Greetings Mechwarriors,
3023: what a year to
be a Merc. This year saw renewed contracting of two of the most highly regarded
Merc units in the Inner Sphere, Kell Hounds and Wolf’s Dragoons. The Thumpers
were also formed by Defiance Industries, who soon after disbanded the unit, to
showcase their assault Mech capabilities. The Thumpers would later contract
with the Lyran Commonwealth, the Free Rasalhague Republic, and the Capellan
Confederation. Gilmour MilTech manufacturing was also formed and specialized in
serving the Merc community with custom rebuilds and refurbishing. A good year
to be a gun for hire, for sure! What more does a Merc need other than a
generous contract?
“But the year is now 3050”, you might protest, “who
cares about the Mercs of that time!?” Rest assured, I don’t care much either.
I’d like to talk about another important, although Merc inspired, development
in 3023. One that many hope will someday affect the players of MWO. Yes, that’s
right, melee weapons!
Many fans of the Battletech universe will instantly
recognize the popular Axman Battlemech. I know I do, but that is mostly due a
childhood friend owning one of these
puppies. Who needs lasers and missiles when you have a massive axe that can
cleave the limbs from your enemy!? It was not uncommon for Mech pilots to wield
trees or steel beams when low on ammo, but these were far from being standard
issue! Although being one of the more recognizable Mechs of Battletech, the Axman
was not the first Mech to feature a melee weapon. 3023: Enter Lyran innovation
and the Hatchetman! The Hatchetman’s massive popularity comes from the multiple
innovations incorporated in its design and later variants would provide
impressive lethality.
When shopping around for a Mech capable of urban
combat, search no further than the Hatchetman. With its jump capabilities,
AC/10, substantially capable targeting computer, eleven heatsinks, unique full-head
ejection system, and scale hatchet, the Hatchetman has a little bit of
everything for everyone. Imagine slipping in and out of buildings, bidding your
time, until you see your chance! With a quick lunge forward and a stroke of
your hatchet, you could rend an arm or leg “clean” off an enemy Mech! Follow
with an AC round to the core and that’s a job well done.
So, who in MWO wants their Hatchetman? Their Axman,
Scarabus, Nightsky, Flashfire, Ti Ts’ang, No-Dachi, Berserker, or Buccaneer?
All of these Mechs would have been in circulation during the 3050-3060 period
and featured different kinds of melee weapons. There are many things in MWO
that would need to be addressed if melee weapons were to be integrated.
Balancing the game, at least, after such an addition would be an interesting
challenge. Next time, I'll talk more about why I don't think this mechanic would work in MWO, even though I wish it could!
Good luck and good hunting, pilots.
Sources:
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