58 replies to this topic

[Lina Thoren]

Like the Vindicator and the Blackjack....but the Wyvern was my first mount in my first CBT RPG campaign. No contest, there.

[Brakkyn]

I'd like to say that everyone is entitled to their opinion. That said, in my opinion, it makes me nauseous to hear people degrade a 'Mech for its loadout. People are making choices because a later incarnation of the chassis has six PPC's and an LRM20 instead of its original Medium Laser and SRM2.

Again, it the same old story of what you can bolt onto the 'Mech and not working with something you're given. I think this speaks of gross insecurity, a lack of faith, and the lack of consideration for canonical 'Mechs.

If I decided to join House Steiner, and started off in a COM-2D Commando, with no ability to modify it and unable to buy another 'Mech...that's challenging. I must get to know the ins and outs of my machine--my career depends on it. It may be for me...it may not be. I make enough money and by a 'Mech I might like better, or maybe I decide it's a challenge to go with what I've got and become an expert.

It's not about "settling", it's about the effort and the challenge: "this is what I've got, how do I best use it"? I don't look forward to 12 vs. 12 matches with nothing but Mad Cats totting nothing but ER Large Lasers.

...anyway, not directed at anyone in particular--and just my opinion.

[Jack Gallows]

Brakkyn, on 14 February 2012 - 07:03 PM, said:

It's not about "settling", it's about the effort and the challenge: "this is what I've got, how do I best use it"? I don't look forward to 12 vs. 12 matches with nothing but Mad Cats totting nothing but ER Large Lasers.

...anyway, not directed at anyone in particular--and just my opinion.

Well, that's partly what you're going to get. Omni tech lets you pretty much tailor your force quickly and how you want, which is why it's usually a pretty big boon to the Clanners. Some Clan omni mechs are going to be pretty common, including the Timber Wolf, because it can fill multiple roles due to weight class AND being an omni. It's a strong advantage, to not use it would be shooting yourself in the foot for no good reason.

It's smart tactically to use the advantage omni tech would give you, or to consider how a 'mech might perform under a certain loadout. Sure, the standard loadout of a 'mech might not be to your liking, and in some cases bad, you've also got to consider how it's going to work with the rest of the unit or if it can really fill the role you want it to. That's why there's even official variants that the different Houses/merc units can get a hold of, because the need/want to mod a 'mechs standard load to tailor it to do what they'd like or they think they can do it better.

Some people like X variant over Y or have weapon loadout preferences....it has benefits if you can mod your 'mech (to a degree, obviously.) Like...someone expects x chassis to have y weapons...and it doesn't and it takes them by surprise or alters the 'mechs role, thereby screwing up their predetermined idea of how a 'mech is going to behave.

Not basing your opinion, I just personally feel both style of ideas have merit. Altering 'mechs is fine, and so is using the stock variants.

[Tadakuma]

I'm going to vote for the Blackjack, while I like the hatchetman and quite enjoy playing it it's a bit of a no-brainer to use.

The Blacjack by contrast is one of those 'mechs that looks worse on paper then it actually is. The deceptive bit is that the AC2s aren't really it main weapons, what it relies on to do the killing is the 4x medium lasers and jump jets.

The AC2s are there to give covering ire while it Advances and to force light 'mechs to come in closer. While it won't be taking down many 'mechs that out weigh it there weren't that many of the original TRO 3025 'mechs that could.

I think it's a definite contender as far as the 45 tonners go and it's not a bad match up vs the Hatchetman which appears to be the other popular choice.

[Nik Van Rhijn]

Vindicator, it's a good all purpose mech. Wyvern a close second.

[Dlardrageth]

Blackjack, I actually liked the old model for it. And it gets nicely upgraded variants over time.

[Kagekun]

The Vindicator. Its has good weaponry and solid armor. It maybe boring but it works.

[Kiff Stevenson]

I don't have Facebook, so I can't vote there, but I have to voice my support for the Vindicator.

The vindi has always been (and always will be) my absolute favourite 'mech!

[Exploding Boy]

I can haz Vindicator?

Er...with an actual twistable torso?

[Sym]

I would pick the HCT-3F Hatchetman since it has been favorite of mine, but I feel the VND-1R Vindicator would be the better of the two.

I have never been a fan of A/C 2's so the BJ-1 Blackjack is second to last on my list and the WVE-9N Wyvern is a 3050 tech mech with XL engines and double heat sinks. I am not sure it should be classed with these others. Just my opinion.

I also noticed that the Phoenix Hawk was not on the 45 tons list. Deep down I am feel I know the answer why but too afraid to say it out loud.

Going to miss that group of mechs!

[Saurok]

No Phoenix Hawk?

How you can have 45 ton Battlemech poll without one?

[Big Willie]

45 tons and not a mech that can move faster than 64 km/h

I'm tempted to say hatchetman just to see what would happen with physicals, plus he is pretty cool looking and brings the promise of physicals in the near future. However I am not a big fan of the hatcheman specifications.

The vindicator and wyvern are both pretty similar, and both have their strengths and weaknesses. A virtual coin-flip.

My money is on the Blackjack it lacks the punch of the vindicator and wyvern at range, but the AC/2s can be annoying enough to convince a mech to move into the BJs wheelhouse, where 4 md lasers can rip them up.

Edited by Big Willie, 21 February 2012 - 08:17 AM.

[David Decoster]

Went for the Blackjack. Preferably the Omnimech variant, but the standard one is decent too.

[wwiiogre]

Black Jack twin PPC double heat sink variant available by this time

chris

[Kiff Stevenson]

Hi Everyone:

I don't have Facebook. Could someone report the results of this poll for me in this thread?

Thanks!

- Kiff

[Agent Cooper]

Id say Hatchetman for style and unique-ness. But have to say Blackjack for versitility.

[Kodan Black]

Old thread, but I'll say Vindicator if physical combat is off the table. If not, Hatchetman edges it slightly.

[Max OConnor]

Blackjack

[CycKath]

Wyvern, generally don't get that balance/mix of weapons at that size