35 replies to this topic

[TSB101]

I'm not into BT lore so forgive me if this is a "no-no" but as someone who really enjoys Mechwarrior Online this "trivial" decision sticks out to me.

ECM is very, very good. I'm not in the camp that thinks it's OP, or that it broke the game. I really like how information warfare has been implemented into the game. I like how the light vs light meta-game got turned on its head. Anyways, back on topic...


The D-DC is the best Atlas variant. It is. It's just a fact. Now take away ECM.

It's probably still the best variant. Probably.

The AS7-D is more well rounded. And the AS7-RS is my personal favorite because the laser mounts in the arms.

Then there is the AS7-K. Which sacrifices so much, for so little. In terms of going AS7-D to AS7-K:

-1 Ballistic Mount
-1 Missile Mount
+1 AMS
+1 Module slot

As of right now, this is a terrible trade. Let's ignore the meta game for now and assume LRM's are at the top of the food chain.

The D-DC ECM is still going to negate more LRM damage than 2x AMS systems. But I digress...


The AS7-K is the loner Atlas. There really isn't anything he can do that the other Atlai cannot do better. Whenever I see a AS7-K on the field I think "I hope he just bought that for the 300XL engine." or "He probably bought that to level up his D-DC."

Take away the ECM from the D-DC just like the Jenner (D?) variant lost its ECM capability and give it to the AS7-K. What this does:

D-DC no longer obvious best variant.

AS7-K no longer obvious worst variant.

Listen guys, I LOVE piloting my Atlai. I just wish I didn't have to feel so guilty always taking the D-DC.

Keep up the awesome work PGI.

[Fenix0742]

I agree. It should also weigh 3 tons instead of 1.5, requiring a more significant trade-off in firepower for utility, at least in the lights.

AS7-K needs some love, if only to justify it's spot in my mechbay.

[Ricama]

Just as a note, the D-DC is the one with the extra module slot, not the K. I also agree the K needs some love and ECM would have been the best way to balance it out. It would also have made people save up for the K since most probably skipped it.

[Boogie Man]

I agree with OP

[Vassago Rain]

The K is gimped, and if they must limit electrics to certain mechs, it shouldn't go on the rush-job, futuristic warmachine that was built around a gauss rifle.

[xxx WreckinBallRaj xxx]

This actually makes more sense if they're not going to nerf this thing. The K sacrifices a lot of weapons, for an extra now defunct AMS. Why use it? There's no reason to use this variant anymore. Why would anyone take a second AMS for missile protection vs an ECM for missile IMMUNITY? The D DC also isn't sacrificing weapons for that ECM. So the K is sacrificing weapons for an inferior design that isn't even worth using anymore. Brilliant design, Piranha.

My solution though would be to just nerf the damn device already or buff other things up to par. If the BAP wasn't a piece of trash now, the ECM wouldn't be such a big deal.

[Irreverence]

As an Atlas pilot, I say just remove it from the Atlas and give it to the Awesome. It really needs it. At least there's an Awesome variant that has one.

[Ghogiel]

I much prefer the ECM on my D-DC. I don't like the K.

[Vassago Rain]

The K is bad, and needs to go back to the drawing board.

[Barbados]

Atlas-K has two AMS, it doesn't need ECM. The Atlas-K is a Long range mech too. Gauss, LRM 20, and 2 ER L LAS. This mech design is to reach out and touch people and while doing so the mech is almost untouchable with missles.

[TruePoindexter]

Fenix0742, on 15 December 2012 - 12:19 PM, said:

I agree. It should also weigh 3 tons instead of 1.5, requiring a more significant trade-off in firepower for utility, at least in the lights.

AS7-K needs some love, if only to justify it's spot in my mechbay.

Very much this - the AS7-K is the sad Atlas that everyone bought in CB with MC for a free 300XL and has since never been seen.

Barbados, on 15 December 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Atlas-K has two AMS, it doesn't need ECM. The Atlas-K is a Long range mech too. Gauss, LRM 20, and 2 ER L LAS. This mech design is to reach out and touch people and while doing so the mech is almost untouchable with missles.

AMS is OP - NERF AMS!

[Budor]

ECM should be on the COM-1B, RVN-2X or 4x, CDA 3C (3M is ok though), AS7-K for balancing reasons,

[Harmatia]

I'm not an Atlas man, but from what I've gather the K is more of a true tank (more protection, less fire power) and should have ECM over the D-DC; which from what I can tell is the most popular Atlas variant. It's a perfect fit, and why the D-DC was chosen.... crap... I have no idea.

[Deadoon]

Budor, on 15 December 2012 - 01:09 PM, said:

ECM should be on the COM-1B, RVN-2X or 4x, CDA 3C (3M is ok though), AS7-K for balancing reasons,

Problem is the rvn 3l is integrated with ecm standard, unless you are saying they should add all those mechs as ecm mechs thoug, then i would agree.

[Tennex]

they just put it on the most expensive variant in each chassis. You know cuz

money>balance (at least in the short term. in the long term they actually lose money cuz less ppl play unbal games)

[Bubba Wilkins]

There is no best Atlas, they all do well when configured properly.

[Deadoon]

Bubba Wilkins, on 15 December 2012 - 01:19 PM, said:

There is no best Atlas, they all do well when configured properly.

But there is a worst atlas.

[Foxfire]

Budor, on 15 December 2012 - 01:09 PM, said:

ECM should be on the COM-1B, RVN-2X or 4x, CDA 3C (3M is ok though), AS7-K for balancing reasons,

Eh, the Raven 3L was built specifically to integrate this gear so it isn't going anywhere on it.

In general, though, I agree that it makes sense for them to be on mechs that otherwise offer very little when compared to other varients.

[TSB101]

Bubba Wilkins, on 15 December 2012 - 01:19 PM, said:

There is no best Atlas, they all do well when configured properly.

Objectively, I would say the D-DC's access to ECM and above average damage potential makes it the best Atlas and I doubt anyone could ever convince me otherwise. However, if the K variant had ECM and not the D-DC, which Atlas is "best" would be a worthwhile discussion to have (speaking for myself).

Edited by TSB101, 15 December 2012 - 01:37 PM.

[thenightisdark]

Deadoon, on 15 December 2012 - 01:20 PM, said:

But there is a worst atlas.

There is. I have a fully kitted out Atlas of each kind. 4/4 ... I sold the AS7-K. It could do nothing the others could do better. RS can mount 4 LL, the D-DC needs nothing more said, and I have the founders -D for extra cash.