Hired Steel: A Mech Machinima - Episode Three

[@WatchTMC]

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[@Renigade16]

Is it possible to give a one time donation?

[@WatchTMC]

@@Renigade16 It is. If you want, and only if you want, you can donate to our paypal at paypal.me/ckormann96 Thank you! Any kind of support helps keep the project going. Please make sure to include any additional info you want us to write down in the credits for your support.

[@spamuraigranatabru1149]

Why must you have done that to the Spike MBT?! ;-;

[@ironboy3245]

@@WatchTMC will we ever potentially get a Tex voice pack for MWO? I'd rather hear Tex warning me about incoming missiles instead of bitching betty

[@stuckinsidegaming]

Will there still be an episode 4?

[@Grissbane]

This makes me happier than a Steiner Scout squad landing undetected

[@alexsawchuk5371]

Undetected = saturation nuking to ensure no witnesses and maximum stealth

[@Exochos]

Well - lets be honest, watching a Steiner Scout Squad tear through this video would have been pretty amazing.

[@Devildanncer]

happier than a Steiner scout with bees in their cockpit!!

[@temp3608]

thats a pretty common thing considering that its pretty easy to sneak by corpses

[@v3c7r0n]

Can't be detected if there isn't anyone left to warn...

[@sempermilites87]

To all you MWO and MW 5 players..... THAT'S why mechs have machine guns and small lasers. You may think they are useless, until some infantry on foot start bringing out inferno and anti-mech missile launchers. Awesome video!

[@noppornwongrassamee8941]

Except you know, infantry don't exist in MW5 and certainly not in MWO. At least last I looked.

[@sempermilites87]

@@noppornwongrassamee8941 Yes. You have a point, but what I'm also seeing is a lot of players saying things like, "Small lasers are useless. What's the point in them," or "Why only have one Flamer? It's too weak by itself.", not knowing that BT/MW was a combined arms game first before it was mech on mech combat. It's one thing to make an opinion, but it's another when that opinion has no understanding behind it.

[@matohibiki]

@@sempermilites87 Right? It's really weird we've never seen some sort of Planetside equiv- Oh wait. LIVING LEGENDS.

[@catladygames_]

@@noppornwongrassamee8941 It exists in MW5 with an official mod, and with an unofficial ones, they can have SRM1 and Inferno :)

[@shoulderpyro]

@@catladygames_ And im pretty sure theres a handful of unofficial mods that improve further on them (and the tanks as well) to make them genuine threats on the field

[@marianpazdzioch6632]

It's nice to see tanks and infantry actually matter and do damage to mechs too

[@eddoh2701]

One squishy human, HAH! One squishy human with Anti Vehicle weapon....OH NO

[@retrosquadchannel2.050]

@@eddoh2701 and that was not just some anti vehicle weapon, but good old-fashioned RPG-7.

[@trippyulyanov2012]

i thought it was an Inferno SRM? Looks like it fairly well cooked the Catapult's left side LRM pack (although maybe just the bottom two rows)

[@willdavis3802]

@@trippyulyanov2012 Inferno rounds have a napalm like sticky fire.

[@Kaarl_Mills]

Nothing scares infantry than tanks on an open field. But nothing scares tanks more than infantry in a city they can't find

[@Bigsigh24]

So good, but so short. Love the "hope we can salvage that" cliché.

[@HeadbuttWarlock]

I hope they can. I love me some Thunderbolts and would love to see more.

[@cjjones6261]

Gotta love some T-bolt action

[@roger4845]

So short, lol. Every second is days of work at least

[@frankvalentine3315]

Or where the catapult turns that tank into a pancake.

[@Jimoshi1]

What about "Hunchback arms fell off" cliché?

[@ak7413]

I love the Tex's coffee reference building. One of his voice lines in Roguetech was something to the effect of "They made me spill my coffee and now I'm F'ing angry"

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

Same line's in BTA 3062.

[@willdavis3802]

@@michaelgreenwood3413 Voicepacks are shared between both. Not the Battletech Extended players tho. Fuck them, apparently...

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

@@willdavis3802 Could be something on the Modders' ends. the RT and BTA crew do talk and share stuff a lot.

[@EgorKaskader]

Okay, I have to say: I LOVE how the mechs are shown moving in this, much more fluid than we otherwise see them in most media save only D.C. Bruins. Makes them feel much more alive, like those neural uplinks are actually necessary as compared to the "normal" robotic motions we see in MW. And now to watch it 27 more times.

[@ryedergrenier3561]

Yeah the part with tex's shadow hawk runnin and twistin. Looks so good

[@WatchTMC]

We probably spent days on each mech run/walkcycle. Thanks!

