Thursday, May 4, 2017

CW3322 Post Event Interview With Frank Stechman #52792 By John Ringo #899287

As Don was leaving the lobby in walked another pilot wanting to share his experiences in the last war.

GG: For the record what is your name, player ID, clan you fought with this last CW and what medal did you win?

Frank: Frank Stechman 52792. We were in division 5 and managed a silver. Ended up battling family for gold and they were a bit higher up the ladder than us, wasn't much of a fight. First 2 battles we won handily with some wins stashed just in case.

GG: Welcome to the studio Frank. Yeah slugging it out against an ally for Gold can be tough.

GG: Did your team perform like you expected?

Frank: Yes, everybody played smart which is the most important thing in wars, test and know who you can handle and who to stay away from. Defensive wins are such a nice bonus.

GG: Great teamwork is key *Smile*

GG: Was there anything you found to be a surprise this war?

Frank: I found it surprising how few decent 20 ton set-ups there are out there. Is a relatively cheap line-up to assemble, I thought just about everybody would have one. Turns out I was wrong.

GG: Yes I have found a good chunk of the pilots in this game do not like specs and do not put a lot of time into building or updating those formations.

GG: Was there anything you found to be a disappointment this war?

Frank: That is really a mistake not to start making specs right away. I am not saying they all need to ne niodes but many crystal line-up succeed better than any  would expect. It is actually the only way to compete with those that have deep pockets and are several levels higher than you.  I think they do a nice job setting up the divisions, even if I hate it at times they try and keep it fair.

GG: This war every clan needed a 20T specialist to get in the game. Were pilots quick to volunteer for this in your clan or did you guys have to draw straws?

Frank: We had a few volunteers but the leader made the final decision. It was a nice surprise for them to get a mech as a reward  for taking the lead.

GG: Should Nick always give out bonus prizes when we have to have a specialist just to get in the war?

Frank: I would not want to see that precedent started. CW's are fun as it is, I don't see the need to bribe players to participate, though throwing in something special now and then just as an added incentive would not be a bad idea.

GG: How hard was the Raid for your team?

Frank: We got it done, was no big problem. As usual some sit out to try and not level up but for the most part we had great participation and everybody like the rewards ...  for a change.

GG: Are the Raid Prizes useful for your team or do you just sell most of it for needed Niodes?

Frank: I think many are very useful, it really depends on your level and what you are already fielding with your mechs. Personally I probably used 70% and sold off the rest.

GG: I personally find it very nice when I can use the items I win in the raid.

GG: In your opinion, what does Nick and his team do very well in this game?

Frank: By far the fact that Nick is so responsive to the players  makes this game unique. I have been playing another game for about 7 years and it is almost impossible to get a response from dev's even on abuse/cheating situations. That is what makes this so refreshing, is that not just Nick but the whole dev team that monitors the game and fixes stuff as quickly as they can.  Thanks Nick!! much appreciated  🙂

GG: In your opinion, what could Nick and his team do better in this game?

Frank: I have a couple of game problems that need to be addressed. Not sure if they can be in a browser format  but here goes.

1) The hanger needs to be reworked. It is just fine for level 100 and less but after that you started getting lag  and more lag. Can't see all your weapons even when you click view all weps a few times, equipment hanger is even worse. I literally have to go up and down the list looking instead of wearable being grouped at the top and the little white block is not always accurate.

2) We need to be able to work on formations while not affecting the active formation. this is a huge need in clan wars  and KOTM when  you want to redo a glaring weakness but at the present time dare not remove the active formation.

GG: Yeah I have issues sometimes looking for things when I am formation building and I am only level 44 *Smile*

GG: Before we wrap this up is there anything you would like to add?

Frank: I would just like to thank all of you folks that take the time and effort to add a flavor to the game with your articles and analysis. Again, this is unique to the Mecha Galaxy universe and helps us all enjoy the game that much more, Kudos.

GG: You are very welcome. Well Frank it has been a pleasure having you in for an interview today. I hope we can do this again next war. My best to you and your crew.


Frank: Thanks for listening, be well and good hunting