Why Do We Love The Griffin?

[@Pugakster]

Oh wow, our first of the three 55 ton brothers.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Off to the races...

[@odinulveson9101]

* searches * yeah, I imagined you did one for the Wolvie.. Well Im eager to see your take on the original Shadow Hawk You got tons of mechs to make content for and Im ALL here for it!

[@wowerdude38]

There is another....

[@cobalt968]

275 mafia forever!

[@catboxvideo]

sniff ... my original heavy scout corps ... 2 wolv 1 griff 1 ph... but hey there were only what 10 ... 15 mechs to work with- well OK we did a lot of customizing and designing ... but the originals i still so Iconic and I tend to gravitate to them if i need a chassis to modify and refit as a hero mech or bbg as i figure now that they have in cannon been being produced for 100s of years and in tt they have been around for 40 , i figure there is probable the skeleton of at least one of them on every planet ... so you should be able to find one to work with ... mind you I also used this as an excuse to add flaws and quirks --- well 8 of the 10 hs in your engine work.... or no that arm cannot support full armor or more than ___ tons of weapons due to is damage or that arm can only ark to blank facing due to shoulder damage. that way even the highly customed cannot be perfect to begin with... rebuild it with newer parts through out your campaign. fine. new out of the box to begin with, not likely. I had one player decide that it was his family mech that his grandfather had been shot out of and he put it back together and made it his over arcing goal (that drove a lot of plot - a good and well used back story) to retore the mech to as new as possible ...

[@Vulpine407]

The Griffin was one of the original 'mechs that just "clicked". Good armor, good speed, good maneuverability, good range, good damage output... About the only flaws in the original version is a lack of close-in weaponry (and even that is mitigated by the fact that the Griffin can jump to open the range up, even in an urban battlefield) and that it is prone to overheating badly. Especially when it jumps. But among the original 55 ton mechs in the first TRO, (Griffin, Shadowhawk, Wolverine) -the Griffin really is the better choice in nearly all combat environments. Small wonder the Lyrans love it so. Edit: Yes, I failed to mention the Scorpion from the original TRO's medium mechs. That was deliberate. Until the advent of the advanced rules for quad-legged mechs, the Scorpion was even worse than the Shadowhawk. Now, once those rules were added, the Scorpion was a bit better, but still nothing compared to a Griffin.

[@TheOntos]

You don't want the Griffin jumping by reflex and cooking the Archon on the throne...

[@cobalt968]

Everyone cheers at the “I am Jade Falcon” maneuver, but suddenly a Lyran palace guard wants to invent the “Free Skye Forever” maneuver and suddenly everyone’s stripping jump jets from iconic mechs.

[@SHDW-nf2ki]

Where would they even jump to indoors anyway?

[@TheOntos]

@@SHDW-nf2ki reflexes. That means they're acting before thinking about things like, "What's next to my feet? What's over my cockpit?"

[@ThelemicPotter]

@@SHDW-nf2ki it's been forever, but I feel like the piece of art inferred the throne room was more than ample for a 3 hex jump. Like a hanger you build leopard dropships in. But it's been a VERY LONG time

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hey... sometimes you just have to fly.

[@scytheseven9173]

lmao at "the crate of Alaric-themed bobble heads that no one seems to want" 😂

[@MechanicalFrog]

These dang things are going to end up in the basement next to the POGS and Beanie Babies...

[@atmosdwagon4656]

@@MechanicalFrog Hey now. I can at least find people still doing POG tournaments in Hawaii (where the game originated before it became yet another 90s fad, admittedly). I can't find ANYONE sticking up for Super Incest Man.

[@alexanderwhite298]

​@@MechanicalFrog the Griffen having all the weapons on one side is intended. It forces pilots to torso twist.

[@catboxvideo]

@@alexanderwhite298 plays Twist and Shout and do the Twist over the PA on repeat when in combat.... ah to have Steiner money

[@Spartaner251]

@@MechanicalFrog maybe you can trade them in for some mostly functioning urbis at discount dan?

[@malusignatius]

It's solid, simple and does it's job with efficiency and grace. The Griffin doesn't need to be fancy, it just does the job and does it well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well put.

[@Hasteaguy]

My Lancemate's absolute favorite Mech. He prefers the GRF-1S in MW5. Loadout of an SRM6, PPC, and 2 SLAS. He runs around cutting legs off, blasting cockpits out, and punching whatever is left.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"What is best in life?" "running around cutting legs off, blasting cockpits out, and punching whatever is left."

[@Tigerheart01]

7:28 Holy crap you just FINALLY answered the reason for that classic picture of the Lyran throne flanked by two Griffins! I always thought how weird it was to put two highly mobile mechs with exclusively long range weapons into a relatively confined room like that! I didn't realize that variant existed!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad I could clear that up.

[@matthewspencer2094]

The Griffin For when your secret heart wants a phoenix hawk, but you might actually end up in a battle someday

[@MechanicalFrog]

Oh Phoenix Hawk... you gem.

[@maliceharding4668]

​@MechanicalFrog my favorite light mech

[@lexington476]

23:42 we are all here to provide you with positive affirmation and to keep you on the straight and narrow 🙂.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Ahhh.... That's the good stuff...