[@ElGreco15]

@@WatchTMC It was worth it

[@karma99]

@@WatchTMC It was worth the effort, this looks incredible.

[@Soridan]

Yeah, great to see battlemechs closer to lore than they're usually depicted. They're way more agile and flexible than video games have shown so far.

[@spartana1116]

I feel like this is professor Tex in his younger years before he lost his eye and getting his awesome And the balls of that infantry trying take down a hunchback is respectable

[@Apyr404]

Yes totally agree

[@weldonwin]

Possibly how he lost the eye, since he had the eye-patch when he met his ex-wife

[@spartana1116]

@@weldonwin and far as we know his divorce cost him an arm and a leg Literally on the arm

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Infantry in Battletech have a really rough life. That is literally what is expected of them when ‘mechs show up.

[@PrinceAlhorian]

Yea, before the Clanner Ex too an arm as well

[@non3y0urdambzns]

Everytime this fandom cries for a movie or series, this....this is what I truly believe we all mean. The love and dedication shows in each finished peice. Amazing work, looking forward to the next peice with great anticipation.

[@dukehector]

well sadly the battletech rights are a VERY twisted and disgusting mess right now, - The TV and movie rights are owned Saiban (or whats left of it) is now owned by Disney - The video game rights are owned by Microsoft - The Mini rights are owned by Ironwind miniatures - The novel rights i am not sure who has them - The franchise rights are owned by Topps C.G.L. is merely a leaseholder on the rights, as Topps has the FINAL say Saiban is the SAME studio that did xmen the animated series and several other late 90s marvel cartoons and battletech the animated series is done in the same style as them

[@non3y0urdambzns]

Oh, I know. Just making the observation.

[@666kingdrummer]

Its crazy to think that I care more about this series, than 90% of what Hollywood is pushing these days.

[@odinulveson9101]

For the love of the franchise NOT Pisney!!!! No matter what damn political standpoint from any side be it lib wokists and conserv woketeers. Get them and their ruining agendas AWAY from our Battletech!! No room for real life politics in our awesome metal escapism!

[@EricDKaufman]

reactor online. sensors online. weapons online. all systems nominal LETS DO THIS. Can't wait to see what that Thunderbolt gets up too. I hope we get to learn how Professor Tex got the eye patch. The 3rd person infantry shots and tracking cam was amazing. Chills! Ever since I was a kid and seeing The Battle of Hoth I'm afraid of giant things chasing my little human ass. Also, god damn, AggieLawGirl continues to be brutal.

[@willdavis3802]

I heard that in B B Wolfs voice. (the MW2 bitching betty)

[@ObsidianDragon7030]

Don't think Tex is Voicing his Professor persona here else he would be in an Awesome.

[@daltoncates7296]

@@ObsidianDragon7030 when it come to mechs you have to start somewhere

[@z3r0_35]

@@ObsidianDragon7030 Could be Professor Tex in his younger days, before he could afford an assault mech

[@ObsidianDragon7030]

@@z3r0_35 THAT I would believe.

[@WrenTheWreckless]

Warheads may have been placed on foreheads... but that Gauss was the real boss! Awesome work on another great episode.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Tore right through that APC, just like it should! I loved how devastating the weapon systems are. Really puts into perspective how brutal the battlefields of this setting are, as well as just how insanely _tough_ ‘mechs are!

[@ph8enix]

@@OneBiasedOpinion And how deadly tanks and even infantry are against lighter mechs. If you leave a tank unchecked, it can be real trouble, just like in the lore.

[@Troubleshooter11]

Depleted uranium through the cranium!

[@nravenz7538]

baradul was actually in that rifleman

[@RealArcalian]

The Kerensky quote was great, but in context, foreboding. I was sure we were gonna see a DFA there. I fear Aggielawgirl and Tex may not survive the next chapter. "Warheads on foreheads" new meme from Tex!

[@willdavis3802]

Tex will punch out, but get the Thunderbolt as salvage. Calling it now.

[@paulkleihege1509]

Warheads on foreheads is actually a long standing Air Force phrase. A lot of AF squads use it as a motto. Or a job description.

[@matohibiki]

I was almost sure there was gonna be a DFA, too, but then in hindsight, I realised why there wasn't. No bagpipes.

[@mareczek00713]

Tex can't die yet - Shadowhawk is a sexy ride but in the end he did upgrade to an Awesome.

[@Troubleshooter11]

I'm still dissapointed "Depleted uranium to the cranium" never took off as a catch phrase. :(

[@vepr5596]

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that- LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[@yaksuba4676]

LEEESSSS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@Designed0022]

LET'S DO THIS!!

[@Firewolf35023]

The battle mix kicks soo much ass!

