Poll

What do you think is the BEST medium mech for Intro Tech 3025 era?

Lynx-8Q
5 (3.8%)
Gladiator-4R
9 (6.9%)
Wolverine-6M
35 (26.7%)
Griffin-1S
9 (6.9%)
Hunchback-4P
6 (4.6%)
Hunchback-4G
4 (3.1%)
Trebuchet-5S
2 (1.5%)
Crab-20
11 (8.4%)
PhoenixHawk-1D
17 (13%)
PhoenixHawk-1K
1 (0.8%)
Vindicator-1R
12 (9.2%)
Vulcan-5T
2 (1.5%)
Hermes-2M
3 (2.3%)
Cicada-3C
0 (0%)
Assassin-21
2 (1.5%)
Other - Please Elaborate
13 (9.9%)

Total Members Voted: 66

Voting closed: 29 February 2020, 00:09:12

Author Topic: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025  (Read 14211 times)

Greatclub

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #60 on: 15 March 2020, 12:48:55 »
Under the original rules the thunderbolt could consistently slap down an Orion because of that SRM-2 it has. Six extra heat a turn reduces it to one weapon and walk heat neutral, with no cooldown pattern. Same with a lot of introtech.

Now the SRM-2 is almost more of a liability due to the ammo-bomb that is impossible to empty by firing it.
« Last Edit: 17 March 2020, 17:51:47 by Greatclub »

Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #61 on: 15 March 2020, 14:01:23 »
It's not so bad if Fractional Accounting is in play.

Calimehter

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #62 on: 17 March 2020, 17:38:02 »

The Crab surprises me & the AC20-Back on the other hand I didn't think would even get the 4 it got.

The Hunchback is a niche design . . . but "close in combat" is a really common niche, especially in 3025. 

I didn't vote for it, but I wasn't surprised to see a few votes.

Jim1701

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #63 on: 19 March 2020, 19:04:13 »
original basic box-set GRF-1N Griffin.  and yes, I know it has a minimum range, but if you're running it right, that's not a major problem.

This.  Back in the day the GRF-1N was my favorite ride hands down.

LastChanceCav

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #64 on: 19 March 2020, 21:05:12 »
I missed my the voting window, but +1 for the Wolverine 6M. The classic trio sit at the 5/8/5 sweet spot, have the mass advantage on the rest of the class, and the 6M has always been my favorite canon variant.

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Kovax

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #65 on: 20 March 2020, 10:22:55 »
The down side of the GRF-1N is that the armament isn't suited for in-fighting, thanks to minimum range penalties, and a 6/9/6 mover will exploit that shamelessly.  It's a great sniper and harasser when used against 4/6 opponents, less so against other 5/8s, and at a disadvantage when faced with a 6/9, or God forbid, a Jenner.

The WLV-6M is a very good design by 3025 standards, but the vast majority of its firepower is concentrated in one arm, leaving it with a blind corner, and practically disarmed if it gets dis-armed.  I like it, but it's not a favorite by a long shot.

Ruger

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #66 on: 20 March 2020, 11:07:44 »
The down side of the GRF-1N is that the armament isn't suited for in-fighting, thanks to minimum range penalties, and a 6/9/6 mover will exploit that shamelessly.  It's a great sniper and harasser when used against 4/6 opponents, less so against other 5/8s, and at a disadvantage when faced with a 6/9, or God forbid, a Jenner.

The WLV-6M is a very good design by 3025 standards, but the vast majority of its firepower is concentrated in one arm, leaving it with a blind corner, and practically disarmed if it gets dis-armed.  I like it, but it's not a favorite by a long shot.

The Griffin-1N has all its weapons on its right side.

The Wolverine-6M’s is on its RA, LA, LT and Head.

Not sure I agree with your assertions on the latter.

Now, the 6K, IIRC, is another matter.

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Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #67 on: 20 March 2020, 14:00:45 »
Anywhere other than featureless terrain, the 6M will have the edge over the 6K.  It's all down to jump jets.

Kit deSummersville

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #68 on: 20 March 2020, 14:04:58 »
A load of infernos to the face might change things in a hurry....
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Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #69 on: 20 March 2020, 14:57:43 »
But that goes both ways, so not really a factor...

Kit deSummersville

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #70 on: 25 March 2020, 07:32:04 »
But that goes both ways, so not really a factor...

Not really, the 6M can't change things up, the 6K has two tons of ammo.
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GreekFire

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #71 on: 25 March 2020, 08:10:54 »
Not really, the 6M can't change things up, the 6K has two tons of ammo.

Even so, the jump jets will make a huge difference.
Beyond that, the massive torso-bomb of the -6K is what really eliminated it as a contender for me.
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(SMD)MadCow

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #72 on: 26 March 2020, 12:55:24 »
I find the lack of Enforcer disturbing, especially with 2 Pixies and Hunchies on the list.

Greatclub

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #73 on: 26 March 2020, 14:34:08 »
The enforcer has a nice hit at medium(ish) range, but mediocre mobility and 'meh' armor. No GBMFG or disco spam like the hunchback either.

It's a trooper. No more, no less.

(SMD)MadCow

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #74 on: 26 March 2020, 22:09:29 »
The enforcer has a nice hit at medium(ish) range, but mediocre mobility and 'meh' armor. No GBMFG or disco spam like the hunchback either.