[@sim.frischh9781]

This mech is a beloved classic, ironically my personal favorite artwork is the rather new "Primitive Griffin" version. Weapon loadouts are mostly consistant with the theme of the mech, but often leave it vulnerable to being charged and engaged at close range. Your MF variant finally adresses that properly, but the "Sparky" variant is a good take on this as well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I just had to include Sparky 2.0. It would just be fun.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@MechanicalFrog No quesiton, it´s a fun mech, and 5 medium lasers are a solid punch against most targets.

[@mikealpha2611]

The weakness of 1 side weaponry is also the strength of the 1 side weaponry. It means if that side dies you lose all firepower but it also creates the "shield" side that is popular with some mechwarriors.

[@LoneWolf-rc4go]

Having played a lot of Mechwarrior Online I can attest to the benefits of utilising the shield side tactic.

[@MechanicalFrog]

While that does work to some extent in MWO/MW, I don't think it's as strong an argument on tabletop.

[@mikealpha2611]

@MechanicalFrog it is not strong on tabletop but for lore u can see the explanation

[@WarhawkTalon]

@@MechanicalFrog It would probably be a viable reason if torso twisting affected the location roll.

[@paralykeet-]

I love the Griffin because taken alongside the Thunderbolt and Awesome- it's a perfect 'Mech for helping new players wrap their head around the game. It also belongs to the trinity of 55 ton Skirmishers that should never be underestimated, in spite of all their quirkyness. They serve to show players the point of opportunity cost, and reward creative play.

[@unlimitedpower0]

Man, I love designs like the Griffin because to me a mech with so much history and such a niche spot on the field just makes my heart happy

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad to hear it has its fans.

[@RoyHobbs-f4v]

... love this Mech'. A genuine beauty. And... arguably, the most-well engineered mech' in the Battletech Setting when considering the entirety of its history, service and incredible-performance. The ultimate Command Mech', in my-opinion... and my favorite.

[@Bomfunker91]

One of the quintessential mechs of Succession Wars-era Battletech. Do you need mobile fire support on a relatively affordable and tough body? Look no further than the lovable Griffin. The 6S Griffin is one of my favourite mech variants in the whole game; I would argue it's the perfect IS-tech medium mech of the later eras.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Do you need... Yes.

[@tenchraven]

Ah, the Griffin. My personal favorite is the -4N, but your custom is a nasty little.. uhm... MechFrogger. The -1RG is such a unicorn that it's retconning can be forgiven for such a excellent configuration- more of those, paired with -1Ns, would have made for excellent fighting pairs. Out of the the "Trinity", it is the Ringo Star (and the Dervish is the 4th member of the Trinity, the George Harrison as it were). Completely earns its reputation as a classical mech (fire support is a lot like drummers :P ).

[@MechanicalFrog]

Heh. More of the Trinity soon...

[@stormcrow28]

I like the Griffin 2N built for the Star Leauge Royal Divisions. It carries an ER PPC, two SRM-6s with Artemis and one ton of ammo for each, Endo Steel and Ferro, 13 DHS, and ten tons of armor. It's a great interdictor and close combat skirmisher that can snipe if needed.

[@NekoboyBlue]

2N's essentially a bulked up panther. It's a Lostech premium (until the helm memory core) but a good platform for ranged poke and crit seeking wounded opponents.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The 2N is solid though I generally don't bring up the Royals in the videos for petty personal reasons.

[@maliceharding4668]

@@MechanicalFrog what are those reasons

[@MagNight]

I taught a friend how to play Classic Battletech with the Griffin (and a Wolverine across from it), and the tutorial match ended with simultaneous kills between the PPC and an incoming alpha strike. We've been playing on the regular ever since.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's awesome, though I think I prefer the Wolverine. :D

[@bthsr7113]

A fine vintage that just kept getting better with time.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite right.

[@Cobalt-60]

No GRF-1S? The sole production variant in the field for much of the Succession Wars! My 3028 10th Donegal Guards have one in their Fire Lance accompanying a Longbow, an Archer-2S, and a Hatchetman.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a solid one.

[@SoloAxlion]

Think the -1S is also one of the probably rare examples of "Griffin with the missile pod on the left" variants.

[@AlexDenton0451]

The Griffin 1RG is one of my personal favorites. I find a lot of the time I prefer a fast brawler, since it deals tons of damage at point blank for low heat. The zombie mech factor helps too. Its also the cheapest BV wise, as Jump Jets make it so much more expensive!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Cheap, but at what cost... *Dreaming of flight*

[@AlexDenton0451]

@@MechanicalFrog cheap, and it has MGs and small lasers. While those are niche, on a mech made to brawl they absolutely do the job. Dealing a scatter of 10 damage in combination with the 4 main lasers for only 2 extra heat lets you crit seek and lay into the enemy. Just don't forget to drop one of the two MG ammo bins.

[@NegTharayas16]

The GRF-1MF reminds me of a roided-up pheonix hawk. Nice.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Heh. There's some imagery.

[@georgesulea]

A staple of Battletech, and a classic. Thank you for this one Sir.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Rarely the MVP, but usually a quality producer. Thanks for coming by. Have a great weekend!

