9 replies to this topic

[Mastodonic]

I've never used a trial mech. I bought a founders so i could use any mech i wanted and since OB have done so. However, at this point I'm really starting to feel sorry for those without founders who are starting in these trial mechs.
The AWS-8T is a deathtrap for new players. No AMS? Limited LRM ammo and slow as a slug. They're easily ripped apart buy other customized mechs and game after game is populated with 3-4 of them. I would seriously consider changing the trials to include some form of AMS as minimum so the new guys understand just how useful it is and to extend battles beyond a 4min LRM shitfest.

[Telthalion]

They periodically rotate which 'mechs are available as Trials. The current selection isn't permanent.

[Mastodonic]

Im aware of that. Doesn't change the fact that the current combination and selection of trials available is not good for the start of the OB.

[ltwally]

Maybe if they just randomly jumbled up your 4 choices every time you come back to the MechLab?

Odds are you could find one there that is acceptable (or less unacceptable), and it would pretty well mandate players getting a better feel for the various mechs. That might be all-around good.

Thoughts?

[DocBach]

I'd like to see any stock 'Mech available as a trial 'Mech. All the variants for all the 'Mechs - but you still shouldn't be able to customize it until you own it.

[DarklightCA]

I like the current system, its far more appealing to me. I do own a founders but I tried some trial mechs when I was playing with a friend and it is true, they will not beat a customized mech and there heat is just awful but not every mech should have AMS. I survived perfectly without AMS on a lot of mechs including trial, I think it's good for new players to get raped by LRM's once in awhile so they learn quick what tactics they will need and to get in cover. Even with a AMS, a mech will be quickly raped by a LRM. AMS's don't destroy LRM threats, they only limit them. The quicker a player learns that he requires cover if he wishes to survive, the better he and his team will be in the long run.

It also would be horrible if the developers made trial mechs as powerful as customized mechs. Trial mechs don't have repair bills, if they lose they will still make cbills. Doesn't mean a trial mech can't hold his own.

Edited by DemonicD3, 31 October 2012 - 09:30 PM.

[Ravensol]

the only problem i see with the trial mechs other then the raven they aren't specialized at all i would have thought making 4 trial mechs a scout that is a run n gun mech a med mech that is a close fire support for the assault mech a heavy that is long range and a brawling assault. I am in no way saying put a 4 large laser gaus 2 streak upgraded structure and ff armor atlas as a trial mech but 4 med lasers a ac10 and srm4 and lrm10 atlas would work great. < just a example of what i'm talking about) I still think My idea of after 20 matches in trial mechs they get a shiny new comando for induring those 20 matches in a trial mech has merit.

[Dirus Nigh]

I use the trial mechs when I want to save C-bills for moding an owned mech or buysing a new one. If you take the time to learn how to use them they can be quite effective.

The AWS-8T is a very good indirect/direct support mech. I have used it frequently with very good results.

The same with the current raven. It had near max armor for its size, it has a large laser for long range strikes and has a good load out for close in brawling. With even moderate fire disciplined you stave off over heating rather well.

The CN9-AL as a very good wing man for direct fire support. Again with moderate heat management you can put out quite allot of damage with out over heating. I have had some rather high scoring matches in this mech.

The dragon i'll grant you does take some getting used to. I'm not very good with using ballistic weapons in the arms. Other than that is is a rather capable sniper and mid to long rage fire support. The med lasers are their for when you do get caught in a brawl or jumped by a light mech. The dragons speed makes it an effective wing man in a brawl for when you run out of ammo or get caught in one.

Trial mechs are the same mechs as the ones you can buy. You just don't earn XP with them. As I said, i have had success with the current trial mechs. As a legendary founder I have the founders HBK-4G. It is the exact same mech you can buy for C-Bills. Except for the XP and C-Bill bonus. I only made one modification to it. I moved the ammo. That is it. Every thing else is vanilla. And I have great fun using it. The same goes for just about all hunchback models. They work great as is. However I have never used the HBK-4P. Just not my style.

My advice to you is try switching the weapon groupings around. For example the large lasers in the AWS-8T on separate groups. That way you can fire one if you are endanger of over heating. Use them mechs and learn how they work. Learn what you can do with them as much as what you can not. Don't use them being resentful crying about how much they suck. Doing that will ruin your enjoyment of the game. You will also be a better pilot when you do start tinkering with a mech you bought with C-Bills.

[627]

I already wrote this in Closed Beta, but no one responded at that time.

My idea is to make a contest from a closed group of experienced users (not necessarily founders) to create a trial mech.
Everyone posts his build and after that, there will be a voting.

The winner may name the mech and it will be usable as trial for a short period of time. If the trial user likes it, he may buy it (maybe with a little discount).

Win/win/win - the creator earns fame and the trial user can run a tweaked mech. And PGI could make a bit money if some trial users open there wallet for some MC.

[Tickdoff Tank]

Mastodonic, on 31 October 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

Im aware of that. Doesn't change the fact that the current combination and selection of trials available is not good for the start of the OB.

They are better than the last batch, except maybe the Raven.