mechagalaxy

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Bob Schlomer (355341): Weapon: Juke Mega

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Juke Mega

Type: Missile Damage: 55 Speed: 98 Cost: Special Specials: Fork 55%

Analysis: The Juke Mega comes in at that big group of 55 damage weapons. It's an interesting missile as it has a large Fork damage chance at that particular 55 level.

Overall: The Juke Mega should pair nicely with any missile mechs the pilot might have at Juke's level or even if the pilot wants to get creative.

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Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: War of `69. First day, final clashes.

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) War of `69. First day, final clashes. As the last grains of sand started passing down the gullets of the hourglasses, the various clans yet again had to asess the situation. Some of the fights were clearly over already, although the exact score depended on how much additional fighting was to take place. Other fights were more in balance, and could perhaps tilt either way. So the fighting continue toward the end of the day. All in all, only two Battles ended as totally onesided affairs, and in eighteen other cases were the scoresof the winners more than twice of the loosers. But some fights were much closer, and three of the fights saw a late reversal of fortunes When the fighting died down, the scores stood: Div 1 Odin`s secret chamber 140 - 10 Spirit of Bunny Only two more fights were recorded here. Both sides won one last time, giving O.s.c. a crushing 14-1 win over the Bunnies. Knights of Avalon 79 - 21 Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons The Dragons claimed one last win, but were still outscored better than 3-1 by the Knights. Probable round 2 Matchups: Odin`s secret chamber - Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons Knights of Avalon - Spirit of Bunny Div 2 Northwind Dragons 73 - 15 M&L Team Banzai   The Banzaiers managed to secure a couple more objectives, but as the Dragons won two dozen additional times the outcome was nearly a 5-1 rout. T.B. BlackWatch 32 - 30 Death Dealers The Dealers came back strongly toward the end, and were tied with BlackWatch. Then a couple failed strikes gave BlackWatch a narrow win. Probable round 2 Matchups: Northwind Dragons - Death Dealers T.B. BlackWatch - M&L Team Banzai Div 3 Black Star Lycan Rangers 62 - 17  Slaughter House 5 The Slaughterers were a spent force. The Rangers secured another handfull of objectives but stopped short of an outright 4-1 win. Star Bunnies 112 - 27 Omegas Neither side saw any point in further bloodshed. Probable round 2 Matchups: Black Star Lycan Rangers - Omegas Star Bunnies - Slaughter House 5 Div 4 Death`s Collectors 108 - 15 "R.V." R.V. had no way of getting back, so they didnt even try. The Collectors claimed a few more wins, but did not change the win ratio. M&L B.C. 13th A.D. 40 - 81 S.A.B.Le. The Cats managed to claim one last objective, but their total was still less than half of the Sables Probable round 2 Matchups: Death`s Collectors - S.A.B.Le. M&L B.C. 13th A.D. - "R.V." Div 5 Heroes 57 - 33 Diamond Dragons The Dragon counterattack fizzled out, while the Heroes claimed more than a dozen additional objectives for a solid win. Ronins 31 - 0 Alpha Legion The Legion failed to win any clashes in the last part of the battle as well, while the Ronins got a last couple unopposed wins. D.D.A. 25 - 45 Black Star Renegades The Renegades were unable to close the gap, and when the Renegades secured some additional objectives it was game over. Mad Scientist.7 61 - 54 Defenders of Bunny The Bunnies managed to keep in front of the Scientists until just before the end. Then a strong push from the Scientists turned the tables. Probable round 2 Matchups: Heroes - Mad Scientist.7 Ronins - Black Star Renegades D.D.A. - Alpha Legion Diamond Dragons - Defenders of Bunny Div 6 Death`s Revenge 32 - 52 Chess Dragons D.R. were caught pretty unprepared as the Dragons late offensive let them sweep the board. ARMORED CORE 31 - 10 M&L B.o.P.S. The Smurfs got another handfull of wins toward the end. Not enough to change the outcome even if A.C. hadnt laid claim to another bakers dozen of objectives. Smurf Platoon 85 - 2 M&L NecroManiacs The Necromancers managed to secure another objective, so even if the Smurfs got two additional handfulls the win ratio was brought below the 50-1 mark. T&T 17 - 80 Brotherhood Reborn T&T kept fighting despite the near impossibility of turning the fight. In the end The Brotherhood had won more than 80% of all the clashes. Probable round 2 Matchups: Armored Core - Chess Dragons Smurf Platoon - The Brotherhood Reborn Death`s Revenge - M&L B.o.P.S. T&T - M&L NecroMantics Div 7 T.I.o.M.T. 40 - 5 M&L A.R.S.E. As no further fighting took place, the Toys got a solid 8-1 win over the Smurfs. Black Star Bandits 39 - 0 *R.V.*' R.V. might have tried to surrender, but the Bandits kept attacking and got an unopposed win. Exiles 75 - 15 Deaths Hecklers A last handfull of fights took place. The Exiles won most of them, and ended with five times the Hecklers score. Behemoth 17 - 6 JC`s Rowdy Bunch The Bunch added a couple more objectives to their tally, but still ended up nearly a dozen behind the Behemoths. Probable round 2 Matchups: T.I.o.M.T. - Exiles Black Star Bandits - Behemoth M&L A.R.S.E. - Deaths Hecklers *R.V.* - JC`s Rowdy Bunch Div 8 Major Steel 40 - 4 Touhou As no further fighting took place the Steelers got a 10-1 floorwipe against Touhou. Mini Murdermechs 70 - 17 I.N.A. The Alliance claimed another handfull of wins, but Murdermechs kept hitting them and emerged with a solid 4-1 victory. Ronins 2 45 - 6 Karma Karma managed to claim another handfull of wins, but the Ronins counterstrike netted them more than a score aditional objectives, as well as a solid 7-1 win. Mad Scientist 1 58 - 60 Murdermech Micro The Scientists let their guard down, so when Murdermech came calling they managed to slip past and claim a narrow win. Probable round 2 Matchups: Major Steel - Ronins 2 Mini Murdermechs - Murdermech Micro Mad Scientist 1 - I.N.A. Touhou - Karma Div 9 Sigma Squadron 13 - 46 FireSong The Squadron got one last win, but were handed a 3-1 defeat by the Firesingers. Cold Dead Hands 41 - 2 RED AXE The Axemen failed to claim any more wins, while C.D.H. kept striking and ended up with a crushing 20-1 win. Probable round 2 Matchups: Sigma Squadron - RED AXE Cold Dead Hands - FireSingers

[mechagalaxy]