[@cale42]

Took a 1N into a Succession Wars era fight. Jumped atop the walls of an outpost. Got shot to hell for sticking my head up, but intact enough to execute a DFA on an enemy Light Mech. Which didn't kill it, irritatingly enough. Also managed to go toe-to-toe with a Wolverine IIC with a 4N. Just enough armor, mobility, and heat sinks to make that fight last way longer than the Conjurer's Pilot wanted, both mechs trying to jump around and get a shot at that rear armor. Match ended before either unit could win that duel, however.

[@MechanicalFrog]

When you DFA a light mech and don't kill it... "hello darkness my old friend...."

[@covahredro8370]

The Griffin was one of the first Mech I ever played on the Table top(along with a Catapult, Hollander and couple others light mechs I don't remember). They weren't mine but a friends who was trying to get me into the game, which I never did(I was big into Yugioh back then, so it took up more of my interests as well as money). The match I did play didn't go too well as I faced off against a star of Nova Cats. But I did manage to score a couple of kills and cripple or severely damage others before being taken down. Largely due to using the Catapult as meat shield, which didn't last long(about two to three turn I think)still got off a couple of volleys of LRMs to soften them up. As well as using the light mechs as cannon fodder rushing in(one never even got in range to fire its weapons). The Griffin with its PCC and the Hollander with its Gauss Rifle did most of the work with some very lucky shots before being cored.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fighting Clan mechs in your first game... boy they had it out for you!

[@piprdakota]

A mechwarrior in the griffin has such great visibility to the front and left of the mech!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Front...and to the Left... Front...and to the Left... Front...and to the Left...

[@brettwerdesheim9767]

About time got to the 55 ton holy trinity

[@MechanicalFrog]

Only just begun...

[@brettwerdesheim9767]

@@MechanicalFrog still liked to see the 1s get the variant spotlight but I guess having the RG is bit funnier

[@SlenderNSK]

Kinda surprised you didn't mention 2N. It's a weird, yet fun SLDF variant trading long range missiles for SMR punch

[@MechanicalFrog]

It still owes me $15 from a bet we made back in college. When it pays up, it'll get a mention.

[@cnkclark]

Piloted a Griffin 1N in the Mechwarrior TTRPG in my favorite 3025 lance composition ever: Griffin Phoenix Hawk Wolverine-M w/ the Large Laser Dervish I have never seen a Dervish deliver more consistently than in that game. Those missiles always hit their mark.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid classic crew.

[@WolfHreda]

Literally the only improvement the GRF-1N needs is an ER-PPC and double heatsinks. Use the weight saved by dropping two heatsinks to bump up the armor, and maybe add a mini-fridge next to the command couch. Edit: My ideal Griffin customization is to slap a Light Engine into it, 10 double heatsinks, Ferro-Fibrous, an ER PPC, an LRM-15 with 2 tons of ammo in a CASE bin, and 3 medium lasers in the left torso. It's basically a faster, jump-capable Thunderbolt. Just watch that heat curve. It's basically the -6S without the fancy missile system and less laser heat. Ooh, the -1MF sounds like fun.

[@MechanicalFrog]

You know you never just get a simple logical upgrade. :)

[@mbr5742]

I would also add Artemis fire control to the LRM

[@Norrikan]

I think the Griffin is a mech you never particularly want, but are always glad to have. It does its job, and it does it well, but that's all there is to it - no flash, no fun.

[@ambientlight3876]

The Griffin is my favorite of the three classic mediums. Only vulnerable up close, its PPC alone outguns the other 2 'mechs. As for its two primary weapons on the right side: I agree, engineers should easily be able to move the missile launcher to the other Torso.

[@RobertMooney-g1z]

move the ppc instead, easier than refitting a torso

[@scytheseven9173]

Keep in mind that prototype PPC generates 15 heat, so the GRF-1A's gonna overheat firing it, given the 11 heat sinks-but if it stays still and doesn't fire those LRMs, it at least won't suffer penalties

[@MechanicalFrog]

Even with that cooling jacket? Edit: Ak! you're apparently right.

[@scytheseven9173]

@@MechanicalFrog it's easy to forget prototype PPCs run so hot, and it makes a lot of primitive designs seem quite odd because they appear to be heat-balanced for a normal PPC

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeh I don't deal with primitives at all in games. I'll have to write this on the white board on the wall so I don't forget. Thank you for pointing it out.

[@scytheseven9173]

@@MechanicalFrog I don't think anyone plays with 'em all too often, lol Maybe in the Blakist era, with its RetroTech craze? That's lore, though, not actual players. I'd be surprised if more than a handful of people have ever actually used a prototype PPC in an actual game.

[@Eulemunin]

It can be a lot of to play with retro tech, teaches old timers that do play out of Succession war some new tricks.

[@strategoslevel3456]

The Griffin GRF-1S is very popular with the 3025 gronads ;)

[@mbr5742]

Solid bodyguard for a lance of Derwish

[@NegTharayas16]

I think the LRM pack was an issue with the first design, and the designers were stuck with it because clan omnimechs had not yet destroyed the concept of "the mini mostly matches most variants"

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm prepared to accept, "It had to be this way because we lack the skill to do it right," as an excuse.

