Changing Of The Guard By John Ringo #899287

The thrill of victory! The elation of success after finishing a hard day’s work. The sense of loss from the retirement of a good friend from the office. These conflicting emotions surged through me as I approached the office door with “Editor in Chief” marked on it with Gold Filigree lettering. Patrick always did have a touch of class. My hand hesitated just short of the door handle. I have walked through this door more times than I could count while discharging my duties as Patrick’s Intern. Never did I have pause to enter this room before, but here I stood and became lost in my thoughts.

I had worked hard for this day… to earn my place as an Editor on the staff at Galaxy Gathering but I never in my wildest dreams did I figure it would happen like this or at such a cost. I was still a little numb from the shock of it all. Patrick calling me into this very office and telling me he needed to retire from active military service and step down from running G.G. What he did next just about stopped my heart in my chest. Everyone knew Patrick had always sworn the day he left G.G he would stop the press and it would be closed for good. To have him extend his hand towards me with the key to his office and document transferring ownership of G.G into my name was a shock to say the least. The honor I was just paid was beyond words.

My hand touches the door and pushed it open. Stepping through into the room, my eyes seeing all the places where Patrick kept his mementos now packed away and moved to his home. The lingering smells of tobacco from the different brands of cigars Patrick, David and Ken smoked summoned to my mind visions of late night staff meetings and times spent just hanging out talking and joking. The ring-shaped stains on the empty desk speak to all the coffee and alcohol needed to keep this enterprise running smoothly. I walk over to the desk and run my hands across the oak feeling the history it has seen. The desk key Patrick gave me fits the lock on the bottom drawer. I turn the key and open the drawer to find a bottle of Scotch with a note that says “For when you need a bigger hammer to solve your problems”. I reached into the drawer and removed the bottle and the included glass. A twist of the wrist and the top is open. I stood there breathing in the heady peat smell of the Scotch filling the room from the open bottle while I close my eyes and smile one last time at the ghosts of old memories. I open my eyes and pour a dram of fine Scotch in the glass. I raise the glass in salute “To absent friends” lowering the glass to my lips I enjoy the rich warmth rolling around my mouth. I set the glass down on the desk and un-pack my portable computer and sit down in the chair. “I won’t let you down Patrick. Thanks for the trust you have in me to look of all you have built” I say as I reach for the glass for one more drink. I take a cigar out of my pocket and light it. The fragrant aroma of the smoke blends with the peat from the Scotch still coating my mouth. I power on my computer and rest my fingers on the keyboard. It was now time to get to work.

Submitted By John Ringo #899287

Farewell My Friends By Pat Willis#224534

As many of you may already know I announced my retirement from the game last night. For those who didn't know, well there you go.

Why? Honestly a lot of real time commitments that I have to see to, and I was getting tired of the same old same old every month. War, raid, reset, repeat....etc, etc. We get a few new missions here and there, new mechas and equipment but nothing to really sink my teeth into or sate my thirst for gaming. But hey I've been at this for a little over three years, and had this site up for just over two of those three. So all in all I can call this a win, and a positive gaming experience in a world full of too many bad ones. Besides maybe some day I'll come back and see who is still around, or what is what.

I decided against taking the site down on my way out. No way I could justify throwing out over two years worth of both my own and others writings.  So now John Ringo will be running the show and seeing to things around here. He's pretty solid and I trust he'll do well here.

John if I have any advice to give on my way out is this.... Keep it mecha centric! Don't pull from other series/franchises for your ideas or illustrations if you can help it. I've tried long and hard to keep things in here based on and focused on mecha galaxy as the devs asked me to way back when I started this site. Stay the voice of the player, and remember you are a player as well so your opinion will count just as much. It's a fine line to walk but once you get the hang of it you'll be fine.

Unlike most who retire from the game I am not going to shove everything in the hanger and put my tonnage at zero. Nah, going to leave my Frigis Frozen Dream up as my only mecha standing in formation. I made Legendary pilot with that mecha and I still consider it one of my favorites to this day.

I think that's all I have to say, so thank you one and all for a truly unique gaming experience it was a blast and I wish you all happy hunting.

This is Pat Willis creator and last original editor for Galaxy Gathering signing off.

