Core Of The Dragon Equipment Review

This vaguely self-aware engine of dubious origin (one suspects some bastardization of Forerunner technology)  functions as a sort of a boiler much like one of the nuclear reactor variety for mecha that are in the 40-70 ton weight range.  Curiously, tests ran on it read zero particles of known radiation emanating from it so it may be safe to assume the Core is powered by some heretofore unknown form of energy which we simply don't have the right tools to properly detect yet.

What's more certain is that this dragon engine is helpful and seems most at home using its machine intelligence to figure out ways of improving the fire damage (13%) and trample ability (5%) of your mech.  It does this through a technique toolbox of semi-intelligent power management and stable overclocking, which together put out a speed boost of 8.

A Core of The Dragon costs 330 Ferrite, 260 Bioptics and 38 Niodes.

Submitted by Mycobacter #712744

Mech Show Spotlight - Ammoknight

Myco's signature Ammonite is one which he uses to showcase all of his previous experience and ability gained from modifying Hoplites back when he was in Morgana.  Unlike his Sever or Smilodon, this cold hearted killing machine of a mecha is about as robotic as you can get and has no pretenses at trying to be animal-like.

Although the standard Ammonite has been geared towards favoring projectile-type weapons, that wasn't good enough for mycobacter.  He re-engineered his Ammonite from the ground up to be strongest with missiles. It features twin pop out Goliath Racks housed in the shoulders and a rare chest mounted Cloud of Doom launcher obtained from a KOTM match. The chassis is optimized using reactive-joints.  Where it really stands out though is the cockpit.  Targeting is done using a hybrid integrated digital/analog high precision pilot interface that has a SMASH 8 display screen, Ballistica Computer and Betrus processor combo. Under the hood is a quantum physicist's dream.  AmmoKnight is powered by both a Caged Singularity and an Indefinite Singularity which are in turn maintained by a Phoenix Engine.

A recent extermination assignment he and Drake Novum Scientist went on cleaning up some of their technology which had run amok inspired mycobacter to work on a loadout based on quick and variable-threat response for offense with well-rounded shielding for defense.  The standard Rail Guns and Cannons have been replaced with quad Ferrite Storm Guns, a Fist of Fury, and Le Royal Boom.  The chassis is rounded out with a Coolant System and Magnetic Connectors.  This is a mecha ideal for disposing of mutant infestations.  Quad Envelopers slow down the targets, leaving them wide-open to get sprayed by the Cloud of Doom, which is then detonated using an Assault Plasma located on each arm.

Submitted by Mycobacter#712744

A List Of Folks Worthy Of Recognition

Hello one and all, Pat Willis here editor in chief and owner/operator of the site. Some of you know me some do not but I feel the need to talk to you one and all. We began running this site "officially" on April 11th of 2014, barely three months back. Since that time we have amassed 8,397 hits to date with 3,153 hits in the last month alone, with 211 posted articles to date. With those kind of stats I feel it is time to publicly thank a few folks, some had direct impact on the site, others indirectly but a thank you to one and all non the less is warranted.

First off a huge thank you to my wife DeAnne Willis who took what I said and helped create the look, menus, and interface for the site itself. She may not play but she helped and edits and really this site wouldn't be here without her involvement. Nick Shapiro our very own Brainchef De Cuisine for giving me the okay on being able to run the site in the first place, constructive feedback on what the site should look like, and allowing me to run with it. Artemis Molly also thank you for being our niode accountant when it comes to getting paid, and your feedback on the site.

I have to thank the original AFF crew as that is where I cut my teeth on writing for this game as well as got placement  in the A.N.N. on the recommendation from the clan head Robert C. Goetz Sr. We do not see eye to eye very often but a thank you none the less. Moe Lee and Justin Verret my head editors and operators of A.N.N., guys a huge thanks for showing me the ins and outs of a player run news source for the game. Also for taking the chance on a total unknown and allowing me to write for the A.N.N. while I was there. Honestly I couldn't have done this site without the experience gained from any of the above mentioned individuals.

To my co-editor and conspirator in this en devour Deborah Roaché-Hudak  huge thank you has to be said. you have helped get the interviews, news, reviews and gossip pieces since this whole thing began and honestly I could not have done it without you. To the entire Northwind Highlanders clan families, who had my back while the site was waiting in the wings for approval, and encouraged me to go for it a tremendous amount of gratitude  to you one and all. Sade Abbadon, Joel Parras, and Thodoris Liolios a special thank you for you guys gave me a lot of support and feedback when putting this all together.