[@umngyr]

My only regret watching this, is the anticipation for the next one. Stellar work

[@RSProduxx]

Ikr? I need this as a weekly for the next 20 years :D

[@willdavis3802]

Same. See you next year.

[@SvenVanDerPlank]

So much talent on display in these episodes. The work is outstanding. Well done to everyone involved.

[@andrewx8888]

Can't wait. Each episode is breathtaking and beautiful

[@WatchTMC]

You’re breathtaking!

[@Elit3Nick]

@@WatchTMC You're ALL breathtaking!

[@JCDadalus]

@@WatchTMC No you're breathtaking lol.

[@TheRumChum]

@@WatchTMC lmao I love the work you all put into it, this series needs it!

[@WatchTMC]

@@TheRumChum thank you!

[@DeadRobit29]

"Warheads on Foreheads". Freakin love it.

[@ChocorocK]

Definitely a Tex line that one.

[@evanulven8249]

@@ChocorocK Nah. Military pilots use it all the time on attack missions and close air support runs.

[@Firealchemist24]

Love the smaller, more "realistic" details, like the PPC actually punching a hole in the LRM hatch, that look into how the auto-loader mechanism works, and how when the thunderbolt goes down his AC10 contacts the ground and actually makes the torso slightly twist to the right as it descends. Really impressive labor of love and a treat to watch. A big thanks and pat on the backs to all in the team that made this possible, I can't possibly imagine all the effort that went into making these but it most definitely shows, and looking forward to future episodes.

[@ironboy3245]

It's a large laser

[@Firealchemist24]

@@ironboy3245 Darn, you're absolutely right. Thanks for pointing it out dude.

[@ironboy3245]

@@Firealchemist24 don't worry, AC10s are cringe, lasers are based. Seriously though, a PPC works better than an AC10, with no ammo to go kaboom to boot. Just add 2 heat sinks with the saved weight and you're good(ok it has like 1 more heat but that's it)

[@ИзмаилфонБлюнтвиг]

Actually, it was not AC10, but uAC10 - it shoot 2 rounds per shot.

[@BananenbaumEY]

@@ironboy3245 found the kurita.

[@bavarianoverlord]

Awesome!

[@WatchTMC]

Thank you!!!

[@camramaster]

*-steadily rising in frequency vibration of excitement-* Worth it. Hate the cliffhanger, but WORTH IT.

[@mroxion8271]

Corridor Crew need to see this. They love fan projects and I know this would be right up their alley.

[@WatchTMC]

Cool idea. I will send them an email, to see if theyre interested :)

[@Grooveworthy]

Seconded

[@WatchTMC]

Join the team for a live launch celebration and Q&A over at RenegadeHPG, right after the premiere! kzbin.infoVJS50rAqIcI?feature=share

[@Deridus]

Oh, I'm so going to try to make this.

[@docsapper11]

Love the line "warheads on foreheads"

[@WarmasterDeath]

im still wondering if one of the lines preceding it calls the thunderbolt a "fuckerbolt" its what i heard first, and nearly pissed myself laughing

[@docsapper11]

@WarmasterDeath fuckerbolt wouldn't surprise me, soldiers have always been very inventive when it comes to swearing, thunderfuck, thunderbitch, bitchbolt all examples right off the top of my head. The last one I think I may have actually used while playing Mechwarrior.

[@666kingdrummer]

i want that on a t-shirt, with a Catapult unloading its payload.

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

@@docsapper11 it's also a very Tex thing to say XD "Equus... Focus the Fuckerbolt."

[@darkmoone9984]

Baradul was in the Rifleman. Woohoo

[@RSProduxx]

Was he? Didn´t notice...

[@nick84788]

@@RSProduxx Baradul in the Rifleman, Dr. tex in the Shadowhawk, and George MFin Ledoux as the narrator!

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Baradul making odd Mech builds work, as expected.

[@willdavis3802]

@@nick84788 I didn't even hear Duncan Fisher. He really is a great voice actor.

[@RSProduxx]

@@nick84788 Nice.

[@Kodasa_Sinclair]

