Lefty Mega-man

My, you colorful scoundrel, nice UI

How to stop reading forums at work.

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Today, I woke up and I felt great. I felt the ab-so-lute best. Quite a strange thing to say, I know, but let me tell you why. Towards the end of my day, I was able to go to my favorite restaurant in the whole world. I'd tell you which one, but I don't want to accidentally see you there. I was seated at a table that was, by my own estimation, the second best seat in the house. My waiter was polite and courteous. Heck, even the house bread was better than usual. I placed my order and waited, patiently, for my food. When I was finally greeted with the sight of the waiter returning with my food, I was more than excited. It must have been my excitement that had temporarily caused my ignorance! Oh ignorance, you saucy devil. For once my waiter got within arms distance of me, I realized that on the plate he was carrying was not the meal I had ordered. No, what he had brought for me was in fact a poorly crafted left shoe. Before I could voice my confusion, the waiter grabbed the shoe off of the plate and hit me square in the face with it.

Now, this is something that of course didn't actually happen. Can you imagine? Such poor service. I didn't think that I could imagine it either until I found a thread on the MWO forums. This post reminded me to be disappointed about something that I had completely forgotten about. I had paid for what I thought was one thing and then received nowhere close to what I had ordered. In fact, this happened to a lot of people and I can't help but once again shake my head at PGI. Alright, well, maybe it's not that bad, but it's pretty crappy.

By now you're thinking, "Christ, just tell me what you're talking about." I am talking about the Resistance Collection Badges. Badges are given for purchasing certain package deals of 'Mechs or for participating in particular events. What do these "badges" do? Absolutely nothing. That's kind of what makes this so outrageous. The icons show up on your forum tag, as well as tagging onto your pilot name in-game. That's it. I'm glad the that there were many different points of view expressed on the original thread, but there were only a few people that actually mentioned what was going on. Skip to the last paragraph for more on that topic now!

Hang that on your break room fridge with shame, PGI

Pictured above are the Resistance Collection Badges that were advertised and below them are the badges given to paying customers. This wouldn't be a big deal if it were as simple as the previous sentence would imply. A lot of people on the thread said they didn't really care about what badge they received, considering that they do nothing. I was one of those people because I hadn't even looked at the things since I ordered a 'Mech pack back in December. And then I saw the responses that PGI posted to the thread.

One PGI employee claimed that the badges advertised just weren't distinguishable when scaled down for the in-game icon. She even uses, "therefore". Interesting move, PGI. The employee then posts, a month later, that they will release the advertised badges to everyone that had ordered them. Those items never came. Nope, never.

But, this isn't about that employee. It isn't about the forum post or the inconclusive, "extra" content. It's in no way related to the first paragraph. It's about the person who made the original badge design and their manager. These people, let me tell you what. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to be that terrible at your job. How could the design of in-game content not have been reviewed before being advertised on your website? No, really, how? Never once did anyone take their design and scale it down to the size used in-game? How is step two of your design proposal not, "And this is what they'd look like in-game,"? Much to my pleasure, one forum poster actually scaled down the original badges, added a little color for distinction, and posted it for all to see. Hats off to you, sirmadame. Oh, how you must be blushing, PGI. A random internet goer has even done your job for you! Even further still, if the badge content wasn't something that you actually cared two beavers about, as it clearly wasn't, then...why...would...you change them in the first place, distinguishable or not? Who are you people? I mean, I can understand if this has become an office joke (and let me say, touche), but come on.

;I wrote this post a few months ago and couldn't figure out how to conclude
;it.
;I wasn't even really that upset about the whole thing and PGI
;recently made good on their promise to release the advertised badges.
;*shrug*
;Who cares.
;I'm back in a Unit and stompin' hats in my TDR.
;Show me a Mauler that works.


;Good luck and good hunting, pilots.





Sources:
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Thunderbolt
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mauler
https://mwomercs.com/resistance

A Vulture by another name, anyone?

Greeting Mechwarriors,

I was excited to find the background image for my page. I had wanted to find an image that looked like it was from the old cut-away Battletech books and, look at that, I even found a 'Mech I like. Plus, it matches the color scheme. But, for anyone unfamiliar with the 'Mech represented, it's almost meaningless. With a dash on context, you might be as happy as I am with the selection.

