Honestly the canon reason the engineers of the bashwacker kept the old AC/10 should be cuz they were so done with all the electrical issues they went "fuck it I'm not wasting another decade on this damn machine!"
I bought MW3 because of the sexy Mad Cat on the cover, but this thing was my very first virtual battle-mech I had the pleasure of piloting. It didn't leave a lasting impression on me, but it was a very good teacher for green Mechwarrior who just crash landed on some god forsaken clan planet...
Oh my God, oh my God! The Bushwacker is my introduction to BattleTech! I remember playing the bushwhacker In mech commander two In the starting mission! God bless you, Red!
I love the 'Wacker & was trying to think of when I fell in love with it & I believe it was MC2 as well. It's definitely a mini I need for playing Classic BattleTech.
@@mikecampos1193 the events on the series are not necessarily considered canon, but its existence in universe is canon. Since Adam Steiner is a legitimate character in the franchise I like to imagine he despises that cartoon.
I may be misremembering but I swear when they introduced the Bushwacker they had an incident of "getting crap past the radar" when the guy telling the 1st Somerset Strikers about the new mechs makes a reference to keeping bushes trimmed while leering at one of the female characters.
So many memories. MW2 was my first game. But MW3 is my absolute favorite and still play it when I can get the game to work. And of course this mech is what makes me smile the most when I start up the game. Now I get to watch/listen to it sweet sweet lore.
I think the thing with CASE in the side torsos is, as you say, that it is intended to be an addition that prevents operational losses of mechs and pilots over a longer campaign, rather than something intended to let the mech fight longer in a single battle than it would otherwise (for that, you want CASE II, a much later addition to the game's rulebooks and tech specs). Point is, CASE and XL engines are frequently seen together in mech configurations provided by the people making Battletech, and that's a sign that they meant it to be a place where the lore and the game rules cross paths. It can also be an indication that you'd ideally be playing these tabletop games not in a "single session me vs you" manner, but in a "this campaign spans multiple sessions, perhaps an entire year of weekend gaming sessions, me and the rest of this unit vs you and the rest of your unit" style. In other words, it makes the universe of the tabletop game seem larger than it would otherwise seem, even in the case where all you have time for is "single session me vs you".
Ever since MechCommander Desperate Measures I've loved the 'Wacker. My brother and I once built a map that put the player force against a Clan base chock full of heavy and assault Omnimechs. To help balance the scales for the attackers, we had a lance of AI Bushwackers do a drive-by raid on the base to provide a distraction for the defenders. Imagine our surprise when four Bushwackers managed to gut an entire trinary of Omnimechs, a bunch of supporting armor, and a multi-layered set of fixed defenses including layered turrets and walls. It was amazing to watch, but it made the mission far too easy.
Mechwarrior 3 was my introduction to the universe of battletech, and i think in general to giant vaguely humanoid robots with pilots in them. Needless to say I have a soft spot for the bushwacker. Thank you for this wonderful video with all the backstory and mechanical analysis!
The X1 Bushwacker in my mind ticks all of the boxes for an Inner Sphere 3050's design. Unfortunately that also includes the fragility of an XL engine. It's definitely a versatile mech, but you're absolutely right in your assessment: if it's trying to beat Clan mechs at their own game, it'll lose more often than not. I don't have any experience with the Gauntlet, but after seeing the breakdown I cant say I'll go out of my way to field one. This was a great video as always Red! Cheers 😊
The mech that introduced me to Battletech by being the opening mechs in MechCommander 2. Really an extremely flexible and quick machine, its very fun to play.
I loved the Wacker in MC2. It had such a jaunty walk animation with a spring in its step compared to the other more mechanical walk cycles on the heavier mechs
my favortie memory of Bushwacker(s) were when I was playing MWO and a squad of 3 of them were highly coordinated going around kicking ass and taking names I thought it was so badass lol, they were like the equivalent of special forces arriving to the battlefield that match
I just got into your channel. I played mechwarrior 2 and had some battletech toys. I got into 40k a few years ago and am starting to get into battletech lore.
Had the chance to help out with the capture crew. But I was wrecked and out of it. Hope you and the guys had fun making this. This was the first medium mech I used in MWO. Damn interesting machine.
As a dedicated Merc player, I’m absolutely thrilled that the Lyren’s export this things. It may not be in their own best interests but it makes my life a lot better.
My favourite MechWarrior memory is taking down a shiny new Dire Wolf in a masc and LB-X equipped Bushy. Hilly terrain, circling around my prey, dissecting limbs and RTBing after leaving a smoking junk-heap behind.