[@HouseDavieMerc]

Excellent! Another Mechfrog Saturday morning cartoon! Thanks. The GRF-1RG is an interesting unit but rare. I think I would have covered the GRF-1S instead as it's a full production variant. The GRF-1N is an interesting mech for me. I don't think I've ever chosen it but I've rolled it on RATs quite a bit. It's always useful but it's focused weaponry limits it's use for me. A new player that I've been gaming with has had great success with the GRF-1N. I don't play cut throat with new guys and leave them some chances to take advantage of once in a while. First chance I gave him to get behind me he put a PPC through the rear torso of my untouched Archer2R and hit the ammo bin. The very next round he rolled an 11 to hit a Warhammer ,12 for location, and a 12 for the crit roll. Man he's got good dice luck. That 6D was expensive! Now he plays a Griffin in EVERY game.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hah. That's great. Always nice when the first outing has one of those moments.

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

Good video, but I feel like a few of my favorites were left out. But that's a bit unavoidable. I can't wait to see the videos for the Shadow Hawk and Wolverine. Especially the Wolverine, it doesn't get enough love. I'm going to throw out my own custom Griffin, but I'm going to warn you all that this will contain some fluff and a bit of homebrew tech that I'm still fine-tuning. So just be ready for a mini-essay. The Griffin SD uses a endo-steel structure as a base, built around a 275 Re-engineered fusion engine. The RFE weighs 2/3 of a standard engine but takes 9 slots instead of 6, divided evenly between all three torsos. With the extra CT space, the SD is able to keep a Double Heat Sink and Jump Jet, with the last slot being given to a medium laser. The LRM 10 is upgraded to a LRM 15, with the PPC remaining untouched. The LRM was also given an extra ton of ammo, but all the ammo was moved to the left torso and protected by CASE. A Small Laser is added to the head, and the Jump Jets are untouched. Finally, two tons of armor are added, with most of it being concentrated on the torsos. The fluff for my design was that it was a collaboration between Defiance Industries and Sandstone Heavy Industries, the company I list all my custom mechs under. Sandstone wanted to gauge if the Inner Sphere would be interested in the Re-Engineered Fusion Engine, with the collab being a experiment to gauge that (and why it's called the SD). The results were lukewarm at best. No one could see any real merit to the engine, and sales were poor. After the first production run, Defiance quietly swept the Griffin SD under the rug and pretended like it never happened.

[@MechanicalFrog]

-Keeping Jump Jets -Emotional Support Small Laser It has what I need.

[@Athlon2736]

Love the video, sad that no ine ever seems to talk about my favourite version of my favourite mech, the Griffin-2N. Keep up the good work.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Shucks. Maybe next time.

[@Brigand231]

A classic will always be a classic. One of the quintessential mobile medium mechs. The GRF-1S wasn't a bad variant either.

[@MechanicalFrog]

When used correctly, it just works.

[@ursulcx299]

The light engine is like a silver lining, sure it took the horror of Kathrine's reign to free it from the wolves but hey, silver lining!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I do like an optimist.

[@JadeHarpy]

I actually love the Griffin, it was the mech that made Inner Sphere mechs click for me back when I played MW5 for the first time! And honestly I'm surprised you didn't mention the GRF-2N with its ER-PPC, 2 SRM-6 packs with Artemis IV, and Guardian ECM suite. Nasty Star League-era skirmisher that I had to include in my Jade Falcon Eyrie trinary full of SLDF mechs and second line Clan designs. Oh, and also the GRF-1S which actually fixed that dinky right-sidedness of the design by throwing an LRM-5 on the LT and including a large laser and two medium lasers on that right arm. You even had screenshots of it in the video! :P

[@MechanicalFrog]

The 2N is solid though I generally avoid the Royal Variants because of my petty personal grudge against their introduction to the timeline.

[@BongoTurtles]

@@MechanicalFrog I cannot agree enough with the sourness that comes with "royal regiment" tech, especially when it's shoehorned into the timeline.

[@h.a.9880]

The standard Griffin is already a pretty potent beast (albeit with questionable weapon placement), but I also really like the 1S variant. Sure, the oomph of a PPC and LRM-10 is pretty neat, so downgrading to a large laser and an LRM-5 seems a bit iffy, but those two medium lasers do come in handy.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Always nice to have a medium laser or two around in a clinch.

[@h.a.9880]

@@MechanicalFrog The Medium Laser is the workhorse-weapon of Battletech. It might not have the longest range or highest damage, but it has a really good damage/heat ratio and the range is more than enough to act in a brawl.

[@mikegould6590]

When I first got into BT in the 80s, I wasn't a fan of the Griffin. As time went on, I began to see why this design has lasted, and I'm proud to have Griffins in my touman. A true workhorse.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It has warmed on me, even with its faults.

[@ianjardine7324]

To be fair loading the weapons on one side makes sense for a mech designed to skirt the battle at range. By keeping it's unarmed side to the enemy whenever waiting for weapons to cycle or cool and while moving from cover to cover it protects critical systems for longer.

