13 replies to this topic

[_____]

I thought I'd record a pretty typical match across 3 of my accounts which are in different tiers. The way I'd summarize it is that T4 -> T3 makes a big difference in gameplay while T3 -> T1 doesn't differ all that match, though the T1 match seems to have slightly better piloting overall.



Edit: I forgot to mention this but a lot of people already know it. When you're spectating there's a bit of built-in lag (applies to everyone) so where you see the player is aiming at is not exactly where he's aiming at on his own screen. So I don't make judgments about aim when I'm spectating, just builds, positioning and general piloting.

Edited by BlackhawkSC, 17 February 2016 - 11:58 PM.

[Davegt27]

I wish I was good enough to even comment

I get a lot of this is tier 2 you should know so-n-so

I am like I am tier 5

I would pay money for single player game mode

[Tyler Valentine]

BlackhawkSC, on 17 February 2016 - 11:09 AM, said:

I thought I'd record a pretty typical match across 3 of my accounts which are in different tiers. The way I'd summarize it is that T4 -> T3 makes a big difference in gameplay while T3 -> T1 doesn't differ all that match, though the T1 match seems to have slightly better piloting overall.

Always like your vids, another good one.

I recently moved from T3 to T2 and noticed an improvement in game play (Def more T1s in my games now then when I was T3) but not a huge one, mostly just people twisting more and focusing on the deadliest component of my 'mech more.

I have, however, noticed MUCH more trash talking pre-match. Players are cockier up here.

[Dynamic Echo]

Tyler Valentine, on 17 February 2016 - 11:37 AM, said:

I recently moved from T3 to T2 and noticed an improvement in game play (Def more T1s in my games now then when I was T3) but not a huge one, mostly just people twisting more and focusing on the deadliest component of my 'mech more.

I have, however, noticed MUCH more trash talking pre-match. Players are cockier up here.

I recently made the same transition and noticed the same thing. In my experience the difference in gameplay was pretty marginal, but the increase in trash talking and whining was pretty large.

[Jman5]

My take on the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 3 is the level of aggression. I agree with you that at tier 3 you start seeing more of a deathball strategy. However it feels less like an offensive tactic and more like people are bunching up for safety. In games with a lot of tier 1 players you see much more boldness which results in people moving around the map more. If I had to describe it, a Tier 1 deathball plays like a wolfpack. You aggressively use your numbers to overpower the enemy. A Tier 3 deathball plays like a baitball of sardines. You stick together because you perceive danger around you and so you're less likely to be singled out if you stay close to the others.

Occasionally I get slotted into the Oceanic server during NA prime time where the populations are low and so there are a lot more tier 3 players. I always have to restrain myself a little because it's noticeably more passive.

Edited by Jman5, 17 February 2016 - 12:11 PM.

[Chuck Jager]

I have a t2 and t3(still new account). I have found that at different times of the day you can get "mo fun" matches in different tiers.

I would rather be the lowest level t3 teamed with t1-2 instead of the highest t2 supposed to pull folks off the back line. Other times the t1-3 games are just way too fast and I want room to play not worry about every error.

Finding good folks to play with is a joy, and I have learned a ton at all levels. I am amazed at how helpful the really good players are, and how simple it is to win if folks just trust each other to advance. I must admit, I forget this and stick in my hidey hole too.

[sycocys]

Pretty good comparison/review. Would be interesting to hear one about the regional prime time differences.

[_____]

Jman5, on 17 February 2016 - 12:08 PM, said:

My take on the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 3 is the level of aggression. I agree with you that at tier 3 you start seeing more of a deathball strategy. However it feels less like an offensive tactic and more like people are bunching up for safety. In games with a lot of tier 1 players you see much more boldness which results in people moving around the map more.

That's true it happens a lot more often at T1 where you get guys pushing up hard and getting in those early pokes.

[Spr1ggan]

The shooting accuracy of that er small jenner in the T1 match was terrible. I just wanted ot assume direct control and back kill that zeus and then take out the wolfhound which should've been a one shot.

Nice vid though.

Edited by Spr1ggan, 17 February 2016 - 05:37 PM.

[Deathlike]

You need to add Tier 5 games... just to see how "magical" that place really is.

[Bishop Steiner]

Dynamic Echo, on 17 February 2016 - 11:40 AM, said:

I recently made the same transition and noticed the same thing. In my experience the difference in gameplay was pretty marginal, but the increase in trash talking and whining was pretty large.

Epeen badges tend to lend themselves to a sense of entitlement. Sadly that entitlement is seldom actually fueled by any additional enlightenment.

[S 0 L E N Y A]

Tier 4 to 3 was the only time I noticed a change. Up until T3 Id swear I could fart on my keyboard and turn out a 1000+ damage. Then I hit T3 and my ego got a much needed reality check.
Makes sense, since it seems 5 and 4 get grouped, then 3 -1.

[Agent 0 Fortune]

I created a new account hoping to see some build diversity. Sadly their wasn't much variety there, and surprisingly few trial mechs. After playing there a while I came to the conclusion that in solo queue, the difference between tiers can be defined as follows:
T4/5: Joystick tier. That is to say movement and targeting are not as precise. Could high-latency internet connection.

T3: Mouse and keyboard. Players generally don't get tripped up on terrain, and track opponents well.

T1/2: Macro and gaming aids. These players often have a near mechanical sense of timing, and generally are not satisfied living within the confines of the option menu. User configs and macros are almost manditory. DPS shifting mouse standard equipment.

I'm not going to condemn or condone a prefered approach, it is entirely up to the individual what they want to put in, and what they want to get out of the game. Personally I'd love to dust off the joystick I purchased specifically for this game (I'm just not willing to put in the time and losses it would take to play competently with one)

[Dingo Battler]

Great video!

One very important thing no one mentioned is that KDR drops off from T3 to T2. At T4, my KDR was something like 4 getting out of it, dropped to 2.5 at T3, and now is ~1.5 at T2. So the drop is not as big as 4->3, but there is some drop, which indicates a good level of skill in the higher tiers.

Other than that, brawling PUG becomes less viable in higher tiers, due to people deathballing. In T4, you can run around in a small pack, and brawls all over the place. In T3, somewhat. T2, everyone is already part of the deathball. You only charge in to brawl as part of a combined push, or to mop up the survivors. I find myself taking much more ranged weaponary. The only exception to this is light mechs, where SPL knife fighters are still good.

Edited by KBurn85, 17 February 2016 - 06:19 PM.