I've loved this mech since MW3 and it was great to see your video on it. The mech really brings together a lot of things I like about IS mechs while looking so good
Loved learning more about the Gauntlet. And this vid totally vindicates my decision to include a X4 in my Merc breakthrough company's heavy cav lance. Great work Red
Awesome vid Red. I've been unable to watch your more recent vids due work now I get to binge watch the vids. MW3 was intro to this universe and the Bushwhacker will always hold a special place.😊
I watching your videos as education about Battletech. But UA-cam thinks i need to see adverts about engineering companies and construction work opportunities. 😂 thank you for your great work.
i like that the BW is very good at being a flexible generalist. in the MC1 xpack and MC2, i kept my starting BWs for quite long, and turned them into backline snipers as the missions got tougher. they still served very well until near the end.
As the video was going on, I was thinking of what I’d do to the Bushwacker for a custom version. And then I heard about the X4, and I’m absolutely in love. No changes needed, I just need many Bushwackers. I adore this little devil~
As an exclusively Mechwarrior (2 onwards) player, I like the Bushwacker for what it is - a good, solid, if uninspiring mech that is good at what it does and does it well.
Another great episode, Red! The 'Wacker is a mech that is fun to play, but at the same time, it's one of those mechs that proves difficult to master, due to the engineering gaffes made in its creation. The Gauntlet was fun to try out in BTA 3062, but even though it was an omni, it was really tricky to load out, due to crit slots being at a premium.
Yeah, the animated series was pretty awful...but I was already a FedCom player when it came out, and it led directly to my abiding hatred for the dirty birds, as well as introduced me to the Bushwacker. So I can't be too mad at it. Also, I think it's hilarious that it was written into canon as in-universe propaganda against the Clans, specifically the Emerald Chickens. I've had the _1st Somerset Strikers_ Sourcebook since early '96, and I've been slowly working on printing and painting all of the mechs used in the campaign so I can play through the whole thing with some friends.
My first introduction to the mech was the first mission in mechwarrior 3 and it was nearly love it first sight. The mech was well armored and had a weapon for every range while maintaining good speed. Do to this when I first started playing battletech in the early 2000's it became one of my first metal minis. Its made it into my post clan invasion lances many a time and was my choice at a local con event I ended up winning with it due to its long range firepower. It get even nastier when you can use smoke and thunder rounds with its LRM 5 launchers which with 2 lets you easily spread light mine fields or one medium field if you need it or 2 hexes of light cover or 1 of heavy cover on command. I'll admit I don't really like most of the variants save for the X4 due to loosing its versatility so much so I only play the X1 and X4 variants. I really don't know what the designers of the gauntlet were doing almost feels like throwing paint on a masterpiece. Its hard to top when you do get such a balance of firepower, speed, armor and heat management.
I liked the video before even really getting into it. Great video, I love the deep dive into a mech like that. Man, the Bushwacker is a good example of flawed, but still good weapons in Battletech. I don't even particularly like it, but I definitely appreciate it and am glad that it has stuck around.
I remember seeing this in the cartoon and using it in mw3, I remember this being a good functional platform that the champion is envious of. Thanks for the wave of nostalgia red. 😊
The Bushwacker, was in love with that thing since I played it on MechWarrior 3. Still think it would have been the FedCom's primary trooper on both sides of the nation had the FedCom continued. As for the newest one, it is amazing general purpose mech and I can see why many mercenaries buy it. While its system is still ammo dependent overall, it also has enough energy weapons to defend itself. Even still, each ammo based weapon has 10-20 rounds of fire which would be enough for most engagements. It can be a striker, harrasser, pursuit, light fire support, light mech hunter, and can probably go toe-to-toe with most mechs its size. The only way the X4 could be better is to use Clan tech in place of all the weapons (save the Plasma Rifle) and/or in the structure of the mech.
My favorite mech in MechCommander 2.Even when the game nudges you to gather hardware from each faction you work for, I had one out in the field until it was unfeasible.
MW4: Mercenaries was my first introduction the universe and Bushwacker was one of my favorites as a kid. My dad got us a joystick alongside it and was one of my favorite gaming memories.
I absolutely love the Bushwhacker, it's just always served me well on the table. Don't know why, don't know how, but I've always had great luck with it, especially the X2 variant.
After TRO's 3025 and 2750, TRO 3058 is my favorite TRO. The Bushwhacker on the cover was a big part of why i bought it! But as i looked up each mech, i had the same feelings about the Bushwhacker. As i looked at the art more, i was baffled about it not having hands, particularly those wierd stumps instead of gun barrels. Over the years, ive fought several Bushwhackers, but never run any myself. I know a lot of folks love it, but ive just never been impressed. That said, i love some truly bizarre mechs myself. So no hate from me. LOL Thanks for the video! It really is great to have people like you Making such her gh quality videos.