Heartbreaker Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This weapon actually came to me as a four pack during the most recent raid. As it was salvage I do not have information on level required to own them or purchase price information.

What I can tell you is these things scream! A speed of 104 on a missile system is mind blowing, I mean that is the speed range of some of the better projectile weapons. The speed on this thing is on par with the Arbitrator slug thrower. So for a missile system that is pretty impressive.

The straight damage is at 77 which again isn't too shabby. That places it somewhere between the Metal Mamba and the Sniper Rack damage wise. Which even though they are crystal based weapons they still dish out some decent straight damage with no problem. Granted this is a niode weapon but still it is coming in with some seriously impressive stats, even when compared to the higher end crystal launchers.

Then we get into the weapon abilities with a 55% Fork and a 3% Crit-Kill. We all know the niode missile launchers love 50% or better for Fork ability, this puppy is no different. Add the right equipment into your mecha and you could see the Crit-Kill percentage go up nicely, as well as increasing your Fork potential. These would compliment any missile based arsenal and make their owner rain screaming death on the battlefield.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Kraken Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Today we're looking at one of the big guns for niode ice weaponry. As usual all pertinent purchase information, as well as restrictions are contained in the image.

So right off the bat here we have a straight damage of 150. From what I can see from the assembled weapons in the shop that looks to be the largest available straight damage to date. So really nothing to review or remark on there, it just does some big bastard damage hands down.

The speed is 104, which for a ice weapon is fairly fast. Most ice weaponry ranges from the mid to high 90's on into the 100 mark. The speed on this puts it more in line with the Blue Dragon laser weapon and others of that ilk. So again for an ice weapon that's really some fast firing.

Weapon ability is Crit-Kill at 19%. This makes it a contender for the Crit-Kill club. A little title I bestowed upon the deadly lasers that all run 19% Crit- Kill ability. Well now we can add an ice weapon to the list for that exclusive club. So now we would have in that esteemed selection the Blue Dragon, Cherenkov Ray, the Archfiend, and now this ice weapon the Kraken. All able to produce those nasty Crit-Kills and in the case of this weapon, the speed to really pull off one hell of a good shot.

Granted these are for high level pilots only, but a high level pilot would be well served sticking this on any of the available ice mechas. Either for tonnage specific specialists positions for a war, weapon specific specialists again for a war, or for any given specialty type KOTM that may pop up. Bottom line is these are some nasty weapons if they are pointed at you. Best to get some for yourself as soon as possible and outfit accordingly. Keeping the enemy at bay, or turning him into an ice sculpture that explodes seems to be what this weapon excels at.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Retribution Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Alright as you can see this is a crystal missile launcher, all applicable purchase information is contained in the image. When last I looked at this weapon I wasn't high enough of a level to purchase and use them. Now I leveled and can speak from seeing these in action.

Damage wise these are the high end of the crystal weapons available. As in the next weapon up to see an increase in damage is the Sniper rack which dishes out 85 damage but isn't available until level 135. So at level 115 you have access to a straight 80 Damage weapon, not bad at all.

The speed of 100 is honestly niode quality for a missile weapon (just look at the Arbalest) and isn't seen  until you get to the Metal Mamba, this weapon, and the one above it.

Ability wise with the Fork of 10%that's honestly pretty decent. Most Crystal missile weapons don't even reach double digits for weapon ability. Of course the Metal Mamba would be an exception with its Splash at 11%. But all in all it's a solid weapon ability at a better than usual percentage to go off.

To further your missile damage look to your equipment set up for your tonnage range and you should be able to find something that will accommodate this weapon system. Of course any mecha can take any weapon, especially with a proper equipment set up. However it should really be mentioned that a missile based build bonus and related weapon ability damage bonuses should not be over looked here. So yes these are fine to load up on your missile boat mechas and go to town with.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Pyophorus Mecha Review Update By Pat Willis#224534

When last we covered this mecha it was as a mission reward mecha, Since that time it has become available on the open market. Purchase and basic stats are in the image.

I managed to snag one when it was a mission reward and have been leveling it up since as resources allow. As such mine is at level 104, and I still have to get it to lvl 112. So I'll be speaking from experience with the one I own.