Joshua Bourne: Current War Interview with Chuck Auld #983400

Current War Interview with Chuck Auld #983400 ANN: Good morning, afternoon and evening ladies and gentlemen of the Galaxy! Today I am joined by a fledgeling Pilot by the name of Chuck Auld. Thank you for accepting this interview today. Might I ask what Clan you're fighting alongside this month? Chuck: Hi Thank you for having me.  I needed a break from the fighting in Clan War.  I am with the Murdermech Mircos - the smallest division of our clans.  Although a name change is coming after war.  What do you think of Purple People Eaters?  No?  Nah... Nevermind. ANN: That would indeed be a name change for the ages! As we are in the middle of the Clan War, you have already seen some action under your belt. Is there any opponent you're hoping you don't have to face? Chuck: Well, we just won our first round, and looking at the other winners we have Ronins 2, Major Steel,  & Murdermech Mini as our possibly adversaries in our next round.  To be honest, Ronins 2 would demolish us.  There has been an odd calculation in our placement in this division.  Our highest level is 30, yet we are going against many clans that have one or NO levels that are level 30 or lower.  In fact, Ronins is the only one those listed that has a single Level 30. The other two have none. Having said that, none of the clans in the next round have any real fear from the Micros.  If we get the Murdermech Minis, we will at least be able to get the 4 needed participation wins for our level 11 to 19's in the clan. If we get Ronins or Steel, we will need to ask them to have mercy on us and allow those hits. Hopefully they will be up for talks.  They seem like a good bunch. The last round we won 60 to 58. It was insanely close and literally came down to the last 10 minutes. I was very proud of my clan mates and the participation of everyone.  I want to thank Mad Scientist 1 [IPG] for an amazing round and nail-biter of a round.  That was a lot of fun. ANN: Those close round fights are always the best ones to have as it's usually intense all the way from start to finish. Hopefully there shall be more of those in your Clans future, maybe even this war! I have zero doubts that your next opponents will help those lower in your Clan to get their participation rewards however. The Galaxy is filled with fine fellows and even finer pilots. This month saw the potential to have 6(!) Specialists in each Clan. Did you make any extra preparations to get your own Specialists up to snuff to potentially counter your opponents? Chuck: I am one of those Non-Buyer players, so my Mech line-ups are all Crystal based for specialists.  One that I am really proud of is my SelfSame Formation, which is all Nephilax's.  I have been working really hard to get Golds in the KOTM, and I have been very lucky in some of those, ok... a lot of those. Out of 10 spaces available to me, I am able to fill 8 of them with Nephy's.  For my level I am pretty happy with that. I have some other Crystal formations, but as I am the highest level in the Micros, It was more important to protect the lower levels with specialists than myself.  For me it is more about prepping for my equipment and weapons to be the best I can have.  Again, winning bronze to gold in KOTM's have helped me acquire better weapons that are available to me in the store. ANN: Might I say a congratulations on being able to get so many Nephilax's so early on in your career! I do entirely understand that as a non-buyer your Specialist mechs are rather limited, but I'm sure everyone will praise you for the dedication that you put into sorting out your specialisms. Let's talk more on the side of Utility, and ask you how you like the latest changes to the Mecha Galaxy Engine. Do you think they're a good addition for pilots to have in their lives? Chuck: I have only been around for about 6 months or so, which means i have not seen the changes you veteran pilots have seen over the years, but the changes i have seen in the Hanger especially has been fantastic.  The collecting of like-weapons into one panel with a X variable was great.  Seeing 20 of the same weapon over and over was just mind-numbing.  A+ for that change. One of the problems I had in the store was fixed just recently where the words were too big in the link selections (Such as Cockpit, Engine, etc) and they were overlapping the Tonnage selection.  With one click, the Powers That Be fixed it and it is great now.  But the Hanger? That has been the best change easily. ANN: It's certainly fair to say that the changes to the Engine have been accepted widely across the Galaxy, many a pilot adopting these changes without issue and praising the Craftsmen for their efforts. On the subject of adjustments, if there was one change you could do within Mecha Galaxy, what would it be and why? Chuck: I would like to see a better Division break down in the Circuit fights.  Their are only three divisions, and the lowest is (typically( from level 10 to as high as 130, as low as 80 if lucky).  This is very disheartening to low levels that we need to fuel the game with new blood.  I worry that a large number of new people give up when faced with that kind of adversary. The KOTM used to have the same problem, albeit not as bad.  The lowest division went from 1 to about 40 consistently. I keep hearing a lot of old-timers talk of the old Division 10 that went away, but the change to how levels are placed in the KOTM recently has changed to make it MUCH better.  A level 30 like myself is now battling those around level 20-40.  Whereas the lower levels are only dealing with 1 to 20.  I am curious how this has affected the higher levels but I am not allowed near those areas yet.  Someday. ANN: I do have to agree that it does seem rather silly that after all this time we still live inside of a Galaxy where the lower levels are forced to face people triple, or even quadruple their level within the Circuit Fight scene, making Crystals a rather hard commodity to obtain, and even makes Nephilax's hard to obtain a lot of the time with KoTM's when they decide to be a bit strange. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this Interview that may interest the avid readers in the Galaxy? Chuck: To the Lower Levels: Stay the course.  This is a great place to be and there are fantastic people here that will help you.  Find a Clan, Learn, and Keep Fighting.   To the Veteran Pilots:  Don't forget what it was like to be a newbie.  Have patience and maybe, just maybe, don't step on the little guy if you see them in the KOTM.  Let them grab a bronze, even if it means you might have to forgo a medal that one time.  That bronze weapon prize means more to them than it will to you, I assure you.  Maybe that Newbie will make a great clan mate someday. Everyone:  Have fun.

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: War of `69. First day, main clashes.

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) War of `69. First day, main clashes. After the initial rush of forces to dominate the battlefields had reported back, the time had come for the clans to consider the initial results. Some clans clearly had been given the short end of the stick, but in other cases, the batlles fought pointed at possible ways to victory. Formations were assembled, some last tweaks done, and then the ready foces were hurled into the teeth of the opponents. Some reserves were still retained for last minute strikes, or just because there was no real need to crush and humiliate the opponents utterly, but most clans were still prepared to at least show some strength. When four hours of fighting remained, the scores stood: Div 1 Odin`s secret chamber 139 - 9 Spirit of Bunny Two additional dozen fights have been reported. As expected O.s.c. won the lions share of them, but the Bunnies got a couple wins as well. Knights of Avalon 79 - 20 Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons The Dragons have only managed to gain a single additional objective, while the Knights by now have outscored them nearly fourfold. Div 2 Northwind Dragons 49 - 13 M&L Team Banzai   Another bakers dozen skirmishes have been resolved, and the Dragons cleanad the Banzai`ers clocks in most of them. T.B. BlackWatch 29 - 16 Death Dealers The Dealers have rested their formations while BlackWatch have increased their advantage. Is this fight over, or will we see a strong counterattack toward the end of the battleday? Div 3 Black Star Lycan Rangers 57 - 17  Slaughter House 5 The Slaughterers have been quiet, and let the Rangers have their way with them. By now the Rangers have won better than 80% of the clashes, and a reversal of fortunes seem pretty unlikely. Star Bunnies 112 - 27 Omegas Both sides have claimed another bakers dozen wins. That still leaves the Omegas pretty far behind S.B. though. Div 4 Death`s Collectors 105 - 15 "R.V." The Collectors have managed to win seven clashes out of every eight against R.V. so far, and we have to consider this battle essentially over. M&L B.C. 13th A.D. 39 - 81 S.A.B.Le. The Cats have done their best, but the Sables have more than twice as many wins by now. Div 5 Heroes 43 - 31 Diamond Dragons A strong counterpush from the Heroes have let them get past the Dragons, and they are currently a dozen wins in front. Will this be enough for a win, or will the Dragons come back with a vengeance? Ronins 29 - 0 Alpha Legion No further fighting have been reported, so it looks like the Ronins might get an unopposed win against the Legion. D.D.A. 24 - 40 Black Star Renegades The Renegades are still in front, but the Asylants have reduced their advantage to just over a dozen. Can they push further and get past? Mad Scientist.7 49 - 53 Defenders of Bunny After lots of additional fighting the Scientists only need another handfull of wins to get past the Bunnies. Will this become a Match to Watch? Div 6 Death`s Revenge 24 - 23 Chess Dragons The Dragons advantage have evaporated, and D.R. is now a single point in front. I expect additional fighting, and the teams seem close enough that this probably will be a Match to Watch. ARMORED CORE 17 - 5 M&L B.o.P.S. The Smurfs have been pretty quiet, and have let A.C. build up a dozen win barrier. But will the Smurfs come back and turn the tables toward the end? Smurf Platoon 75 - 1 M&L NecroManiacs The Necromancers have managed to secure a single objective, but the Smurfs have better than half a gross more. T&T 11 - 67 Brotherhood Reborn T&T have managed to get some additional wins. But as the Brotherhood have more than six times as many, a reversal of fortunes seem very unlikely. Div 7 T.I.o.M.T. 40 - 5 M&L A.R.S.E. The Toys advantage have increased, and the Smurfs have no realistic hope of catching up. Black Star Bandits 24 - 0 *R.V.*' R.V. have yet to stir, while the Bandits count is up to two dozens. Exiles 72 - 13 Deaths Hecklers The Exiles have outscored the Hecklers to such a degree that this battle is effectively over. Behemoth 8 - 4 JC`s Rowdy Bunch This fight is still in the early stages as only a dozen clashes have been resolved., And while the Behemoths currently are in front, the Bunch tend to have a very strong finish. Will this be a Match to Watch? Div 8 Major Steel 40 - 4 Touhou Touhou have claimed some wins, but the Steelers have ten times as many. Mini Murdermechs 54 - 12 I.N.A. The Alliance have managed to scrape together a dozen objectives. But as Murdermechs have more than four times as many I think this fight essentially are decided. Ronins 2 24 - 1 Karma The Ronins have claimed two dozen objective, while Karma have just a single to their name. While a reversal of fortunes might be in the cards, at this time it seem pretty unlikely. Mad Scientist 1 57 - 49 Murdermech Micro The Scientists have finally gotten their formations onto the field, and currently they have swept past Murdermech. But a strong counterpush could well reverse the result.  This might become a Match to Watch. Div 9 Sigma Squadron 12 - 28 FireSong The Firesingers seem to have captivated the Squadron. Cold Dead Hands 29 - 2 RED AXE The Axemen are more than two dozen wins behind C.D.H. so a reversal of fortunes semm highly unlikely.