In games where I can do field refits, I generally remove the Machine Guns and their ammo for extra AC/10 ammo. I also find that the option for specialty ammo to make the AC/10 more useful than an LB-X.
Yes! One of my favorite mediums to field! While I bemoan the ERLL, it is a decent platform, especially the BSW-X2 or S2 variants. I had one nail an Atlas in the head, and thus earned the name "Rattlecan Mike". - The Gauntlet has a cool look, but only the A.Config really brings anything to the table. I remember kitbashing an A.Config once. Wouldn’t mind trying again.
I was first introduced to the bushwacker in MW3 (my first Mechwarrior game and intro to battletech). I have always found its visual design pleasing, and it will always have a place in my heart. It is a solid design as well. Another battletech yt channel analyzed the data, and it is solid with the ability to damage opponents, fairly heat neutral, and very survivable.
One of the most visually distinct and recognizable machines in the game, you can't help but love it. I have a particular soft spot for the X2 variant; the ER large laser just isn't very good, and I much prefer the spread of missile launchers and lasers.
Mechwarrior 3 was my introduction to Battletech, and the Bushwacker was the fist mech I piloted in that game. It's been my absolute favourite mech ever since. It's good to see the X4 variant getting some love and attention too - it's an understated monster of a medium mech, on par with Clan mechs like the Storm Crow and Vapour Eagle in terms of its firepower, and not too far behind in terms of mobility and durability. And I agree about the LBX - it not only weighs less, but generates less heat, allowing the number of heat sinks to be reduced to 10. That allows you to up armour its fragile arms with a whole extra ton of armour. Fortunately it's a very simple refit to do.
The Bushwacker was my first battlemech when I started with Mechwarrior 3 and I've always been fond of it. It looks appropriately "techy" and digitigrade legs are a favorite of mine.
Having first seen this in the Battletech cartoon in the 90s, I couldn't wait to see the technical readout book for it. When it came out in late '95, I couldn't stop laughing at how much potential was wasted. It really needed that LB10-X. There are no words to describe the disappointment I feel towards the Gauntlet though, should have stayed with the Bushwacker. Great video!
Currently playing a campaign against pirates and mercenaries, as House Steiner, their commander oddly leading Atlas's and Commandos into battle on the iron planet using this very well rounded machine 7/10 for long term campaigns 8-9/10 for a good skirmish
...Never was fond of this design until I tried a refit: replacing the AC/10 & ammo with a Large Pulse Laser (giving better anti-infantry capability, & letting it fire on the move), & upgrading the LRM-5 racks to -10 racks; Later replaced the MGs & ammo with a Flamer & extra LRM ammo. Despite the increased heat build up--especially with an Alpha strike--this armament gave me good results for the time I used it.
Being a J-period player, I honestly love the BSW-S2 variant. The mech itself feels more like a 'complimentary' mech, something you round out a lance with, but not anchor your lance around. (Again, love the video and thanks for doing it!)
Th Bushwacker needs more love tbh. It's just a really solid, if occaisionally fragile, 55 ton skirmisher with a frankly nasty armament when combined with its speed tier. Shame that it has MGs.
Perhaps, instead of lamenting armament choices due to a limited view of it's holistic scope, you might try to expand your tabletop experience by bringing in some of the poor, bloody infantry, and using them for their intended purpose... Turning infantry bases into paste.
@@andrewamann2821 I do, and when I do turn infantry to paste, I use Small Pulse Lasers, Plasma Rifles, and Flamers as god intended. Because fuck infantry, but also fuck machine guns.
@@andrewamann2821having done that, it made me rethink my opinion on the Crusader. Laserboats do nothing…and then an ancient machine whom was probably produced for my great great great grandfather’s era waddles up to the front, sprays the front, and slowly waddles back into the fight
my favorite mech from mechcommander 2. That was not just my first game of the franchise but also my first pc game ever. My favorite striker configuration was AC 20, with SRM,s and PPC while Sniper was Gauss Rifle with ERPPC and LRM
Lost this mech the first round it was on the board due to an ammo explosion at a grinder last month. Lucky TAC to the machine gun ammo and I instantly lost the side torso.
For 200k more than the X1, I built one with 10 DHS, Gauss in the right arm with two tons of Ammo in the right torso, retained the ERLL, and kept the LRM5 in the left arm with 1 ton of CASE protected Ammo in the left torso. Can give the LRM5 specialty Ammo instead of standard to make it support equipment rather than direct damage.