I absolutely love the chosen voice actors for Eques. I'm fairly certain not all of them are VA's by profession yet there's this degree of personality that each one brings. You've got the professional yet relaxed leader who treats the whole thing as a leisurely stroll, but is clearly a capable leader. The matter of fact rifleman pilot who speaks to his lance mates almost as if they're telling him stuff he already knows. Possibly ex military. Certainly feels like he'd be the most by the books of the group. You've got the wisecracking catapult pilot who is clearly the most laid back of the bunch, he doesn't seem to take things as seriously, and I'd wager most of the teams friction comes from his antics and the rifleman pilot being perturbed by them. Then there's the Hunchback pilot, who, oddly I think her most telling scene was one where she didn't say anything, but just stared at and gunned down a bunch of infantry. She seems like the member of the team who could harbour the roughest past, and has become hardened because of it. Not completely cold or emotionless, but certainly harder. I infer this from the fact she doesn't say a lot overall and what she does say is based on the situation. I'm thinking she's from a family that was betrayed or killed, and took to mechwarrior-ing to seek justice. Though to be fair that's pretty common in the battletech universe. I also feel like she could be the newest addition into Eques Lance, because she seems to be the least experienced, granted I'm inferring that entirely from one rather sparse dialogue exchange. "Four watch your left!" "What?" The fact that she's Eques 4, and that she wasn't quite as aware of everything going on around her to the point where her mech lost an arm. All of them are great, every single VA on the project, I just wanted to share specifically what I had inferred from the main 4 so far.

[@henrycooper3431]

Im late but in the second episode she also charged out of formation and get her mech left arm disabled from a hovercraft gun

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

@@henrycooper3431 in other words, she's a Hunchback Pilot.

[@henrycooper3431]

@@michaelgreenwood3413 im not too fluent in Battletech lore or gameplay Are hunchback pilots that reckless?

[@matthewcoster5535]

@@henrycooper3431 In short? Yes. They are also crazy. They will get close and make sure you receive an AC20 shell to the face, and you have no say in the matter.

[@yamivalkri]

pretty sure one of the VA i think the jager pilot is voiced by the MW KZbinr Baradul.

[@knighthawkS86]

Getting Tex, Baradul, Paladin and Aggielaw to VO for this series was (and is) epic.... Then you had to throw in GEORGE EFFIN LEDOUX!! lol... seriously, though, fanatastic work all around and I cant wait to see whats next! (like for example, is the opening quote hinting about whats lurking in the depot?)

[@steeltormentors]

Watched tons of Baradul's Battletech videos and I'm glad he's one of the VO.

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

also fits with them being mercs. All accents, all walks of life.

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

The opening narration of Aleksander Kerensky describing the Atlas was awesome. Guessing that's what the pirates are after (among others) in that vault.

[@NicoKelster]

I agree, i was also guessing its the last enemy

[@beckbats]

I thought it might be a King Crab...

[@Dragonspirit223]

@@beckbats Now *that* would be a fun twist to pull. The quote is about the Atlas bit if a KC shows up, another Kerensky Assault Mech... that'd be fun

[@evanhunt1863]

For that matter, I'd like to know what was coming out of the pirate base. I don't recognize that mech.

[@Dragonspirit223]

@@evanhunt1863 I think its a Trebuchet, but I mught be wrong on that

[@WatchTMC]

Get the Hired Steel battle mix on Spotify -> open.spotify.com/track/2bDGTWHg43bcEJ5Z6mFkn3?si=1a081d24d41a4674 Like, follow, and add to your favorite playlist. Also available on other streaming services.

[@nitesy381]

We all love to see it come back.

[@ra-ul1238]

Also here on YT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qISZfqpsnrl7pLM

[@birthdaytruck]

Just fantastic stuff. 21:9, superb animations (ESPECIALLY THOSE HIP ANIMATIONS MM MMMM), and clear inspiration from modern-day systems that make this all so believable. You've made my 9 year old self's dreams come true. You guys really nailed the slower pace of what these battles probably would feel like. Each weapon system has agency and *impact*. A PPC shot is devastating. Jump Jets are powerful. Components fail. Armor is breached. This is probably as close to a good battletech t.v. show as we'll get. If we get one, you all better be the creative leads.

[@sigrudvildhafre2511]

Tumbler here of the Braindamage Batalion our Thunderbolts stand with the Cast and Crew of Hired Steel

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

Arkhangel of Legion of Phobos as well.

[@ArchangelsBlade]

Absolutely stunning. From the fluidity of the mechs' movement to the PPC ion scatter, from the top-notch dialogue to Tex's coffee in the cockpit like it's just Tuesday, this was phenomenal. Keep up the amazing work, guys! Looking forward to the next episode, and willing to wait as long as it takes.

[@familyreynolds9323]

I was hoping that coffee cup had a magnetised bottom or something.

[@DrTranZ]

As a Catapult pilot I can't get over the, "Puttin' warheads on foreheads." line. Absolutely mint.

[@WatchTMC]

You can thank Tex for that line

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

As a Catapult K2 pilot, I like to say PPC to the knee.

[@ryedergrenier3561]

I love how the comms sound. Thats exactly how the books describe it. Also tex's voice with that filter is so fucking badass

[@micaigneous_01]

I really hope that opening quote leads to a specific Mech showing up later, slim chance but it would be utterly terrifying. To the animation and video, INCREDIBLE WORK! One of the best, if not the best, Battletech animation I have ever seen

[@KMCA779]

After the hits Equis has been taking, that'll be super rough.