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Clan Wars 3369 Interview Sal Vezzosi ID # 694183- I am here with Sherriff Wretham ID.#69187

Clan Wars 3369 Interview Sal Vezzosi ID # 694183- I am here with Sherriff Wretham ID.#69187 Good afternoon Sherriff how are you doing on the first day of war? Sherriff - Pretty quiet out there Sal. Just a bit of rng. It is always a shock to someone who you don’t expect any problems with, It is a bit more work to go through my formations prior to the was beginning with 6 specs to tune up. With the ongoing problem of weapons and/or equipment dropping off it can be challenging to get them all geared up. Sal Vezzosi -Let's get started with this Sal Vezzosi - So with 6 specialist how you feel the competition is for you ? Sherriff Wretham -It is always a shock to someone who you don’t expect any problems with. It is a bit more work to go through my formations prior to the was beginning with 6 specs to tune up. With the ongoing problem of weapons and/or equipment dropping off it can be challenging to get them all geared up. Sal Vezzosi - That can be a problem for sure at times 2. Sal Vezzosi - What do you think can speed of the tuning for specs to make it easy on everyone ? Sherriff Wrethham -Although the new hangar is far superior to the old one, there are still elements that could use more. I speak of the side hangars I have always dreamed of. A place to stow certain groups of mechs that are not used often. Pull them out to the main hangar when needed Sal -Vezzosi That is a excellent idea to be considered , Have maybe multiple storages ? Maybe we could share this idea with the devs . 3. Sal Vezzosi -Do you think there are too many specialists in the game and what do you think should be a max number if any? Sherriff Wrethham -I love the specialists! Collecting, upgrading and equipping all the different mechs is a joy to me. It allows for interaction with lots of different pilots, plus the challenge of getting your best equipment to work on different mechs. Love that 4. Sal Vezzosi - How do you think your clan will do over all in the war? Sherriff Wretham - Oh we will win. We always do. We simply have more of the best players in the game than any other clan does. There are certainly some amazing opponents for us to watch out for and strive to be able to beat as individuals, but our clan takes the gold. Sal Vezzosi - The competition has been on the rise with some great pilots for sure . 5. Sal Vezzosi - Do you have any ideas for future wars and if so what are they ? Sherriff Wretham- Sorry for the interruption. It might be interesting to take the top players from div1 and put them by 2s or 3s into the lower clans so there would be no div1 for that war. There could be a lot of pitfalls, but it could be interesting and valuable to the lower clans. The payoffs would.have to be well thought out. Just an idea. Sal Vezzosi - Hmm ,That would be interesting for maybe a new chaos war? Sherriff Wretham -Yes it would be chaos. Important to announce placings early enough for the Div1 to get in and get to know their “new” clan. Sal Vezzosi -So in concluding this interview is there anything you would like to say or add ? Sherriff Wretham - A huge shout out to all my clan, and to our opponents. Though I might cuss your names when I can’t beat you - you inspire a great deal of fun. Sal Vezzosi -I thank you for your time Sherriff and good luck to you in the war

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: War of `69. First day, initial clashes

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) War of `69. First day, initial clashes. The rumors had been swirling, and it was hard to discern what the threath really was this time. As far as the concensus among the pilots I talked to were, it looked like some kind of civil war among the forerunner disciples were brewing. What this was about was anyones guess, but as Drochah had been trapped in the Chronide decades back, quite a few clans thought the threath to the Galaxy at large this time were neglible, and didnt want to be caught between warring fanatics. So only fifty-two clans, having a total of 443 Commanders among them signed up for the testing who would determine what planet they were to restore peace upon. After nearly ten hours of fighting, the scores stood: Div 1 Odin`s secret chamber 118 - 7 Spirit of Bunny O.s.c. have as expected started to steamroll the Bunnies. So far they have outscored them by more than five-score objectives. Knights of Avalon 48 - 19 Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons The Knights have gained the upper hand, but the Dragons have gotten in some serious licks of their own as well. Div 2 Northwind Dragons 39 - 12 M&L Team Banzai   As the Dragons have claimed more than 75% of all the wins so far, the question is if the Banzai`ers can come back. T.B. BlackWatch 21 - 16 Death Dealers BlackWatch have managed to gain an advantage, but the Dealers are just a handfull of wins behind. Div 3 Black Star Lycan Rangers 34 - 17  Slaughter House 5 The Rangers have so far claimed twice as many objectives as the Slaughterers. Star Bunnies 99 - 14 Omegas S.B. have fastened what looks like a death grip on the Omegas. Div 4 Death`s Collectors 94 - 13 "R.V." The Collectors have beaten R.V. in over 85% of the clashes reported so far. M&L B.C. 13th A.D. 31 - 55 S.A.B.Le. The Cats are trying to keep in contact with the Sables, but are still a couple dozen wins behind. Div 5 Heroes 10 - 20 Diamond Dragons It is still early in the fighting, but the Dragons have managed to claim twice as many wins as the Heroes. Ronins 29 - 0 Alpha Legion The Ronins have had a field day so far, and have met no mentionable resistance from theLlegion. D.D.A. 7 - 28 Black Star Renegades The Renegades have beaten the Asylants in 80% of the clashes we have seen so far. Mad Scientist.7 20 - 42 Defenders of Bunny The Scientists are being outnumbered and outscored by angry Bunnies. Div 6 Death`s Revenge 12 - 15 Chess Dragons The Dragons have managed to gain a slight lead, but D.R. are just a few objectives behind. ARMORED CORE 9 - 5 M&L B.o.P.S. The total number of clashes reported is pretty low, but A.C. have gained a slight advantage over the Smurfs. Smurf Platoon 52 - 0 M&L NecroManiacs The Smurfs have kicked Necromancer butts up and down the battlefield for hours, without taking any casualities of their own. T&T 3 - 44 Brotherhood Reborn The Brotherhoods opening offensive have left T&T way behind. Div 7 T.I.o.M.T. 31- 2 M&L A.R.S.E. The Toys have knocked the Smurfs out of balance and surged ahead. Can the Smurfs recover, or is this fight efectively over already? Black Star Bandits 10 - 0 *R.V.*' The Bandits have grabbed a double handfull of unopposed wins, but surely R.V. will respond. Exiles 30 - 6 Deaths Hecklers The Exiles have claimed five times as many wins as the Hecklers. Behemoth 1 - 2 JC`s Rowdy Bunch This fight have barely begun yet. But for the moment the Bunch hold the whip hand over the Behemoths. Div 8 Major Steel 13 - 0 Touhou The Steelers have claimed a bakers dozen unopposed wins, and some might wonder if Touhou plans to enter the battlefield at all. Mini Murdermechs 7 - 2 I.N.A. This fight is still in the opening stages, but Murdermechs have claimed a handfull objectives more then the Alliance. Ronins 2 14 - 0 Karma The Ronins have claimed more than a dozen objectives without any resistance worth mentioning from Karma. Mad Scientist 1 0 - 21 Murdermech Micro The Scientists have not stirred yet, while Murdermech have claimed more than a score objectives. Div 9 Sigma Squadron 0 - 0 FireSong No action have been reported from this front. Cold Dead Hands 14 - 1 RED AXE The Axemen have claimed a single objective but C.D.H. have a bakers dozen more.

