2 replies to this topic

[Eegxeta]

Mech should only be able to produce so much energy at any given time systems need energy to operate. Larger mechs would undoubtedly produce more energy. This would be a good limiting factor for non-weapon systems but weapons would also use energy, well beams would be the only to use a significant amount.

[ice trey]

I think that in the fluff, 'mechs produce more than enough power to power itself. Even a 100-tonner with the smallest engine possible and all energy weapons will never run out of power.

I think that while 'mechs could use more common-place systems, like Internal Combustion - as seen on IndustrialMechs, the Fusion plants are handy because they run on water - even dirty water - with is readily available on just about any planet with life. What is more, it doesn't chew through fuel quickly, meaning you can keep them behind enemy lines without resupply pretty much indefinitely (Granted that you're using a laserboat)

It's also safe. Contrary to what Mechwarrior 4 and the intro video to this game has led us to believe, dead mechs do not explode like atomic bombs. Fusion power requires total vacuum to operate. If you pierce the engine, air rushes into it and extinguishes the fusion flame. The most you'll get is a loud "burp" as the engine dies. All instances of engines exploding dramatically are exaggerations and artistic liberties that go against the established canon. The only thing that would ever really go "Kaboom" are ammo explosions, but not enough to damage nearby mechs unless they were right on top of them.

Edited by ice trey, 04 November 2011 - 12:28 AM.

[John Clavell]

ice trey, on 04 November 2011 - 12:25 AM, said:

I think that in the fluff, 'mechs produce more than enough power to power itself. Even a 100-tonner with the smallest engine possible and all energy weapons will never run out of power.

I think that while 'mechs could use more common-place systems, like Internal Combustion - as seen on IndustrialMechs, the Fusion plants are handy because they run on water - even dirty water - with is readily available on just about any planet with life. What is more, it doesn't chew through fuel quickly, meaning you can keep them behind enemy lines without resupply pretty much indefinitely (Granted that you're using a laserboat)

It's also safe. Contrary to what Mechwarrior 4 and the intro video to this game has led us to believe, dead mechs do not explode like atomic bombs. Fusion power requires total vacuum to operate. If you pierce the engine, air rushes into it and extinguishes the fusion flame. The most you'll get is a loud "burp" as the engine dies. All instances of engines exploding dramatically are exaggerations and artistic liberties that go against the established canon. The only thing that would ever really go "Kaboom" are ammo explosions, but not enough to damage nearby mechs unless they were right on top of them.

Yeah. Shame, I expect we will continue to see massive explosions and Mechs going critical all over the shop!