[@SaraPickell]

The last barrage from off-screen was an LRM-20, which is stock on the Atlas.

[@Zephandolf]

@@SaraPickell except its two volleys of LRM15s from the Trebuchet. Mediums pack a punch.

[@BilliamCurt]

So far, we've seen 3 enemy mechs: A Locust, Thunderbolt, and a Trebuchet... A lance consists of 4 battlemechs.

[@locarno24]

@@BilliamCurt there was *something* on the flatbed truck in the drone footage and it looked bigger than the thunderbolt....

[@nachtstiel1]

I love how dynamic everything looks! Each mech has its own combat style and that brace-and-fire move by the catapult is peak anticipation

[@Kuraimizu9152]

Oh damn... A cliff hanger... Anyways, I'll take it as a late birthday present... The Thunderbolt didn't disappoint

[@origenydestino13]

We Battletech lovers feel like this is the perfect type of cinematics for Battletech. The ones that should be done in the Mechwarrior games of today...and the ones they don't do. Look at how little care they had on Mechwarrior 5, in comparison to what you have done here with like 1000 times less resources, or even more? Keep it up, guys, you are making lots of fans sooooo happy to see this and wait for the next one. And think big: I hope you really want to keep it up and, eventually, get us a series or a movie we will all here watch and, of course, buy. Amazing job, gang!!

[@WatchTMC]

Thank you

[@Destroyer_V0]

Ya know, it's funny that. VIdeos like hired steel are effectively, an advertisement to any would be developer. About the skills of a team, already well known. That you can make use of with the right incentives. Case in point, a certain teaser trailer for the clans DLC in mech warrior 5. And the making of, posted on this very channel.

[@crassirus]

Can we talk about how hard the music in this series slaps?! Because it fucking does!

[@t-wolf8502]

This is so awesome. It may take a year between each episode but the quality makes the wait well worth it.

[@HalcyonDaze149]

That shadow hawk running animation 👌 I wish the game play was like that

[@XDarkLordXP]

Oh man. Just now discovering this and this whole series so far is incredible.

[@Dragonspirit223]

I love the combined elements aspect of the Mercenaries, as well as the reason why you bring Machine Guns to every medium and light mech. Honestly people have been comparing this to Warhammers Astartes, but I think that does a disservice to this. You have voice acting, multiple scale models, changing environments, as well as extremely good pacing! Not to do any duscredto Astartes but, to me this is just flat out better. Fantastic work! I wish you the best of luck and speed on the next part and any future projects

[@WatchTMC]

Astartes is an insane project that probably surpasses the scale of what we do. And he did it much earlier, and probably pretty much on his own. It is a huge inspiration to us!

[@alexsawchuk5371]

0:57 something I love here is the little details, you can actually see the thunderbolt miss with its large laser initially and then bring it back on target

[@larslaufer301]

Damn I love how dynamik the battle feels and how different the mechs act and that espacialy the Shadow Hawk shows that mechs are by no means slow, lumbering hulks of metal but can actualy move around pretty fast and agile. Overall this is so well done. Can't wait for the next part. Keep it up guys.

[@yeahnowhatever4164]

Really pumped for this, great work so far!

[@dandavuk]

PGI should commission your team to make the game cinematics for Mechwarrior 6. Such great quality.

[@thattigercat]

Well, funny you should say that, as it turns out

[@L337f33t]

Can I just say I LOVE ShadowHawks! That Jumpjet move was AMAZING to watch. I can't wait to see what happens in the next episode.

[@Dragonblade001]

Oh I can’t wait. This is going to be good

[@retrosquadchannel2.050]

Yeah, that missile barrage will cost Treb dearly. Lance Leader will spill some coffee and will be frakking angry about this.

[@alexsawchuk5371]

Ah, I see you’re also a person of culture 👍

[@alexsawchuk5371]

Ah, I see you’re also a person of culture 👍

[@gmanuk1986]

this series is simply incredible, I could watch hours of this.

[@michaels6119]

This is the Battletech Animated Series we deserve and need.

[@Ghent_Halcyon]

Dude, I can’t not stress this enough, this is the best animation I have seen ever.

[@alphaone5406]

I may have to start using the phrase “Warheads on Foreheads”

[@EricSwordswinger]

Oh that little blurb from Tex there at the end, that's hilarious. 😂

[@MudDragon723]

I’ve watched this ten times after the premiere and post-premiere stream. I’m a humble nobody that seldom uses social media but I have shared this everywhere I can. This needs more love!!

