7 replies to this topic

[Hit the Deck]

In MWO, the upcoming Kodiak seems to be better than the Executioner mainly because of the "free" customization options offered here. Kodiak 3 also got hardpoint inflation in the form of 4B which makes it even stronger.

I'm wondering how they fare with each other in TT? Reading the fluff, the EXE is supposed to be the front line 'Mech and thus should be better in some ways than the Kodiak. Is that true?

[martian]

Hit the Deck, on 03 March 2016 - 03:03 PM, said:

I'm wondering how they fare with each other in TT? Reading the fluff, the EXE is supposed to be the front line 'Mech and thus should be better in some ways than the Kodiak. Is that true?

It's difficult to answer your question:

• it depends on the exact year
  
• Kodiak has different models and Gladiator has different configurations
  
• it depends on terrain
  
• it depends if you opponents are Clan or IS
  
• do you allow customization and in what degree? Do you follow BattleTech lore and rules?
  
• are you talking about duel Kodiak vs. Gladiator, or both separate 'Mechs facing identical opponents?

... and the most important:

• are you talking about one-off games or actual campaigns when you track units and their condition between battles?

But if you want my personal answer: I would take Gladiator.

Edited by martian, 04 March 2016 - 01:23 AM.

[Hit the Deck]

martian, on 04 March 2016 - 12:41 AM, said:

It's difficult to answer your question:

• it depends on the exact year
  
• Kodiak has different models and Gladiator has different configurations
  
• it depends on terrain
  
• it depends if you opponents are Clan or IS
  
• do you allow customization and in what degree? Do you follow BattleTech lore and rules?
  
• are you talking about duel Kodiak vs. Gladiator, or both separate 'Mechs facing identical opponents?

... and the most important:

• are you talking about one-off games or actual campaigns when you track units and their condition between battles?

But if you want my personal answer: I would take Gladiator.

I didn't think that the answer would be so complex. But it should not be surprising I guess.

Well, it's my fault for thinking so simplistic and applying MWO's logic to the TT game. So let's set some parameters:

• Considered configurations/variations are those which use MWO's level of tech.
  
• Field modifications are allowed ( I guess this is where Omnis shine).
  
• The opponent is the Inner Sphere and not a duel between the two Mechs.
  
• It just a one off game
  
• For the terrain, let's just set our setting in MWO's Tourmaline Desert.

There you have it!

Edited by Hit the Deck, 05 March 2016 - 07:53 AM.

[martian]

Hit the Deck, on 05 March 2016 - 07:49 AM, said:

I didn't think that the answer would be so complex. But it should not be surprising I guess.

Well, it's my fault for thinking so simplistic and applying MWO's logic to the TT game. So let's set some parameters:

• Considered configurations/variations are those which use MWO's level of tech.
  
• Field modifications are allowed ( I guess this is where Omnis shine).
  
• The opponent is the Inner Sphere and not a duel between the two Mechs.
  
• It just a one off game
  
• For the terrain, let's just set our setting in MWO's Tourmaline Desert.

There you have it!

My - purely personal - opinion: Gladiator

Variants:
Within limitations of the existing timeframe (3052-53), there are two models of Kodiak (the basic model and Kodiak 5) and five configurations of Gladiator (Primary, A, B, C, D).

Mobility
Both models of Kodiak are groundbound and move 4/6.
Gladiator has the same basic ground speed 4/6, but thanks MASC it can spend up to 8 MPs - not too often since we don't want to end with damaged legs, of course.

Gladiator as the additional advantage of having Jump Jets.

Since BattleTech Jump Jets are fully functional and not those infamous MWO "Hoverjets", Gladiator can dictate the range much better than Kodiak. Kodiak would have problems with those numerous cliffs or with some smaller obstacles (for example that long ridge under the crashed Dropship in the center).

Firepower
"Tourmaline Desert" is fairly open map and I think that it quite favors 'Mechs with long range weaponry, even though there are some tight spots.
The basic Kodiak model has just one ER Large Laser for sniping and the rest of its armament is short ranged. It might happen that Kodiak would not even fire its big UAC-20, ER Meds or Streaks.
Kodiak 5 has more suitable armament with a pair of ER Large Lasers and one GR.

On the other hand, Gladiator Prime is as much better sniper than basic Kodiak and as good as Kodiak 5, but with added mobility allowing Gladiator to move quickly between various spots on the map.
When I am thinking about it, for "Tourmaline Desert" I would be tempted to order my Tech to configure my Gladiator to Alternate Configuration A. Those three Clan LPLs with their range and their pulse bonus could be a significant advantage here, considering that I expect a lot of running and jumping.

Armor
Kodiak has more armor, but it's quite slow and thus it would have to take more shots than Gladiator.
Gladiator has less armor, but with its higher speed and jump jets it's harder to hit.

Modifications
Gladiator as all OmniMechs can be configured with various weapons and equipment overnight, as it moves between various regions across the planet. Fighting on "Alpine Peaks"? Using the primary configuration. Moved to "Viridian Bog"? Switching to Gladiator D.

On the other hand, with Kodiak you are left with installed weapons and modifications can be problematic.

[BrotherSharp]

martian, on 05 March 2016 - 09:17 AM, said:

My - purely personal - opinion: Gladiator

.

Tip off my hat to your there Martian. I really enjoyed reading that answer. Just the right amount of BT TT rules in a MWO setting.

[Metus regem]

Hit the Deck, on 05 March 2016 - 07:49 AM, said:

I didn't think that the answer would be so complex. But it should not be surprising I guess.

Well, it's my fault for thinking so simplistic and applying MWO's logic to the TT game. So let's set some parameters:

• Considered configurations/variations are those which use MWO's level of tech.
  
• Field modifications are allowed ( I guess this is where Omnis shine).
  
• The opponent is the Inner Sphere and not a duel between the two Mechs.
  
• It just a one off game
  
• For the terrain, let's just set our setting in MWO's Tourmaline Desert.

There you have it!

If, and that is a big if the Kodiak can get with in 3-6 hexes, it could shoot out to nine with the UAC/20, it could be hitting reliably with a UAC double tap, twin SSRM 6's and 6-ish ERML, whitest being at +4 heat at end of round.... that's a lot of fire power going the way of the Executioner... I'm inclined to go with the Kodiak, I've used them to great effect in TT, they usually kill about 5 mechs before going down. Just sprint 8mp till you get up close, then murder things with the vomit that comes from the Kodiak.

[Dee Eight]

When debating between omnis and battlemechs its important to realize that in the lore, Totem mechs hold great significance amongst the clan warrior caste. You have to be GIFTED a totem mech by the Khan of the clan, and no warrior would ever refuse the honor of such an assignment, even if it meant giving up an OmniMech. Over half the known Totem mechs are straight up Battlemechs, not Omnis.

http://www.sarna.net...otem_BattleMech

[Hit the Deck]

Dee Eight, on 18 May 2016 - 09:20 AM, said:

When debating between omnis and battlemechs its important to realize that in the lore, Totem mechs hold great significance amongst the clan warrior caste....

Regarding the Kodiak end Executioner, how could the Kodiak end up being the Clan GB's Totem 'Mech? The reason I'm asking is because as far as I can remember, they didn't purposefully want to create a Totem 'Mech, but ended up having to split the 'Mech they wanted to built into two different chassis.