Well folks another design contest is in the books and it seems like time is getting shorter and shorter to review them all. That is a real shame because I really love the effort everyone puts in here to improve on these existing canon designs. As you all know five (5) canon originals from Technical Readout 3050 squared off against sixty (60) plus (I am looking at you Abele!) entries by our six-person Quicksilver design team. I am finding that unlike other contests it is hard to establish a base line for comparison thanks in large part to the Gargoyle’s poor Primary Configuration which seems guaranteed to be replaced. Also, I have to say there is something inherently unsexy about the Man O’ War which does pale in comparison to other Clan OmniMechs. Not to say it is a plain jane but perhaps others steal its thunder or more accurately role while it seems like an also ran. This big toy soldier just seems like Assault weight cannon fodder which supplements others at best and is not a hero in its own right. Rough I know but just my thoughts going in.
First up a look at the fluff, Abele presented by far the most design configurations but again had no overview unfortunately. A little thin but intriguing story wise was drakensis with an angle on Ice Hellion-Steel Viper arms deal. I wish there was just a bit more cause I liked the possibility here but would have liked more substance. Good analysis was provided by marauder648 who was a bit harsh in his critique as I felt that ‘weak’ in regards to armor was perhaps the wrong word also Operation Recovery I assume is an error. Nitpicky I know but you were one of the final four here considered for the win so little things add up. Presenting a generic overview of the Gargoyle in precise fashion was masterarminas whose fluff is always well done. Comparing the OmniMech to other classic designs as well as citing Clans involved and notable warriors was a nice touch. Ice Hellion presented the most out of the box fluff from a look at the Fire Mandrill Clan and it was pretty awesome. Love the story, very appropriate but Bradshaw was spot on with several appropriate Quicksilver references in his fluff for what I felt was the best overall fluff. Very close contest here folks as I liked aspects of all five story entries, nice job! Point to Bradshaw!
Primary Configuration proved to be the toughest place to choose a winner mainly cause of the poor canon entry which has a super poor use of its heat dissipation system and weak overall firepower. I will talk more about small caliber Autocannons in our next configuration but suffice it to say one big gun was more then enough in a Gargoyle variant. Considering every possible avenue was time consuming but luckily masterarminas came through. His Prime cleverly matches an ER Large Laser with an LRM-10 linked to an Artemis and fed by two tons of ammo. Four ER Medium Lasers make for a good supporting arsenal and cooling is assisted by three additional Double Heat Sinks. But what really made it for me was five Jump Jets which build on this Assault design’s superior speed with greater mobility. While there were other Jumpers some including Abele K (small caliber AC), drakensis A and Bradshaw J (both in my Nova category) fit other concepts as well. Ice Hellion G was a direct competitor here featuring Large Pulse, 2 ER Mediums, 4 ER Smalls, 2 Machine Guns, Targeting Computer, Active Probe, 5 Jump Jets, and a Double Heat Sink but was too one-dimensional IMO. Presenting what was a larger version of the Summoner was marauder648 H with two ER Larges, 4 ER Mediums, Flamer, Targeting Computer, 5 Jump Jets, and a Double Heat Sink. Unfortunately, it reminded me of a ten ton lighter Mech which was more capable leading me to Abele J which was masterarminas Prime best challenger. While an LRM-15 with Artemis was a good start he lacked a complementary big gun relying instead on two Medium Pulse Lasers for greater close-range damage. While Abele J did have an Active Probe he lacked any supplement cooling from additional Heat Sinks. So point one goes to masterarminas Prime!
At least Alternate Configuration A gave me a solid base concept (twin ER PPCs) to go on but I found that the canon version ran too hot which surprised me given all the integral Double Heat Sinks here. With a Large Pulse, Medium Pulse, ER Medium, ER Small, and no additional cooling systems it is tough to stay under heat control. I liked what masterarminas A did trying to emulate the Awesome but alas that damn heat curve. What I soon discovered over the other five PPC challengers (Abele A, Bradshaw A, Abele I, drak C, Ice Hellion D) was that they too suffered from heat problems. While Ice Hellion D with its Targeting Computer, three ER Mediums, and SRM-6 linked to an Artemis was the best to me reminding me a lot of the Warhammer it too was plagued by overheating. Relying on bracket fire here seemed unwise so I checked other concepts and actually returned to the beginning for alternatives. Small caliber Autocannons (5s in this case) were presumably a poor choice for the Gargoyle but paired with a single ER PPC it could be a solid pairing. Abele K and marauder648 F both featured the LB 5-X AC which I didn’t like as much as our only Ultra AC/5 entry. With an ER Large, two ER Mediums, and a Flamer along with a single ER PPC and the Ultra AC marauder648 I was heat friendly. Along with providing pretty solid long-range striking power it returns to the Gargoyle Prime original roots which seems most appropriate. Point to marauder648!