[mechagalaxy]

Joshua Bourne:Pre War Interview with Bernard Johnson #922277

Pre War Interview with Bernard Johnson #922277 ANN: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today I'm joined by one of the fiercest Pilots this side of the Galaxy, it's the one and only Bernard Johnson! Could you please tell the audience what Clan you're fighting alongside this Month? Bernard: "Odin's Secret Chamber"...used to be Warlocks. The Wizard in the Sky changes these things for no apparent reason! ANN: You're fighting alongside the reigning champions of the Galaxy once again! They are truly lucky to have you alongside them, even if it is under a new name. Is there any of the opposition laid out before you that you're worried of facing? Bernard: The so-called 'Knights of Avalon' are always atough fight...formally Leviathan. (The Wizard got to them too!) They have a broad range of top Specialists; and with 6 Specs, it's going to be close. ANN: Leviathan has always been a solid contender for the crown of Champion, and the classic fights between Warlock and Leviathan have made many a story in the past. With the added specialist slots this month I would not be surprised if another such tale comes out because of it! Speaking of such, what is your opinion on this months amount of Specialist slots, and have you made many an effort to try and make up for the lack of Unlimited Specialised opponents? Bernard: First..AAAAARGH!! Secondly, no. Most of us have the specs to work with; but there's a clear demarcation between those with 'specs' and those with TOP SPECS! We have always had pilots with specs that were almost impossible for anyone in their weight classs to beat. Every Division gets a few of those. I made my name in Single Rainbow! You just have to have enough to get at least 1 more point than your opponants! ANN: Very well said. Sometimes you have to concede that you're not going to full clear an opponent when they're on their home ground in terms of Specialisation. Might I ask what your opinions are on the latest improvements within the Mecha Galaxy Engine? Bernard: Except for a snafu in the hanger today; I think it's great! Everything works smoother and faster for updates and upgrades and reloads. I do wish the Weapon Cards would go away after 1 second thiough...INSTEAD OF BLOCKING THE SCREEN FOR ALL ETERNITY AND SIX MONTHS LONGER EVEN!! ANN: I'm sure the Games Craftsmen will take that on board and change it for the future as to appease the playerbase, especially ones with power such as yourself. On the subject of change, if you could make one adjustment to the game, what would it be and why? Bernard: More variety to equipment. We all figure out that speed and damage are king by the time we get to level 50. Either change the WHOLE game or have some of these things redesigned. Who would ever put 'Caspian Legs' on any of their Mecha?? Who would ever spend money on a 'Precision Drive'?! Update the equipment so we can all obsess about what to get and what to put it on. Right now there are only 2 or 3 viable options for any slot in each weight class...and evryone knows what they are! MIX IT UP!! WE WANT TO STRESS ABOUT WHAT TO BUY!! ANN: Very well said indeed. I agree wholeheartedly on this as it is important to see how all the Pilots in the Galaxy would build their mecha's in an ideal world, rather than the current one where there's only the same "meta" builds throughout. Do you have any final words for the avid viewers of the Galaxy? Bernard: Sure...DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN! YOU HEAR ME?! YOU! YEAH, YOU...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! DON'T! JUST DON'T OR I'LL COME DOWN THERE AND STAPLE YOUR BUTT TO YOUR FACE!! I can do it too! ANN: Truly inspiring words to live by. To all those out there, I hope you have a bag of popcorn ready because this Clan War is going to be a doozy in Division 1

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: How well do you know the various clans?

