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Centurion Al Or Yen Lo Wang?


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#1 Op4blushift

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 05:32 PM

Hey all, I've just recently got basics for my two cents (CN9-A and D) and I'm looking to get another so I can elite/master them. I'm not so keen on the AL as its basically a hunchback 4SP hardpoint wise but with somewhat worse layout as the 4SPs are all nice and spread out although the AL can zombie better which is something. I'm not sure I really want to put down money for anything besides mechbays but the YLW does look like fun, although I don't really like the idea of putting all my firepower in the vulnerable right arm. Anyone with experience with either want to chime and convince me to get one or the other?

#2 Elkfire

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 05:52 PM

Honestly, I'd suggest the AL. It's a LOT cheaper to get and outfit, plus it's more versatile, since it has more hardpoints (2 energy and 2 ballistics in the YLW vs 4 energy 2 missile on the AL). It is similar to the 4SP, but like you mentioned, it's a bit tougher since a lot of its weaponry is in the CT/LT rather than the arms.

To distinguish mine from my 4SP, I put a PPC in the arm for sniping, with two MLs in the CT and two SRM4s. You can fire the PPC pretty much non-stop by itself, and the MLs/SRMs shouldn't overheat you either if you build the mech efficiently and don't try to use the PPC at close range.

This is my setup currently, just for example:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...70feaae50f30e49

Works pretty well for me, but you could easily switch up the PPC for an ERPPC if you want to trade the minimum range for increased heat.

Edited by Elkfire, 14 February 2013 - 05:55 PM.


#3 Krazy Kat

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 06:26 PM

The YLW is fun, and the CBill bonus is nice. But it is harder to play well. You have to torso twist between shots to keep that arm on. Not too hard with the long cool down.
Plus - the only Cent with an AC/20.
Minus - no missles. That's a big minus.
The YLW can be hit or miss. Some games I do crazy damage and get 5-6 kills/assists. That's 130k plus CBIlls for a win. Some games i get my wang shot off early and just zombie the rest of the match.
If you enjoy the A and the D, you will like it too. I have no regrets in the purchase.

The AL runs quite hot for me. But I haven't tried it since the last patch. I run with 1 LLAS and 3 MLAS. I might try Elkfire's PPC build. If you can handle the heat of a 4SP you should have no problem.

#4 NRP

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 06:29 PM

Both are good. I prefer the Wang though. It's unique in that it packs the most powerful weapon in the game. It's difficult to pilot well, but when you do it's just wreck, wreck, wreck.

#5 Firestorm43

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 06:35 PM

I've got both the -AL and YLW (plus an -A). About done Mastering them, and I can definitely say the -AL is much easier to work with. Torso twisting and picking and choosing your fights is extremely important with the Wang, as ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time typically results in you losing that right arm, and thus most of your firepower.

In short: unlike the -AL, the YLW is not very flexible, and requires some good piloting to make it effective. And great piloting (and aim) to make it shine. In the hands of a good pilot, it really can be a pretty decisive player for a Medium 'Mech.

Edited by Firestorm43, 14 February 2013 - 06:36 PM.


#6 Op4blushift

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Posted 14 February 2013 - 07:09 PM

Yeah, the main worry I have about the YLW besides the vulnerable RA is that it doesn't look very versatile. I don't mind having a mech which is a bit odd and difficult to use (hell I love my 1C Dragon although it is very hit and miss, some matches I do great and some matches I just completely flop). I really wish that the AH was still in the game though, I wasn't in closed beta so I never got to use it, but a mix of streaks and AC20 looked like fun (I'm still holding out in the vague hope that they just might bring it back one day). I think I'm leaning towards the AL because it is cheaper (and free in terms of real money) and l really prefer my mechs to have a bit of versatility when it come to loadouts. Thanks for the replies though guys, really appreciate it.

#7 Wrenchfarm

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 05:22 AM

I love them both. I think this is really a debate between whether or not you are willing to pay real money for a mech or how much you want the 30% Cbill boost.

The CN9-AL is probably the most flexible of the Cent platforms. The venerable 2xLLAS, 2xMLAS, 250STD engine is still one of my favourite builds in the game. But you can do all kinds of goofy stuff with it. If you are willing to pack an XL engine (not something I really recommend in a Cent, but doable) you can get some insane PPC/SRM builds or become a mini-LRM truck.

