Hi. I'm back from being a RA 2 player and am a Mechwarrior again. I just got Mechwarrior 4, and it is different from Mechwarrior 3. It is like crossing Mech 3 with Mech 2 and adding new features. The first thing I noticed is that shooting down a mech in instant action is a lot harder than in Mech 3. Also, having many different types of weapons is better than having one type, as in Mech 3. The new mechs added were good, especially the Mad Cat MK II and the Mauler (only seen in Mech 2:Mercenaries). The campaign is good; more like a gurilla military operation than much of a story, but the mission goals are fun. Multiplayer is good, but you have to have a good mech to withstand the damage dealt from people teaming up on you. Overall, I would reccomend this game, but it is much more realistic to the Battletech Universe. I'm no great pilot in Mechwarrior 4, but I have learned a few things the hard way, which I will post below:

1. Try to aviod the 12 medium lazer strategy. Try it once or twice and see if it works for you, but otherwise switch to ballistic or missle weapons. Pulse lazers I have found very ineffective. Only use regular lazers or PPC's.

2. Another problem is the weapon reload time. If you only use PPC's, there might be a gap of time where you are getting shot at and your weapons are not ready to fire. I always have 4 medium lazers, so I can pack a small punch when my better weapons are recharging.

3. Heat is not a big factor in this game. In Mech 3, you would overheat easily, but here, 2 heat sinks are plenty.

4. I always upgrade my engine so I can get the max speed on 100 ton mechs (daishi). Also, jump jets can help you get out of a trap easier.

5. The old Mech 2 tactics have come back. I guess do to popular demand, the DFA (death from above) and circle fighting are back, and they all work well. Use your torso while fighting a mech so it can't get easy shots at you.

6. For you weapons that pack a punch, use ballistic or missle weapons. Many mechs come with a good setup without customizing it. I like the clan gauss rifles, but they have a long recharge time. The best mech for twin gauss rifles is the Mad Cat MK II (90 tons). It has dual gauss rifles, good speed, LRMs, and 4 med lazers. MRMs, SRMs, LRMs, Autocannons, etc. are great for packing a huge punch, and ammo is usually not a problem.

7. If you have extra tonnage left over, put the armor in every section as high as it goes. It will give you a little more time in close combat, and let you concentrate on shooting a little more.

Well, I hope that helps you out a little, but use whatever mech and style fits you the best. I prefer close range, but its really what works for you.

Later, Jono

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