4 replies to this topic

[Ketzer08]

So little feedback on such good mechs, here is my 5 cents (I marked quirks which IMHO should be changed, just in case if devs will open this post. The rest is not necessary to read.):

First of all, I think that quirks should be considered depending on how this mech compare to other IS mechs of its weight class. And stock loadout should be the basis, as it is defining its intended role. But at the same time quirks should be flexible enough to leave space for variability.

Pros of the Blackjack chassis (not considering parameters which can be changed through quirk values):

• Best geometry in its class. It is perfect for hill humping and entrenching in horizontal cover.
  
• Good capacity. It has no hands or lower arm actuators, which is good for taking Endo-Steel + FF armor.
  
• Easily can be as fast as most clan heavy-medium mechs, without sacrificing too much tonnage on engine.

Cons:

• Not so good at absorbing damage, when caught outside of cover.

Overall quirks:
Structure quirks… I think developers added them just for lulz. Just think about it: Blackjacks have more durable torso structure than MADCATs.

Quirks per variant:

BJ-1
Best IS mech for AC2 dakka.

AC/2 Cooldown +10% + Ballistic Cooldown +15%
AC/2 Heat Gen -20% + Ballistic Heat Gen -5%

These quirks are placed perfectly.

Ballistic Velocity +30% + Ballistic Range +15%

These quirks must stay or leave together. As it will make AC2 build effective at long range shooting, which will create a good alternative to ERLL mechs on big or CW maps. But on other hand AC20/Gauss builds would have bigger velocity+range bonus than mechs intended to use that weapons (HBK-4G, HBK-GI, CN9-AH, CN9-YLW). So I think it would be better to split them:

Ballistic Velocity +15% + AC2 Velocity +15% + AC2 Range +15%


Energy Range +25%

Good placed quirk, balanced by the low number of available energy hardpoints. But a little split will be better for balance:

Energy Range +15% + Medium Laser range +10%


Torso Yaw Speed +30% + Torso Angle Yaw +17

Good quirks. AC2 require constant line of sight, and this quirks allow to maneuver while keep shooting.

Other notes:
Is it possible to lower sound of shooting your AC2? It’s too loud in comparison to other surrounding sounds.

Edited by Ketzer08, 27 November 2015 - 09:08 PM.

[Ketzer08]

BJ-1DC

This variant is the best to “go ballistic” supported by medium/small lasers.

Ballistic Cooldown +25% + Ballistic Heat Gen -25%

Summary bonus is very good for AC2 build, but again AC20/Gauss builds will be too good for mech which don’t carry those weapons in stock. So I suggest split:

Ballistic Cooldown +20% + AC2 Cooldown +5% + Ballistic Heat Gen -15% + AC2 Heat Gen -10%


Laser Duration -15%

Good for less face time to do 6E alphas.

Energy Range +25%

This variant have more energy hardpoints than BJ-1, so I guess it will be better to change it a little bit and add some stock loadout flavor:

Energy Range +10% + Medium Laser Range +10% + Small Laser Range +20%


Accel +25% + Decel +35% + Torso Yaw Speed +25%
Since it doesn’t have JJs and have limited torso twist, it’s good for increasing survivalability.

[Ketzer08]

BJ-1X
I don’t own this mech, so I can’t tell much about it. But I own HBK-4P, and I don’t understand Why BJ-1X is better medium laser boat than HBK-4P?? I think that whatever the quirks BJ-1X gets, HBK-4P needs to be a better performer at boating ML.
If HBK-4P will not get any range quirks and will be considered as close combat fighter, this variant needs to maintain similar tactics as other BJs. I mean staying in cover and providing fire support. And for that it needs:

Energy Range +15% + Medium Laser range +15%

The rest of the quirks should be similar or worse of which will have HBK-4P.

Just interesting thought:

On Sarna BJ-1X described as prototype, so this variant can get some special flavor. For example:
External Heat Multiplier -25% + 10pts to Maximum Heat Capacity.
Lets say, it is here to reduce heating from it’s own flamers (stock loadout has 4 flamers).

[Ketzer08]

BJ-3
The best IS Medium class PPC performer. Talking about BJ-3, you must mention Vindicators. Most of them live in the shadow of BJ-3. PPCs is considered as the main weapon for both of them. But they must use different tactics. In my opinion VND should rely on fast maneuvering and flanking. While BJ-3, as I said above about other BJs, rely on good cover and its role is providing support fire.

PPC Velocity +40%

I don’t think that BJ-3 needs that big velocity quirk, but since it will have to deal with +30%~+35% ballistic velocity Gauss snipers and +30%~+50% velocity ER/PPC snipers… it will fit right.

PPC Heat Gen -20% + Energy Heat Gen -10% + Energy Cooldown +5%

…OMG… just OMG. 7 Heat for 10 point damage??

I like PPCs, I have IS PPCs mechs in all weight classes. I have light with PPCs, I even had my only IS missile boat carrying PPC. But 7 Heat for 10 point damage is just crazy, it’s cheaper than 2 ML. BJ-3 is NOT BAD mech to have such quirks.

It needs to retain current quirk, and mostly because of clans.

PPC Heat Gen -10% + Energy Heat Gen -10% + Energy Cooldown 10%

Energy Range +20%

Good for PPC, since IS ERPPC on almost all mechs is a bad decision. But once again I recommend split:

Energy Range +10% + PPC Range +10% + Medium Laser Range +10%

[Ketzer08]

BJ-1DB
Yes, it is not yet exists in game. I decided to mention it, just to explain splitting of some quirks.
Everything below is my assumptions based on stock loadout and Sarna descriptions:
http://www.sarna.net...28BattleMech%29
BJ-1DB introduced in 3022, so it can be easily added to existing variants. It’s basically BJ-1X which traded 2E in torso for JJs and like other BJs have max engine cap at 235. Probably will have something like:
LA: 3E; RA: 3E; 4JJ
Possible quirks:
Energy Range +15% + Large Laser Range +10% + Medium Laser range +10%

Also there is a BJ-2 based on ERLL (expecting in 3052). That’s why I think it will be better to leave some space for those ER/LL variants instead of giving every BJ general energy quirks.

Edited by Ketzer08, 27 November 2015 - 09:39 PM.