The il-Khan era really brought some excellent designs to the tabletop. The X4 is the perfect Inner Sphere tech stick to beat anything you don't like into the dirt.
As a FedCom player since around '91, and a fan of the Animated Series, I've been a Bushwacker fanboi for 30 years. It was one of the first mechs I 3D printed, actually. As the animated series said when it introduced the BSW-X1, "I'd sure hate to be in the bush it's wackin'."
I used to overlook the Bushwhacker, but the primary loadout's focus on long range combat really grew on me. A nifty little 'mech with a good deal of charm.
FACT: The Bushwackers, Butch and Luke, were not from Australia. They were from New Zealand. Big Red-40Trek is rumored to hold New Zealand citizenship. Therefore, this video is proof, beyond any doubt, that Red is paid by Catalyst Games Workshop.
I loved the Bushwhacker in Mechwarrior 3, and found it to be an excellent mech. I always kept at least one Bushwhacker chassis in my MFB until I graduated solidly to heavy and knew I'd never need it again. And it's considered an excellent medium mech in tabletop, at least in some versions. Now if only the mini hadn't been nearly impossible to assemble. . .
A pair of Bushwackers X1s and a pair of Kintaros KTO-18 or 20s are a nice, relatively fast mix. You cannot afford to ignore any of those mechs and the vast amount of missiles they bring to the table will weaken enemy armor rather fast for AC 10s and Large Lagers to punch through somewhere rather sooner than later.
wow, this has definitely opened my eyes to the bushwhacker, i only wish the LBX type auto cannons had the cool ammo varieties the standard auto cannons do
Love me a bushwacker. With a little work in the mech bay, this is a terrifying beast. I've made it work as a multi-role machine, as long as she has the support she needs
One my old favorites. I like throwing casless ammo into the first varient. My only complaint is lack of light guass varient that replaces ac10 for one.
Honestly the canon reason the engineers of the bashwacker kept the old AC/10 should be cuz they were so done with all the electrical issues they went "fuck it I'm not wasting another decade on this damn machine!"
Maybe it's a weapon they knew well, or it was the only one they had in a plentiful supply? 😜
might be the price increase
Say what you want about the Bushwacker, the AC-10, and MW3, but 15 year old me was in love the first time I pulled that joystick trigger. Good times!
Say what I want? Sure!
AC10s are great!
So much nostalgia for MW3 and Mech Commander 2 where you started with these things.
Coming out of the water onto the beach the first time :]
OG MW4 Vengeance worker also
@@Logicon1138Those poor fishermen and their exploding wooden boats 😅
The preferred mech of landscapers across the Inner Sphere.
Them bushes ain't going to wack them selves.
Oh please tell me the next production variant of this design is called the weed wacker 😀😃😄.
@@lexington476 Weed wacker will be the light mech version. Heavy will be the lawn mower, Assault; the Ride on.
There's dirty Draks hidin' in them there bushes.
@@kagetemplar Heavy will be the lawn mower, and assault will be the Lawn F'ing Mower.
Now I need to see a green Bushwacker with Jim's Mowing Heraldry
I bought MW3 because of the sexy Mad Cat on the cover, but this thing was my very first virtual battle-mech I had the pleasure of piloting. It didn't leave a lasting impression on me, but it was a very good teacher for green Mechwarrior who just crash landed on some god forsaken clan planet...
Oh my God, oh my God! The Bushwacker is my introduction to BattleTech! I remember playing the bushwhacker In mech commander two In the starting mission! God bless you, Red!
I love the 'Wacker & was trying to think of when I fell in love with it & I believe it was MC2 as well. It's definitely a mini I need for playing Classic BattleTech.
MC2 was a great game with some highly underrated designs. Bushwacker, Hollander II, Shootist, Zeus X, Blood Asp, etc.
My 8 year old son for Father’s Day painted me black and red Bushwacker!
That is such a cool gift ^.^
Another mech I first saw in the Battletech Cartoon. One of my personal favorites too.
same... I just wish it was a bit better.
@@KMCA779technically it's Steiner propaganda it's considered Canon.
@@KMCA779
*"I just wish it was a bit better."*
The animates series or the Bushwacker?
@@mikecampos1193 the events on the series are not necessarily considered canon, but its existence in universe is canon. Since Adam Steiner is a legitimate character in the franchise I like to imagine he despises that cartoon.
I may be misremembering but I swear when they introduced the Bushwacker they had an incident of "getting crap past the radar" when the guy telling the 1st Somerset Strikers about the new mechs makes a reference to keeping bushes trimmed while leering at one of the female characters.