To my writers/submitters Mycobacter and his sometimes co-writer Drake Novum Scientist, Steve Ross, John T. Mainer,  Sten Hugo Hiller, Sean Laverty, Ron Knightlinger, Willie Walton, and the others who have submitted a piece here and there. I do not list all the names because that would take forever, but the above is just what I remember off the top of my head. To all those who have written for this site I thank you a thousand times over for we are after all a player run site. If you guys didn't show an interest we wouldn't be here. If your name isn't included here and you have been in our pages honestly thank you.

So I just wanted to take a minute to publicly acknowledge those who have in some way shape or form, either directly or indirectly helped this site become what it is today. Also I want to thank our readers, you guys and gals are awesome. We are here for you and from the looks of things you guys like what we do. So we will keep doing it. So thank you one and all for helping make this site what it is today and for what it may become in the future. We honestly couldn't have gotten this far without you all and your support.

Submitted by Pat Willis #224534

Inferno Mech Review By Steve Ross

The INFERNO! The name says it all. We are looking at a burning monster. It will set you back 5k in ferrite, 3k in bioptics, and a healthy 145 in those precious niodes. It has a focus on flame weapons. This means that rank-ruining splash and burn comes beautifully into play.

With the right equipment on board you can trample, fork, splash, burn, and freeze an opponent in one hit. It's dodge capabilities, if you gear up with untiam actuators, is excellent. It is a mid-high end mech that seems, from personal experience, to be focused on the offensive side.

If distributed throughout the squad it can wreak havoc if along side fork and trample mechs. The better of the mid-high end mechs, it utilizes flame based technology to it's best potential. Weaknesses: It has a lower shield slot availability, meaning it cannot proffer a high resistance against incoming fire. It's engine slots are average,but against faster mechs it is a near sitting target.

However; It deals out savage multi-mech damage with it's fire power. Keep those Sekhmets and Core of the dragons in mind when equipping. Is it worth it's price? For a mid - higher end player, definitely. It will provide an excellent support mech in any squad.

Submitted by Steve Ross #462076

Pilot Profile Of 1goml #637975

This is Deborah Roaché-Hudak with 1goml #637975, of the clan Relax... It is just a game, in a Galaxy Gathering interview. We'll be looking at a few aspect of the game today, thanks for joining me. I see your first KotM was back in September of last yr, in nearly a year there have been many changes, what specifically are you happy to see that's new?

1goml: I liked the idea of faction wars. I was scared it would replace clan wars. However, now that I've seen clan wars will still be the main thing, I'm very happy. I like the fact he (BCDC) fixed direct MG accounts and gave them stim packs and hatoraides, more importantly upgrade kits!

Deb: Those perks are worth fighting for, it's good to know they were heard and addressed. Most have days where glitches prevent sending/accepting gifts or something of that nature. Have you experienced any problems or any that were fixed?

1goml: Direct MG accounts still can't send gifts or accept. It's automated by BCDC, we get a limited amount every 3 days. It works great like his crystal fix! Now if we can fix HG it will be perfect

Deb: Must be many of the same things Kongragate players face. Has any of the different accesses to the game posed a problem when it comes to recruiting, considering the limitations?

1goml: It has, we force players to add us on FB so it's easier to communicate. While I've made my clan a forum for that purpose they don't seem very interested in it..

Deb: Not unlike trying to keep the player's page alive and active, only so many will jump into a mix like that. Now that you've had the opportunity to see a few Raids after the Wars, how has your team fared? Some found it too difficult still while others complain the prizes seem inadequate for all the work they did even if the waves were easy.

1goml: I'm with the bunch of people about prizes. Last raid I killed 5K+ and landed a pair of Keradon... At level 36 that is nearly useless however the difficulty was fine for us.

Deb: Is there anything you'd like to add before we conclude today?

1goml: Nothing to add

Deb: Okay. Once again thanks for your time, I appreciate your being here and sharing your thoughts. I look forward to seeing you in the next wars, until then I bid you safe travels and successful battles.

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak#289133

The Smelter Weapon Review

Class-Fire – Elite Damage 62 Speed 104 Burn 5% This limited edition fire weapon is for players lvl 30 or higher. The speed is exceptional for its class, that's what your niodes will buy with this firebug. When the 3x damage kicks in, the results of a 62 base damage will possibly take out your opponent. If they are left standing, they will likely feel the aftermath with burn. Only 350 were made available so consider yourself lucky if you caught a few of these while they're on sale.

Submitted by James Hudak # 287078

Galaxy Gossip Special Sponsored By The Brotherhood

Tory is making news again when heard making snide remarks about Felicitis Vexum's name. Complicating matters-he works with Herod-a known historical figure with a shady history. It is unclear which brother, Rilius or Patrick Sectorum, will have the responsibility of dealing with her. So long as they don't allow Evil Blake or Malicious to have a say in the matter, Tory could come out unscathed once again. Duke Crimson was noted to be red hot from the incident. If Mad Mulligan could focus, Tory might have more than she'd care to deal with. We'll stay on top of the matter and see how it concludes, reporting as more information becomes available.