[@PatrickOMara]

Mud dragon you are the hero we need

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

It keeps getting better and better with each episode. Yeah, this is what the game is supposed to look like in 3D. I'm subscribed now.

[@AlexBizzar]

VERY Fear Factory-esque guitar riffs! Absolutely amazing work! This are so incredibly fun to watch. Maybe we all send links to the Corridor Crew?

[@Nanolis]

That opening was George Ledoux? I didn't even recognize him at all, guy is stupidly talented. Top notch video as to be expected from this crew.

[@MathewJC25]

Each and every time…it just gets better. This is absolutely a 10/10. Again I have to say this your team is making us BattleTech fans proud and I cannot wait for more. The best MW/BattleTech animations and shorts anywhere.

[@JackMcLeary]

It's beautiful. How 'heavy' they feel is beautiful. How is it that something in a visual medium can be shown as 'heavy' like this? It's so well done. Thank you, TMC, and all the team that made them look so 'real'. I was waiting for this. You guys blew me away for a second time.

[@Soridan]

It's all about momentum and acceleration. Movements have ramp ups and follow throughs in this, they don't just go from 0 to 100 and vice versa. A lot of animators sadly miss this aspect of animation and then it becomes jerky and weightless.

[@Crazy_Charo]

Amazing video. I know that it's a long wait in between because this is a passion project and does not have the financial backing of a big studio. Thank you for the effort. The animation, music and script are great stuff. We all love it and can't wait to see more.

[@franksmedley7372]

Whoo Hooo!!! More Hired Steel!!! YES!!! Hunchback has lost an arm, half of the Catapult's missiles are down, and everyone's got damage... and an ATLAS is in bound. Yeah, things are getting 'dicey'.

[@brayachdragonbane7529]

not half, he lost a few tubes... its a nice detail the books point out but games never do.... if you only lose 2 or 3 racks in an LRM system it still works just fine, less the failed tubes.. hunchy lost an arm (and a lot of its RA has been detonated) so the main brawler is hurting... the rifleman took some nasty hits from those launchers and armor but didnt seem to take any major breaches (shocking for such an armor light payload heavy machine) Boss Tex took some glancing blows from the tbolts missile barrage (and is down to 80% AMS) and has a hellstorm of pain incoming from a trenchbucket with a bad AMS angle

[@franksmedley7372]

@@brayachdragonbane7529 : Humm... So, the Catapult's damaged rack might only fire a dozen and a half missiles or so (plus or minus one or two), instead of the full 20. If Baradul's Rifleman takes much more damage to the torso, he's going to be toast. The Hunchback really needs to protect that right side, to get in a few AC-20 hits on the Thunderbolt and the Atlas (or is it an Orion?). Especially the Assault Mech. Tex's ride really needs to step up and shield the rest of the lance against both enemy Mech's missiles. That AMS ammo is going to be burnt through pretty quickly. Equis Lance is going to need the luck of the gods to deal with both the Thunderbolt AND the Atlas (or perhaps it's an Orion). Both are pretty heavily armored and can take a LOT of punishment (I know, the Orion and Thunderbolt were my first Mechs on the tabletops. I loved 'em). Oh, wait, the T-bolt is on the ground (I sort of 'forgot' that detail in the excitement of a new video). That evens things out a bit more than I thought. But a fresh Orion, or Atlas, would be a serious threat to Equis Lance in any case. Whatever it is, it has two LRM-15 racks, and what looks like a pair of beam weapons in the right arm.

[@brayachdragonbane7529]

if we're going by book basis (which we seem to be) then yea, the cats still got good tubes on that lrm, the whole pod didnt go down (Catapults, omnimechs before omnimechs were cool) all of the hunchy's damage has been left arm, the PPC finished off her crippled arm from earlier in the first engagement her right side's fine (less the RA,reactive armor) Baradul's rifleman's armor is probably paper thin, if not already peeled off honestly... those things carry payload but not much in the way of armor depending on how much pain that brutal trenchbucket brings (he does have almost a whole lance worth of kills and nearly 2 armored lances of kills judging from his missile and mech tallies, right torso front) and Tex has a bad AMS intercept angle for at least half the 30 LRMs coming in on his ass... onions are pretty tough refirgerators, but the monster in that base HAS to be an Atlas (thats the mech the Kerensky quote was about) we've met 3 members of Shark lance afterall, their light was the locust earlier on guard duty, then they had the Tbolt and that inbound trenchbucket... that leaves the commander, whome based on our opening quote is probably in an atlas (they could get away with a King Crab as it was built to pair with the atlas, but that would be a bit of a stretch) Equis is in the sludge now, at least half their mechs are near compromised... but half of the opposition is gone... we'll have to wait and see.... Mr. Tex did survive all this shit, he's an academic nowdays afterall