It is a fire mecha and that is evident with the build bonus it gets to Fire damage, it also packs X2 Damage,Laser shield, Projectile shield, Missile shield, Ice and Fire shielding, Splash, and Slow. That is all before installation of equipment.

Speaking of equipment mine has at present two cockpit slots, three chassis slots, four engine slots, and three shield slots. Again mine is not up to my current pilot level so bear that in mind.

I can say it is a pretty slick mecha to have and pilot. It packs a powerful hit for a little mecha, the fact that said hit is fire based just adds to the fun. Of course you can outfit it however you like with weapons but it does its best work with flame. I should also mention that it doesn't have a lot of armor as mine has only 700 A.P. at present. It does try to make up for the lack of shielding slots with the inbuilt shielding, but again remember this is a smaller mecha so what it does have to start is less than 10%. A great little scout mecha, and it packs enough of a punch with its flame arsenal. I have 22 weapon slots available to me so it has plenty of room to arm it up however you see best.

So from mission reward mecha to shop room model there you have it. A solid mecha, decent hit and build bonuses, and a creepy little bug design to boot. Well worth the crystal if you have it to spare and meet the piloting requirements.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Aspis Mecha Review By Pat Willis#224534

The Aspis mecha is available from Alpha Corp it will cost you 16,000 Ferrite, 13,500 Bioptics, and 145 niodes to obtain one. Their beginning stats are as follows, Tonnage 90, Armor Points 250, Start Weapons 13, Min Level 77, Min Heavy Skill ,45 Levels/Weapon 4. These also come with the following weapons 3 Tri-Slagger niode lasers, 1 Sikuiaq niode ice weapon,  2 H. Blast Plate crystal based slug throwers, 1 crystal based Death Head missile, 1 Ol' Willie Pete crystal flame weapon, and 5 crystal Rail cannon Slug throwers. So right out of the box it has a little of everything for weapon ability.

So that is the basic show room floor model without any bells and whistles. I own a few of these myself and have them sitting at my current level of 108. They are good machines to be honest and at level 108 I have available to me 5 Cockpit slots, 5 Chassis slots, 4 Engine slots, and 6 Shield slots. So you definitely have room to outfit it as you like with equipment. Basic build stats for this model at my level are ...

Tons: 90
Level: 108
Armor: 1337
Class: Aspis
Bonuses before equipment:
Trample Shield 88%
Speed - 30
Precision (12)
Speed + 22
3X Damage 18%
2X Damage 18%
Trample 12%
Splash Shield 30%
Fork 15%
Fork Shield 25%
Wide Fork Shield 50%
Crit-Kill 6%

As you can see this is a pretty defensive model. Unless you add in equipment that gives weapon perks or bonuses in your equipment this mecha is one of the few blank slate machines that doesn't cater to one weapon type or another, like the Regis with lasers, or the Ignis with fire. It does however specialize in shielding to counter Trample, Slpash, and Wide Fork weapon abilities. It also allows a decent bonus stat to X2&3 damage,  Trample ability, and Crit-Kill. Overall a very solid mecha especially if you can equip one right to enhance their admittedly lumbering speed.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Dual Gattling Weapon Review By John Ringo #899287

A pilot walked through the door of Jamar’s House of Finery. The extra dose of swagger in his stride was highly suggestive of someone trying to overcompensate for a lack of experience but the look in his eyes hinted he did have the niodes to spend and would not be a waste of her time. She did a quick scan of the sales floor and saw she was the first one to see him walk in. Before anyone else could beat her to it she crossed over to the young man before his drool could corrode the Big Burtha on display. “Greetings honored pilot. My name is Rita, how can I help you today?”

