20 replies to this topic

[CocoaJin]

I like the idea of fast moving, hard hitting raider or recon/sniper type roles. I want to be able to use cover to put "eyes' on a target for my team, but I also want to have the option to deliver significant amounts of periodic burst damage on targets at range from my cover.

But, the other role I enjoy is the counter-recon unit, the hunter-killer of scouts. Where I stalk recon units or even heavier units and deliver a significant burst of damage on the target. In this case, Im looking to avoid detection and evade the enemy's senors...or even use thier sensors against them.

For my hunter-killer unit, I'd like the ability to turn off active sensors and rely on passive senors only. Though it would require I visually acquire and fire at targets, the hope is that I'd be able to detect enemy mechs using active senors within line of sight at approximatly twice the range that he could detect me. This could allow for a passive target lock that can be used for launching missiles onto target.

I'd also appreciate a means of going full "radiation dark", unfortunatly cutting off any streaming targeting data between me and other friendly mechs, but allowing me to get even closer to enemy active "pingers" before they could detect me.

Lastly, a jammer would be nice, thus allowing me to get even closer, but once again, removing any option to acquire a lock...and likly fouling the sensors of any mechs friend or foe within range. Maybe, just maybe, if it wasnt considered too over-powered, the user of such a jammer might be able to get tentative and intermittent locks on only close range targets due to a filter; ie, knowing the nature of one's own jammer, utilizing an algorithm to partially see through the veil, picking out tid bits of sensor data from the confusion.

[VonFranz]

Well in battletech you would be referring to the Raven. Ravens have BAP, Guardian ECM suites and some speed. Later on the capellans put stealth armor on it too. BAP is used to detect hidden units and target units in cover better while ECM counters this out as well as Artemis and NARC. I have no idea how any of this will be implemented in MWO mind you I can only comment on the TT rules.

[CocoaJin]

The Raven seems to be a bit light on ranged weapons. The SRMs would be nice if Im circle jerking with another light, but I'd prefer to have missles for extended ranged engagements. Then close with the mediums after Ive soften the other light up. Or use the missiles to harass heavier mechs from ranged...softening the heavy for my friendlies.

As a hunter-killer, I'd want to choose my fights, and extend away from a fight not of my liking before they get in my face. Meaning, if i cant get the pre-emptive strike on an unawares target, then i need to dis-engage and come back under more opportune conditions. Even a light bearing down in me on the offensive, is not a fight I'd prefer to engage in. Im thinking more of a counter-sniper of sorts, in that role, I'd rather not have a fire team bearing down in me if Im detected.

[EDMW CSN]

Technically you can pull out everything and mount a PPC on a Raven. Just saying lol.

[CocoaJin]

EDMW CSN, on 05 August 2012 - 06:46 PM, said:

Technically you can pull out everything and mount a PPC on a Raven. Just saying lol.

I might do that if it still allows me to keep the ECM suite...and maybe even the BAP. A PPC or a Large or dual ER Medium lasers, plus a low count LRM with the suite would be nice.

It would sweet to go passive, relay target data to friends and then wait to go active just long enough to fire and forget the small count LRM. Once the fight begins, i'd be a force multiplier , basically just adding my firepower to whatever the other friendly mechs are dishing out on target. So my occasional PPC or Laser shot from the periphery might be easily missed by the engaged enemy forces...escpecially if Im bore-sighting the energy weapons while remaining stealthy and passive sensors only.

All Im missing now are lasers firing in the non-visible spectrum.

Edited by CocoaJin, 05 August 2012 - 09:31 PM.

[EDMW CSN]

If Piranha are following all stock load outs to a T, the Raven would have 2 missile and 2 energy hard points.
Default weapon's load
SRM-6 (3+1 ton ammo)
NARC (3+1 ton ammo)
2 Medium lasers (2 tons)

Dropping both NARC and SRM would free enuff tonnage to squeeze in a IS PPC (7 tons) but you have to sacrifice one med laser in the process. Free weight can go to armor or heatsinks.

Alternatively, you can run 1 large laser (drop the NARC and 1 med), 1 med laser and 1 SRM-6. But the mech will run a little warm.