[@websterleone]

I use a weird Griffin variant in MechWarrior: Destiny that's got souped-up 4xMLs and LRM-10 along with a bunch of other mods it got over time as a sort of "hero" variant, but I wouldn't have a clue how that all shakes out into proper Battletech, including its added shield for brawling with. But I've been having fun with the Griffin even since the beginning, though having the freedom of running it in an actual RPG that allows flexibility and creativity beyond "shoot/punch, compare numbers" probably helps. E.g. despite all that I never cared for it in HBS BT.

[@vali6717]

I have a bit of a war story about a modified Griffin-1C. I swapped the large laser for a standard medium and the LRM5 for an SRM6 then used the free weight to add some more armor and then enough heat sinks to allow it to run and fire its full weaponry almost continiously. While it packed less punch than the atandard 1C these modifications kept the machine not only relivant but also rather effective through an entire campaign and, when working in tandem with a Wolverine 3R, was part of a viciously effective harrasser duo.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

"Ok, who requisitioned those substandard gyros?" You know there's not an engineer in the IS that will ever admit they can't read their slide rule. The REAL reason that all the weapons were on one side of the mech. That's my backstory for this atrocity, and I am sticking to it.

[@randyfant2588]

The Griffin is my favorite medium mech. I used one in my first tournament, using its mobility to flank my opponent and catching his Shadow Hawk in a crossfire with my Warhammer and Centurion on the other side, and drilling his back with PPCs. I have a general rule-of-thumb regarding IS XL engines - if it can't get a +4 movement mod it shouldn't have one. For slower mechs, the IS XL makes a mech far too vulnerable to be worth the minor increase in firepower, (or the +1 movement point many use it to gain) for light fast mechs, this vulnerability blends in with their overall vulnerability and the weight savings greatly increases the mechs functionality. There are exceptions to this, such as the Berserker which needs it to obtain its higher speed (for its size) to close into melee range, the other is the Griffin GRF-5M, which can only gain a +3 (normally) but can do so regularly, and the deficit is off-set by the fact that it's main weapon loadout is long-range in nature, allowing the mech to remain at a distance and blaze away while enjoying range mods for incoming fire to help off-set its vulnerability also aided by its heavy armor for a medium mech. I have used one to take out an Annihilator in a solo-kill. I really gained a love for this variant when I was piloting one in a double-blind game. I was acting as recon, and found myself on the receiving end of an ambush, (I don't remember the exact force, but I remember a pesky Wolfhound, an Archer, and 3 Assault mechs cutting loose on me) Their assault tore my armor to tatters, and I took a gyro hit, but I managed to keep my feet under me. I then took off with my Jump Jets (expecting each time to fall but better than staying where I was) I managed to jump all the way back to my side of the map - with that pesky Wolfhound chasing me the whole way - without falling once. I had enough armor remaining to deflect the constant fire from the Wolfhound without further criticals, but I ended up retreating off my side of the map, still basically functional, if a little wobbly. This has endeared that mod to me, though I think the -6S is a superior upgrade due to its less vulnerable Light EN.

[@sper1585]

Playing a coop, modded, HBS Battletech campaign, the Griffin and the newly acquired Nightstar are my brothers favorite mechs.

[@andyeaton1736]

Ah one of the original mechs to teach folks about range optimization and sniping. Also lots of heat management with this one vs the Wolverine and Shadow Hawk.

[@YalelingOz]

I've finally pulled my finger out and played Mechwarrior 5: Mercs, and found myself liking the GRF-1N more than I expected to. (Hence rewatching this vid again 4 months later.) It just keeps on trucking beyond what it's armour indicates. Now I own 3 of them, and 2 GRF-1 variants.

[@_Nythim_]

I've just started collecting with the CGL Beginner box. It was great to learn about the Griffin whilst painting one!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nice! Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

I have a friend who will love this video. We went back & forth over early era medium mechs with him preferring the Griffin while I tend to favor the Hoplite. Sure, there are better mechs out there, but both of those are relatively cheap, durable, & common enough to make repair & refit not too daunting.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Could be fun. I don't know when I'll get around to the Hoplite though. It's an odd duck.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

@@MechanicalFrog That's my curse. My thought process is usually-- "Oooh, what a screwed up design. I love it!"

[@MrTudenom]

I love using the 1N in Alpha Strike. It’s sniper role and high mobility makes it a useful tool in most situations.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad to hear it does well in AS.

[@marshall104]

While all the weapons on one side is bad on table top, it is good in simulators, as it allows the pilot to "peak" around corners/obstacles to stay relatively safe and still be able to bring all their weapons at the enemy.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Eh.... it also means your enemies focus fire your weapon side whenever possible, so it balances out.

[@paladinslash4721]

Love this mech. Sure it’s light on the armor, but mobility and range is it’s protection anyway.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yep. Treat it like a light. Always Be Moving.

[@canderoussnurd4265]

My very first medium. The 1N is a great starter mech. She may not have much for close range but if you time your movements and keep the enemy at a distance, she’s more than enough to win nearly any engagement. Shot down plenty of Wolverines with her.

[@RCBashist]

The 1N is my favorite Griffin that I've played so far, though the 6S is pretty close. I'm all for the right side loadout and standard fusion engine, because they allow you to use the left side as a meat-shield. Position your left side towards the enemy, and torso-twist to fire. All XL variants lack this ability, so I'm very interested in trying the 3N version in a Dark Age game. It could easily become my favorite Griffin.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Worth a try.