I like the A-10 Warthog inspired CT and cockpit section. Especially with the jaws/teeth paint combo. The ER Large in the CT rounds out the image.
So many memories. MW2 was my first game. But MW3 is my absolute favorite and still play it when I can get the game to work. And of course this mech is what makes me smile the most when I start up the game. Now I get to watch/listen to it sweet sweet lore.
Do you step on that guy near the beach or do you spare him?
@@Chopstorm. I thought that was compulsory, for luck?
I think the thing with CASE in the side torsos is, as you say, that it is intended to be an addition that prevents operational losses of mechs and pilots over a longer campaign, rather than something intended to let the mech fight longer in a single battle than it would otherwise (for that, you want CASE II, a much later addition to the game's rulebooks and tech specs).
Point is, CASE and XL engines are frequently seen together in mech configurations provided by the people making Battletech, and that's a sign that they meant it to be a place where the lore and the game rules cross paths.
It can also be an indication that you'd ideally be playing these tabletop games not in a "single session me vs you" manner, but in a "this campaign spans multiple sessions, perhaps an entire year of weekend gaming sessions, me and the rest of this unit vs you and the rest of your unit" style.
In other words, it makes the universe of the tabletop game seem larger than it would otherwise seem, even in the case where all you have time for is "single session me vs you".
My absolute favorite medium mech ever, although the Centurion is a very close second.
MechCommander 2 starting you off with 2 of these was a powerful statement.
And a Urbanmech for good measure.
Ah, the "Mario" of the setting. The jack-of-all-trades that proves that you can be the master of being average. And somehow, it still works.
My favorite 55t IS mech, it took a while, but she really grew on me.
Ever since MechCommander Desperate Measures I've loved the 'Wacker. My brother and I once built a map that put the player force against a Clan base chock full of heavy and assault Omnimechs. To help balance the scales for the attackers, we had a lance of AI Bushwackers do a drive-by raid on the base to provide a distraction for the defenders. Imagine our surprise when four Bushwackers managed to gut an entire trinary of Omnimechs, a bunch of supporting armor, and a multi-layered set of fixed defenses including layered turrets and walls. It was amazing to watch, but it made the mission far too easy.
Mechwarrior 3 was my introduction to the universe of battletech, and i think in general to giant vaguely humanoid robots with pilots in them. Needless to say I have a soft spot for the bushwacker. Thank you for this wonderful video with all the backstory and mechanical analysis!
The X1 Bushwacker in my mind ticks all of the boxes for an Inner Sphere 3050's design. Unfortunately that also includes the fragility of an XL engine. It's definitely a versatile mech, but you're absolutely right in your assessment: if it's trying to beat Clan mechs at their own game, it'll lose more often than not.
I don't have any experience with the Gauntlet, but after seeing the breakdown I cant say I'll go out of my way to field one.
This was a great video as always Red! Cheers 😊
who says the bushwacker isnt pretty?! its a georgeous machine!
The mech that introduced me to Battletech by being the opening mechs in MechCommander 2. Really an extremely flexible and quick machine, its very fun to play.
I loved the Wacker in MC2. It had such a jaunty walk animation with a spring in its step compared to the other more mechanical walk cycles on the heavier mechs
my favortie memory of Bushwacker(s) were when I was playing MWO and a squad of 3 of them were highly coordinated going around kicking ass and taking names I thought it was so badass lol, they were like the equivalent of special forces arriving to the battlefield that match
I just got into your channel. I played mechwarrior 2 and had some battletech toys. I got into 40k a few years ago and am starting to get into battletech lore.
Welcome aboard!
Had the chance to help out with the capture crew. But I was wrecked and out of it. Hope you and the guys had fun making this. This was the first medium mech I used in MWO. Damn interesting machine.
As a dedicated Merc player, I’m absolutely thrilled that the Lyren’s export this things. It may not be in their own best interests but it makes my life a lot better.
My favourite MechWarrior memory is taking down a shiny new Dire Wolf in a masc and LB-X equipped Bushy. Hilly terrain, circling around my prey, dissecting limbs and RTBing after leaving a smoking junk-heap behind.
I've loved this mech since MW3 and it was great to see your video on it. The mech really brings together a lot of things I like about IS mechs while looking so good
Feel in love with the Bushwacker when I played MW3 and MC2. My go-to as a medium mech pilot.
First battlemech I ever piloted and still my favorite Inner Sphere medium mech.
MWO-Rackwaker😅😅 We got hate mail😂
Was fun seeing this come together, well done!
This mech was SO many people's first mech (myself included) cause of MW3.