So, what's that in the background? That's the Mad Dog Clan 'Mech, nicknamed the "Vulture" by the first Inner Sphere (IS) pilots that engaged it. This 'Mech was widely used within the Clans after its production began in 2963 by Clan Smoke Jaguar. The overall purpose of this Heavy 'Mech is to provide opportunistic fire-support. The tactic used by Mad Dog pilots mainly employed hanging back from the front lines, waiting for an easy target. If faced with an opponent inside its optimal range, the Mad Dog doesn't want for a means to protect itself.

The majority of the variants for this 'Mech allow for the mounting of several missile racks, whether they be defensive short range missile (SRM) or offensive long range missile (LRM) stagings. Heck, you could even do both. Other defensive options include the punch of ballistic weapons and/or medium range energy weapons. The tactics previously mentioned and the general theme of variant loadouts translated pretty well into MWO, although sometimes it makes more sense to play completely defensively. There are a ton of options thanks to the Omni-pods, interchangeable torso and arm components, available.

Love that camo pattern combo. Ain't it purtty?

If used properly, this 'Mech has the maneuverability and damage potential to make someone worry about stumbling into one while trying to flank your allies. Is it the best Clan 'Mech available in the game? Nah, not even close. Can you still have fun with it? Can you still use it to fend off larger 'Mechs? Can you still use it to dispose of stupid Jenners? Can you still use it to slice, dice, and julienne your way to some sweet Cbill (CB) earnings? Of course, don't be dense! Why else would I be writing this? I recommend that you buy one immediately! NOW! Spread forth the folds of your wallet and dispense currency, chumps. Just kidding, but, seriously, try it out. It's even available as a Trial 'Mech at the moment.

Here's a peak at my current Mad Dog build. I chose the defensive route.

Currently 8.5milCB into this week's event. Cha-ching!


Good luck and good hunting, pilots.





Sources:
http://metamechs.com/mwo-guides/master-guides/mad-dog/
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mad_Dog_(Vulture)

Before ECM was a thing...

Some decent gameplay with the LMC.

*Yawn* Oh, you're still here?

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Once again, it's been a while since I've posted anything on here. I didn't mean to let it fall by the wayside, but obviously my efforts were disingenuous.

There have been even more changes to the game since the last time that I've posted. I can't really speak to any of the changes that have come to the CW Meta or anything having to do with the abysmal state of IS space right now. It's clear who took over CW. *puts hands on hip and adds a cocked head stare*

I had thought to make my next post about the Grasshopper because I had been trying to earn enough XP to Master it. Well, in the meantime I mastered all three of them and then moved on. I moved on to my Atlas and did the same..and then my BlackJack. Now, I'm working slowly (as slow as people that prefer IE) on my Vindicator. I dare you to prove to me that someone can have a favorite Vindicator.

For the next week, there is an event going on. Let's be honest though, there's almost always some event going on in MWO. This week's is the "Blood Money" event. Ooooooo, how edgy. This is an event that rewards the people who purchased the Resistance I 'Mech Pack and gives more rewards to anyone who bought the Resistance II 'Mech Pack. Even though I only fall into the former category, I'm looking forward to earning a cool 20,000,000CB just for playing with the 'Mechs I bought. That'll afford me any 'Mech in the game. I'd get a Gargoyle if I'd ever heard a good thing about it.

So, back to my point, I'm back in my Grasshopper! Aaaand touting some new trollin' camo. Well, I suppose it's more just for fun than trolling, but hey. I put it across all my Resistance I 'Mechs.

Drop that spoon, Mr. Bonaparte

"You know what?" he asked rhetorically. I don't really feel like writing about loadouts or anything. The Meta be damned! I want to talk about something that has actually got me somewhat excited; these gosh-darn "new" maps. Two of the public maps have been refined, expanded, polished, dusted off, and tossed metaphorically at our faces. And not in that order, #hotfixfreepatch. The upgrades to each of the maps include mostly an increase in size, level of detail, flanking lanes, and invisible geometry to get stuck on.

