MechWarrior Online - Catapult HeroMech Revealed

Everyone believed that the Founder's Mechs (Jenner, Hunchback, Catapult and Atlas) would never have a HeroMech released. How wrong we were. The first of these 4 Mechs to get a Hero variant was the Atlas. Several, many hours ago (yeah I'm a tad bit late with this news) the second was revealed.

Please welcome to the MechBay, the Catapult HeroMech, Jester!!

It would appear that PGI will be releasing these HeroMechs in descending order. First the Atlas, now the Catapult. Hunchback then Jenner is what I'd expect next.

Anyway, forget about what's coming and lets take a look at what's been revealed!

MechWarrior: Online - Thunderbolt TDR-9SE Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Well I've found a new more fun build for the Thunderbolt TDR-9SE! Truth be told, I absolutely hate poptarts and poptart builds, but I cannot argue against their effectiveness. From what a teammate has told me, the only reason these builds are effective, is because many pilots (PUGs specifically) are too cowardly to push when needed. Unfortunately even in real life scenarios, a push/charge will always have its casualties, and in games, this is no different.

Admittedly, there is a different between a suicide charge and a proper charge.

Regardless, I turned my TDR-9SE into a somewhat poptart build. It's not effective as my other poptart builds, but it does work, and works quite well.

From the ashes we'll rise... the Phoenix Mechs have returned... all shall burn before our might!

MechWarrior: Online - Shadow Hawk SHD-2H Build

Update 1 (2/12/2013 22:40): Updated build and post [Here].

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

I seriously feel the Shadow Hawk got the back end of things when it came down to the scaling of the Phoenix Mechs. I understand that weight doesn't equal size... but bloody hell, remind me why this thing is bigger than a Battlemaster? Is the damn thing hollow? Cos that would explain the crazy height!

In addition, the thing seriously feels super slow. It's moving at 81kph, but the Thunderbolt moving at 74kph feels way faster...

Regardless, the Shadow Hawk is seriously weak thanks to the scaling it got. Guess that's why only the insane MechWarriors pilot Medium Mechs :P

Anyway, the Shadow Hawk does have its moments, specially when you decide it'll be a funny idea to utilise all 3 Ballistic Hardpoints!

Advent Cafe - Scarlet's Commissions are OPEN!!

As a new member of Advent Cafe, it is my duty to help out in any way I can. One of them is help with advertising. I'm rather good at advertising if I do say so myself!

Anyway, I am proud to present that Scarlet's Commissions are now OPEN!! For a limited time only!

Details are as follows:

MechWarrior: Online - Battlemaster BLR-1D Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

I tell you, the first time I saw the Hardpoints of the BLR-1D, I thought, wow this might be the weakest Battlemaster Variant! But then, careful thinking and trying out different Builds, I find that this Battlemaster is actually pretty cool. And it looks super BADASS with 3 Ballistic Weapons in it's Arm.

The only problem is, I can't find a build that utilises all 3 Ballistics. I either run way too slow, or way too hot. So far, I found the most optimal is to use 2 Ballistics. Least, it's worked better than 3.

This build runs quite similar to my BLR-1G(P) Build, but then again, they are very similar in Hardpoints.

The Atlas might be the "King of the Battlefield", but there's only one true "Master of the Battlefield" and that's the Battlemaster.

MechWarrior: Online - Battlemaster BLR-1G Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

I seriously suck at piloting Assault Mechs. I come to this conclusion from the fact that I lose more in an Assault Mech than I do in any other Mech (Lights notwithstanding). This doesn't make me a dreadful Assault Mech pilot. It's just that I'm not super beneficial to a team when I'm in one. Then again, every single game I've lost in a Battlemaster was due to Base Cap...

Truth be told, I average 500+ damage per game in my Battlemaster, and easily score a minimum of 1 Kill with the other 2 stolen... So I know my build works.

Anyway, a Battlemaster is a super fun Mech to play. Anyone who hasn't bought the Overlord Package, I feel super sorry for you! You're seriously missing out on so much fun!

The Atlas might be the "King of the Battlefield", but there's only one true "Master of the Battlefield" and that's the Battlemaster.

MechWarrior: Online - Thunderbolt (TDR-5S, TDR-5SS, TDR-9SE) Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Project Phoenix has finally arrived!! Everybody should've had a few days to mess around with each Mech whilst trying to find something super effective, that suits their taste. As for me, I've tried everything excluding the Shadow Hawk (haven't thought of anything cool for it yet).

From what I've tried, the Locust kinda sucks. Well I was expecting it to suck until set Tonnage Limits, but even then it'll suck. Super easy to One-Shot! In addition, the Locust which was suppose to be unique in that it was suppose to be the only Light Mech that can break the 150kph speed cap... well we know how the devs are XD

The Battlemaster is super fun to pilot, but I just can't seem to pull off Assaults. Maybe I need to try and Speed Tweak it before I can become a better Battlemaster Pilot. But then, I've just been doing dreadfully, I can easily score 500+ damage on average, but I just die heaps and haven't really won any game. Guess fate is telling me to play the Thunderbolt.