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) How well do you know the various clans? Test your knowlegde and win some Niodes. We have another war coming up, and again Nick`s Casino offers us the possibility to place a friendly wager or two. For the low cost of 5 Niodes until the fighting start (or 10 Niodes during the first half of the first battleday), we are allowed to try and predict the Gold winners in all the nine divisions. If you get all of them right, the payout will be 100 Niodes, but if even if  one of the predictions are wrong you will  get nothing. As usual, those participating in the war get an automatic correct for their own division, so they only have to identify the eight other division winners to claim the Niodes. Here follows a brief description of the divisions and the competing clans in the format: Name, members (weighted average) specialists. I will also try to guess at the pairings and make my predictions on who the likely winners are. But while all my prdictions came true last war, I generally tend to make a few mistakes. So if you have better intelligence, trust yourself. And keep in mind. For your prediction to be right, the clan you put as favorites have to win all three battles. We have had wars where a division was tied with three Silvers, and in `67 two clans were suspended in the lowest divison so there were no Gold winning clan there. Div 1 ..........................Knights of Avalon, 11 (503) 2x 30, 40, 1200, DR, TR ................Odin`s secret chamber, 11 (489), 25, 65, 1200, 2x 2600, DR Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons, 7 (465) 10, 80, 1200 ...................................Spirit of Bunny, 8 (446) 10, 55, TR Possible round 1 matchups: Knights of Avalon - Spirit of Bunny Odin`s secret chamber - Brotherhood of Arcane Dragons Despite the Knights of Avalons higher average, Odin`s secret chamber have won too many times to not be held as favorites. Div 2 .......................M&L Team Banzai, 8 (375) 70, 1200 ...............................Death Dealers, 7 (366) 40, 1200 ...................Northwind Dragons, 7 (287) 80, DR, Laser The Brotherhood BlackWatch, 7 (237) 90, SR, DR, TR Possible round 1 matchups: M&L Team Banzai - T.B. BlackWatch Death Dealers - Northwind Dragons Northwind Dragons have ruled div 2 for a long time, and might get the Gold this time as well. But the Death Dealers will probably give them a hard fight. Div 3 ........................Star Bunnies, 9 (234) 20, 70, 1200, 2x SR, DR ..............................Omegas, 12 (221) 2x 10, 20, 55, 2x DR ............Slaughter House 5, 8 (217) SR, DR Black Star Lycan Rangers, 8 (214) Possible round 1 matchups: Star Bunnies - Black Star Lycan Rangers Omegas - Slaughter House 5 Despite having the lowest average, -and not even a single specialist, I still  think the Black Star Lycan Rangers are too strong for the other clans to beat. Div 4 ...................................Death`s Collectors, 7 (210) 2x 40, 55, 2x 1200, DR M&L Black Cats 13th Armored Div, 10 (208) 10, 40, 2x 1200, SR, DR ...............Star Avengers Bunny League, 8 (196) 2x 10, 30, SR "Raging Vengeance", 13 (194) 2x 10, TR, Fire, Missile Possible round 1 matchups: Death`s Collectors - "R.V." M&L B.C. 13th A.D. - S.A.B.Le. The Collectors seem to be the strongest clan here. Div 5 .......................................Heroes, 11 (185) 20, 2x 70, DR ..........................................Ronins, 7 (164) 3x 1200. 2x 2600 Death`s Disturbed Asylum, 10 (163) 20, 2x 1200, DR, Fire .........................Mad Scientist.7, 8 (158) 30, 2x 40, SR ...................Diamond Dragons, 7 (149) SR, Ice .............................Alpha Legion, 7 (148) Missile .............Black Star Renegades, 7 (137) 65, SR, DR ................Defenders of Bunny, 9 (126) 20, 40, 3x 1200 Probable round 1 matchups: Heroes - Diamond Dragons Ronins - Alpha Legion D.D.A. - Black Star Renegades Mad Scientist.7 - Defenders of Bunny The Ronins look to be the strongest clan here. Div 6 ..........................Death`s Revenge, 9 (122)  20, 70, SR, 2x DR, Ice ..........................ARMORED CORE, 7 (121) 20, 55, 1200 .............................Smurf Platoon, 12 (115) 20, 80, 2x 1200, DR ...............Today and Tomorrow, 10 (111) 25, 40, 55, DR ............................Chess Dragons, 15 (108) 30, 70, 90 SR M&L Brigade of Patrol Smurfs, 12 (96) Cannon, Laser, Missile .......................M&L NecroManiacs, 9 (95) 20 ......................Brotherhood Reborn, 9 (93) 10, 20, 55, SR Probable round 1 matchups: Death`s Revenge - Chess Dragons ARMORED CORE - M&L B.o.P.S. Smurf Platoon - M&L NecroManiacs T&T - Brotherhood Reborn This is not the easist division to predict. But the Chess Dragons have beaten off stiff opposition before, and will probably do so again. Div 7 The Isle of Misfit Toys, 12 (90) 10, 2x  40, 55, 2x 70 ..........Black Star Bandits, 9 (90) DR .................................Exiles, 11 (90) 10, 3x 20, 40 DR .........................Behemoth, 7 (85) 10, 55 ....................M&L A.R.S.E. 7 (70) 4x 950, SR, DR .*Raging Vengeance*, 10 (58) 10, 30, 55, 420, Missile .............Deaths Hecklers, 8 (56) 10, 20, 30, 40, 55, 950 .........JC`s Rowdy Bunch, 8 (54) 20, 30, 630, SR, TR Probable round 1 matchups: T.I.o.M.T. - M&L A.R.S.E. Black Star Bandits - *R.V.* Exiles - Deaths Hecklers Behemoth - JC`s Rowdy Bunch This will probably be decided between The Isle of Misfit toys and the Black Star Bandits. The Bandits might be a hair stronger, but the Toys additional specialists will probably make this a very close race. Div 8 ............Major Steel, 11 (50) 20, 420, 630, SR, DR .Mini Murdermechs 8 (51) 10, 2x 25, 30, Fire ...................Ronins 2, 12 (47) 2 x 30, 420, 630, DR ...........Mad Scientist , 9 (31) .........................Touhou, 9 (28) 10, Ice ..Indo Nusa Allince, 11 (26) 150 ..........................Karma, 12 (25) 20, 30 Murdermech Micro, 10 (22) DR Probable round 1 matchups: Major Steel - Touhou Mini Murdermechs - I.N.A. Ronins 2 - Karma Mad Scientist 1 - Murdermech Micro Here we will probably get another close decision, -this time between Major Steel and Mini Murdermechs. Last time they met was in `67 and since the Steelers won that time, I give them a slight edge this time as well. Div 9 Sigma Squadron, 13 (21) .Cold Dead Hands, 7 (20) ..................FireSong, 8 (19) 5x 10, 40 ..................RED AXE, 9 (16) Fire, 2x Cannon, 3x Laser Possible round 1 matchups: Sigma Squadron - RED AXE Cold Dead Hands - FireSong This is perhaps the most open division of them all. But while all clans can win, I think the most likely candidate here will be Cold Dead Hands

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1444

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1444 Brought to you by ANN Highlighting the October 3369 10 Red tons The suspicion of Clarke Federation agents among the Gaming Authorities rose abruptly as an Ant event were announced during the raids. Fortunately, said agents didnt manage to make it a Chrono, so until the scramble aproached Commanders were free to use their best formations to hammer away at the raiding forces. But as the scramble aproached many Commanders, -me included, dusted off their Ants and made their way to the mountains to compete for glory, prizes, -and if lucky, fresh Nephilaxes. I did not think our odds of claiming one were especially high. Even though we were back to fighting on K4 there were still opponents having licences up to three dozen higher than us. And my experience have been that in an Ant event the winner will usually be the one having most Ants and most weapons on them. But my crew was still game, and with a full complement of Supers as well as filled lockers of regular and large hatorades we were as prepared as it was possible to be. To my delight (but not surprise) about half of the opponents had failed to bring Ant formations to the mountains, so getting into the higher foothills was not a problem. And as we had the fifth highest licence among the Ant formations we managed to claim a spot on the slopes as well. By pouring down prodigous amounts of hatorades the top eventually fell to our forces, and that was when the trouble started. Darren Jackson from Myth & Legends Team Banzai had designs on the top as well. And as he had seven full six-Ant lines compared to our five full and two five-Ant Lines he had a serious advantage. Of course, each of his Ants carried five weapons more than ours as well, so we were outnumbered, outmassed and outgunned. But my crew refused to give up, and time after time they assaulted Jacksons forces. The exchange rate was ruinously in his favor, it took an average of five tries to displace him each time he pushed us off the top. As the struggle went on, the hatorade compartments emptied, and the locked compartments containing Unification and contaminated hatorades had to be opened as well. In the end I was munching Cookies to keep up the pressure but we were on our last legs when the light finally flashed. Those who held the tops at that time were: Div 1 459+ (22 Commanders): Jeff Haas, O.s.c. (17s) 2: Bernard Johnson 3: Sal vezzosi Jr 4: Claude Poirier 5: Lewis Reed 6: Gary Muenzel 7: Mk Mathews 8: Robert C Goetz 9: Shawn Wretham 10: Were Wolf Div 2 -458 (16 Commanders): Jay Fleharty, B.o.A.D. (4m,22s) Div 3 -356 (15 Commanders): Richard Kotomski, Avengers of Bunny (21h,52m) Div 4 -230 (17 Commanders): Sten Hugo Hiller, Star League (22s) Div 5 -167 (19 Commanders): Luc Lachance, Ronins (4m,37s) Div 6 -136 (12 Commanders): Monte Wehr, MurderBots (2h,44m) Div 7 -103 (24 Commanders): Mike Slowenski, Chess Dragons (6m,24s) Div 8 -73 (17 Commanders): Kimberly Horn, Mini Murdermechs (16m,24s) Div 9 -41 (23 Commanders): Chuck Auld, Murdermechs Micro (1h,16m) 3+4+7(1S)+6+5+5+3+7+0= One Silver and thirty-nine bronzes were awarded to Commanders who obviously had overweight mechs in their formations. Total Contestants: 175 Total medals claimed: 132 (of 135 possible) Compared to the Banshee event we had back in September, two dozen additional Commanders signed up for the fighting. Despite this increase, the imbalance between the tops resulted in a trio of unclaimed Bronzes on K6, which had to be returned for resmelting after the award ceremony. The last half-hour saw six Golds changing hands at least once, two of them decided less than a half-minute before the event ended. Two Golds were however held for at least two hours. So we had pretty solid fighting, -at least for the Golds this time. But was the competition equally fierce when it came to the rest of the prizes? To figure that out, we need to count the number of medals held for more than 30 minutes in this event: .............Silvers......Bronzes Div 1 ....0 of 4.........0 of 10 Div 2 ....2 of 4.........6 of 10 Div 3 ....4 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 4 ....0 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 5 ....2 of 4.........7 of 10 Div 6 ....2 of 4.........3 of 7 Div 7 ....0 of 4.........0 of 10 Div 8 ....2 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 9 ....3 of 4.........8 of 10 There was action on all of the tops, although only Mount Olympus and K7 saw all the medals changing hands. A total of twenty-one Silvers(58%) and thirty-nine Bronzes(45%) was in play, giving both a lower turnover than the 67% the Golds had. This became one of the "none" events. None of the clans claimed more than one Gold, none of the unaligned Commanders managed to secure a Gold and none of the last events winners got a follow-up Gold either. Upcoming event: Top Line only This will be one of the special events where only Mechs in certain positions of the formation will be included in the fighting. In this case, only the Mechs in the upper line will fight. This do make most of the multitargeting worthless, but Trample will be much more effective. Event ends March 2 between 1830 and 1900 New York Time