[@scytheseven9173]

Thanks for the video! I quite like the MF variant, it works well for a sniper (and good job moving the missile launcher!)

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Did you make this video just so you could make an MF variant that moves the missile launcher?" Yes.

[@Yacovo]

The Rommel quote was just a case of mech bullying. Thanks for the video

[@MechanicalFrog]

"no bully tank...."

[@MM22966]

Heck, I learned something today! I always thought the Grif was a ridiculous choice for a bodyguard mech for the Archons. I didn't realize they used a variant optimized fro close0in/anti-infantry fighting!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Always fun when we learn something wild like that.

[@MM22966]

@@MechanicalFrogI always saw that beautiful art of the Lyran throne room in white & blue with the Grifs flanking the throne and thought: "If somebody goes after the boss with a knife or pulls a gun, it's going to be safer to stomp on the bad guy than fire a PPC in that room...Where's a Locust when you need one!"

[@nathangraham4551]

I’m gonna be honest, I’m not a Griffin enjoyer (not for lack of trying). Every time I fielded one I just found myself wishing I had a QuickDraw, an archer or a kintaro. However, two ppcs with capacitors…you had me intrigued but now you have my attention

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Wishing I had a Quickdraw" You are a unique person. Few wish this. :D

[@nathangraham4551]

@@MechanicalFrog woah woah woah, are you dissing the fastest particle spitter this side of the sphere? Tukayyid, high noon, be there bud ;D

[@biancamitchell-x3f]

Was my first mech metal ninny and cardboard in my high school days

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good times...

[@BrokenSeraphim]

Ah, the Griffin. My second favourite medium chassis. My own custom variant takes advantage of the tech obtained from the Helm Memory Core, trading some long range firepower and manoeuvrability for durability: 275 Std Fusion engine 3 Jump Jets 10 Double Heatsinks Endo Steel Chassis 10t Ferro Fibrous Armour w/ CASE in LT and RT 1 Large Pulse laser in RA 1 LRM 10 w/ 2t ammo in LT 1SRM 6 w/ 1t ammo in RT

[@WeOnlyEatSoup]

Hang on, one of the first battlemechs in lore was tested in Yakima WA!? As a resident of that state I must say that's pretty freaking cool!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yep!

[@kathilmechworks4895]

One of my favorite mediums. Often use it as a lead mech in scout lances. Finding decent cover and provide fire support for the rest of the lance. My first video was an escape by a locust in a scout mission. It never would have survived without the support fire from the Griffin. Its simple has its weaknesses, but little else in 3025 can do what it can.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent use for it.

[@carlwells9504]

You can use the fact the weapons are on the right to protect them by keeping adversaries to the other side and torso twisting to engage. This is possible with that excellent mobility. Also it exploits combatants going out of their way to try to get to the left side of the ranged Griffin. I do agree with having the ammo on the other side of the mech however just in case (pun intended) 😊

[@MechanicalFrog]

All well and good in MWO and in lore, but on the tabletop it doesn't quite work that way.

[@Attaxalotl]

The very first mech I ever used on tabletop!

[@MechanicalFrog]

First for many. Not too shabby.

[@Attaxalotl]

@@MechanicalFrog Out of curiosity, how do you make the mech sheets? MechLab just puts out a bunch of plaintext.

[@MervDeGriff]

The Griffin has been the standard mech for the CO of the 42nd Mercenary company for a long time. As a mobile cavalry company the movement, range, and firepower suit the missions they take well. Eventually, they got their hands on a GRF-2N and the CO went ham with it. PPC fire and the salvos of SRM6 launchers up close is not a polite thing, nor was that empty left arm getting real punchy.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can definitely be a solid performer. And won't break the bank.

[@clarkreamer4560]

A MF Griffin video and a Sven history on the same day? Is this BattleTech heaven?

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's nice to have a solid group of BT creators doing their best to make interesting content.

[@clarkreamer4560]

@@MechanicalFrog Bless you all! And so many of the creators seem to "play well together" and enjoy having lots of people at the party.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yep. Most of us are frequently in communication and collaboration.

[@KillerOrca]

Even in the future, Yakima refuses to both die and also stop being a military center. There's a huge Army base there to this day

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Palm Springs of Washington...

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

In the Battletech PC game, I re-equipped my Griffin by removing one of the jump jets, the PPC & the LRM 10 launcher & replacing it with 2x M-lasers 1x S-laser & 3x SRM 6 launcher as well as an extra heat sink & extra amour. It is a great scout & flanker in the PC game. The only other mech which I liked more is the Catapult K2.

[@michaelpfister1283]

I like the 1DS, but mine has an upgrade. The Large Pulse is replaced by a clan-tech variant taken as salvage in a 3050 campaign. With that little tweak it is a monster fire-support ‘mech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Adding a CLPL to anything makes it much better. :D

[@sharlin648]

Really good vid about the Griffin, the 1DS is grossly oversinked and that Griffin C is SCARY that's very mobile! I like the MF one too, different because it can give quite a slap but its unusual to see it with two long range energy weapons, but that's what you can do with LPPC's and a capacitor. Great stuff as always Mr Frog :)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a ton! Hope we can find a time to play HellDivers2 with our wacky alternating schedules.