[xxx WreckinBallRaj xxx]

Well it hasn't yet been revealed what role or effect electronics will have in this game but they have confirmed the Probe+ECM and the Raven and are stressing importance on role warfare so they will definitely be doing something. That much is sure. I hope the Probe allows you to detect through terrain because that would be extremely helpful at marking targets for missile boating allies while not having to expose yourself as much to enemy fire.(Terrain could be in the way)

[orcrist86]

with a raven, balistics are your best best for immedaite damage, though a ppc sure would be surprising.

[CocoaJin]

yeah, ive been re-examining the Raven, if the NARC and TAG lasers both use hardpoints, then there is more room on the Raven than I initially thought.
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I figured a PPC, LRM-5, or maybe a 10 would be possible, add to it ECM and possibly a BAP and I'd be golden.

Im also digging the Cicada....there is something about it I like. Perhaps it can act as a heavier version of what I'd build with the Raven.

Edited by CocoaJin, 06 August 2012 - 07:41 AM.

[Ardan Blade]

EDMW CSN, on 05 August 2012 - 10:10 PM, said:

If Piranha are following all stock load outs to a T, the Raven would have 2 missile and 2 energy hard points.
Default weapon's load
SRM-6 (3+1 ton ammo)
NARC (3+1 ton ammo)
2 Medium lasers (2 tons)

Dropping both NARC and SRM would free enuff tonnage to squeeze in a IS PPC (7 tons) but you have to sacrifice one med laser in the process. Free weight can go to armor or heatsinks.

Alternatively, you can run 1 large laser (drop the NARC and 1 med), 1 med laser and 1 SRM-6. But the mech will run a little warm.

Hardpoints are bs in my opinion, and were only included in MW4 to encourage Omni usage over conventional Battlemechs. From what I've seen, BTO is going back to it's roots, and dropping all of the MW4 induced mechanics.

[Mad Martigan]

Going off mech 4

As someone who tends to snipe and hunt nosy scouts, i would point out that BAP works both ways so keep your finger on that off switch. Also, don't forget that NARC requires someone to care enough to capitalize on your beacon. Hitting hard with lights requires some serious sacrifices and is not for the faint of heart, but that satisfaction of finishing off an assault mech is pretty sweet.

Also, I will miss not having a Cougar.

Edit -

Ardan Blade, on 06 August 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

Hardpoints are bs in my opinion, and were only included in MW4 to encourage Omni usage over conventional Battlemechs. From what I've seen, BTO is going back to it's roots, and dropping all of the MW4 induced mechanics.

lol, right as i posted the above. So mechs are going to be fully customizable eh?

Edited by Mad Martigan, 06 August 2012 - 08:01 AM.

[EDMW CSN]

Ardan Blade, on 06 August 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

Hardpoints are bs in my opinion, and were only included in MW4 to encourage Omni usage over conventional Battlemechs. From what I've seen, BTO is going back to it's roots, and dropping all of the MW4 induced mechanics.

Mad Martigan, on 06 August 2012 - 07:59 AM, said:

Going off mech 4 As someone who tends to snipe and hunt nosy scouts, i would point out that BAP works both ways so keep your finger on that off switch. Also, don't forget that NARC requires someone to care enough to capitalize on your beacon. Hitting hard with lights requires some serious sacrifices and is not for the faint of heart, but that satisfaction of finishing off an assault mech is pretty sweet. Also, I will miss not having a Cougar. Edit - lol, right as i posted the above. So mechs are going to be fully customizable eh?

This link explains it all. Look at the Hunchback's head.
MWO uses both hardpoints and a critical system.

http://mwomercs.com/...o-ign-info-day/


More info.
http://mwomercs.com/...-blog-6-mechlab

Edited by EDMW CSN, 06 August 2012 - 08:09 AM.

[The Basilisk]

I think you are one of the "I want it all and now" guys. (no insult intended theres nothing wrong with this)
Battletech isn't a game that is that fast paced. (think about it 100 Tonns of Mech RUNNING...riculus)
Its, at least in theorie, a game about positioning and strategie rather than running arround sneaking up behind and sniping the hell out of somebody.
If you got a smal fast mech with electronics you won't have anny large or hard hitting weapons. Your team is your greatest weapon.
The Raven is the ideal scout. Its ECM provides a zone of EM disturbance and its Beagle probe provides advanced through terrain sensor tech. Its NARC Beacon is its weapon to mark an enemy for the large and clumsy artillery snipers. Your 2 M-Lasers and your SRM 6 are more a defense against enemy scouts than for fighting and hitting hard.
There are hit and run mechs though.