Hands down, without a doubt my all time favorite medium mech 🤘
Loved learning more about the Gauntlet. And this vid totally vindicates my decision to include a X4 in my Merc breakthrough company's heavy cav lance. Great work Red
Thanks for the video! I strongly suspect the X4 variant with its Plasma Rifle is MechFrog-approved 🐸
One of my Favorite Mechs in MWO.
i've collected them ALL!
Awesome vid Red. I've been unable to watch your more recent vids due work now I get to binge watch the vids. MW3 was intro to this universe and the Bushwhacker will always hold a special place.😊
This Mech has a special place in my MW3 playing heart.
I watching your videos as education about Battletech. But UA-cam thinks i need to see adverts about engineering companies and construction work opportunities. 😂 thank you for your great work.
A well-researched and executed video on the iconic mech from Mechwarrior 3 and beyond. Fantastic work as always, Red.
i like that the BW is very good at being a flexible generalist. in the MC1 xpack and MC2, i kept my starting BWs for quite long, and turned them into backline snipers as the missions got tougher. they still served very well until near the end.
As the video was going on, I was thinking of what I’d do to the Bushwacker for a custom version. And then I heard about the X4, and I’m absolutely in love. No changes needed, I just need many Bushwackers. I adore this little devil~
MechWarrior 3's starting Mech. Slapping clan tech on it as you go made it viable deep into the campaign.
Anybody should be able to “slap clan tech” on an Inner Sphere design and make it better. That is easy mode…
@@LiberalApplicationOfThud *Stares in Charger.*
Some turds can't be polished...
@@digitalis2977 You sure about that? *Casually gestures in direction of Charger C*
One of the few mediums I liked to keep in Mech Warrior 4
As an exclusively Mechwarrior (2 onwards) player, I like the Bushwacker for what it is - a good, solid, if uninspiring mech that is good at what it does and does it well.
Another great episode, Red! The 'Wacker is a mech that is fun to play, but at the same time, it's one of those mechs that proves difficult to master, due to the engineering gaffes made in its creation. The Gauntlet was fun to try out in BTA 3062, but even though it was an omni, it was really tricky to load out, due to crit slots being at a premium.
A modern classic for sure. Love the Bushwacker so much.
Oh lord, the Bushwacker... This is one of those love-hate designs with me. On paper it's a good design, but it was in the cartoon 😀...
Yeah, the animated series was pretty awful...but I was already a FedCom player when it came out, and it led directly to my abiding hatred for the dirty birds, as well as introduced me to the Bushwacker. So I can't be too mad at it.
Also, I think it's hilarious that it was written into canon as in-universe propaganda against the Clans, specifically the Emerald Chickens. I've had the _1st Somerset Strikers_ Sourcebook since early '96, and I've been slowly working on printing and painting all of the mechs used in the campaign so I can play through the whole thing with some friends.
my first BT video game was MW3, so the first mech I ever drove was a Bushwhacker
I had the toy from the cartoon as a kid. It was behind the Axeman in my favorite from it.
My first introduction to the mech was the first mission in mechwarrior 3 and it was nearly love it first sight. The mech was well armored and had a weapon for every range while maintaining good speed. Do to this when I first started playing battletech in the early 2000's it became one of my first metal minis. Its made it into my post clan invasion lances many a time and was my choice at a local con event I ended up winning with it due to its long range firepower. It get even nastier when you can use smoke and thunder rounds with its LRM 5 launchers which with 2 lets you easily spread light mine fields or one medium field if you need it or 2 hexes of light cover or 1 of heavy cover on command. I'll admit I don't really like most of the variants save for the X4 due to loosing its versatility so much so I only play the X1 and X4 variants. I really don't know what the designers of the gauntlet were doing almost feels like throwing paint on a masterpiece. Its hard to top when you do get such a balance of firepower, speed, armor and heat management.
Thanks for covering my favorite medium mech of all time. Love the Bushwacker so very much.
I liked the video before even really getting into it. Great video, I love the deep dive into a mech like that. Man, the Bushwacker is a good example of flawed, but still good weapons in Battletech. I don't even particularly like it, but I definitely appreciate it and am glad that it has stuck around.
I remember seeing this in the cartoon and using it in mw3, I remember this being a good functional platform that the champion is envious of. Thanks for the wave of nostalgia red. 😊
The Bushwacker, was in love with that thing since I played it on MechWarrior 3. Still think it would have been the FedCom's primary trooper on both sides of the nation had the FedCom continued.
