Inherent Weight Advantages - A Discussion.

Like fx8230 said I miss the days of actually brawling and tanking damage. It just doesn't happen now not even an Atlas can really wade in guns ablazing and hope to fend off a timber wolf laser vomit build.

 

The thing there is that I both agree...and disagree. Yes, a FS9-A Micro Psycho can clear that distance quickly, especially with Speed Tweak, since they're moving 150.2 KPH with an XL295. Yes, they can put out a lot of damage when they get in close as a result. However, doing so immediately activates a teams "SQUIRREL" sense: you get everyone who doesn't have a target already honing in on the newcomer, and trying to kill it. The Firestarter can control range, and in some ways control how it engages (except on long range maps), but it remains extremely vulnerable while engaging. All it takes is a Streakcrow/SRMCrow/SRMSummoner to be right there paying attention, and their mech is erased in seconds. Not to mention a TDR-5SS, or DRG-1N, both of which can strip a leg/arm/torso off a Firestarter in seconds if they aim right, all from outside the effective (and maximum) range of the FS9-A's SPLs. Generally, this gives the light a huge advantage on maps like Bog, Frozen City, Forest Colony, and (sometimes) Canyon Network, give a huge disadvantage on maps like Alpine, Tourmaline (with some teams), and Caustic. It becomes situational against the tactics of the opposition, since a long range team can create a DPS wall that prevents the Firestarter from closing to attack, if they work together.

I don't necessarily think the FS9-A shouldn't be hit with some adjustments, but if it gets taken too far, it will reduce the mech back to a dust gatherer when compared to the Ember, which will still have amazing skirmishing ability with critseeking on top, all without the downsides of having to get into sneezing range to use it.

Naturally, it depends on the build...I've found a lot of DWF players who still go light on leg armor in addition to putting ammo in their legs. Very inviting targets. But most assaults, I don't go for the legs, I go for the back...where their armor is going to be far lower anyway. Even if I can't get a kill by stripping off a ST, I can still strip some weapons, which could change how the game unfolds. IMO, that should be a vulnerability for any Assault mech.

 

Mmh I always back IS mechs, clan it depends on the mech.

Why are you charging a mech head to head though in a light? Sometimes you have no choice when you come face to face but you're probably point blank range then.

 

But besides that would we really want MASC in? Already now sole remaining light can drag a skirmish on for the remaining counter after a stomp, let alone when they become uncatchable,...

 

Absolutely yes, I want MASC in. The speed caps for the 20-25 ton mechs in this game are obscenely low compared to what they should be capable of in comparison to other mechs. I refuse to let the events of what occurs in the exception (the rabbiting Light) determine what should be the success in the whole picture (the light able to compete because of their utility value). That would be like saying "we shouldn't have ECM lights, since sometimes they go running off to a corner to wait out the timer when they lose." Ok, maybe not quite that bad, but there is a parallel. This is especially true as we approach CW, and open a whole new can of worms in terms of how these mechs interact with one another.

 

Point well taken. And essentially, I keep forgetting MASC can mess up your legs. My post is invalid