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Evening Dancer
e31d52
>>148563
"Much can be said in the defense of normal ballistic weaponry. But what I prefer, and what I think the crowd prefers, is huge weaponry with dramatic effects!"
So says the pilot of Durandal, perhaps the most iconic of melee mechs. There's a lot of ways to attack your opponent head on, but very few are actually effective, according to mechanical specialist Edward Winfrey.
"You see, the problem boils down to size and inertia. You can't swing nearly as fast as you could with something of the size even an MCU could weild, and as the ladder is climbed, the problem only grows. The reason Durandal is so effective is that he uses heat and weight instead of cutting edge to damage the opponent. You can't do that with a unmodded sword any other way."
Simply put, a large weapon doesn't swing as fast because it's, well, larger. If you want to do damage, you need extra methods. Enthusiasts refer to these as Mods. Smokah, an enthusiast of a close assault, uses a shaped-charge mod that triggers on impact.
"Most of the time, the hammer only lasts three or four blows, but generally, that's all I need."
Smokah is also known as, in some circles, 'The Shadow of Death' for is already-impressive kill ratio: In seven wins so far, he's killed five pilots. That alone should convey the importance of Mods.
"I'm also looking into using thermite charges that are planted by the impact and detonated remotely, eating away at armor and systems." he goes on. "It's simply a matter of knowing how to direct several tons worth of impact more effectively."
Smokah's hammer also uses a jet system to speed the attack, and has a design to allow for armor penetration before the explosion.
Blades do not see much use, but that doesn't stop manufacturers from experimenting.
"We're very interested in looking into vibration and chainsaw-like designs." says Vance, head of R&D of Samson & Sons Outfitters. "Recently, there's been a lot of call for good melee options, and as always, we're happy to provide."
Vance's opinion is one shared by many Cogs, who know the ramifications behind the movement all too well.
"It may very well be a new wave in the methodology of Gearhead stylings." says one of the few remaining Eagleland Cogs, who wishes to remain nameless. "I'm excited to see the changes it will bring to the game."
>>148592
The rookie review is a bi-monthly write in by none other than 8-ball himself, who looks into prosperous new players to see who has the greatest potential.
Hello all! I'm certain you know as well as I that these past few months have been a little slow, but I'm nothing if not optimistic. Sadly, rather than the regular three, we only have two: Sam and Anthony.
I nearly spray my drink all over the page.
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