After a thorough review Alternate Configuration B is the first variant which will retain its canon basis which in this case was a Gauss Rifle. While canon B is so cool running that is poorly suited to the Gargoyle as much as canon Prime is its main weapon does have potential here. Ice Hellion B retains the LRM-10 of canon B but removes the SRM launcher and both Artemis systems for two ER Medium Lasers. Abele B went the other way keeping the SRM-6 but dropping the LRM launcher and Artemis systems for two ER Mediums and a Medium Pulse Laser. Not bad but marauder648 B was better dropping the missile systems altogether for an ER Large, three ER Mediums, and Flamer. Much better but not a good as masterarminas E who dropped the missiles, added a ton of Gauss ammo as well as five ER Medium Lasers and three ER Smalls. Reminding me of a bigger Shadow Cat this single big gun backed up by numerous supporting lasers. If bought to bear all at once they provide a powerful punch against any opponent (sixty-five damage potential) and even a running Alpha Strike generates only two overheat. Very nicely done, point two to masterarminas!!
Probably the best canon design for the Gargoyle in my opinion was Alternate Configuration C with its mighty Ultra AC/20. Along with six ER Medium Lasers it could go overheat sure but damn it could deliver a pounding the likes of which a Hunchback would be envious. Throw in three A-Pods and infantry wouldn’t like to get near it either. About the only drawback is the ten shots for its main weapon which could rob the Gargoyle of its big hitter. Can someone do better? Bradshaw D replaces the ER Mediums with three Medium Pulse, drops the A-Pods for an ER Small and another ton of Ultra AC/20 ammo. The heat and ammo are better but you lose damage (sixteen) and the effective range drops without ER Mediums. Also dropping the three A-Pods and four ER Mediums is marauder648 C who added a ton of Ultra AC/20 ammo, two Small Pulse Lasers, three ER Smalls, and an Active Probe. Better as you don’t lose a bunch of firepower but the range still drops off pretty dramatically. In my estimation the best challenger was masterarminas C exchanges a single ER Medium for an ER Small and once more drops those three A-Pods for another ton of Ultra AC/20 ammo and a Double Heat Sink. Much more heat efficient and you only lose two damage as well as range on the ER Small swap. Ultimately, I did like masterarminas C better than canon C even though it is still acceptable to me. Point three to masterarminas!!!
Two ER Large Lasers made up the core of Alternate Configuration D for our final original canon variant so we will begin there. These long-range weapons could serve as valuable snipers thanks to an onboard Targeting Computer. Not to mention there is some need for an ant-aerospace defender. There were four entries (Abele Prime, drakensis Prime, Abele D, marauder648 H) which featured twin ER Larges who wished to challenge canon D but that was only one of four concepts considered here. Five dual Large Pulse entries (Ice Hellion Prime, masterarminas B, drakensis D, Bradshaw H, marauder 648 J) were also carefully inspected. Then there were two entries featuring three Large Pulses (marauder648 A, Bradshaw B) which provided yet another way to go. Finally, five entries had three ER Large Lasers linked to a Targeting Computer (Bradshaw Prime, Ice Hellion A, masterarminas D, marauder648 D, drakensis G) were another feasible option. I am sorry to say that a written review of these sixteen different challengers would be a bit too much for me. Ultimately the three Laser entries proved better to me then the duals with Bradshaw B going up against Bradshaw Prime for the win. While Bradshaw B with its three Large Pulses, two ER Mediums, and an ER Small was solid I preferred Bradshaw Prime with three ER Large Lasers and their longer reach linked to a Targeting Computer. Supported by two ER Mediums, an ER Small, and protected by an ECM Suite this variant cools its main arsenal with the addition of three Double Heat Sinks. Point two for Bradshaw!!
Leaving canon behind we first journey to short range punishers from two different concepts for Alternate Configuration E. One I called the Nova category for its similarities to the Black Hawk and the other were simply SRM Boats. First up let me address the Novas starting with drakensis A which featured six ER Mediums, five ER Smalls all linked to a Targeting Computer which were cooled by four Double Heat Sinks and throw in five Jump Jets. All good right up until B-Pods which are not available during this time period so I am sorry drak but I have to disqualify you here. Damn shame cause it was looking so good! Bradshaw I had six Medium Pulses, two ER Mediums, four Machine Guns, an Active Probe, Targeting Computer, and two additional Double Heat Sinks. Not bad at all but I liked Bradshaw J the best with eight ER Mediums, an ER Small, an Active Probe, a Targeting Computer, five additional Double Heat Sinks and five Jump Jets. They went up against SRM Boats like drakensis F which had seven SRM-6s all with Artemis IV FCS which is a waste in my opinion. You’d be better off with a NARC Missile Beacon at three or four tons depending on ammunition than seven tons of Artemis IVs. So as the other choice here was Bradshaw E he wins out again with four Streak SRM-6s, four ER Mediums, ER Small, and a Targeting Computer. For short range supremacy and the win in this configuration I thought the SRM Bradshaw E was better than the Nova Bradshaw J. Point three to Bradshaw!!!