It's a trooper. No more, no less.

Same can be said of the Vindicator and yet there it is. Jump Jets give good mobility, the Enforcer can dance around with a 5 hex short range on both its main guns with no minimum range.  'Meh' armor? 9 tons is only beat by the Hunchie and 55 tonners.

Minemech

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #75 on: 26 March 2020, 22:23:15 »
 Under Hellraiser's definition, the Enforcer has a valid claim. Being a trooper does not necessarily mean that it is not dangerous.

Greatclub

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #76 on: 27 March 2020, 01:53:55 »
10 shots with it's most powerful gun; jumping pretty much ensures you can't afford to use your big gun on the resultant crap to-hits.  Not enough speed, range or firepower to be really survivable, although all three are close to enough.

It's a good mech, just not what I can call best with a straight face.

Liam's Ghost

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #77 on: 27 March 2020, 02:32:38 »
For some reason most of the memorable moments I've had with the Enforcer involved either exhausting or nearly exhausting my autocannon ammunition, and then immediately losing the large laser to damage.
Good news is the lab boys say the symptoms of asbestos poisoning show an immediate latency of 44.6 years. So if you're thirty or over you're laughing. Worst case scenario you miss out on a few rounds of canasta, plus you've forwarded the cause of science by three centuries. I punch those numbers into my calculator, it makes a happy face.

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Minemech

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #78 on: 27 March 2020, 07:45:37 »
 I would not call it the best either, but it has an argument to make. Personally, I voted before the original poster had defined the term, and I strictly chose 1--my vote was not for the Wolverine.
« Last Edit: 27 March 2020, 07:55:33 by Minemech »

Kit deSummersville

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #79 on: 27 March 2020, 07:47:59 »
Plus, with only 9 tons of armor, 10 shots might be a feature, not a bug.
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Minemech

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #80 on: 27 March 2020, 08:02:48 »
Plus, with only 9 tons of armor, 10 shots might be a feature, not a bug.
It's one of those cases where two tons would allow you to fire freely, but would also attract attention in a crowded battlefield. I think that the Enforcer is one of those designs that thrives on not being perfect, but on being basic. It is an excellent trooper, but there are many good alternatives.

Sharkapult

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #81 on: 27 March 2020, 12:18:06 »
I find the lack of Enforcer disturbing, especially with 2 Pixies and Hunchies on the list.
I agree. The Enforcer is one of my favorites. I'd take it over the AC20 hunchie any day. I had an old gaming buddie that called it a baby Warhammer and since then my appreciation changed.
Compared to a SHS jumping PXH I'm firing my LL every turn while they alternate, and adding another headcapping AC 10 while #s work (remember PXH has 6 head armor). If they fire their meds instead I have a short range through their medium. I'd jump 3 or 4 every turn, and I'm only really afraid of back shots. Even then I can still can respond with either beatstick.
I usually end up with zero AC shots around turn 15-18 which usually isn't a problem. 2 tons is too much imo.
ENF will usually lose to a WVR, mostly due to heavier physical attacks, especially punches against rear armor, but it also is 10 tons lighter. Other mechs at similar weights I like my odds. Like a pair of pocket Jacks in Hold em. Not the best hand, but it'll hold its own most of the time.
Although I guess a mech that can be described as "decent against most but not great" is a wonderful definition of a trooper.
Oh, and I hate the Dervish.

Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #82 on: 27 March 2020, 17:58:58 »
5 tons lighter than a Wolverine, but otherwise a completely reasonable take on the Enforcer.  :thumbsup:

Sharkapult

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #83 on: 27 March 2020, 19:57:21 »
5 tons lighter than a Wolverine, but otherwise a completely reasonable take on the Enforcer.  :thumbsup:
I thought it was 45! I must have been thinking about the blackjack and PXH. Ahh well.

Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #84 on: 27 March 2020, 20:19:33 »
The Blackjack is another fine 4/6/4 trooper...  8)

Sharkapult

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #85 on: 27 March 2020, 21:49:15 »
The Blackjack is another fine 4/6/4 trooper...  8)
It's another one of my irrational loves. Even the AC 2 version. Sneaky little infighter we called a mini-grasshopper.

Daryk

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #86 on: 28 March 2020, 02:53:00 »
Never thought of it that way before, but it totally fits!  :thumbsup:

wanderer25

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #87 on: 04 April 2020, 21:29:20 »
 The Enforcer was mentioned, what about the Centurion?  The AL variant in particular?

CrossfirePilot

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #88 on: 05 April 2020, 08:48:14 »
The Enforcer was mentioned, what about the Centurion?  The AL variant in particular?

I would rather take the AL over the Enforcer any day.  It seems with those 10 shots I have always ran out of AC 10 ammo just as things were getting good. Even when mothering those shots to only fire on 7 or better. 

Fear Factory

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Re: Best INTRO tech MEDIUM mech in 3025
« Reply #89 on: 06 April 2020, 13:03:08 »
The 6M Wolverine is an absolute beast, even in Alpha Strike. My brother in law ran one in a campaign that always survived after sustaining a ton of damage.

I have a soft spot for the Vindicator. I don't really have luck with PPC's, though.
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