13 replies to this topic

[Dale]

Hello everyone. First off, General Discussion seemed like the best place to put this topic, as it does deal with "General Discussion of MechWarrior Online". If this isn't the right place for this kind of topic, I sincerely apologize.

So here's the thing: I am pretty much brand new to the MechWarrior Universe. I know absolutely nothing of the lore, and while it seems intriguing (and Sarna seems to be the best place to start learning) I don't have the time nor reason to actually look into the lore at the level that most other users here seem to have.

I didn't grow up on BattleTech. I haven't played any of the previous games. I haven't read any of the books. Is there still a place for me in MechWarrior Online?

The game looks incredibly fun, and I love that the perspective of the game is from that of the MechWarrior themselves. I don't know what the differences between the mechs are, nor do I know any of them by name. I'm sure that through repeated play I'd catch on to everything pretty quickly, but for the time being I am a complete noob on the subject.

Before I ramble on too much, I guess that the bottom line is this: I help run a clan that is involved in several other games. Will we be able to pick up and play MechWarrior Online, despite knowing nothing of the lore, and still be able to play and compete at a competitive level? Will those that know the lore have a distinct advantage over us? Is there a method ingame for us to show that we are all together (MercCorps seem to be clans/guilds but I'm not entirely certain)?

Thank you all for taking the time to read this post, and also for (hopefully) not trolling me too hard.

[Garth Erlam]

http://mwomercs.com/...-pretty-please/

[Dale]

Garth Erlam, on 16 March 2012 - 01:16 PM, said:

http://mwomercs.com/...-pretty-please/

Unless I am completely missing something (and if I am I sincerely apologize) that link only answered one of my questions, being that Merc Corps are indeed guilds. The other two questions, those of will we be able to pick up and play MW:O without prior experience and will those who have prior knowledge have a significant advantage over us remain unanswered.

[Thorn Hallis]

Experience in former Mechwarrior titles might be helpful but is not mandatory to play MWO.

[Helmer]

Dale, on 16 March 2012 - 01:14 PM, said:

Hello everyone. First off, General Discussion seemed like the best place to put this topic, as it does deal with "General Discussion of MechWarrior Online". If this isn't the right place for this kind of topic, I sincerely apologize.

So here's the thing: I am pretty much brand new to the MechWarrior Universe. I know absolutely nothing of the lore, and while it seems intriguing (and Sarna seems to be the best place to start learning) I don't have the time nor reason to actually look into the lore at the level that most other users here seem to have.

I didn't grow up on BattleTech. I haven't played any of the previous games. I haven't read any of the books. Is there still a place for me in MechWarrior Online?

The game looks incredibly fun, and I love that the perspective of the game is from that of the MechWarrior themselves. I don't know what the differences between the mechs are, nor do I know any of them by name. I'm sure that through repeated play I'd catch on to everything pretty quickly, but for the time being I am a complete noob on the subject.

Before I ramble on too much, I guess that the bottom line is this: I help run a clan that is involved in several other games. Will we be able to pick up and play MechWarrior Online, despite knowing nothing of the lore, and still be able to play and compete at a competitive level? Will those that know the lore have a distinct advantage over us? Is there a method ingame for us to show that we are all together (MercCorps seem to be clans/guilds but I'm not entirely certain)?

Thank you all for taking the time to read this post, and also for (hopefully) not trolling me too hard.

Yep, there's definitely a place for you here! Just like with some FPSs out there, you don't need to know anything about past military conflicts, small arms, tactics, etc etc in order to play (it doesn't hurt tho!)
Battletech is no different. Yes there is a VAST amount of lore out there. But don't get too bogged down with it. Start small. Start with the things that interest you. Personally.... I'd say start looking at Sarna , the different mechs, and different weapon systems on them. Once you get a good feel for those, maybe move on the the political side of things.

Good luck! Start with the link Garth provided a few posts up.

Cheers , welcome to the forums, and a vast, incredibly fun Universe!


Edit: to answer your next question.... you dont have to be a know it all when it comes to mechs, but it doesnt hurt. Just like with any game , until you get used to the different weapon systems, their ranges, effectiveness, etc etc You're going to be at a slight disadvantage. Good thing is tho... this is a new Mechwarrior title . NONE of us have gotten a chance to play, and the specifics of the weapons probably wont totally match up with past games.
If I'm a know it all mech-head that knows that enemy Mech X keeps his heavy hitting Autocannon in his Left Torso (LT) , then ,sure, i'm going to target it. Knowledge is power after all. But most of that is visually imparted to you.

No worries. If you like sims, tactics, or just love to run around in FPSs and blow stuff up with friends, looks like MWO will be something you and your group of friends will appreciate. And.... its FREE. So it's kinda easy talking them into trying it for a few weeks.

Edited by Helmer, 16 March 2012 - 01:34 PM.