There are now light posts and tress that you can knock over! *bonk bonk bonk* Yes, the noise you just made in your head is pretty close to the noise that the trees make as you topple them over effortlessly. They don't sound very much like a tree (you know, 'cause I'm an arborist for sure) and I think there may only be two variances on the sound effect. I've seen people on the MWO forums complain about the noise being a distraction from immersion, but those people need to immerse themselves in about ten feet of water. That reminds me, there are now collision noises and more collision damage. *bonk clang bonk clang*

These new maps look spectacular though, they really do. Well, compared to the rest of the game. I'm definitely in favor of improvements and expansions to the maps. I don't know why this isn't a priority over the release of new 'Mechs for the game...oh wait, the maps are free, duh.

I have actually done a little bit of trolling in this game recently and I loved it. I've even seen other people follow suit! I may have started something! And by "following suit", I mean dinosaur suit.

"Okay, kids, say goodbye to Barney"

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Welcome back, Freeborn.

Greetings Mechwarriors,

You may or may not have noticed that I haven’t posted anything in several months. Well, we’re all back here now, so let’s do our best to pick back up where we left off. The previous post expressed my disappointment with the announcement of a third wave of Clan ‘Mechs.  It wasn’t long after that that I stepped away from MWO until recently. I don’t know what it was, but I just lost interest. I had just gotten the content released for the Resistance pack, Zeus included, but I just wasn’t to be enthused. I’ll be honest, and I’ll address this more below, I was a little disappointed with the Resistance ‘Mechs. It was also evident at that time that our Unit Leader was going to be taking a prolonged hiatus. I wish I had had the time to take his place, but I just didn’t. So, with that, it was a lot of fun playing with the members of the Lyran Mechanized Cavalry.

So, now I have my own Unit and almost anyone is welcome to join. There will be no organization what-so-ever. There probably won’t even be communication. But, just think, you could still be a part of it. Like I said, I just don’t have the time to do much other than play casually. What’s that? Sure, I’ll answer that question you didn’t think to ask. My Unit is based off of the Taurian Guard: Hell’s Heart Regiment. Because, why not? I’ve always been a fan of Asterion and Theseus. Even the color scheme for this regiment isn’t so bad, once you find how to apply it.

Right?

There have been additions to the Community Warfare map roster, almost none of which I’ve played on. Going back to Community Warfare is going to take longer than going back to PUGs. And, much wow, the addition of the Urban Mech. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “That’s a fine way to waste $40, buddy.” I suppose if you want to spend $40 on trolling, then hey, don’t let me stop you.

I previously mentioned that I wasn’t completely sold on the Resistance ‘Mechs when they came out and I had had a chance to climb into the cockpit. The Resistance ‘Mechs are the Panther, Enforcer, Grasshopper, and Zeus, each with variants. As I had assumed would happen, the Enforcer quickly became my favorite of the bunch and finally opened my heart to the I.S. UAC/5. It’s been a while since these ‘Mechs came out, so I’ve given the Grasshopper a second chance. Next time, I will post some tactics and on why I'm starting to like it more and more. Now that I think about it, there have been only a few ‘Mechs that I’ve completely given up on so far...Which reminds me! I bought a Timber Wolf and I love it.

I jump for a livin'

I’d also like to thank everyone that is reading this blog, even though I don’t know who you are. Honestly, if I met you in real life, we’d start with a handshake, end with a high five, and part ways with a level of intimacy that would surprise even you. I’ve gotten around 1350 views since November, 2014. Let’s just say that that is much more than I expected to ever get. Without the traffic that I’ve gotten so far, I’d probably not have the motivation to keep going with this. Someday I may even put more effort in my writing (I lurv commas). Thank you to the Misfir3 for posting a link to this blog on the LMC website. Please feel free to add you email address to the Follow Me box and click Add! It’ll make my day if you do. I'll try to return the favor.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Really? THAT's what you've been up to?

Greetings Mechwarriors,

I must say that I'm a little disappointed. I'm certainly not surprised, but I am at least a little taken aback. I had been thinking about doing a post on the new Resistance Mechs, the Panther and Enforcer, that were recently released, or a post about what kind of music that I like to listen to while I play MWO, or a post about my change of opinion on the Ultra AC/5, or a post about my participation in a really, really fun community run event, or a post about how freaking sweet this is...but no, I think I need to address my disappointment.