We'll turn things back over to The Galaxy Gathering. This is Willie Walton, reporting with this latest bit of gossip.

Submitted by Willie Walton #22338

Blizzard Ray Weapon Review

Damage 62, Speed 100, 2x damage 7%, Slow (6)

The icy blast from this weapon will make a trip to the North Pole look like a tropical vacation. This limited drop weapon requires level 30 minimum to purchase. Only 300 were available for the limited drop. Compared to the crystal counterparts available to purchase on a regular basis, you may have a boost from the bonus speed. The 2x damage is sure to make an impact when it connects and if that not enough, a 6 slow to your opponents will give you an edge. The overall versatility in this purchase will please for many levels beyond 30. As the weapons have limits at the upper levels, this may be an option to consider. It's good to have choices, keep looking at the specials and find what fits your needs so if you want ice-this may be for you!

Submitted by Ron Kightlinger # 159578

Malachite Laser Weapon Review

For low and midlevel pilots, this laser weapon is worth considering. The extra speed of 103 for a laser weapon will give you a jump at first shot and the 3% chance for crit-kill may finish the battle nearly as soon as it started. If you like to gamble, this is definitely a weapon to get-the wild option will surprise your opponents as mechas take a beating from the sidelines it almost seems. Go for the surprise hit and take down even bosses with this beauty. You'll get good mileage from this low level choice piece of workmanship. It's got all the bells and whistles the new pilots could expect for a reasonable price. At 17 niodes, it's practically a steal. You get an even better bargain with you buy in bulk, the 5 pack runs just 68 niodes. Only a limited supply of 350 were made available so when they are gone, you better hope they make it to the KotM prize mix or you may never see this one again.

Submitted by Blake Moon #374569

Antithesis Mech Review

The Antithesis mech will cost you 15,500 Ferrite, 12,200 Bioptics and 145 niodes. It sits at 90 tons with a minimum level of 77 required to handle one. Yes the good Dr. Drakes mech of choice is a pricey piece of equipment from the get go. Right off basic build stats it allows for starter stats on trample, as you level it acquires crit kill potential, and of course bonuses to projectile damage. It has customization like the rest of the mechs, so you can set yours up however you wish to provide non factory setting bonuses. It is a slug thrower so that should help in decision making as to how best to augment it further.

As with all the big mechs the question becomes is this mech really worth it especially for the price. In my honest opinion, no not really. It looks good when fighting against one in the clan raids I will admit but after having won one, and having it in my line up for fights after the first faction war, I found it to be mostly a hype mech. It does have potential but with the insane amount of weapon slots available to it that only go up as you level its more apt to suck your resources dry and give little returns on the field. It can take a hit yes, it may even deal out some good damage every now and again. But unless you are fighting one in a raid you will rarely see one dish out  big nasty damage, unless of course you have the resources to sink into it to make it perform like what you see in the raids. I traded mine in after a time and bought a Dreadnought, by and large its looks cool, but I feel it under performs for something that costs so much. Save your niodes and buy proven devastation machines like the Torrent, or the Dreadnought they will serve you much better and more capably than this over glorified mech.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Dreadnought Mech Review

The Dreadnought will run you 15,500 Ferrite, 12,500 Bioptics, and 140 Niodes to start right off the bat. It's a 85 ton slug thrower with a minimum level requirement of  63 on it. As with all the bigger/heavier mech the question as always is, is it worth it? In my humble opinion yes. For one of the bigger mechs it has plenty of equipment slots to augment it, which especially come in handy for  increasing its speed rating. I am currently a level 82 working on bringing my own Dreadnought up to speed. As such at present it is at level 65 and sits at 4 cockpit slots, 4 chassis slots, 6 engine slots and has 4 shield slots. So there is definitely room for tinkering around with what it can do.

I have noticed it is one of the faster heavier mechs, being a slug thrower of course helps that a great deal as the projectile weapons have never been slouches for speed. It packs solid armor, of course has bonuses to projectile damage, with Precision and Trample built in, as well as some basic shielding to get you started in the fire and ice categories. All in all it is a solid well built mech, with plenty of weapon slots, equipment slots, and a surprising level of speed for a mech of its class. A bit on the pricey side yes but worth it for the customization and firepower it can bring to a fight. I would happily recommend this mech to everyone once they are of the proper level, and piloting skill to use it.

Submitted by Pat Willis #224534