[justin xiang]

The Basilisk, on 06 August 2012 - 08:42 AM, said:

I think you are one of the "I want it all and now" guys. (no insult intended theres nothing wrong with this)
Battletech isn't a game that is that fast paced. (think about it 100 Tonns of Mech RUNNING...riculus)
Its, at least in theorie, a game about positioning and strategie rather than running arround sneaking up behind and sniping the hell out of somebody.
If you got a smal fast mech with electronics you won't have anny large or hard hitting weapons. Your team is your greatest weapon.
The Raven is the ideal scout. Its ECM provides a zone of EM disturbance and its Beagle probe provides advanced through terrain sensor tech. Its NARC Beacon is its weapon to mark an enemy for the large and clumsy artillery snipers. Your 2 M-Lasers and your SRM 6 are more a defense against enemy scouts than for fighting and hitting hard.
There are hit and run mechs though.

Funny. When I play BattleTech with double blind I specifically make a point of sneaking up behind and shooting the hell out of peoples backs.

[CocoaJin]

Im not sure I'm wanting it all. My build wont allow me to easily solo an assualt or heavy mech. I wont even expect to easily tackle other lights in your typical close quarter light mech knife fights. What I want is a light mech for intel, but stand-off engagements. Not to kill anything by myself, but to contribute to the take down of units without putting my light *** in harms way in the open battlefield.

This what i dont get, what recon in combat history as ever wanted to get up close and personal during combat...but in Battletech, in order for me to even use my weapons, I have to close on the very thing that can squash me like a bug and then lose my primary role as recon unit?

I'd rather play smart, continue to provide my recon value, increase my survivability and still dish some significant damage from a safer range.

I wont get much kills, but I'd rather begin counter-recon engagements when I detect their scout at +600m with my LRM, then allowing him to close on my team and become a nusiance at 200m, or even worse, force me to close on him and his friends at 200m, before I can even try to swat him down.

What would my team prefer, I engage the enemy light when he is biting at thier ankles, or before he can close to within weapons range? The ability to capitalize with a descent gun if i end up behind a heavy is nice too, but honestly, my experience says its not that easy to loiter behind a heavy unmolested unless you catch him isolated or your side has numerical superiority at the engagement location...Im not going to count on that.

Recon is inheritly stand-off...so my weapons should be too. The PPC will still allow me swat at gnats that close on my friendly mechs...the enemy light will be more concerned with my heavies, allowing me to set up for an intermediate range PPC strike, or considering I'll likly displaced from my main group, even a LRM strike from my recon vantage point.

[Exilyth]

Getting a narc on an assault mech without being detected is one of the best things you can do, especially when said assault is buried under a hail of missiles from your teammates shortly after.

[xxx WreckinBallRaj xxx]

orcrist86, on 06 August 2012 - 05:37 AM, said:

with a raven, balistics are your best best for immedaite damage, though a ppc sure would be surprising.

Hard to believe that since a Raven can't even equip Ballistics. By default this Mech is strictly Energy+Missile. They may give us a Ballistic usable variant but by default you won't be able to use those if they are following lore.(Which they are with everything else)

[CocoaJin]

From the sight I saw, ballistics are inheritently heavy and restrictive in their mountings on a light. An AC2 is listed as 6 tons from that source...not including ammo.

[EDMW CSN]

Ballistics are a bad idea on a Raven. I rather put 2 LRM5s than a single AC-2. Plinking ballistics are too heavy for a Raven.

[CocoaJin]

I keep going back and forth, I think I'll eventually own both a Raven and a Cicada, both will provide the same role, but the Cicada seems it might have better survivability...just have to see if I can cram all those ECM and Sensor suite on that ride...plus LRM-5/10. In the end, they might have similar damage outputs, but the Cicada will have better armor and speed.

If the Cicada works, it'll be the F-14 of light mech interceptors(yeah, its technically classified as a medium, but its basically a heavy light) . Big, fast, tremendous weapons reach and fielding the best electronics money can buy.

In the end, a scout is useless if its dead.

Edited by CocoaJin, 06 August 2012 - 10:02 PM.