This past Monday, PGI announced the pre-order availability of the Wave III Clan Collection. Really? That's what you've been up to, PGI? How about a different game type? How about more match making options? How about not breaking two things while patching one? How about really putting the finishing touches on this game before starting development on another one? Here's a great example of what I mean.

Adding those ovals was a comparable effort.

Six cockpit screens, with a seventh off to the right, that display absolutely nothing. I'm sure most people that have been playing this game for more than a month have just learned to ignore these screens and work around them, but these are a glaring omission. Shouldn't these display something? Wouldn't it be great if these were customizable? Why not let players choose parts of the HUD to instead display on these cockpit screens? Wouldn't that add to the immersion since I know that I'm not wearing a neurohelmet?

I also realize that I have adjusted my in-game FOV to give me more visibility and that not doing so could reduce the visibility of these displays, but, I mean, really. There's not even a speck of a hint on a quickly passing breeze that anything even remotely having to do with these screens will ever be implemented. So, again, I say, "really?"



Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

The Wolverine Champion Mech. The WVR-7D.

Greetings Mechwarriors,

When I started playing this game, it took me a long time to find my niche. After many, many, painful hours of gameplay, it turns out that I'm a medium Mech pilot at heart. Honestly, that kind of worked out like I had originally hoped. There was some sort of, dare I say it, romanticism to being a medium pilot. Agile, resilient, and able to provide fast and effect fire support, that's a medium Mech. Of course, assault and heavy Mechs are appealing because of their shear firepower, but calling them quick is almost moronic. Yeah, that's right.

After trying and failing at piloting a Hunchback, I sold it for a Wolverine. I've had that Wolverine in my Mech bay for around six months and don't plan on selling it. I've had even more fun after outfitting it with a Gauss Rifle! But, as much as it seems like I could, I'm not going to once again talk about my beloved Wolverine. I am, however, going to talk about the Wolverine that I don't have! The Wolverine that no one has, but the one we deserve. This is especially true after the "Quirkening" that put down the, large pulse laser based, "Wubverine" once and for all.

I'm talking about the Wolverine Hero Mech that isn't available in MWO. The Wolverine is one of only a couple long-standing Mechs that don't have a Hero version. Hero versions usually: have special quirks, are only available for real money, have a custom camo pattern, and give a +30% C-Bill bonus to each match. "Why not the Wolverine?", I hear you ask, and I concur. But, what would such a Hero Mech look like? Of course, here's my wild jab at it.

There are only a few Wolverine variants that were produced and available around or before 3050, the current in-game year. This limits the options greatly, considering the total number of variants that would later be developed for this Mech; eight more in all. There are currently three variants of this Mech available in MWO. In my opinion, there are only two available variants for a Wolverine Hero Mech, the WVR-7D and WVR-7M. I'm only going to talk about a Wolverine Hero Mech based off of the WVR-7D. If you're more interested in the 7M, whenever I say "ultra auto-cannon/5", just think "ER large laser" and get over it.

The WVR-7D would come standard with a XL 275 engine, double heat sinks, Ferro-Fibrous armor, standard structure, and quirks to boot. The "real" 7D was equipped with Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry, an equipment that would allow a Mech to move at twice its standard walking speed! This equipment was best used sparingly though, as it could cause leg actuator failure. This equipment isn't featured in MWO, and I certainly don't think they should add it, but I think they should increase the maximum engine size of the WVR-7D to reflect that capability. Well, let's just look at what I think would be a stock loadout.

Now, that's a sexy Mech.

