Apologies for coming in late, but Rites is one of my favorites in recent years. I loved almost every-single minute of it. I agree with a few of the criticisms above. Things could have and probably should have been grittier, but then-- I feel that way about almost everything that is recent BTU. Even still, for me it was easily a 9.5/10. Everything worked so well, and felt so alive. All of the character motivations seemed genuine. It was a breath of fresh air in many ways.
The only minor criticism I would add; where are all the dark age designs? We got very-very old equipment mostly, with a few very new designs tossed-in. But, I think only the Hellstar was a constant. Oh, and the Tundra Wolf was mentioned once in passing IIRC? No other dark age mechs. And, while a lot of DA stuff is begging to be entirely glossed-over, or forgotten about-- I've come to be a fan of many of the DA mechs. I would have liked to have seen a little more flavor. I will say; Othar's Blood Reaper intro was perfect, though!!
Can't wait for more! Even if we have to be patient a good-long-while. Thank you, Jason!!