[Midgie]

Dale, on 16 March 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

Unless I am completely missing something (and if I am I sincerely apologize) that link only answered one of my questions, being that Merc Corps are indeed guilds. The other two questions, those of will we be able to pick up and play MW:O without prior experience and will those who have prior knowledge have a significant advantage over us remain unanswered.

If I said, 'yes" and 'no' would I get yelled at. Frankly those of us who know the lore will also be able to step into the game easier than those who don't know. However, I doubt it will take long before you learn enough about the equipment and the timeline to feel right at home. Sarna has just about everything you need to know to lean about the universe, and if you want you can check out a free version of the previous game on Mektek's website.

[Garth Erlam]

Well I can give you my opinions:

Sarna.net for all BT universe lore; though you don't need it, it isn't necessary at all. Hell, half the people here don't know lore before the Clans

Since our game does not relate to past ones, playing them is not necessary. It does help with the controls though - seperate torso/feet turning is confusing at first, but eventually you'll want it in non-'Mech games.

The 'Mechs differences are, thanks to Mr. Iglesias, quite visually apparent. The guy with the massive cannon on his shoulder is a big deal up close. The small, bird-like 'Mech is stupid fast. The Atlas is a badass, do not approach, etc. It's like TF2, in a way - queues are given to you visually.

[Dale]

Thank you all very much for the kind replies, they have helped to reassure me about this game a lot. I look forward to seeing you all ingame, and hopefully, after being completely dominated for a good long while, I'll be able to keep up with the rest of you all.

[AdamBaines]

I would say you really dont need to know alot of the lore to play. A high level overview of Battletech/MW can be downloaded for free here at the Battkecorps web site. Its great for people new to the universe:

http://www.battletec...erseGuide-1.pdf

EDIT: Sorry the first was a bad link. Above is a better one from the actual Battletech.com website.

Edited by AdamBaines, 16 March 2012 - 01:42 PM.

[ArchSight]

Dale, on 16 March 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

Unless I am completely missing something (and if I am I sincerely apologize) that link only answered one of my questions, being that Merc Corps are indeed guilds. The other two questions, those of will we be able to pick up and play MW:O without prior experience and will those who have prior knowledge have a significant advantage over us remain unanswered.

Thats where the guide I'm working on comes in.

[Sinitron]

Everyone was new at some point, the old MechWarrior games were particularily overwhelming and required a lot of work to set the controls up. Once you're past the interfacing period, it should be easy enough to pick up on.

[Catharsis]

You do not have to know anything about the lore of Battletech in order to enjoy a Mechwarrior game. There are some technical, mech-related pieces of information you should know (like weapon placement, heat management, electronics), but you will pick those up over time. The only important thing to remember about the game itself, is that it is not a first person shooter like Call of Duty. Mechwarrior has been, for the most part, a simulation game that is about being a good pilot as opposed to being an accurate shot with fast reflexes.

If you have a group of friends or gaming partners (you use the word clan, but you should stay away from that term here, because it means something ENTIRELY different in BT) then you should be able to bring them in and retain effective unit cohesion and still enjoy the game. Team-based strategy is a large part of combat in the Battletech universe, and I could see a small group of friends creating a very functional mercenary unit. All of this of course depends on how PGI goes about things in the end, but you get my point.


I do strongly recommend that you get into the lore though, as it is some of the best science fiction out there. At least learn your basics, like the differences between the main houses of the Inner Sphere, what the Clans are, how different classes of mechs function, and what types of weaponry and electronics are available to you.

I am not a huge Inner Sphere enthusiast, so I can not help you there, but if you are interested in at least knowing a little about the Clans, I suggest you read the Legend Of the Jade Phoenix trilogy. It is a great way to be introduced to the Clans (at least Jade Falcon, that is) and is a good read all around with memorable characters. It also goes right up to the Battle of Tukayyid, which is pretty much THE most important event in the 3050 era (which is a bit after when this game will be taking place).

Anyway, sorry that this post got a little bit long. Do not let all the role-playing and lore based discussions turn you off of what is sure to be a great game. This is, after all, a reboot of a video game series that has been relatively dead for almost a decade, so new players are most certainly welcome! Good luck, and I hope you will find MWO to your liking.

Edited by Catharsis, 16 March 2012 - 02:20 PM.

[FACEman Peck]

There's something called the Daishi coming either this August or next year, and if you don't have something that even equals it, it will F*** up your day within seconds.

[Gremlich Johns]

Dale, on 16 March 2012 - 01:14 PM, said:

I don't have the time nor reason to actually look into the lore at the level that most other users here seem to have.

Find the time and reason. Your gameplay will be enriched. I can help, just PM me.

Quote

I help run a clan that is involved in several other games.

The term "Clan" used in the BT universe to describe a particular group that some entities within the Inner Sphere will be fighing against. It may be in your interest to cease using the term "clan" when talking about your group whilst playing MWO. Instead, consider using the term group, team, Mercenary Group, Combat Unit/Company/Platoon/Squad/Lance, Pirate (your name here) etc. In any other game not based in or derived from the BT milieu, please feel free to use the term "clan".