I'm not suggesting that the WVR-7D come with all the modules seen here, but that would be awesome. I am suggesting some pretty beefy UAC/5 quirks, though. How's about:

Additional Strucure (RA) +25
Torso Twist Rate (YAW) +25%
Energy Range +25%
Energy Heat Generation -12.5%
Missile Cooldown +20%
UAC/5 Cooldown +25%
UAC/5 Range +12.5%
UAC/5 Heat Generation -25%

C-Bill Bonus +5,000,000%

This thing would be a beast, for sure. I think PGI is scared of the possibilities. They fear the Wolverine. That's it, I'm sure. That's the only reason that I can think of as to why PGI wouldn't have come out with a Wolverine Hero Mech. I mean, heck, I'd still buy the thing if the "custom camo pattern" was a tasteful nude of Patrick Swayze and Lea Thompson. Don't picture it. Shameful passions aside, I am still hoping that PGI gets around to giving its players a Wolverine Hero. Alas, I can hope all I want, but I can never prove that I haven't thought waaaaaay too much about this.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Sources:

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolverine_(BattleMech)

http://haveno.info/BT%20-%20TechManual.pdf

You know what, PGI? I'll take it.

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Although I, too, hold the Capital NH, "Nerf-Hammer" in as much disdain as anyone, I can't help but shrug off this latest blow. I'd like to think that one person in my Unit is single-handedly responsible for this crap:

New:
WVR-6K
Additional Structure (RA) +18
Large Laser Range +12.5%
Energy Weapon Range +12.5%
Energy Weapon Cooldown +15%
Energy Weapon Heat Gen -12.5%
Large Laser Heat Gen -12.5%
Laser Duration -15%
Missile Weapon Cooldown +15%
Torso Yaw Speed +15%

Old:
Additional Structure (RA) +18
Torso Yaw Speed +25%
Energy Range +25%
Energy Cooldown +12.5%
Energy Heat Gen -12.5%
Missile Range +15%
Large Pulse Laser Range +25%
Large Pulse Laser Cooldown +12.5%
Large Pulse Laser Heat Gen -12.5%

Talk about a different ball game...High five!

Essentially, they've taken away all of the Wolverine-6K's Large Pulse Laser bonuses. If no one has noticed, the large pulse laser is a formidable weapon and you could fit four on this 'Mech! Talk about being able to send a lot of electrons down range quickly. This change in balance wasn't really surprising.

The reason that I say that I'm perfectly happy with this upcoming patch is that only two 'Mechs I own are affected, the BLR-1S and the ON1-P. The Protector, ON1-P, loses its bonuses for the AC/20, but gains a +10% bonus to both Gauss and ballistic cooldowns. I already happen to own the Gauss Cooldown 5 module, currently on my WVR-6R( and yes, it's a blast), which will gain me an additional +12% bonus to my Gauss cooldown. I lose the Missile Range bonus, but I don't really need it for, all the four whopping tons of, two LRM 5s. A 15% bonus to energy range, heat generation, and duration? I'll take it, considering I have two ERLLs and the ERLL Cooldown 5 module... The SRM6 bonuses? PGI, you couldn't give them away. I'm glad to lose them. I do mourn the lose of the AC/20, though. I've been having a lot of fun with it. It's also regrettable that the Gauss is more easily destroyed, but hey, I was nursing my right torso anyway.

The BLR-1S also gets bonuses that will work in my favor. It loses the bonus to LRM15 cooldown and heat generation, but I wasn't using them anyway. I've had much more luck chain firing a LRM 10 and a LRM5. The missile cooldown and heat generation bonuses get kicked up from 10% to 12.5% anyway. Keep it comin'. For what I'm going to lose in the energy weapon heat generation bonus, I'm getting twice the bonus to energy weapon range. +25%? My ERLL are starting to look like mom and dad's favorite of their children on Christmas Eve. The range bonus also is looking pretty good for the two MPLs I just put in a couple of weeks ago.

So, to all the Nerf hatters...ha ha. No, but really, chin up kid. This round of changes in balance will just change up the gameplay. Maybe we'll start to see less touting, gloating, ERPPC boating Thunderbolts. Just sayin'. Unfortunately for you, my BLR is still going to be spouting out "lurms" like an Olsen twin's lunch. I'm honestly glad to see a change in 'Mech Quirks because it will change up gameplay. I mean, to soften the blow, PGI is also giving away a free 'Mech bay (about a buck fity), right?!  They feel your pain. It will be interesting to see how these new Quirks play out against the upcoming Panther, PNT-10K(R) and Enforcer, ENF-5D(R). Speaking of, I'm excitedly awaiting the LB 10-X Quirks for the Enforcer! Can you say "breaching charge"? *Clack-clack*

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.