As for the newest one, it is amazing general purpose mech and I can see why many mercenaries buy it. While its system is still ammo dependent overall, it also has enough energy weapons to defend itself. Even still, each ammo based weapon has 10-20 rounds of fire which would be enough for most engagements. It can be a striker, harrasser, pursuit, light fire support, light mech hunter, and can probably go toe-to-toe with most mechs its size. The only way the X4 could be better is to use Clan tech in place of all the weapons (save the Plasma Rifle) and/or in the structure of the mech.
My favorite variant is, of course, the Manscaper. Great mech!
Outstanding work Red.
My favorite mech in MechCommander 2.Even when the game nudges you to gather hardware from each faction you work for, I had one out in the field until it was unfeasible.
Same, I kept those and the Razorback around for the whole campaign. Good times
MW4: Mercenaries was my first introduction the universe and Bushwacker was one of my favorites as a kid. My dad got us a joystick alongside it and was one of my favorite gaming memories.
I absolutely love the Bushwhacker, it's just always served me well on the table. Don't know why, don't know how, but I've always had great luck with it, especially the X2 variant.
After TRO's 3025 and 2750, TRO 3058 is my favorite TRO. The Bushwhacker on the cover was a big part of why i bought it!
But as i looked up each mech, i had the same feelings about the Bushwhacker. As i looked at the art more, i was baffled about it not having hands, particularly those wierd stumps instead of gun barrels.
Over the years, ive fought several Bushwhackers, but never run any myself. I know a lot of folks love it, but ive just never been impressed.
That said, i love some truly bizarre mechs myself. So no hate from me. LOL
Thanks for the video! It really is great to have people like you Making such her gh quality videos.
As Always, Excellent Work Big Red, I enjoy the Bushwhacker, and this vid has convinced me to look into it more for army building purposes.
Great video! Love all the depth and lore. Wonderful job as usual!
One of my favorite chassis.
Great mech. The X4 is gonna be my long-term goal for a mech later on in the Time of War campaign I’ll be starting Monday.
In games where I can do field refits, I generally remove the Machine Guns and their ammo for extra AC/10 ammo. I also find that the option for specialty ammo to make the AC/10 more useful than an LB-X.
Yes! One of my favorite mediums to field! While I bemoan the ERLL, it is a decent platform, especially the BSW-X2 or S2 variants. I had one nail an Atlas in the head, and thus earned the name "Rattlecan Mike". - The Gauntlet has a cool look, but only the A.Config really brings anything to the table. I remember kitbashing an A.Config once. Wouldn’t mind trying again.
The name is perfect for a BattleMech like this.
My first ever Mech.
MW3 was one of my favorite games of all time.
I was first introduced to the bushwacker in MW3 (my first Mechwarrior game and intro to battletech). I have always found its visual design pleasing, and it will always have a place in my heart.
It is a solid design as well. Another battletech yt channel analyzed the data, and it is solid with the ability to damage opponents, fairly heat neutral, and very survivable.
Playing Mechwarrior 5 with mods and the High Roller is my command mech. I love 'em.
One of the most visually distinct and recognizable machines in the game, you can't help but love it. I have a particular soft spot for the X2 variant; the ER large laser just isn't very good, and I much prefer the spread of missile launchers and lasers.
Thank you for an awesome presentation ❤ keep up the superb work
The Bushwacker is a childhood favorite of mine next to my favorite the Axman 2N.
Bushawacker. Love it, strangely. Like a Peugeot 206CC.
Mechwarrior 3 was my introduction to Battletech, and the Bushwacker was the fist mech I piloted in that game. It's been my absolute favourite mech ever since. It's good to see the X4 variant getting some love and attention too - it's an understated monster of a medium mech, on par with Clan mechs like the Storm Crow and Vapour Eagle in terms of its firepower, and not too far behind in terms of mobility and durability.
And I agree about the LBX - it not only weighs less, but generates less heat, allowing the number of heat sinks to be reduced to 10. That allows you to up armour its fragile arms with a whole extra ton of armour. Fortunately it's a very simple refit to do.
The Bushwacker was my first battlemech when I started with Mechwarrior 3 and I've always been fond of it. It looks appropriately "techy" and digitigrade legs are a favorite of mine.
Having first seen this in the Battletech cartoon in the 90s, I couldn't wait to see the technical readout book for it. When it came out in late '95, I couldn't stop laughing at how much potential was wasted. It really needed that LB10-X. There are no words to describe the disappointment I feel towards the Gauntlet though, should have stayed with the Bushwacker. Great video!
Another great video! Crickey!
