AWESOME!

No Huge surprise, another mech finished. This is an "Awesome" Assault mech. Stocked with 3 PPC (Particle projectile cannons) as well as a small laser which I tend not to worry about too much. The PPCs deal 10 damage each and have a a very good range. They do kick out some heat, but with 28 heat sinks the Awesome is not prone to running hot. But with only 3/5 movement it is one of the slowest mechs you can get. (The 3 is the walking speed and 5 the running speed). This lack of speed can be a major set back in some terrain. Overall though if you can get the Awesome to the battlefield, it will dish out a lot of damage. Having big guns is not in my opinion quite enough to make this a favourite of mine, I actually like the challenge of limited manoeuvrability, and with a quick torso twist you can usually bring the PPCs to bear. For me however, the big advantage the Awesome has is the HUGE amount of armour it carries. If you look at the record sheet (below) and look at the armour diagram (top right of the record sheet) You will see loads and loads of armour circles in each location. The armour weak spot is of course the head, as no mech can have more than 9 points of armour in that location. Which does mean that a lucky shot can fell any mech. That being the case is it a weak spot? If yes it is a weak spot for every mech in the game and for game purposes it is a good thing that no mech is invulnerable.

 

As with the Hunchback I have put the plastic and metal mechs side by side to demonstrate scale, size and compatibility. I can see no reason not to use them on the same battlefield.  There clearly are some differences, most clearly in the arm plates, shoulders and lower legs. These differences and not significantly different enough to stop me using them both. The thought of using 2 80 tom assault mech Awesome does make me pause for a moment and wonder if they will get used together on the same side. Time will tell, though I would expect not, so I do expect them to be used on different lances at best or different sides so I think the differences will not be clear from 2 foot away which is the view most players will get.

 

The record sheet is from the new box set, but seems identical to the other record sheets I have from 25 years ago.  New players should not be discouraged by seeing a mech record sheet, they do look complicated at first glance, but when you play the game everything makes sense and is clear.

Lastly as of last night I may not be going to SELWG. Which is a shame, but the guy who was going to give me a lift has had to withdraw so unless I want to spend 4 hours on trains on a Sunday, and spend £12 doing so I think it's a no go for me. A little sad, but maybe for the best and I'll save some money. That's it for today. I shall post again on Saturday. Until then take care and have fun. All the best Clint.