10 replies to this topic

[ScottishHobson]

Hi everyone!

I didn't know if it was best to create a new a thread or 'necro' the old one, so sorry in advance if this was the wrong choice!

I've just released the next video, my attempt at buying and customising a mech, then trying it out in the field. I've tried to take your comments on board and those from the video comments, as everyone was really very helpful.

The result: I'm still very rubbish but - instead of doing not much at all - I did get some assists and a couple of hundred points of damage. Back to the training grounds!

Edited by ScottishHobson, 12 February 2013 - 06:57 AM.

[Booran]

Keep up the good work, you'll be an ace before you know it.

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

Having watched part of your video, here is some advice.

First, you might want to bring a secondary close-in weapon system. I suggest a pair of medium lasers. Using LRMs inside 180m does nothing (hence the 1 damage in your first match there), as the warheads aren't armed yet, so having some kind of backup guns is advisable.

Second, Endo Steel and/or an XL Engine will let you bring more firepower. The XL will be far more cbills than ES, but the weight savings will be more significant.

Third, if you do bring some lasers for backup, consider switching to Double Heat Sinks to deal with the increased heat load.

Edited by Levi Porphyrogenitus, 12 February 2013 - 07:17 AM.

[Booran]

Though you're more vulnerable with an XL due to expanding your engine out to your side torsos. Not a big issue with catapults and dragons, but keep it in mind either way

[ScottishHobson]

Levi Porphyrogenitus, on 12 February 2013 - 07:17 AM, said:

Having watched part of your video, here is some advice.

First, you might want to bring a secondary close-in weapon system. I suggest a pair of medium lasers. Using LRMs inside 180m does nothing (hence the 1 damage in your first match there), as the warheads aren't armed yet, so having some kind of backup guns is advisable.

Second, Endo Steel and/or an XL Engine will let you bring more firepower. The XL will be far more cbills than ES, but the weight savings will be more significant.

Third, if you do bring some lasers for backup, consider switching to Double Heat Sinks to deal with the increased heat load.

Thanks for the advice! I did stupidly take off the medium lasers as I thought 'oh it'll be fine, I'll just stay far away'. That taught me!

I'm still very much getting to grips with the whole customisation section; it is quite daunting for a new player but at the same time I love the sheer amount of possibilities that come with it. It seems way more in-depth than I remember MW4 being!

Booran, on 12 February 2013 - 07:22 AM, said:

Though you're more vulnerable with an XL due to expanding your engine out to your side torsos. Not a big issue with catapults and dragons, but keep it in mind either way

I always feel really vulnerable in a catapult whatever I have because of their gigantic torsos haha, it puts me on edge!

[KinLuu]

With LRMs, you got to keep the lock until impact. Otherwise they will stop beeing guided to the target.

[Hobo Dan]

Booran, on 12 February 2013 - 07:22 AM, said:

Though you're more vulnerable with an XL due to expanding your engine out to your side torsos. Not a big issue with catapults and dragons, but keep it in mind either way

When I decide between a Standard or XL engine, I try to think about it like this: if I lose either side torso in this mech, am I still viable in combat or am I a giant walking statue? If Statue, I bring XL, because what's the point of surviving if you cannot effect the outcome of the battle?

And yes some mechs are better suited for XL like the Catapult and Dragon where others are better with standard (Centurion imo)

[Zerbob]

If you do have a Light 'Mech or two giving you trouble in a LRM boat, don't be shy and call for help. Say something along the lines of

"LRM boat needs assistance from lights in [GRID REFERENCE]"

I mostly run Light and Mediums now and if I see a message like this I will usually turn around and do me best to assist. A good LRM boat will pump out lots of damage so I want you to stay in the fight.

The message is better than "NEED HELP. WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?!" because

1) You don't sound panicked and I know what the threat is.
2) Grid Reference let's me know if I can get there fast enough.
3) You sound like a more mature and skilled player using proper grammar and spelling in the heat of combat. I'll have more incentive to come save you.

[Redshift2k5]

I appreciate your attempts to slog through the steep learning curve, and I always enjoy your commentary during your videos.

It does seem that you might benefit from asking more questions and gathering more information before dropping yourself right into the deep end.

Cheers

[ScottishHobson]

Thanks for the tips, guys!

It definitely does feel like a steep learning curve; every time I feel like I'm getting the hang of something, I stumble across something new that baffles me. Still, I'm loving every step of the way so far!

[Skydrive]

If you go with an ECM mech, you might want to do it before the patch next week, or when the PPC count goes back down, since there will be an EMP effect that disables ECM temporarily, and people love to try the new stuff from each patch