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I see this as a much improved version. My issue with the original speed is that many "light" vehicles are fast hovertanks, or wheeled vehicles. Light and even some medium battle armor designs routinely jump 4 hexes, and designs with Magshots, Recoilless Rifles, RLs, Streaks, MLs, and even LRMs are becoming more common. Even something like the new Gauss Rifle infantry in the form of Jump or Motorized Infantry would give the original fits due to having weapons that out range the MG and SL, and enough mobility to make you chase them down.
Point taken. On balance, I agree, so I have rethought it and adjusted the engine.
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While still on the slow side for a light the newer version should have no trouble out maneuvering infantry. Would you consider using SPLs instead of the standard Smalls? With the newer rule set they work as a spray weapon similar to MGs. I would also consider dropping some of the MG ammo, and adding an extra ton of SRM ammo in the form of Infernos if you want an ammo weapon that will last forever, plus you can switch back and forth.
Nice catch, I'd forgotten about the way Pulse Lasers work now and I agree about the MG ammo, it's only the way it is because I used it as filler (no point leaving weight unaccounted for) while I am still refining the design. I agree that the speed is adequate for role and I made a conscious choice to design this 'Mech specifically with just enough speed for the task, as it's meant to represent a very specialist design.
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I still don't love the turret. While a lucky hit may not take out the whole mech it will take out a lot of the firepower, so it is a trade off that you either like or you don't. If you like it keep it.
Turret stays. :¬)
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The durability factor is still an issue, but that is the nature of the beast with a light mech. Even with the torso cockpit any heavy weapon is going to cause trouble. The CT, RT, LT, or head shot that breaches will be serious trouble. Again, it is one of those situations where it is worth it to you, or not. To me it isn't, but that is me. If a Gauss catches a light mech that section is going to buckle. If it is an old Wolfhound with no ammo, and spread out equipment you are still fighting unless you take it in the head or CT. With an XL, and ammo that becomes pretty much everywhere.
Agreed, but that's the point of Gauss weapons, really; they are devastating. Attempting to avoid that would compromise too many other design ideals, for me.
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Another suggestion if you free the tons is an AMS. It takes away most infantries best anti-armor weapon, or at least minimizes it.
Hmm, good point. I ought to have thought of that, really. I definitely think an AMS is going in.
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Durability is something I tend to rate highly in designs, so I'm biased against XLs in lighter mechs who can't use speed as armor.
Aye, I understand that one but I think, given the role, this one will 'get away with it' in a way that it wouldn't, were it facing down other 'Mechs. Unless you think I am badly underestimating the abilities of Infantry and Light Vehicles?
In summary, I shall now aim to add an AMS and adjust the ammo distribution but otherwise I think I have the essence of the final design.