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1443

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1443 Brought to you by ANN Highlighting the October 3369 Banshee Chrono The Gaming Authorities decreed this was a time for the 30 ton Banshee to shine. No other models would be allowed to fight on the eight highest tops (on K9 they had an unlimited event). And to make sure we paid attention, they made it a Chrono to boot. NOT an idea I apreciated. There were still plenty of raiding forces from the Clarke Federation around, and while the Banshee`s are really good Mechs for their weight, putting them up against  Huge-BFMs is close to murder. On the other hand, it could have been worse. When the lighter Elite models are choosen for such events, the number of Mechs avialible to the great majority of the Commanders is somewhere between low and zero. So putting the few Mechs they have into the main formation will only dilute the combat power to a small degree, not almost remove it as would be the case if they had to bring full formations of say Red Ants to the mountains. As for us, the two Banshee`s we have took the place of a couple Cyclops and we went to the mountains. None of the opponents had stripped down to Banshee`s only, and quite a few of them didnt seem to have any at all. So we managed to mostly stay an the high-yield spots, but as others had more Banshee`s we ended up in the second line when the prizes were awarded. Those who stood in the first line were: Div 1 402+ (27 Commanders): Ben Rail, Knights of Avalon (+22450) 2: Sal Vezzosi Jr 3: Shawn Wretham 4: Were Wolf 5: Sherriff Leary Wretham 6: Jeff Haas 7: Chong Chin 8: Lewis Reed 9: Chad Leon Baker 10: Gary Muenzel Div 2 -401 (8 Commanders): George Warren, O.s.c. (+4940) Div 3 -312 (20 Commanders): Roman Himmelhan, Death`s Collectors (+2060) Div 4 -197 (20 Commanders): Jason Pedracini, Northwind Dragons (+12320) Div 5 -142 (9 Commanders): Grego, B.S.L.R. (+34770) Div 6 -116 (15 Commanders): Polly Waffle, Mad Scientist.7 (+12530) Div 7 -90 (17 Commanders): Brick House, Ronins 2 (+28830) Div 8 -61 (13 Commanders): Scottie Scott, Ronins 2 (+13140) Div 9 -36 (22 Commanders): Map Chapp, Major Steel (+35880) In this event, only two Bronzes (one in div 3 and one in div 8) was awarded to Commanders who might have had pure Banshee formations. Total Contestants: 151 Total medals claimed: 120 (of 135 possible) Compared to the previous (Megazome) event, the number of contestants was reduced by nine. This, -and a certain imbalance between the tops, resulted in a total of fifteen unclaimed Bronzes (from three tops) that later had to be returned for resmelting. Highest score achieved in this event was on K9 where Map Chapp from Major Steel held the top for all the 120 scorerounds and claimed a whooping 150 000 points. He also had the biggest gap to the runner up, and won by more than 35 000. Lowest score needed for a medal was 15 840 for a Bronze on K8. Four Golds were won by margins (well) in excess of 15 000, but we also had two Golds decided by margins below 5000. Question then is if the margins were lower when it came to the rest of the prizes? To find out we examine the differences between the medal tiers in this event: ..Silver to Bronze....Bronze to nothing Div 1 ....19840......…….....2380 Div 2 ....15500...…..............N/A Div 3 .........170...…............2100 Div 4 ....11220...…............3520 Div 5 .........280...…..............N/A Div 6 ....10800...…..............N/A Div 7 ....13820...…............7360 Div 8 ....19910...…..............N/A Div 9 ........820...…..............180 At least for the Silvers, most of the walls were pretty impressive. On the other hand, three of the Silvers and one of the five contested Bronzes were decided by margins below 1000, in a couple cases even by less than 200. When the scores are that close, who signed up first might well have been the deciding factor. Something to keep in mind when another Chrono comes along. This event saw Ronins 2 bringing home a double Gold after triumphing on K7 and K8. None of the unaligned Commanders managed to claim a Gold this time either, but we had one repeat winner: Roman Himmelhan of Death`s Collectors on K3. Upcoming event: 10 Red tons Here we get an event where only the 10 ton Red Ants will be legal.

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1442

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1442 Brought to you by ANN Highlighting the September 3368  Megas The Gaming Authorities decided to have an event for the 65 ton Megazomes, -as far as I can remember the first one ever. On the eight highest tops that would be the only legal model. On K9 they got an unlimited event instead. This was not especially welcome news for me. The raid was ongoing, and while the Megazomes are decent enough, they have no business slugging it out with the 80+ tonners that seemed to constitute the majority of the raiding forces. On the other hand.... This was after all a sudden death event, so there was no need to call up the Megazomes until the scramble aproached. And when it did, my half-dozen would hopefully cut a decent figure. Truth to tell, I doubt many commanders have lots of them in comission, those who fight in the 65 ton brackets tend to prefer the faster and more precise Smilidon instead. As the scramble aproached, we had a breather in the raid, and my services were not urgently needed. So the formation was gathered and sent to the mountains. Unfortunately, we were to slug it out on K3 again, and as the regulars outlicenced us by 40 to 170 we had to hope they had few if any Megazomes along. Well, the hopes did hold up, -mostly. As far as I could discern only one opponent had brought Megazomes in numbers (several of them had at least one). Unfortunately Tim Williams from Myth and Legends Black Cats 13th Armored Division had brought a trio of them along and his trio was capable of keeping us at bay for the duration of the scramble. After realizing this, the time was spent getting footage of the action on the rest of the tops, so when the light flashed it was clear that this events Nephilax winners had been: Div 1 470+ (18 Commanders): Sherriff Leary Wretham, O.s.c. (18h,18m) 2: Lewis Reed 3: Gary Muenzel 4: Were Wolf 5: Mike Wach 6: Robert C Goetz Sr 7: Jeff Page 8: Bernard Johnson 9: Shawn Wretham 10: Felix Fogg Div 2 -469 (16 Commanders): Chong Chin, Heroes (34m,57s) Div 3 -364 (12 Commanders): Tim Williams, M&L B.C. 13th A.D. (1h,4m) Div 4 -236 (17 Commanders): Roman Himmelhan, Death`s Collectors (2h,8m) Div 5 -170 (14 Commanders): Scott Eggers, D.D.A. (1s) Div 6 -141 (13 Commanders): Neves7again, Black Star Bandits (1d,1h) Div 7 -109 (21 Commanders): Siegfried Gust, Black Star Bandits (3h,18m) Div 8 -76 (19 Commanders): Mike Andrews, Black Star Bandits (10s) Div 9 -42 (30 Commanders): Cathy Goetz, Ronins 2 (17h,45m) On the eight tops where only Megazomes were legal, a total of 0+1(G)+2(G,S)+1+0+0+0+6(G,2S)= Three Golds, three Silvers and four Bronzes were awarded to Commanders who might have had pure Megazome formations. Total Contestants: 160 Total medals claimed: 129 (of 135 possible) Compared to the Pointmech event we just had, the number of Participants dropped by sixty-nine. But even though there were some imbalance between the tops, no more than a half-dozen Bronzes (from a trio of tops) ended unclaimed. (those were later returned for resmelting) The last half-hour saw two Golds changing hands at least once, neither of them decided until less than a quarter-minute before the end. Five Golds were retained for at least two hours, one of them for more than a day So while there was some competition for the Golds, it seem most of the winners were pretty unaproachable. But did the same hold true for the rest of the prizes? To find out we need to count the number of medals held for more than 30 minutes in this event: .............Silvers......Bronzes Div 1 ....3 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 2 ....3 of 4.........9 of 10 Div 3 ....2 of 4.........3 of 7 Div 4 ....0 of 4.........4 of 10 Div 5 ....3 of 4.........9 of 9 Div 6 ....2 of 4.........8 of 8 Div 7 ....2 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 8 ....1 of 4.........7 of 10 Div 9 ....4 of 4.........7 of 10 While there was action on all the tops, only K3 and K4 had sufficiant fluidity to see most of the medals in fresh hands. The total medals in play was 16 Silvers(45%) and 21 Bronzes(25%), both above the 22% turnover we had for the Golds. While none of the clans managed to claim a double Gold, the Black Star Bandits showed strenght by claiming a triple one. They managed this by winning on K6, K7 and K8. None of the unaligned Commanders managed to secure a Gold, but we had one repeat winner: Chong Chin of the Heroes on K2 Upcoming event: Banshee Chrono The gaming Authorities continues to promote single models. This time it is the 30 ton Banshee`s turn in the limelight. As usual, that will be the only legal model on the 8 highest tops, while K9 will have an unlimited event instead. Oh, and I said it was a Chrono didnt I? So sign up immediately, and get the formation changed ASAP. Event ends February 28 between 1600 and 1630 New York Time