Sources:
http://lyranmechcavalry.com/forum_threads/1952530
http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/189410-sneak-peek-is-quirk-phase-2-feb-17-2015-patch/
http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/#mechs_quirks

Isn't this interesting?

Greetings Mechwarriors,

As a bonus...current Clan Territory in CW with lore overlay:

Looks about right, albeit a little early. Next up, the Wolverine Champion 'Mech.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.





Sources:
http://ppc.warhawkenterprises.com/theclans/clanspace.html
http://www.norrisdev.com/mwocw/

Patch 1.3.367, just force your way into my heart, why don't yah?

Greetings Mechwarriors,

I used to be one of those guys, you know the type. The type of guy that would sometimes talk disparagingly about PGI from time to time. I thought of them something akin to that friend of yours that has owed you $50 for months. Yeah, we'll still hangout, but don't expect me to take your crap and don't expect me to not glare occasionally. When following the MWO forums or reading online reviews of the game, it's easy to feel like a lot of people are getting the same vibes. But, there's a way to let bygones be bygones.

I recently sat down and played some MWO with a friend of mine. We took turns dropping into PUGs and having fun. We each wound up only playing one match a piece, but it was enjoyable. I bring this up because my friend and I are both gamers and we both love strategy. This means that I spent a good twenty minutes explaining to him how all of the game mechanics work in MWO. The HUD, the upgrades, the modules, the camo and paint, GXP, EXP, 'Mech teirs, 'Mech variants, 'Mech loadouts, gameplay pace and strategy, the maps, Community Warfare, Factions, achievements, etc, etc, etc; the list goes on. In doing so, I realized what I was getting for a free-to-play (FTP) title. I must admit, I have taken a long hiatus from electronic gaming. I used to be a PC gamer playing whatever games my parents would let me spend my allowance on, but it's been at least 10 years since I have played PC games in any real kind of way. What I mean to say is, I'm not hip with PC gaming. But, I know a deal when I see one.

This latest patch brought changes to a lot of things that the MWO community has been badgering on about for at least a month now. I'm not sure twelve more Clan variants is what most people had in mind, but it's a good effort by PGI to give Clan pilots more variety. It has definitely been welcome to see that PGI is willing to listen to the community and make requested changes. It almost justifies the cost of purchasable content! Though, I must also say that it is now easier than ever to join with other members of your Faction and your Unit. The changes to Faction Grouping has enabled my Unit to really reach out to other Steiner Units and recruitable pilots. Go LMC!

Boss pewpew, brah

The biggest changes, however, came to Community Warfare. A new map? What?! The new CW map, Hellebore Springs, is loosely based off of the current public map, Canyon Network. I can honestly say that I am so glad that they picked that map. Canyon Network is probably my second favorite map in the game. With the continued release of new maps for CW, the experience will get more and more enriched, I tell you what. I'm not saying that I want to see a HPG Manifold style map in CW that lets players fight over a moon or large artificial satellite, but I totally am. Yes, I know this isn't Gundam.

Counter Attacking in CW is also a lot better than it used to be, in that it actually reflects reality. The defending team no longer miraculously fixes gates and turrets, but instead faces the revenge of the fallen's allies arriving all to late. This change needed to happen, regardless of the other CW updates.

So, thumbs up, PGI. Sure, two of 'em. This game might not be as trendy as a lot of other titles, but you handle it well enough. There is a ton of content and there is a lot of fun to be had with this title. I have more readily paid into this game than I would a "AAA" title (a? an? whatever). I've got to say though, I'm going be a little more appreciative of the pain that PGI brings on my wallet and social life. Thumbs? Still up.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Well, this is embarrassing...

Greetings Mechwarriors,

I have previously said that my favorite Mech, my favorite build, and my bread and butter is my WVR-6R. I have made only one change to that build in at least 2 months, and even that change was minimal. I moved the ammunition out of the legs into each of the torsos, added a jump jet, and lost a ton of SRM ammo. That was it. I still love this Mech, sure; it's a lot of fun to pilot. I'm still even able to do well with it, jumping from platform to platform, trying my best to get a decent Alpha. The thing is, though, there's another Mech in my life.