[@franksmedley7372]

@@brayachdragonbane7529 : First off, I don't think it is an Atlas. No 'death's head' cockpit. And 2nd, the general layout screams out Trebuchet, or Orion. And since the Mech is at LEAST as large as the Thunderbolt that was standing before the doors, I am convinced it is an Orion. A modified ON-1K Orion. Go back and look at the size of the T-bolt in the videos, then the size of the Mech exiting. That's NO 50-tonner. Nope, more like a 75-ton Orion. Which would make the quote relevant, since Kerensky did pilot an Orion. Also, the quote could be 'foreshadowing' of the appearance of an Atlas inside the facility. Both the Thunderbolt and Orion are 'highly' modified, considering 3025 tech level. I got a reply to a posting from one of the 'makers' of the video, and the time period is the early 3040s, so BEFORE the Clan Invasion. The T-bolt has its usual triple Medium Lasers in the left torso, and the usual LRM-15 atop the right torso. But, it fired an AC! The only way to do that is to strip out the MGs, ammo, SRM and its ammo, and the Large Laser from the right arm, to free up the tonnage for an AC-5 and a ton of ammo. The Mech we see exiting the facility is at least as large as the T-bolt, so it can't be a 'mere' 50-tonner. Which leads me to the 75-ton Orion design. If you freeze-frame and look, it has a Medium Laser atop the left arm, as well as the LRM-15 located there. It has an LRM-15 in the right torso, AND what seems to be an AC in the right arm. Given this, I used MechLab, the sub program of Mech Headquarters, to see if this was possible. It is. One ton of ammo for the AC-5, 2 tons of ammo for each LRM-25 launcher, AND the Medium Laser, all 'fit' on that frame, without needing to remove heat sinks, change engine size, or alter armoring. Agree or not, your choice.

[@Khaos909]

Damn that internals intro flowing into the fight was siiiiiiick

[@shawnadams1460]

I have been playing and supporting this franchise since its inception. Tabletop, Mechwarrior games on every platform, hell I was even in a competitive league when the BattleTech Centers were a thing back in 94-96!!! Now THOSE things were amazing...closest thing to actually being in a mech I have ever played. 130 something toggles, foot pedals, switches buttons etc. and none were just for show. Watching people do amazing fan led stuff like this, and getting the KZbin mechwarrior community to do voicework...just way to many kudos to pass around! Keep the vids coming guys!!!

[@rodtheworm]

Just flipping beautiful in every detail, even down to the way that the tanks are realistically moved by the ballistic impacts. Stellar work. I wish one of the rights holders would chuck some money at you to produce more episodes!

[@wanganw2963]

The fact that this is rendered in not just 4K, but 21:9 ratio's 5120:2160 blows my mind, and it looks amazing!

[@jessematthews6861]

I am so glad tex sent me in your direction when you made the 1st and 2nd videos. You and your team make amazing work. This is what I would Expect out of a high production battletech movie

[@59n1tr0n72]

This looks amazing!!!!! A huge BRAVO to everybody involved!

[@Mrgoodtimes87]

Oh yeah. I knew today was going to be a good day. I just hope this video is like 45 minutes long. I really wish Hollywood would give these guys some money so they can actually make full featured films.

[@camerancole8433]

Then they would have to insert stereotypes and such

[@zerggedxh1054]

Screw Hollywood, get a deal like Vox Machina on Kickstarter types with creative freedoms, maybe picked up by the Zon. i Just have to not end up like Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss crew got screwed by Hulu.

[@smokey_mcbong]

Yeah and let them put their identity politics in there? No, thanks. I think most of you Americans are a joke when it comes to this nonesense and this is coming from someone from South East Asia. At least as independent creators they an dictate who they want and what direction the story goes, not some corporate big wig who thinks he knows what people want to see.

[@shampravda]

Excellent scene with the infantry squaring off against the Hunchback. You can almost feel how terrifying it is to face that monster of a machine at an angle like that. Short, but superb; excellent as always

[@dakkath414]

"Warheads on foreheads" I gotta steal that

[@multitallented]

The walking/running animations are amazing! Especially the bounding advance. Absolutely love your videos!

[@14tbates]

*"Eques, focus the Fuckerbolt."* - Tex

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

Awesome! I'm really happy to see this installment of Hired Steel, and can't wait for the next one (I couldn't even if there wasn't a cliffhanger). I feel like this series is basically the tabletop brought to life. The engagements are quick and deadly, yet every unit has its five seconds of fame. Even the infantry, never underestimate the infantry! I can't wait to see more, and what surprises you have waiting in the wings. PS: I enjoyed the extra bit at the end of Tex having fun reading the script. This is probably a dream come true for him too. It's great to hear the cast is having fun with this as much as I am.