Currently playing a campaign against pirates and mercenaries, as House Steiner, their commander oddly leading Atlas's and Commandos into battle on the iron planet using this very well rounded machine
7/10 for long term campaigns
8-9/10 for a good skirmish
...Never was fond of this design until I tried a refit: replacing the AC/10 & ammo with a Large Pulse Laser (giving better anti-infantry capability, & letting it fire on the move), & upgrading the LRM-5 racks to -10 racks; Later replaced the MGs & ammo with a Flamer & extra LRM ammo. Despite the increased heat build up--especially with an Alpha strike--this armament gave me good results for the time I used it.
Being a J-period player, I honestly love the BSW-S2 variant. The mech itself feels more like a 'complimentary' mech, something you round out a lance with, but not anchor your lance around. (Again, love the video and thanks for doing it!)
Th Bushwacker needs more love tbh. It's just a really solid, if occaisionally fragile, 55 ton skirmisher with a frankly nasty armament when combined with its speed tier. Shame that it has MGs.
Perhaps, instead of lamenting armament choices due to a limited view of it's holistic scope, you might try to expand your tabletop experience by bringing in some of the poor, bloody infantry, and using them for their intended purpose... Turning infantry bases into paste.
@@andrewamann2821 I do, and when I do turn infantry to paste, I use Small Pulse Lasers, Plasma Rifles, and Flamers as god intended. Because fuck infantry, but also fuck machine guns.
@@andrewamann2821having done that, it made me rethink my opinion on the Crusader. Laserboats do nothing…and then an ancient machine whom was probably produced for my great great great grandfather’s era waddles up to the front, sprays the front, and slowly waddles back into the fight
@@andrewamann2821 I do. And my answer to those are called flamers and small pulse lasers.
my favorite mech from mechcommander 2. That was not just my first game of the franchise but also my first pc game ever. My favorite striker configuration was AC 20, with SRM,s and PPC while Sniper was Gauss Rifle with ERPPC and LRM
This has been my favorite medium mech since I was first introduced to it in MW3
Lost this mech the first round it was on the board due to an ammo explosion at a grinder last month. Lucky TAC to the machine gun ammo and I instantly lost the side torso.
For 200k more than the X1, I built one with 10 DHS, Gauss in the right arm with two tons of Ammo in the right torso, retained the ERLL, and kept the LRM5 in the left arm with 1 ton of CASE protected Ammo in the left torso. Can give the LRM5 specialty Ammo instead of standard to make it support equipment rather than direct damage.
First saw this in the cartoon pushing back the clans
One of my favorite medium Mechs & I used the crap out of it in both MW3 & 4.
The Bushwacker was my first foray into the Battletech Universe in Mechwarrior 3.
The il-Khan era really brought some excellent designs to the tabletop. The X4 is the perfect Inner Sphere tech stick to beat anything you don't like into the dirt.
As a FedCom player since around '91, and a fan of the Animated Series, I've been a Bushwacker fanboi for 30 years. It was one of the first mechs I 3D printed, actually. As the animated series said when it introduced the BSW-X1, "I'd sure hate to be in the bush it's wackin'."
I love medium mechs. I so badly want to play a mechwarrior game with it!
I used to overlook the Bushwhacker, but the primary loadout's focus on long range combat really grew on me. A nifty little 'mech with a good deal of charm.
FACT: The Bushwackers, Butch and Luke, were not from Australia. They were from New Zealand. Big Red-40Trek is rumored to hold New Zealand citizenship. Therefore, this video is proof, beyond any doubt, that Red is paid by Catalyst Games Workshop.
I loved the Bushwhacker in Mechwarrior 3, and found it to be an excellent mech. I always kept at least one Bushwhacker chassis in my MFB until I graduated solidly to heavy and knew I'd never need it again. And it's considered an excellent medium mech in tabletop, at least in some versions. Now if only the mini hadn't been nearly impossible to assemble. . .
A pair of Bushwackers X1s and a pair of Kintaros KTO-18 or 20s are a nice, relatively fast mix. You cannot afford to ignore any of those mechs and the vast amount of missiles they bring to the table will weaken enemy armor rather fast for AC 10s and Large Lagers to punch through somewhere rather sooner than later.
wow, this has definitely opened my eyes to the bushwhacker, i only wish the LBX type auto cannons had the cool ammo varieties the standard auto cannons do
This video really did wack the itch in the bush THANKS RED
A good mech to use in Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries. 2 medium pulse lasers, a LRM 5/10 and an AC 5 autocannon.
Love me a bushwacker. With a little work in the mech bay, this is a terrifying beast. I've made it work as a multi-role machine, as long as she has the support she needs
Preferably from other bushwackers outfitted for the role 😂😂😂
Awesome Job Red, but needs more purple birb
One my old favorites. I like throwing casless ammo into the first varient. My only complaint is lack of light guass varient that replaces ac10 for one.