MechWarrior: Online - Shadow Hawk SHD-2H(P) Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Some people find that the Shadow Hawk SHD-2H(P) to be the weakest of all 3 Shadow Hawk variants. This is primarily due to the 3 Ballistic hardpoints.

Well let me tell you something naysayers, the SHD-2H(P) is far from weak! It's actually extremely powerful, BECAUSE of it's 3 Ballistic hardpoints!

Hell, the SHD-2H(P) is probably my favourite Shadow Hawk variant just because how cool it looks with 3 Ballistic weapons mounted in its Left Torso!

"All warfare is based on deception."
- Sun Tzu

MechWarrior: Online - Shadow Hawk SHD-5M Build

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com/phoenix

Shadow Hawks are becoming; or rather have become everyone's favourite Phoenix Mech; and for good reason too. They're unfortunately super tall for a Medium Mech; however they have good mobility, good hitboxes and have a high mounted Ballistic Hardpoint. Their only 2 failings are how super tall they are (as per usual PGI cannot scale Mechs properly) and the fact that the current Meta favours Heavy and Assault BattleMechs.

However, that doesn't make the Shadow Hawk obsolete they are a very good Medium Mech, easily able to hold their own against other Mechs. They're very versatile, and work very well in packs of 3 to 4.

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak."

- Sun Tzu

Chaos Space Marine - Obliterator Conversion Painted

Guess what? After a long hiatus from Warhammer 40k, I'm back! And I've finally finished painting my favourite Chaos Space Marine Units, the Obliterator.

It's about time too, it's been practically a year since I first converted these guys, but they're practically done! I might need to "dirty" them up a bit by using some weathering powders, but eh; I'm happy with how they are.

Anyway, less talk and MOAR pics!

MechWarrior: Online - Orion Protector Build

Image courtesy of the MechWarrior: Online Wiki

Well, well... Never thought I would ever buy the Orion Protector HeroMech. I never regarded the Orion as a good Mech due to the hitbox issue. But it was on sale! I can't resist sales! Well I can, but it's an Orion... it's the closest thing to an Atlas you'll ever see me in!

The Orion was pretty dreadful due to its hitbox issue prior patch (November 19th, 2013). Post patch however, I've been hearing reports that the Orion is so much better now. I can confirm exactly this! The Orion is like a whole new Mech now. Admitedly, my Center Torso still takes the full brunt of the damage; however if I twist, my Side Torsos take the damage instead.

By the time I die, usually all my Torsos have practically no armour, with their internals shot!

I really enjoy piloting the Orion! I truly do. PGI did really well with this Patch.

"Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack."

- Sun Tzu

MechWarrior: Online - Cataphract CTF-3D Build

Image courtesy of the MechWarrior: Online Wiki

Well guess what? Cataphracts are now my all time favourite Mech in MWO. I used to think they were super ugly, but that look kinda grows on ya. Like I said, it's like a Pug (I mean the dog). Pugs are super ugly, but they're super KAWAII!!!

Anyway, out of all the current Cataphract variants, the most powerful and versatile is easily the CTF-3D. None of the other variants can remotely compare to it. Don't get me wrong, the Ilya Muromets is a close 2nd, with the CTF-1X clearly the 3rd choice. But the CTF-3D easily trumps them all.

First of all, it has 2 Ballistic Hardpoints, 4 Energy and Jump Jets. It's got superb maneuverability for a 70 Ton Mech, with a good Hitbox.

It can literally do everything. However, one of my favourite builds on this thing, utilises its strengths as a Brawler

"Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack."

- Sun Tzu

MechWarrior: Online - Heavy BattleMech I want Included

Image courtesy of sarna.net

People have been wishing for certain/specific Mechs to be included in the game, the first of which is the much loved Marauder and the Warhammer (ignoring all Medium Mechs as there will be no more Medium Mechs up until Clans come out).

However, those 2 Mechs will never be included unless Harmony Gold can yank that stick that's been shoved right up their *** [Insert Super Harmony Gold Hate].

Right, regaining composure, since neither of those Mechs will be included (I'll eat my words when a miracle happens), I reckon a very good Heavy Mech that should be included is, the Hammerhands.

The Hammerhands is a Mech featured in the 3075 Technical Readout, in which it's the predecessor to the iconic and much loved Warhammer.

MechWarrior: Online - Stalker '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 - Jester Released and Build Idea

Image courtesy of mwomercs.com

I'm a tad late with this, but hey, better late than never right? Anyway, the Catapult HeroMech, Jester, has been released. As everyone expected, the Jester comes with Jump Jets, 6 Energy Hardpoints and 2 AMS. In addition, it has a very large engine capacity, making it super fast.

What's its weakness? The fact that it's Torso Twist is very restricted, matching that of a Thunderbolt or Dragon in terms of how far it can twist. Of course, this can be negated by Jump Jets.

I really cannot say much about this HeroMech to be honest. It really isn't outstanding. Maybe it's cos I'm waiting for the Misery and Dragon Slayer to go on sale... PGI did skip an Assault Mech sale last Month for some reason (only to be replaced by sub par Mechs on sale).

Why so serious?

MechWarrior: Online - Victor Dragon Slayer Build

Image courtesy of the MechWarrior: Online Wiki

I swear, ever since that tournament, poptart builds have become so much more prevalent. I remember only ever seeing 1 or 2 every game (per side), but now I see about 8 poptarts per side. It's seriously starting to borderline ridiculous!

As I've stated previously, I cannot argue against their effectiveness. I super detest them, but they do work, and they do work well.

Anyway, I believe you can guess what sort of Dragon Slayer build, today's build is. I'll give you one guess...

If you can't beat them, join them.

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: