs with interesting hardpoint layouts and interesting possibilities- even if they seem one-note at first, like the Black Knight.
The Warhammer has a lot of attributes like that, and I think it should be appreciated for them. It provides additional variety, another IS 70-tonner, and is just all around nice to have. How much do I like the Warhammer?
Well, one of the first 'mechs I really had at in Battletech for customization was a 'hammer. Then I redrew the result.
Breaking it down.
Spoiler
Joint Redesign
Spoiler
Torso Redesign
Spoiler
Hips Redesign
Spoiler
Final Result:
Spoiler
I tried to keep it as identifiable as possible while still making it a redesign, and I did that for a reason.
There are a lot of things to like about the 'Hammer that can be kept- the funky two-toe foot, the barrel-sling arms with the extra length behind the elbow, the fat high shoulders, the very distinct side and center torso areas.
For the same reason, I really like the official redesign. It's still a stocky, sturdy-looking body, the arms are still pretty much just cannon from the elbow down, it still has that silly left-shoulder spotlight, and while the redesign is smoothed down a lot, it's done in ways that make sense.
I think anyone who really has a serious complaint about this redesign needs to take a step back and consider the Japanese version of the Warhammer.
http://www.sarna.net...e/warhammer.jpg
Seriously, I don't even. I just don't what. It could have been this...... I think 'alien' is the right adjective.
As far as the loadouts go.... the diehard 'all 'mechs must play to the same function or go die in a fire' people can take a long walk in some other direction for all I care. This thing is getting PPCs and/or large lasers in the arms and backup weaponry in the torso and I'm going to darn well have fun with it and play good games.
Pchoo pchoo PPC arms gonna getcha.
P.S.:
Bishop, you seem sad.
Here, I drew you a friend. His name is Zappy. He likes flash photography, but isn't sure if his arms are guns or cameras. Hope he cheers you up.