[@WatchTMC]

Lots of fun! But also blood sweat and tears :)

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

@@WatchTMC I bet! Keep up the good work! ^v^

[@nigelsmith7366]

The beginning was awesome... Was like a really good manga movie

[@crxtodd16]

Love it! Especially watching that ShadowHawk running, all while issuing commands and blowing shit up. Makes me pumped to fight some robots.

[@danielmegow966]

Again this is absolutely amazing work! Thank you guys and gals so much for all the passion, love, and hard work you put in! This is a dream come true as a BT fan. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@Drakenfoul]

Jessus christ man.....STUNING work of Art!!!!

[@humpsterdumpsterxxl3508]

Absolutely amazing, well worth the wait, kudos.

[@TheReaver1234]

My god, ITS BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for all the hard work you all put into this, we all love it.

[@danbeasley6135]

Ahhhh, this is going to be so sweet.... I wonder how that 'Bolt is going hold up against that lance? Looks like a few heavy tanks to back him up..... We'll see!

[@Xalerdane]

That opening quote fills me with intense concern.

[@Cimarb]

Love it! The graphics have really came a long way since you made ours for CGBI. Only issue I have is how mechanized all of the voices are - I understand the intention, but hard to tell the difference in the voices with all the distortion.

[@cody1570]

Dude you guys man have been making some amazing content and really hope you guys get recognized by someone. Bring back the hype that is mechwarrior and give it the recognition it truely deserves. 🤘🤘🤘 I myself play Mechwarrior online and my mech is a roughneck with 2 rotary AC 5s mounted on his shoulders 2 med lasers and 40 rockets in his arms for a single use alpha strike in a pinch. Love mechwarrior

[@Zankaroo]

So I watched the premier and now I've watched two more times already. Love the "Warheads of foreheads" line. Wish you guys could make them faster or longer or both.

[@MrPaladin]

It's poetic. Was fun to voice

[@fluffernaut9905]

Average Hunchback Pilot. Rushes ahead, gets smacked by heavy guns. Complains at team mates. Gets hit again, cries more.

[@ChrisZestyJesty]

God I love watching these. If only you guys had a Hollywood budget imagine the amazing stuff you guys could make.

[@Rhaumar]

Doing GREAT work! Keep it up!

[@someguy4844]

You guys top yourselves every episode. See you in a few months! "warheads on foreheads" was pretty badass

[@Lug4sG]

That intro.! Showing the use of AMS, infrantary, mech melee combat. The small details are do good too like the light in the cockpit of the Thunderbolt going out as it gose down.

[@perry92964]

i cant wait till this eventually becomes a full length film.

[@est189]

I love this project so much!!!

[@steampunkskunk3638]

I clicked the notify me button and then realised that that's going to drop at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning.

[@WatchTMC]

Oh no, what timezone are you in? KZbin told us it has the most online users of our audience.

[@steampunkskunk3638]

Australia east coast GMT+10. Don't worry we always get screwed time wise

[@derekburge5294]

The passion that's been poured into this project absolutely drips from every visual, line, and sound effect. Goddamn beautiful.

[@aragos32727]

First thing, Amazon needs to jump all over this and make a MechWarrior or BattleTech TV show. Second thing, they definitely need to hire Tex. Third thing, they need to hire you for artistic consultant. That... was... AWESOME!

[@tetsatou2815]

Aha, but we already HAVE a Battletech TV show! They need to continue it.

[@aragos32727]

@@tetsatou2815 the cartoon?

[@steelshanks1265]

Not Amazon... No... They've ruined enough...

[@aragos32727]

@@steelshanks1265 yeah but they don't cancel good shows after one season

[@steelshanks1265]

@@aragos32727 Let Me know when they make a good show... OR a show that starts out good, then goes all to shyte...

[@dharmer592]

Another beautiful video. Forget the games, we need more of this

[@ero9841]

Shadow hawk movement was probably most accurate depiction of how agile battletech mechs can move. Only complaint is that some of scenes felt way to Hollywood for me.

[@TheRUSTYTINMAN97]

That was the best battletech/mechwarrior content I've ever seen hands down. Thank you guys so much for this. There's finally something I can point to and say "THIS IS WHY I LOVE BATTLETECH!" Quick question, once Hired Steel is finished, are ya'll going to go back and remaster the first few episodes so that things are a little more consistent throughout the series? The first few episodes are great, but I really think this series has the potential to outcompete even Astartes if the quality is at least this good throughout the whole series.

[@duelingdragons82]

The fact that the Rifleman still has all of its weapons seems a bit far fetched.

[@xjdjaws]

Holy crap I was just thinking about this series and BAM. New episode