Out of all these Phoenix Mechs, I pilot the Thunderbolt the best. Maybe it's because it was the first Mech I ever laid eyes on, and I practically grew up loving it.

Anyway, these are the Thunderbolt Builds I've been using, and so far they're quite effective.

MechWarrior: Online - In-Game Phoenix Mech Images Leaked!!

Well we just got a massive load of images dumped!! The Locust, Shadow Hawk, Thunderbolt and Battlemaster Phoenix Mech images have just been leaked. Well they were leaked several hours ago.

Anyway, we a size comparison for all 4 of these Phoenix Mechs. I'll give you a warning however, PGI got 3 out of 4 Phoenix Mechs correct. Size wise, they screwed up majorly on the Shadow Hawk... and people wonder why they don't see many Medium Mechs about... maybe it's got something to do with them scaled terribly and are about the size of an Assault Mech...

Image source is from [here]. However, I have replicated the images below.

MechWarrior: Online - Beginner Mech Builds: Part 2, Heavy BattleMechs

Image courtesy of Shimmering Sword

What I've decided to do, is to help new players get acquainted with MWO. I won't be providing a Mentoring service in game; however I am willing to answer questions and explain things to a new/beginner player. I am by no means a "pro" however I'm pretty decent if I do say so myself. I know my way around a MechLab and generally build pretty decent/effective Mechs.

On average, a new player who recently finished their Cadet Bonus will have approximately 8 mil CBills to 10 mil CBills. Unfortunately, to have a decent/powerful Heavy Mech Build, one must be willing to spend more than what they could earn with the Cadet Bonus. Which means that the "Beginner Builds" I'll suggest are all within the budget of 13 mil CBills.

With the introduction taken care of; Welcome to Part 2 of Beginner Mech Builds, the Heavy BattleMech!

MechWarrior: Online - In-Game Shadow Hawk Variant Image Leaked!

I tell thee, ComStar is having major security issues. I wonder who's risking their life to provide us MechWarriors with such juicy images and information? I too would like to help his/her organisation in hacking ComStar! I'm a MechWarrior, I can provide protection!

Anyway, check out the Shadow Hawk Variant image above! It's sporting the (recently) unlocked Flame pattern.

Which Shadow Hawk Variant is it? I know. I also know what Hardpoints it comes with! :P

MechWarrior: Online - In-Game Thunderbolt Image Leaked!

Short post today. In-Game Thunderbolt image has been leaked! This time I dunno by who. Well I kinda know that NGNG posted it up on their Facebook, but I have no idea who they got it from.

Anyway, I really quite like it. It's a little bit meh, but maybe its the angle. But I like it, mainly cos if captures the Thunderbolt truly. The off-center Cockpit and the Missile Rack!! The Side Torsos seem quite easy to hit; the Center Torso as well.

I dunno, it feels bulky. I hope the Hitboxes will be good on this thing... I hope... It deserves it; it is the legendary Thunderbolt after all!

MechWarrior: Online - In-Game Shadow Hawk and Battlemaster Images Leaked!

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Well guess what? We're practically one week away from getting our hands on the Phoenix Mechs!! ALL 12 Phoenix Mechs!! I seriously super can't wait!! This is gonna be super AWESOME!!

I'm already having major difficulties trying to choose which to pilot first. I'm thinking Shadow Hawk as it can fulfill the Striker roll I excel at. But the Thunderbolt is super fantastic!! Then we have the Battlemaster in all it's Assault Mech glory!! And we have the super tiny Locust who's just, well the Locust, 'nuff said.

Anyway, Russ Bullock has leaked the Shadow Hawk and Battlemaster in-game image. Thank you Russ, you're making me super excited!

Check it out, right meow!!

MechWarrior: Online - Victor 'Build Dump'

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com

'Build Dump' is a new segment where I basically dump a huge amount of Mech Builds in one go. These builds can range anywhere between "Tried and Tested" to a complete new "Theory Build".

Unfortunately, due to how many Mech Builds are being dumped, I won't be putting any description of how that build should be played (I'll leave that for the individual Mech Build posts).

However, I will provide the bare essential details in the following format:

Role:

Speed:

Firepower: 

Armour:

Cost:

Weapon Groups

Primary Weapon Group:

Secondary Weapon Group:

Without further ado, let's dump the builds!

MechWarrior: Online - Boar's Head Released and Build Idea

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com

Today is patch day! Least it's patch day down here in Australia. Remember, Time Zones are super crazy, I'm 10 Hours into the future!!

Anyway, today's Patch Notes are pretty big. Big as in, a new map, Crimson Strait; and more importantly, the most expensive and largest HeroMech to date, the Atlas HeroMech, Boar's Head!

Seems I was totally wrong. It's just a complete random HeroMech not based on any existing Custom Atlas. I was right about the Hardpoints though.

Anime 'of the Month'

'of the Month' is a new segment where I basically spotlight 'Something Awesome'. This will happen on the 1st of each month.

So what is 'Something Awesome'? Well 'Something Awesome' can range from Artists, Music, Movies, Games and anything else that is worth mentioning! If you know 'Something Awesome' that should be mentioned on my Blog, then just share it in the comments!

'Something Awesome' this month is: