Starting Advice

[peacedog]

I was shown this game about a year ago and for a few months played it alot. Then I drifted onto other things, reinstalled windows, and forgot to backup my stuff <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I've been busy but finally got to downloading it again (and noticed the new version). I was wondering if anyone cared to post some starting advice. I am aware of the bonuses the first 3 people get (leadership, business, mechanic). How do people go about team creation?

And I noticed alot has changed with respect to prices on mechs. What do people recommend for starting mechs? I usually stick to energy weapons and cannons for starting out, hoping to grow into something else. I am not overly familiar with using the other types of weapons.

[Lyhrrus]

I usually max leadership on the first, business on the second, and damage control on the third (all at 60+). Then I select a single weapon skill (non-CC) and get it to over 60. Then I usually pick 2 lights and a recon. (Business at 60+ allows this). For the recon, I like getting the Porcupine I refitted, missiles work great in wearing the enemy down. Usually I have another one with energy weapons (so I don't run out of ammo) and a third with either cannons or more missiles (guided).

Right now, most "popular" or forum topic weapons are NMs and NBs.

[peacedog]

Yeah, I noticed that (about NM vs NB). I was trying to do a team of 4 jocks but given price revision I am thinking maybe 3 is not a bad idea. I worry though because I often feel like I am scrimping on other skills a little on the first 3 people when I focus on each of the three primaries. I also try to get over 60.

I will look into a refitted porcupine, perhaps with a backup short laser (or 2?) for when the missiles run out. Seems like a good choice for the recon as it can do more damage from far away while the lights mix it up on closer terms.

Also, what do you (or anyone else) think is the preferred path for increasing your jocks' skills and abilities? I had one team that was a veteran of like 5 or 6 battles (long gone alas) and I noticed that it takes awhile to get enough points to bump up abilities. I found it helped to do things like scan alot when I wasn't going to be shooting, or try any sort of move that would prompt a check. I tried to focus on getting their abilities up, as that raises their growth potential.

[lwchk]

Double NB light titan w/ COMP6 and SCANNER6. You will get green scans and jock kills. Try to accumulate 3 kills for a single jock (in this way you will get promotions early).

And fight with 3 AI teams. The ally absorbs hits and the enemy give you extra kills. Haha.