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Cataphract 4X - Speed


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#1 The Fencer

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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:30 PM

I am curious -- why was the speed of the Phract-4X changed from 56kph (see below) to a grueling 48kph?

From sarna.net (bold for emphasis):
CTF-4X - The 4X is a Federated Suns prototype produced following the capture of Tikonov, but never saw use due to a lukewarm reception. The Large Laser of the 2X is retained, but all of the other weapons are removed in favor of two Autocannon/5s and an LRM-5. In order to fit all of this equipment, the top speed is lowered to 56 km/h. In a strange twist of fate, the copious ammunition bins for the autocannons became popular with the creation of special munitions, making this design much more well-liked than it had been in the past.

From patch notes(bold for emphasis):
Cataphract CTF-4X

* Tonnage: 70
* Top Speed: 48.6 kph
* Armor: 434 points
* Weapons: 1 Large Laser, 2 AC/5s, 1 LRM 5
* Hardpoints: 2 Energy, 4 Ballistic, 1 Missile, 1 AMS
* Jump Jets: n/a

Are we really that afraid of a mech that could possibly two gauss rifles on independent arms, but not one that has jump jets, which received no such speed reduction?

Cataphract CTF-3D

* Tonnage: 70
* Top Speed: 64.8 kph
* Armor: 352 points
* Weapons: 4 Medium Lasers, 1 LB 10-X AC, 1 Ultra AC/5
* Hardpoints: 4 Energy, 2 Ballistic, 1 AMS
* Jump Jets: 4

I am curious as to why this was done -- since it is obviously a targeted nerf for th 4X model, with the intent to make it not as popular as other models (to be more in line with fluff since it was not a popular model)?

Edited by The Fencer, 20 November 2012 - 01:32 PM.


#2 whiteknight

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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:36 PM

Its the same reason the Atlas moves 48.6 kph as a default

In the TT Maximum speed is derived from cruising speed (cruising speed (in hexes) = engine rating/mech mass) where max speed is cruising speed x1.5 (round up) and each hex of TT movement is approximately 10,8 kph.

So yeah, both the 4X Cataphract and the Atlases in TT run at ~56 KPH,
- In the case of the 4X Cataphract 210/70 = 3 (cruise speed in hexes)
- 3 x 1.5 = 4.5 - Round up to 5,
- 5 x 10.8 = 54 kph

In MWO terms
3 x 1.5 = 4.5
4.5 x 10.8 = 48.6 kph

TL;DR = MWO doesn't do any of the rounding the TT game does

Edited by whiteknight, 20 November 2012 - 01:39 PM.


#3 The Fencer

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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:38 PM

View Postwhiteknight, on 20 November 2012 - 01:36 PM, said:

Its the same reason the Atlas moves 48.6 kph as a default

In the TT Maximum speed is derived from cruising speed (cruising speed (in hexes) = engine rating/mech mass) where max speed is cruising speed x1.5 (round up) and each hex of TT movement is approximately 10,8 kph.


TL;DR = MWO doesn't do any of the rounding the TT game does


Well, I guess that explains it. Thanks for the information -- knowledge is ammunition.

#4 Twisted Power

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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:38 PM

I'm sure it has to do with engin restrictions. If it had a faster base speed you can put a bigger engin in it. PGI doesn't want you to have to big on an engine in your bigger mech so that you can put more double heat sinks in the free spaces. It is the reason PPC's work on the 9M but not on an 8Q. You can get a ton of double heat sinks on the 9M and can't even come close on the 8Q.

In TT there were no engine raiting restrictions.

Their facade that the code cant handle fast mechs is just an excuse to use engines to "balance" varients.

#5 whiteknight

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Posted 20 November 2012 - 01:43 PM

View PostTwisted Power, on 20 November 2012 - 01:38 PM, said:

I'm sure it has to do with engin restrictions. If it had a faster base speed you can put a bigger engin in it. PGI doesn't want you to have to big on an engine in your bigger mech so that you can put more double heat sinks in the free spaces. It is the reason PPC's work on the 9M but not on an 8Q. You can get a ton of double heat sinks on the 9M and can't even come close on the 8Q.

In TT there were no engine raiting restrictions.

Their facade that the code cant handle fast mechs is just an excuse to use engines to "balance" varients.


That has nothing to do with it

The standard 4X Cataphract is simply slower than the other Cataphract variants, the extra tonnage was used to mount more guns and such compared the 1X and 2X

#6 kuangmk11

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Posted 16 February 2013 - 11:32 PM

View Postwhiteknight, on 20 November 2012 - 01:43 PM, said:


That has nothing to do with it

The standard 4X Cataphract is simply slower than the other Cataphract variants, the extra tonnage was used to mount more guns and such compared the 1X and 2X

resurrecting this one. I don't really think the engine limit makes sense. They might as well remove the missile hardpoint because its almost useless being in the head and the 2 energy points are 1 slot each. If the 4x needed this nerf then the 3d should as well.





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