The YLW only has ONE true build in my opinion. That said, it is a hell of a build. I absolutely love playing in my YLW, and the better I've gotten at the game, the more I appreciate the build. As I've said in a few posts now, it went from a mech I would use to solo-drop and grind up Cbills to my perfered medium striker. I'd use it even without the Cbill bonus at this point (although that certainly doesn't hurt).

Is it worth the money? That is a personal choice. If you want to master the Cents anyway, it would be a nice addition to your garage. If you JUST want the 30% bonus, the Flame or the Illya might be "better" mechs. If you just want some kind of Cent, I might recommend you pick up the CN9-AL and see if you like it enough to put out real money.

#8 Stingz

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 05:27 AM

Take the -AL, a mixed Missile/Energy loadout means DHS saves several tons for engine. YLW is easily outdone by a Hunchback-4H.

#9 skelley92

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 06:39 AM

I have both (all 4 Centurions models actually), the -AL is the better allrounder and plays like the -A. You'll be able to jump in and go right out of the box.

The Wang is a little bit of a one trick pony. You'll also have to drive it differently than the others, closer to the -D. Get a bigger engine to get the speed up (get a std 250 in there)and hit and run. Its really fun to run around and blow other mechs arms, legs, ears off.

Personally, I have more fun with the Wang (and the -D).

#10 Budor

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 07:13 AM

All centurions are pretty good imo. Wang and A are my favorite.

#11 NRP

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 07:19 AM

The big downside of hunchbacks is that they're butt ugly, just like Cataphracts. Centurions are much more sexy.

#12 Wrenchfarm

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 10:35 AM

The YLW just went on sale this weekend so I'd make a choice about it. Either pick it up now, or never think about it again.

#13 Hex Pallett

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 10:38 AM

If you can, get ALL of them.

#14 skelley92

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 03:57 PM

Wangs on sale!

Get them while they're hot!

#15 One Medic Army

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 04:29 PM

I played with the Wang in Closed Beta, also played with the AH which was a Wang with 3 ballistic slots and a missile hardpoint.
Didn't like it at all, once that arm is gone all you have left are 2 CT lasers.
As far as the arm goes, unless you're using an AC/20 or a pair of ballistics in the arm you can do the same build with an A and have 3 missile hardpoints to complement.
AL, however, is a nice Centurion, and the only Centurion I have where I use the right arm, I just find the arm ballistics too heavy/fragile on 50 tonners.

Edited by One Medic Army, 15 February 2013 - 04:30 PM.


#16 Op4blushift

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 05:53 PM

Damn, I think I'll really have to get the YLW now its on sale. Can not pass up that price.Thanks for the advice guys, just gonna have to scrounge up some money to buy it. Hopefully I won't regret it.

Edited by Op4blushift, 15 February 2013 - 05:53 PM.


#17 TheFlyingScotsman

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 06:21 PM

The AL isnt quite as fast as the YLW, but the fact that the YLW has an AC20 is irrelevant. The AL can carry double PPCs, LLs, or my personal favorite, dual LPLs. YLW is a great mech, but you get more throwaround weight with an AL. Some find the speed essential, I personally am fine at 85kmh.

#18 RagingOyster

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 06:27 PM

Yellow Wang FTW

#19 Stingz

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 06:58 PM

View PostOp4blushift, on 15 February 2013 - 05:53 PM, said:

Damn, I think I'll really have to get the YLW now its on sale. Can not pass up that price.Thanks for the advice guys, just gonna have to scrounge up some money to buy it. Hopefully I won't regret it.


The YLW permanently takes up a mechbay slot, you need to buy another if you want it back.

Edited by Stingz, 15 February 2013 - 06:58 PM.


#20 Op4blushift

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Posted 15 February 2013 - 07:10 PM

Y

View PostStingz, on 15 February 2013 - 06:58 PM, said:


The YLW permanently takes up a mechbay slot, you need to buy another if you want it back.


I just bought it and played a few rounds and I'm enjoying it quite a lot so I'm not too concerned. But if I did sell it would take the mechbay as well?





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