[mechagalaxy]

Bob Schlomer: Interview with Donald A Alligood

ANN: I'm here with Donald A Alligood (id: 201365), long time pilot, how are you Donald Donald: I'm good, thanks for having me ANN: Your welcome Donald, lets jump right to it shall we?

ANN: Clans can have 6 specialists this CW, based on all types in the game, what's your favorite and why? Donald: My favorite spec is the 65 ton spec.  Mainly because of the smilodon.  It was a great mech and I loved the level range also.  The 65 to 75 ton level range was a fun one to play.

ANN: Fun indeed, now there's been a lot of changes in the game recently, what are your thoughts on the new hangar? Donald: 2.  Personally I love the new hanger.  Only downside is the equipment hanger only shows present mechs level range so if your selling unwanted equipment, it is sometimes hard to see what you have to sell.

ANN: Well, like the weather - wait 5 minutes and you just might see a dev adjustment. Now, how about the TUG elmination mode or any other change? Donald: The tug of wars are fun but sometimes the placing is funny.  One battle the top 14 people were on the same team.  Lol.  Was a very lopsided fight

ANN:I believe it is randoom, so you never know how the teams will be, If you could change one thing in the game, what would it be and why? Donald: If I could change one thing it would be to make the cost of leveling mechs less.  I think whenever I level it cost around 270 niodes to level up all my mechs.  If we have to have tons of mechs to cover tons of mechs,  at least make it affordable to level them

ANN: I hear that, leveling is a pain. In regard to CW prizes, we saw some changes in the past raid, what are your thoughts on those and what if anything would you change? Donald: With the prizes given out in kotm's and wave challenges, clan war prizes are really outdated.  I focus more on the skillpoints than the prizes.

ANN: Gotchya, we have several in game battle modes (wave challenge, kotm, battles, circuits), what do you think of these and is there anything else you would like to see as far as pilot challenges? Donald:  I love the wave challenges but I think xp needs to be handed out with prizes.  As is the same 4 people win 99 percent of the top prizes and just sit there.  I don't blame them.  If I could win 3 big weapons and 45 niodes per challenge I would sit there forever as well.  Love the weapons kotm drops now.  They are worth fighting for even though I usually shoot for silver.

ANN: Sounds like a sound strategy, any other thoughts or ideas you would like to share with the MG world? Donald:   I'd like to see more new players,  I'd like to see another mechalympics,  I'd like to see the trend of new events continue, aka tug of war and chaos wars.   They really break up the same old same mentality and I think breath more life into the game.

ANN: I share that thought, I would love to see some new players and new functionality, well its been a pleasure Donalad, thanks for taking the time to speak to us.

Donald: Your welcome, thanks again for having me.

[mechagalaxy]

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Reaper Hand

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Reaper Hand Type: Ice Damage: 55 Speed: 99 Cost: Special Specials: Freeze 4% 2x 4% Analysis: The Reaper Hand is at that big '55' damage level that so many weapons are at. This ice weapon just ok, with mild specials and just ok speed that isn't bad for that level range. Overall: For an ice weapon, its ok for the level that it is at, but pilots will soon replace it as they continue to get bigger and badder ones.

[mechagalaxy]

Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184: Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1441

(By Sten Hugo Hiller - 627184) Mountain Climbing Mecha Combat #1441 Brought to you by ANN Highlighting the September 3368  Point Mech Panic The traditional post-war PointMech event was announced, and quite a lot of Commanders signed up to show off their top designs. Even though we had been severely mauled in the last round, Bruno (my chief Tech) had managed to get a Humbaba operational, and despite some steering trouble I managed to get it to the arena in time for the scramble. Unfortunately, we were assigned to K3, and when the regulars hold licences 50-150 higher than your own, the odds are heavily against you. Nevertheless, somehow I managed to claw my way to the slopes, but any further advance was impossible. Besides, the way the top position kept shifting it would have been close to impossible to know who to attack. So instead the cameras were busy trying to keep track of the action on the rest of the tops, and when the light flashed those standing tallest were: Div 1 453+ (24 Commanders): Fabio Favaro, Odin`s secret chamber (36s) 2: Sherriff Leary Wretham 3: Bernard Johnson 4: Mk Mathews 5: Roy Cheah 6: Sal vezzosi Jr 7: David Buchanan 8: Stuart Myshrall 9: Dan Ross 10: Ben Rail Div 2 -452 (15 Commanders): Felix Fogg, "R.V." (8s) Div 3 -352 (17 Commanders): Chong Chin, Heroes (10s) Div 4 -230 (24 Commanders): Brian Patenaude, Black Star Renegades (37s) Div 5 -162 (24 Commanders): Eric Astronomicon Finley, Heroes (18s) Div 6 -134 (23 Commanders): Chris Page, Death`s Revenge (2h,42m) Div 7 -103 (30 Commanders): Cody Mckissick, M&L B.o.P.S. (1s) Div 8 -73 (24 Commanders): Marcondes S Paz Brondani, M&L A.R.S.E. (6m,39s) Div 9 -43 (38 Commanders): RobertGoetz, Ronins 2 (14h,22m) Total Contestants: 229 Total medals claimed: 135 (of 135 possible) Compared to the mid-war Frontline event the number of contestants was increased by twnty-two. And despite some imbalance between the tops,  there were enough contestants to claim all the prizes this time as well. The last half-hour saw seven Golds changing hands at least once, and six of them were not determined until less than a minute before the end. The last two Golds were however held for more than two hours. So in general a furious fight for the Golds, but was the struggle for the lesser prizes equally intense? Best way to find out is to count the number of medals held for more than 30 minutes in this event: .............Silvers......Bronzes Div 1 ....0 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 2 ....3 of 4.......10 of 10 Div 3 ....0 of 4.........6 of 10 Div 4 ....0 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 5 ....0 of 4.........7 of 10 Div 6 ....2 of 4.........8 of 10 Div 7 ....1 of 4.........3 of 10 Div 8 ....1 of 4.........7 of 10 Div 9 ....3 of 4.........6 of 10 While there were at least some action on all of the tops, only on  K3, K5 and K7 was the action fierce enough to redistribute the majority of the medals. The total number of Silvers changing hands were 26(72%) but only twenty-seven Bronzes(30%) was in play. Both below the 78% turnover for the Golds. The only clan to claim a double Gold in this event were the Heroes. They secured the top prizes on both K3 and K5. None of the unaligned Commanders managed to claim a Gold in this event, but Brian Patenaude from Black Star Renegades managed to get a follow-up Gold on K4. Upcoming event: Megas This time the Gaming Authorities are promoting the 65 ton Megazome. If you are fighting on any of the eight highest tops, that will be the only legal model. On K9 they will have an unlimited event instead. Event ends February 25 between 1600 and 1630 New York Time

