12 replies to this topic

[Red Line Pilot]

Has the CN9-AL has become a serious contender for the HBK-4SP as best medium brawler with the latest patch?
A typical 4SP build and a very similar AL variant:
HBK-4SP
CN9-AL
It looks like the AL can mount (almost) the  same equipment with a bigger engine. This is because of the 275 engine's heat sink that frees up slots for Ferro-Fibrous. The only difference between is that the 4SP in this example carries 4 tons of ammo instead of  the AL's 3.
Other differences between  the two:
-The AL has a bigger vertical torso twist, (something you'll note immediately) and a smaller horizontal torso twist.
-The AL moves at 98 km/h vs the 4SP's 92.7
-The AL has one full-armored shield arm.
-The 4SP has all 4 lasers mounted on it's arms instead of 2 in it's torso. On the other hand, this makes the AL a better zombie mech.
- The 4SP has one more ton of equipment (in this example ammo, of course you can pick anything else like a heat sink, head laser, tag etc)
- The 4SP seems to have better acceleration and break rate, but i can't find the numbers anywhere. (This is just a feeling atm)
I really enjoy the ~100 kp/h. Especially with the new alpine map. The shield arm also seems to make the AL last slightly longer.
All these things considered, which would you prefer?

Edited by Red Line Pilot, 28 February 2013 - 04:36 AM.

[Kassatsu]

Just realized my signature's alt 4SP loadout is blank... No idea how that happened because I definitely had my brawler build in it before. Fixing that and posting it here as well, I prefer mine over the one you linked, heat is an issue in extended engagements with no cover, but it really shines on maps like river city:

HBK-4SP

As for the comparison I can't say. I personally prefer the 4SP as I have not used any Centurion.

EDIT: So much fail. It's all fixed now.

Edited by Kassatsu, 28 February 2013 - 06:07 AM.

[Ewigan]

Actually if you want to compare those two mechs for this specific role, as close combat brawlers, take the SP.

5 (why do you only use 4?) Medium Lasers + 2 SRM6 just hurt every kind of mech.
Speed is variable with both mechs, i guess around 100 for both of them.

the AL just isn't really a comparison there, even when you drop one laser from the hunch.


If you instead would compare the CN9-A with the Hunchie, then definitely take the CN9-A. 3 SRM6, 2 med lasers and 2 shield arms who let you life really long.

[Red Line Pilot]

That is kind of the point i tried to make. The CN9-AL is a 100 kp/h hunchback. An effective 5 laser 4SP is at least 10 kp/h slower.

The new 275 engine pays for its own weight because it allows the Ferro-Fibrous upgrade.

Edited by Red Line Pilot, 28 February 2013 - 02:11 PM.

[Orgasmo]

The 4SP can mount 5 ML plus an AMS for good measure.

[kevin roshak]

I had both, but I ended up selling my Centurtion. I like http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3fb542eb0bc2025 as my 4SP, but you can drop the ML for another ton of SRM or another DHS.
I almost never find FF worth it unless you find the build at maximum effectiveness for the way you play. It leaves you with few crits left and is a large enough cash sink that it is not fun to go and change everything around.
at 80.2 KPH with speed tweak i find it fast enough to get there, but not fast enough that you can loose your support without a conscious effort

Edited by kevin roshak, 28 February 2013 - 02:20 PM.

[Red Line Pilot]

Yeah, that's the big downside of this upgrade system, you can't switch around easily. (i even bought a second 4SP because i wanted one with Artemis too :S ) But in this particular case i think i'll stick with that FF. I just like running around at 100 kp/h

btw, that build looks very hot and very limited on ammo. Packs a nice alpha though ;-)

[Ewigan]

1) FF is actually really cheap. 125k one change!

2) most, or even all (not sure right now) of my cents use it.
If you have the crit space AND still have a bit after your upgrade it, then go for it!

[Parappaman]

The Centurion A variant is the better one due to the ability to either mount three SRM6s or a decent ballistic weapon. Not using the ability to mount larger energy weapons (either LL or PPC) on the AL is just under-estimating its loadout ability.

I'm mastering the whole Centurion line and I'm liking it tremendously, but the Hunchback can make a much more terrifying glass cannon. Deal with it.

[MegaBusta]

The 4SP has a total of 40 degrees of torso twist and 10 degrees of arm twist on the AL. It's also got its weapons payload spread evenly across the chassis. Most of its laser hardpoints are on its arms, which in additon to the SRM bomb allows for some very pinpoint damage at moderate range. And like someone else said, I definitely agree that it feels like its acceleration/deceleration is superior.

Not worth losing all that for a little over 5 km/h to me.

[Wrenchfarm]

I'm not sure if some of the people responding in this thread get the OPs point. He has recreated the same offensive build as the 4SP but with a bigger engine. This isn't a raw comparison between the chassis or which Cent is better, he's saying he took the highly recommended brawler 4SP and was able to make it faster with the Cent. The bigger engine lets him slot an extra heatsink in it, which gives him the free slots to take Ferro to make it all fit. Pretty clever really.

His build delivers the same offensive punch faster, making it arguably superior. I do think there are a few other things to look at though.

Aside from the head mount which will let the HBK take an extra MLAS or TAG depending on taste, there are other factors. The 4SP is wonderfully balanced with symmetrical weapon systems on each side, the poster child of a zombie mech. The CN9-AL has the shield arm which can be used for active defence, perhaps allowing it to survive with all it's weapon systems intact despite it's inferior zombie ability. The CN9-AL has tighter SRM groupings since both SRM volleys originate from the same source. The 4SP enjoys arm hardpoints for all its lasers which allows it more specific aiming.

The two mechs represent a series of small trade offs on the same concept that really come down to player taste. Before I would have thought the edge went to the 4SP, but the extra 10kph of the -AL is compelling.

[Corvus Antaka]

Interesting. Maybe the hunchback needs some torso twist lovin. Still, the hunchies tiny profile remains of benefit over the massive centurion.

[Wrenchfarm]

Colonel Pada Vinson, on 01 March 2013 - 05:23 AM, said:

Interesting. Maybe the hunchback needs some torso twist lovin. Still, the hunchies tiny profile remains of benefit over the massive centurion.

The Hunch still has some of the best twist/arm tracking in the game. Damn thing can aim pretty much behind itself with its arms!