[@odinulveson9101]

Love it! The more agile mech of the three brothers. Cant wait for Flea, Shadow Hawk, Banshee, Cougar, Mad Dog Mk II, III, IV IS Omnimechs like Raptor😆😉 Your custom variant is neat, sure having a focused offensive side makes targetibg easier, its donzo if lost. Also non gunned arm should be dedicated as PUNCHY(with melee upgrades)🤜💥 if losing the gunz. Gotta watch through all in this series, you are very unbiased though with some preferances and own variant takes, which I appreciate! I would myself make a Clan Omni Flea, Flea II etc

[@MechanicalFrog]

So many fun units to cover this year... not enough time.

[@keebbles]

My griffins run similar to MF, but in game we had loads of ATMs. So I put an ATM 6 in each torso. 2 tons ammo ER and HeX. The light ppcs are pirate and fire in a cluster vs singles. Use lrm 5 table on non-aimed hits. The main beast griffon uses a snubbie, 3 clan er mdms and an srm 6 with case for 2 tons ammo. 1 std and half ton utility ammo x 2 types depending on terrain and intel. If lots of tanks. Then tandem and inferno. If mechs, emp and acid. Mixed forces acid and inferno. ie. Marinade and BBQ sauce. My Solaris 7 griffon cant truly be called a griffon anymore. As it has improved jj , dhs, tsm, dragon breath flamer (head) acid fluid guns, mrm 30 with ton of high explosives and infernos. (The mrm version of hydras). Right arm spiked mace and enhanced heavy actuators . Left arm heavy shield. And 2 small pulses. Meant for arena/gladiator battles. Tried a LAM version using stuff from shadowhawk and Wolverine lams, but wing mounts and hardpoints weren't allowed as it gave mech first strike capacity of an entire lance effectively. Would like to see a Jade Falcon mod IIC with PWS, improved jjs, and clan weapons. It'd def have jade talons on feet, cause jade falcons... Anyone want a go at that build? No xl for sure, maybe light clan engine though. Prob built as striker/brawler vs harrasser/fire support.

[@nukenuked5749]

dammm i love waking up to a frog video thanks mate

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed. More nonsense to come.

[@nukenuked5749]

all ways do mate all ways do @@MechanicalFrog

[@TheBloodedCat]

Great vid as usual. I have to admit that I've never managed to run a griffin and feel like I got my BV worth out of it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It'll rarely be an MVP, but it usually does carry its weight.

[@victoriastrunk200]

I understand wanting to put the launcher on the other side of the torso. However, keeping it on the right allows the pilot to keep the left side presented towards incoming fire. When I play on the table top, I try to keep the left arc presented.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I understand the argument, I just don't think it's ultimately very practical.

[@victoriastrunk200]

​@MechanicalFrog Thankfully there are enough mechs and variants out there we can all find something we like. Admittedly I have a soft spot for any 55 tonner that jumps 5.

[@MechanicalFrog]

On this, we agree.

[@theangryMD]

always a treat when my favorite BT channel puts out a new video, was waxing nostalgic with your video on the Taurian Concordat just yesterday. i've always wondered why the LFE was less common in the IS and it sounds like you explained that here. consistent as always, of course, with your penchant for the plasma weaponry.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a lot for giving it a try. I hope it improved your weekend.

[@jamesbeard5513]

Good MF variant, gives you the option to rotate the Light PPC fire to keep a consistent 10 damage option or burst of 20 damage if the shot is worth the risk. Still love the MMLs for the flexible options, and the 9 is definitely going to make a light hurt if it gets too close

[@cjsutherland2448]

Good stuff. Very nice mix of lore and tabletop talk. Positive affirmation all the way.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a ton!

[@davidboothe9620]

As for the RG, you don't need jump jets while in a throne room. Just infantry splatter guns

[@MechanicalFrog]

But... I want them anyway.

[@davidboothe9620]

@@MechanicalFrog I want a mech that doesn't feel like an Arizona summer. It's just a Lyran thing I guess.

[@timebrain3188]

ngl, I love this mech for probably dumb reasons. I don't know why, but I just love how it looks. I'm not super into sniper mechs for the most part, but this is probably my biggest exception. That said, think my favorite video is the Royal 2N. Having watched your Marauder vid not too long ago, I get why you don't really like them, and frankly do kinda agree on the sentiment for the most part. Battletech is not 40k, and it's good seeing tech develop into different paths if not surpass what was around back in the Star League days after things started to recover in the late Succession Wars (and earlier for the Clans of course). That SAID, god I love how the 2N looks with the second missile pod, adds a bit of symmetry to the design that I love, and admittedly love the fact it's not a straight sniper but something that can hit far while still being a threat up close. Makes me wish more of the variants developed from the 2N. Hell, part of me thinks it makes more sense that the IIC Griffin was based more on the 2N, since it feels like going from two missile pods one on each side to four with two on each side makes more sense than going from one pod to four... but that's just me. Plus, given the fact the clans turned the Phoenix Hawk into a gods damn assault mech, I suppose crazier changes have happened.

