20 replies to this topic

[Kimberm1911]

I don't think you can go wrong with either the hunchback or the stormcrow. However, in terms of learning the basics and acquiring useful in game skills, I believe the hunchback is probably the best choice. The Stormcrow is, without a doubt, one of the top medium mechs in the game, if not the top. It is a worthwhile purchase, and because you will only need to keep 1 chassis due to omnipods, is much more versatile than the hunchback and easier on the mechbays. However, because of its VERY nice hit box's, ability to run cool while dealing heavy mech levels of damage, and high speed, I feel that it would not teach you the piloting skills you would need to be successful in other mechs of the same weight class. Like other posters on this thread were saying about the Artic Cheetah in terms of light mechs, I believe the stormcrow fits into that same place as a medium, and timber wolf in terms of heavies. It is just so easy to pilot, that you do not learn any skills piloting it, and when you move over to different mechs, you may lack the skills necessary to be successful in them.

The Hunchback however, is amazing at teaching piloting skills. Its weapon placement necessitates the usage of the all mighty, "TORSO TWIST." In all seriousness, torso twisting is one of THE most important pilot skills in my opinion. It will carry over into EVERY mech you will ever play, and greatly increases the survivability of any mech you will be piloting. Torso twisting is especially important in the current high alpha laser vomit meta we currently are living in. The various hunchback models will also teach you how to properly utilize inner sphere weaponry, and in the case of the 4p, will teach you how to manage your heat effectively. The hunchback is also SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the stormcrow, and if you want, you can simply switch engines from each of your hunchbacks to save money early on.

Overall, I would recommend the Hunchback, it was the first mech that I mastered, and I believe that really helped me in terms of learning the game play mechanics.

Peace, and have fun.