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I've tried mostly missile builds so far, going for SRM and MRM builds. The SRM builds work okay, just the cooldown rates hamper it from engaging in full-on duels, so you need speed and jumpjets to disengage with the enemy and come back for another swing. The ECM and stealth capability allow it to get close without being spotted, so you have first strike advantage. Sounds workable, right? Ha, we all know what's left to talk about; hitboxes. Disengaging is all well and easy until you realize that the rear hitboxes are damage magnets and a burden to keep away from fire. Turning to the side simply isn't enough.
From that experience, I decided to see how it held up as a nimble mid-range support unit by mounting some MRM's. This change has proved to perform better as it is not the focus of enemy fire and can dish a surprisingly well-grouped volley. I intend to try a laser build in the future, though I'm not looking forward to it because the hardpoint placement on the 7D does not look promising.
Comparing this to other 45 ton IS 'mechs:
Blackjack:
Hellspawn definitely has the mobility and stealth advantage and comparable firepower, but the Blackjack has higher mounted and more versatile hardpoints that allow it to avoid exposing itself too much and take a variety of workhorse roles. The Blackjack takes the cake here.
Phoenix Hawk:
The Phoenix Hawk out maneuvers the Hellspawn by a small margin, but lacks a consistent set of equipment and good hardpoints (couple of them have lots of lasers, but deficient in other ways). Hellspawn is also noticeably hardier than the Hawk, which seals the deal here.
Vindicator:
This one is a little weird in that the Vindicator is a rather buffed 'mech with some qualities that would seem to out-class the Hellspawn, but don't make them any less trash that only I would consider playing. Again, the Hellspawn has somewhat of a mobility advantage and better hardpoints. The Vindicator has a wider selection of hardpoints, but a couple of the variants have a generalist hardpoint map that nullifies it and leaves much to be desired. The Vindicators also have extreme survival quirks, but again don't have the mobility, so it essentially serves as compensation. The 1AA is the only variant I can reasonably pit against the Hellspawn, as it has all of it's ducks in a row minus the ECM.
Final words on this would be that it needs some work. The rear hitboxes need to be tightened and some heat quirks in place (for something this speedy, it really cannot afford heat sinks). Something else to be looked at is the removal of the right arm missile pod when it is not in use. It enlarges the hit box and makes it easier for someone to knock out a laser you put in there.
On a minor note, the left torso missile door has a floating shadow that also vanishes when it is cast behind you, kinda funny.
Edited by MadHornet, 25 March 2018 - 03:17 PM.