I always am on the lookout for LRM Boats during these contests and that is what the theme became for Alternate Configuration F. Before we go to that concept let me talk about another far-reaching variant submitted by Ice Hellion. His F configuration was the sole artillery entry which featured an Arrow IV with three tons of ammunition and was supported by an ER Large Laser, two ER Medium Lasers, and a Flamer. While an effective submission I really don’t feel that this front line OmniMech would have as one of its most common ten configurations an artillery option. Ice Hellion I with five LRM-10s and three tons of ammo, ER Large Laser, and two ER Medium Lasers is a better on-board fire support option. I believe an LRM Boat like this would find more acceptance by trueborn warriors seeking battlefield glory. However, I thought that drakensis B was the best option to fill this role with fifteen LRM-5 supplied by four tons of ammo which provide six rounds of sustained missile fire. This clever small launcher arrangement takes advantage of the Gargoyles ample interior space and high heat curve. Running barrages of seventy-five missiles while short in duration can devastate opponents. To support this main battery two ER Mediums and an ER Small are also present should the ammo bin run dry. Nice job, point to drakensis!
In this case ‘G’ stands for Generalist as I looked to six such entries here as well as an Energy Boat from Abele that included every big weapon of that type. Unfortunately for Abele L these three (ER PPC, ER Large Laser, and Large Pulse Laser) guns ran hot (37) before movement and despite their Targeting Computer I didn’t really care for it. While more of a mix arsenal I found that marauder648 Prime also ran too hot for my taste as well. I liked marauder648 E better with its LRM-20, three SRM-6s, and Large Pulse Laser as it has a good heat curve coupled with solid firepower. Another good one was Bradshaw F with two LRM-15s linked to an Artemis along with four ER Mediums and ER Small are also tied to a Targeting Computer. An ECM Suite made since to protect these accuracy systems but the TAG was a strange choice to me. I would have preferred an Active Prove. Lacking targeting systems drakensis H was still nonetheless another effective entry with two LRM-15s, SRM-6, and four Medium Pulse Lasers. Ice Hellion E also lacked superior aim for its LRM-15 but with a Streak SRM-6 and a Targeting Computer linked to an ER Large Laser and three Medium Pulses. While it was a tight race it was Abele E which was the best featuring an LRM-20 with an Artemis supplied by three tons of ammo, a Streak SRM-6 with two tons of ammo, two Medium Pulse Lasers, two ER Medium Lasers, a rear facing Small Pulse Laser, and ER Small Laser. A good heat curve and solid firepower, nice job. Point to Abele!
For Alternate Configuration H we go to those entries featuring an Ultra AC/10 of which there were three. Abele C was offered as an alternative to the massive Ultra AC/20 carrier of canon fame and was supported by an LRM-15, three ER Medium Lasers, and a Small Pulse Laser. Abele H on the other hand paired the Ultra AC/10 with lasers - plenty of lasers – a Large Pulse, Medium Pulse, ER Medium, along with a Flamer. Not bad but I thought Ice Hellion H with an Ultra AC/10, three tons of ammo, an ER PPC, two ER Medium Lasers, and a Flamer. It runs pretty cool and delivers solid damage to would be opponents, nice job. Point to Ice Hellion!
Lastly the largest LB-X Autocannons (10s and 20s) round out the new Gargoyle for Alternate Configuration I (I for infantry killer). For the big LB 20-X AC I thought Abele G with four tons of ammo was a little much and even though the ER Large gave you superior range it sort of robbed you of the raw firepower of the other challengers. Ice Hellion C wasn’t too shabby with three tons of ammo, five ER Mediums, a Flamer, and a supplemental Double Heat Sink. With four ER Mediums and three ER Smalls drakensis E was very similar but a tad better. However, I liked Bradshaw C out of the LB 20-Xs which had three tons of ammo, five ER Mediums, an ER Small, and an Active Probe to help destroy infantry. Three LB 10-X AC entries also had to be considered including Bradshaw G with two tons of ammo, an ER PPC, three ER Mediums, and an ER Small. Abele F with three tons of ammo, LRM-10 with Artemis, two ER Mediums, two Machine Guns, and two Flamers was better suited versus infantry but then the shocker. With two tons of LB 10-X ammo, an ER Large Laser, eight ER Small Lasers, Flamer, and Active Probe marauder648 G just blew the competition away leaving a tough choice for yours truly. Bradshaw C was more of a mid to short range configuration but marauder648 G had a longer-range jab with shorter range power. In the end despite the wild range variation I liked marauder648 G just a little more, real tough call. Point to marauder648!
With a total of three points we have a tie between masterarminas and Bradshaw! Very close contest which could have gone either way depending on a call or two. With two points marauder648 came in next place while Abele, drakensis, and Ice Hellion all scored one. It should be of note that you guys shutout canon this time around, nice job!! A few final thoughts on the Gargoyle which I may try a SRM Narc configuration as well as the biggest Piranha anyone has ever seen. I feel that the Gargoyle has to close quickly with its enemy with its lot of little weapons and/or a single big gun for the kill. Stay at range if you can and hammer away if you are the opposition. Design wise I don’t see any bracket fire approaches succeeding here because of the high integral heat sinks and low overall pod space. Still I feel more of an appreciation for the old Man O’ War after this contest. Great job everyone and I hope to see you all soon in our next Quicksilver contests.
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Topic: Quicksilver Upgrades #28: Gargoyle (Man O’ War) 80 tons (Read 3250 times)