I have more or less fallen in love with my Thunderbolt-9SE. This thing has everything that I could want. It has pulse lasers. It has jump jets. It has a Beagle Active Probe. It has a top speed higher than 65kph. I pair that whooping skill set with cooldown and Target Info Gathering modules. Boom, 800+ damage without even trying. "Oh, what's that? Your torso has no armor? Please, let me provide some relief to your misery."

I will admit, though, that there are issues with this Mech. The torso twist speed isn't amazing and that can lead to issues. Considering that I have two large pulse lasers in the right arm and two medium pulse lasers in the left torso, I have to pick a side to show my foes. When I have to torso twist to prevent taking a lot of damage to a component (my right side), I try to focus the damage more to the left. Even if I lose the medium lasers, it's likely that I'll still have my right arm. I do change this up a bit, depending on the health of my Mech. For situations where I have to retreat, I have also added more rear armor for my right torso. It'd be a real shame to lose those pulse lasers.

Given the slight missteps that would cost me dearly, regardless of the Mech I'm in, I find that I do rather well with this build. When I want to take out my disdain for my fellow players, I run my TDR-9SE. Even more so than that, I run my TDR when I'm, well, a little jaded with MWO. If I've lost four matches in a row, for whatever reason, I take out my TDR. It gives me the little boost of confidence that I need to stay in the game. Sure, MWO could be the kind of game that gives you bonuses for losing, *cough cough* COD *cough cough*, but it has taken the high road and only rewards players for their capabilities in the right Mech. And that's why I enjoy my TDR-9SE,

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Melee Weapons and You : II

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Last time I talked a little bit about melee weapons and their place in MWO. Long story short, they don't have a place in MWO! There are many challenges that would have to be addressed before one could even hope to see them.

Collision detection, for one, would have to be much better. Sure, walls, buildings, and large trees are solid with good collision detection, but that's to be expected. I know that I've been able to clip through a few of the smaller obstacles and I'm sure we've all experienced clipping through a teammate that doesn't respect our personal bubble. I can only imagine the challenge of making not only the collision detection accurate enough, but also the physics accurate enough. Imagine sinking your weapon into an enemy Mech. Realistically, you'd be able to let go of the weapon or probably at least lift it out of the wriggling remains of your enemy. This would be extremely difficult to do without just having the weapon clip through your target a certain distance and then clipping back out, or just having the weapon clip out of your Mech's hand.

Balancing such a weapon would also be difficult. It's hard to see how a lucky "one hit KO" swing on a Firestarter would become a popular mechanic. As it is, a lot of people are abandoning light Mechs in favor of the larger variety of heavier Mechs. Hopefully, that will change with upcoming Mech releases, but still. It wouldn't be hard to imagine that a well placed swing could also KO a Mech outfitted with an IS XL engine. I suppose that they could have the weapon just get lodged in the enemy and reduce the armor of the affected component to zero, but that doesn't really work either as it could easily be followed up with an Alpha strike to down the enemy. I'm not saying that you can't "one-shot" a cored enemy as it is, but I don't think that it needs to be able to happen more often, even with how realistic it may be for melee weapons.

To continue on balancing such a feature, how would it make sense to reflect a melee weapon while outfitting your Mech? Obviously, you'd have to dedicate that arm to the melee slot and nothing else, but what kind of restrictions would be put on the rest of the loadout? Would it make sense to limit a melee carrying Mech to just a couple other weapons, considering that they could potentially leg an enemy Mech with one swing?

And what about targeting? I mean, really. Sure, we all get close enough to an enemy on occasion that we could realistically take a swing at them, but let's be real. Unless PGI didn't severely limit the loadout of a melee weapon toting Mech, you'd be almost useless if you couldn't get up close! I will admit that there are already some useless Mechs in the game, but that's a different argument.

And what about friendly fire? It works now that you're able to clip through a teammate that gets too close and you both take a little damage, but imagine a teammate turning to run for cover only to run directly into your melee weapon and core himself. Yeah, that's hilarious, but it doesn't make it a good mechanic.