[mechagalaxy]

Bob Schlomer (355341): Weapon: Perseverance

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Perseverance Type: Ice Damage: 140 Speed: 155 Cost: Special Specials: Precision 10 Freeze 20% Analysis: Holy overclock batman. Perseverance is how fast? So fast that you blinked and missed it, outstanding speed for an ice weapon, it has descent damage and if that wasn't enough its highly accurate and has good freeze potential.. Overall: Perseverance is a great ice weapon with that super speed counter, but throw in the rest and its outstanding. Pilots should feel free to deploy at will.

[mechagalaxy]

John T. Mainer: Heart of Diamond

Heart of Diamond Faction War 3302 Bouncing Blue Legion vs HF Highlanders War was different back then, a more desperate affair in many ways.  There were no specialties to hide behind, there was only blood and iron.  The strongest slaughtered anything in their path, and if you didn't have the weight of niode, all you could answer with was skill and grit.  Those who were there remember.  We came from so many clans.  Spirit of Bunny, Smurf Legion, Star League, Myth and Legend, and Slaughterhouse 5.  We didn't come from one family like the Highlanders or the AFF, we were just a group of free warriors who banded together based on the kind of respect you gain by going head to head on a hundred battlefields and watching the other guy match you stride for stride, shot for shot, and never yield an inch. On the second day, we had hoped to take it all with a charge out of legend.  Our best had formed the tip of the spear, and for a while it looked like victory would be ours.  We rammed hundreds of mecha through their lines, and our best carried all before them.  The HF Highlanders bent, but they didn't break.  The damned pipes called, the jamming hindering out own signals, and inspiring them to dig in, to hold, to slow us down while their own counter thrust formed.  Their lines bent, but didn't break.  Then the hammer fell.  Dreadnoughts and Torrents, the kings of the battlefield at that time fell upon us, with Skraigs and Nakshi's on the flanks, blades flashing. Our thrust became a salient, then the HF started to pinch it off, and it threatened to become a kill sack.  We were trapped and our best were out of fights.  Ammunition depleted, las crystals scorched to the point that firing risked explosion, not a rocket left in the missle bays and the empty clacking of the hoppers with nothing to cycle in the chain guns.  Ice reservoirs out of nanobots and coolant, plasma nozzles so fouled with soot that half of each burst now splashed upon your own mecha, we were a spent force ready to be reaped by the HF reserves, helpless as if we were rookie pilots on their first boss fight on Pirate Moon. Then Fred led the charge.  Several days worth of beard hiding his grin, and shades hiding the circles under his eyes, he led the charge to open a retreat.  His line didn't have the weight of metal, but Slaughterhouse were used to punching above their weight and Fred was used to facing the enemies best for his Clan.  A solid line of Torrent were pounding the trapped Bouncing Blue Legion forces, each Torrent unleashing a forking wave of missiles, cannon and laser, not content to hit a single foe.  Fred grinned, because while it looked flashy to spread the damage around, a true cannon cocker knew that getting your steel on target was the only job, and that requires focus. "Hold what you got, help is on the way."  Fred sent on the Legion frequency. Cutting loose with his Silencers, he sent a roaring burst of cannon fire into the exposed flank of the lead Torrent.  A good hit, he got x2 damage as he was able to overcharge his capacitors for a few seconds before firing.  More critical, he chose an angle of attack that put his rounds into the shot trap between breastplate and abdominal turret ring, so the armour naturally redirected his shots into the vulnerable ring that housed the plasma conduits, electrical connections and myomer bundles connecting the main engines and the leg power train.  The Torrent had too much power in too little space to handle even a single second of that power vented inside between its engine amplifiers and ammunition bins.  The Torrent exploded in a critical kill. Turning to face the new threat the Highlanders tried to storm Fred, rolling his lighter forces under at the charge.  The lack of respect they showed his lineup showed the difference between those who concentrated on mecha, verses those who concentrated on maximizing the performance of the mecha he had.  Not all of his machines were maximum tonnage, but each machine was lavishly equipped with the best equipment he could beg, borrow or steal.  Each build was a work of art, and part of a line that was designed to fight not as individuals but as a line.  Mecha whose job it was to freeze the foe, mecha whose job it was to hand out damage, and critical killers whose job was to kill. "Forward one step and volley!"  He shouted.  Stepping over the first crushed rank of Torrents and facing the mix of mecha in the next line. Then it happened.  No matter how skilled you are, the enemy is also trying to win, and they are also skilled.  A Nakshi hammered an Arbitrator through his cockpit.  The round struck with all the power of the dreaded Forerunner design, and his cockpit crystal shattered before it like so much glass.  Fragments of the armouring crystal punched through his armour and his chest like the blades of the Nakshi itself.  Blood sprayed the cockpit and the Legion heard the sound of shattering glass, and the low grunt of impact.  His cockpit began screaming medical alarms, pilot distress codes flashing the dreaded Omega sign of life threatening injury. Jim Faust broke into the Legion comms from where he was trying to extract the trapped legion forces and screamed "FRED, are you OK?  Get out of there!" There was a wet sounding cough, a low laugh, then Fred came on the comm himself.  "Forward one step and volley!"  he rasped. I remember staggering past him in the retreat, a retreat he made and held the opening for.  I saw them pull him from his machine.  A big chunk of crystal was stuck through his chest like a sword.  Jessica our medic and Jim his CO were pulling him from the cockpit.  Jessica was white as sheet, whispering "There is crystal puncturing his heart, how is he still alive?"   I will always remember Jim's response.  "Fred has a heart of diamond, it will take more than that to stop him." There have been a lot of wars since then.  We have fought beside each other in Faction War, against each other in Clan War and never has anyone been more of an honour and pleasure to fight either beside or against.  Not even diamonds last forever, and even a heart of diamond must stop eventually.  His guns have fallen silent at last, and his machines are still, but those of us who shared the field with him will never, can never let him die. What is remembered, lives.  Fred Diamond will be remembered. John T Mainer 28840

[mechagalaxy]

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Votcov Fusillade

Bob Schlomer (355341) Weapon: Votcov Fusillade Type: Missile Damage: 210 Speed: 130 Cost: Special (Vortex) Specials: Precision 10 Splash 15%

Analysis: Coming in at the upper echelon of current weaponary, the Votcov Fusillade is a missle of missles. It has big damage, great speed, and high accuracy - not to shabby!

Overall: Oh yeah, we all know you going to use it if you have it, no brainer.