He launched into a long story of his recent exploits filled with lots of puffed up details that sounded more like an action hero in a holo show then a young pilot starting out. Rita has dealt with young pilots like this more times than she could count. After some skillful follow up questions she learned he just reached level 10 and was after some high end weapons to do better in Circuit Fights and KotM events. She linked her tablet to his and uploaded a sales brochure for a weapon that should fit his needs. “Take a look at the stats for the Dual Gattling projectile weapon and see if this is what you have in mind”

Damage 14

Speed 114

2X Damage 15%

Ferrite 150

Bioptics 70

Niodes 9

A hungry grin spread across the pilots face so Rita closed in for the kill. “I do not offer this for just anyone but I think you’re cute. If you buy a crate of five guns I will sell them to you for just 36 Niodes. Just select the quantity you need and authorize payment on your pad and these beauties will be in your hanger in no time”

Submitted By John Ringo #899287

Small Mordem Weapon Review By John Ringo #899287

Hey you! Yes, you! You look lost my friend. Your pilot suit is so new it still squeaks when you walk. Step over here to my booth and let me help you. Welcome to Crazy Bill’s Crystal Palace! We specialize in equipping pilots looking for great value when you do not have niodes to burn. Now what is it that I can help you with? You are trying to get to pilot level 7 to 10 so you can enter the circuit fights? Ah, yes… That is a good goal for a young pilot looking to earn needed crystals to grow your army. Now what mech are you looking to outfit? A Shocklite that has a few open weapon slots? You are in luck. You can buy a few Small Mordems to fill those empty slots and gain a boost to your damage from your Shocklite’s missile damage bonus. Here is a brochure with the item’s stats:

Damage 8

Speed 99

Ferrite: 100

Bioptics: 80

I will send those right over to your hanger as soon as your payment clears. I wish you the best of luck in the circuit fights and when you have won a pile of crystal please come back and I will be more than happy to upgrade you with the best crystal weapons and equipment for your level.

Submitted By John Ringo #899287

Dilophos Mecha Review At A Glance By Pat Willis#224534

Tonnage    75
Armor Points    175
Start Weapons    10
Min Level    47
Min Heavy Skill    30
Levels/Weapon    5
Manufacturer    Alpha Corperation

Review -   It looked odd, no two ways about it. The color scheme was quite gaudy in comparison to other mecha and frankly first impression I can sum up in one word…Hideous.  Then I took it for a test drive, and I have to say color scheme be damned this mecha is incredible! Most would pass this mecha up due to the fact that it has some “flaws” in the form of fire and missile vulnerabilities. That really isn’t a problem in the field seeing as one of these ugly little beauties will usually put down a volley of laser and flame before a missile ever leaves the tube to hit it.

These are fast, precise, dangerous killing machines. They slowly build up momentum and unleash a volley of hell all at once. The pay offs are obvious when many smoldering mecha lay defeated by one superb specimen.

This mecha shines no matter what position it is put in. The built in fork ability while starting off small and insubstantial, gradually increases to a very formidable ability. The emphasis on laser damage alone makes this a winning mecha, but it also adds flame damage bonuses and has nice shielding. At first glance this mecha with its color scheme and built in flaws seems like an obvious pass, but given time and proper upgrades this particular model can rock the battle field like few others. This is a mecha to invest in and make no mistakes something like this is a solid investment.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Vizi Mecha Review By Pat Willis#224534

The Vizi mecha is a reward mecha handed out by the Craftsmen guild as rewards for particular raids, wars, or tourneys. As such it's basically a restricted mecha and no real pertinent information is available unless you have one, or an army of them laying around. They are 45 ton mechas that are unique in the fact that they get bonuses to all weapon types, as opposed to most mechas who only concentrate on one or two weapon types at best.

It also has the abilities of  Fork, Splash, Slow, Shield, and 3X damage. Rounding out an already versatile design. Of course with the addition of equipment you can fine tune those particular skills to a razors edge or add others like Crit-Kill for fun. These mechas are fun, they excell at all weapon types, zip around the battlefield with the right engine/speed set up, and are relatively inexpensive to upgrade and level up as they are crystal based mecha.

Now of course there have to be some limiting factors in there somewhere given it is a jack of all trades with weapon set up. That trade off looks to come in the form of limited equipment slots. But think it through it is a 45 ton mecha with just about every inch of its tech going towards weapon bonuses and a few select other tricks, of course the equipment slots are going to be a bit on the skim side, this isn't the God Mecha you know. But for what it is, well I have to admit it's pretty dammed cool. So if you own one or more take pride, if not go get one! Cause when you get down to it I'd rather have some of these in my corner than not.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534