Lastly, do I think that melee weapons could be done properly in MWO? Yes, but not by PGI. There, I said it.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Mini-Update

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Just a short update today as I prepare for my normal posting.

We will soon see a change in the rewards that are given at the end of CW matches based on which Faction players are contracted with. I'm not entirely sure why PGI would change the rewards, where currently the Loyalty Points gained are almost meaningless. As stated before, the only reward players actually get, at the moment, is C-Bills. Details here.

There was also a recent Town Hall Meeting with Russ Bullock of PGI. I wasn't able to listen into the meeting hosted by No Guts No Galaxy due to my time zone, but I am glad that these are happening and I might post about the questions answered there.

There is another weekend Tournament going on this weekend! Although I participated in the last one and was glad to win myself a free Mech, I probably won't go all out on this one. We'll see! I am a better pilot now than I was then.

Now, most importantly, I have some great news from the LMC. A few of our members have been hard at work creating customized forum signatures for our members! They have done a fantastic job and I look forward to using mine on the MWO forums.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.

Melee Weapons and You : I

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:

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://haveno.info/BT%20-%20TechManual.pdf

Clan Griefing? You'd "Beta" Believe It

Greetings Mechwarriors,

Here we are, somewhere between May and June in 3050. This timespan marks the Second Wave of the Clan Invasion on Inner Sphere space. While being almost a full year from the beginning of the Invasion, this period showed only muted evidence of the Clans slowing in their advances. The Clans undeniably had superior firepower and superior combat training. They seemed to have the upper hand at every turn. That is, until the IS learned a lesson or two and was able to start to turn the tide. None of this would matter, of course, if it wasn’t for the recent release of the Community Warfare Beta in MWO.

Oh, Community Warfare, why do you hurt me so? As an Inner Sphere pilot, I am currently at the mercy of Clan Jade Falcon. House Steiner, of which I am contracted to, is currently losing ground against the Clans and is having a hard time maintaining any of its borders. Why am I at the mercy of the Clans and more often than not left licking my wounds (read: rage quittin’)? Well, that’s a complicated question and one that PGI may or may not be interested in addressing.

I am not alone when I feel unfairly treated by CW. There are many, many posts on the MWO forums that are a wealth of bickering between Clan and IS pilots. After giving it some thought and some research, like some other players, I see that the issue here is lore accuracy. How does a game developer handle a situation where, in order to be lore friendly, one group of players has to have the upper hand? Well, maybe make up their mind on how committed to lore to be?

During the Clan Invasion, and what would eventually lead to the end of the Invasion, Clan pilots were unprepared for the type of warfare being waged. Clan pilots were trained to fight with honor and a certain amount of respect for their opponents. The Clans never attacked their opponent’s supply chains and would typically engage their opponents one at a time. A Clan company consists of two “Stars”, for a 10-pilot configuration, where an IS company consists of three 4-pilot “Lances”. It was over-whelming numbers that gave the IS a fighting chance against the Clans. None of this, however, is reflected in CW.

I think that CW would be more balanced if the IS was able to face the Clans in a 10v.12 pilot match. If PGI wants to make Clan tech accurate, then they also need to address Clan tactics. This approach would also account for the Clans potentially losing a supply chain. PGI claims that building a 10v.12 match is overly complicated to accomplish with their matchmaking code. They also claim that complicated coding is the reason why no one has received any rewards from participating in CW. Rewards for taking part in the Beta aside, the root cause is the same. This leads me to believe that PGI is currently either understaffed or uncertainly managed.

*sigh* But hey, this is still Beta, right? This all being said, PGI is taking player input seriously. Of course, some of my criticism spawns from the frustration of hopelessly trying to drive out Clan Jade Falcon. When it comes down to it, what is “wrong” with CW? Is this a product of poor coordination during each attack, a product of poor map design, a product of PGI rushing their content, a product of poor coordination amongst our House Units, a product of superior Clan firepower, a product of overblown confidence, or a product of the PUG? I’ve honestly written this post from a different angle four times now. What is “wrong” or “right” about CW is a complicated, and maybe over-complicated, topic.

Good luck and good hunting, pilots.