my general feelings on the Trebuchet chassis
The TBT is meant to be a reasonably quick, fire support weapon.
Other variants then the 7M should have significant LRM/missile quirks. Also, more mobility quirks on all the variants.
The chassis' design is too tall, thin and flat, easily allowing your torso's and arms to be isolated at range. This can however be mitigated by intelligent gameplay.
I sorta like the idea of adding a second missile hardpoint to nearly every variant in the right torso, maybe not the Loup de Guerre or 7M. If done, adjust quirks to a reasonable level to compensate.
The TBT-3C should be better quirked then it is. I want my perfect fast LRM + TAG + ML's machine.
my feelings on the individual chassis'
TBT-3C - the extra energy hardpoint is nice, and sits fairly high in the middle of the chest. I wish it had more interesting LRM quirks, cause this variant is the one I feel would build the best LRM + TAG + backup energy weaponry for my needs.
Granted the TBT-5N also has four energy hardpoints, all in the arms though, which is not bad, I just
irrationally personally like the 3C more.
TBT-5J - Good quirks for STD lasers, see's comp play sometimes, somehow. I'm not impressed enough to actually use it though. One missile hardpoint and it has Jumpjets.
TBT-5N - One of the better variants for turning into a close combat machine. No jumpjets though, which I feel is needed for maneuvering into
surprise buttsecks close combat fairly often. Three energy hardpoints in one arm is real nice.
TBT-7K - Never played it, The ballistic points are reasonably high mounted, energy points are slightly higher. Big quirks, also extra structure in the torsos. It's different from other TBT's and may be worth picking up for variety's sake while levelling. Slightly tempted to pick one up but I think I'll hardly touch it and end up selling it off.
TBT-7M - Three missile hardpoints, LRM 15's are too heavy, can shoehorn three LRM 10's in with decent compromise in mobility and ammo endurance. Also one of the better variants to turn into a close combat machine and it also has jumpjets!. The quirks help with either build but are for missiles only.
TBT-LG - Four missile hardpoints!, but only two energy, one on each arm. Mediocre weapon quirks and additional armor quirk for the arms, also jumpjets, so yeah, definitely intended for a close combat build.
so yeah, quick list as to what three I would suggest to level, TBT-7M, TBT-7K for variety, and either the 5J for tryhards or 5N or 3C your third. Get the Loup de Guerre only if you expect to do close combat with it and/or have become a fan of the chassis after first levelling the others.
Edited by Nullmancer, 16 June 2016 - 04:42 AM.