Gas Guzzler, on 04 January 2017 - 09:43 AM, said:
It does have some redeeming qualities... but we have 3 Clan 65 tonners, 1 Clan 60 tonner, and 1 Clan 70 tonner. I would prefer we bolster one of those weights, and the Nova Cat is a great option for that.
There is only three downsides that I see with the Nova Cat. I'd still to prefer have both mechs in game since I had alot of fun with the Nova Cat in MW:LL and will make some interesting builds.
1. It's an Omnimech with only torso level arm mounted weapons. Sure, you might argue that the Rifleman IIC is primarily arm mounted. However, It has 5 high laser hard points compared to the Nova Cats lower weapon profile. You can also squeeze a few weapons in the Rifleman IIC's chest like the Glass Spider 2. The fact that is also an omnimech will mean locked engines and less customization (not like you wanted to downgrade that XL to a standard anyways).
2. That chest is screaming CT. This is all going back to how PGI and Alex implements the mech in game. The arms are in fact protecting the side torsos in torso twisting, but I'm willing to bet that chest bulge will be the primary target once those arms are shot off. The Rifleman IIC still has a chance to survival with the head mounted laser hard point if it's arms are shot off.
3. People would want the other clans in game if they were to implement the Nova Cat, since it was the Nova Cat's totem mech. While I'm not against this by any means, PGI will be forced to add other clans in the game and will be forced to address the main issue of future tech. I'm not defending PGI's decision by making their own variants, but do realize that the Nova Cat was first fielded in 3059 (Yes, I'm well aware that Russ stated that they are willing to cut corners with the BT timeline). However, that will pressure them to add future tech since that mech is literally one year off before the TRO 3060 timeline. It will also trigger more salty bitter vets due to the lack of future tech.
I think the main issue with the Nova Cat and the Mad Cat Mk.2 is PGI's willingness to avoid future tech. While I believe that these mechs shouldn't be held hostage due to the timeline, I think PGI needs to start handing out applications to people that are willing to fix the game and edit the .xml files for the new weapon systems.