[@TheStraycat74]

3050 full clan tech rebuild GRF-5A Griffin, 55 tons, 5/8/5 movement, XL + DHS, Endo-steel, 9.5tons Fero-Fiberous, standard cockpit and gyron leaving 26.5 tons of pod space. PRIME Config: 2 ERPPC r/la, 2 LRM-10 with a ton of ammo each r/lt, emotional support ERSL in the head, and 5 extra DHS. ALT-config: 2 Large Pulse Lasers r/la, 2 Streak SRM-4's with a ton of ammo each r/lt, 3 ERSL r/lt/h, and 5 additional DHS

[@andrewszigeti2174]

Much like the Rifleman, the main appeal of the Griffin is nostalgia. One of the original ten BattleDroid (back before Lucas' lawyers got involved, much less Harmony Gold), it was a solid medium... so long as it's only competition was the Phoenix Hawk and Shadow Hawk. Once the 3025 TRO came out, it quickly became a bit... underwhelming.

[@mbr5742]

Up to 60to there are few better units (a Crab comes close). The one real rival is the PPC equiped Dragon

[@lukedudley5030]

Great vid as always :-) i never liked the griffin and much prefered the wolverine but recently i had a battle where the griffin killed 3 mechs including a stalker and won me the fight so my mind has been changed :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's one of those quality producer teammates who never wins the MVP but does put points on the board consistently.

[@spencerjones841]

Shame the improved cooling jacket quirk didn't translate over from the 1A to other designs. Along with the whole using LRM-5s albeit two of them in this case. Using the saved mass to add a medium laser to provide at least some close up punch. As for the LRMs being in the right Torso....I personally view it as gaining the ability to use the entire left arm and Torso as a shield to the rest of the mech ala the centurion's left arm

[@hurnn1543]

Of the OG 55's it is my favorite looking, and by BV it's the best, but in practice I have always felt better about the Wolverine and done better with it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

A solid one. Though I think I still prefer a Wolverine. :D

[@hurnn1543]

For play absolutely Wolvie is the king of medium mechs.@@MechanicalFrog

[@RobertMooney-g1z]

I team the GRF-1N with a WVR-6M, a DV-6M and a SHD-2K

[@JohnDoe-oh7gf]

Well its a 55t medium, nuff said. Its a rare mech that has great artwork all around from every time when the IP was all over the place. The way its designed is just another part of the 'real world'. Its one of the first designs so they didnt know any better and when the orders came streaming in it was just 'assemble and ship them craze' we know these things from our time. It also shows how a good pilot can leverage that design in shielding its one armed side with the unarmored. In thinking with my variant I would incorporate some kind of 'Griffin claw' in the unarmed side for the time when someone thinks the mech is now helpless. Ending this rant: love me some PPC ;]

[@BoisegangGaming]

The 1MF's lack of a plasma rifle is disappointing, but I'm a sucker for MMLs, so it balances out. Twin LPPCs with capacitors is actually pretty decent because you can choose between alpha striking and toggle-firing, which gives a lot of flexibility. A good mix of quantity or quality of particle blasts is nice.

[@MechanicalFrog]

If I do Plasma Rifles every time, I get complaints.

[@BoisegangGaming]

@@MechanicalFrog and if you don't do plasma rifles, you get complaints. A catch 2d6 if I've ever heard one.

[@kevinmulkey9774]

IS Light Engines rule as shown with the 6S, and post FASA variants. But came out way later than they should have to mattered in old days. They fix so many issues without excessive liability. But came way to late timeline in the "old days". 8( Oh well new age of pain is upon us to use them if we want to avoid 3 slot IS XL engines. 8)

[@MechanicalFrog]

A fair critique.

[@Spartaner251]

well, its faster to just give the mech to a lefty and have him pick up the ppc with the left arm of the mech than putting the whole LRM system in the left torso.

[@madcat3525]

Great video! Looking forward to more great videos.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks!

[@CapnArrich]

Alaric Ward bobble heads. *Ollie's flashback* Thanks for the good laugh.

[@Ironclockwork]

Ah, a Roundfacer in its natural habitat. Fang of the Sun Dougram jokes aside, it does seem very odd how... lopsided the Griffin's loadout is in its default configuration, especially considering how unoccupied the Griffin's left side is. I suppose the usual plan of attack is to keep the left side of the default Griffin facing the brunt of enemy fire as much as possible.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I've never really liked that, "use the left side as a shield" rationale. Just put a medium laser in the left arm or something...

[@Ironclockwork]

@@MechanicalFrog I'm guessing you've got some quibbles with the Centurion as well then. :P

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

The MF variant is pretty nice. I was thinking the same thing but with an ER PPC and capacitor.

[@readwatchlisten2863]

Why do I love the Griffin? Because the Griffin understands its assignment. A long-range skirmish unit that can maneuver is the most combat terrain. But more importantly, the early Griffin is an example of a time when Mechs weren't "good" so to speak but had roles to fill with strengths and, more importantly, trade-offs. This is something that I feel started to disappear in later eras with new mechs and new variants. I will say to make the Griffin truly work, you need to have a pilot with a good GS, and SPAs like weapons master or range master to get the most out of it. Otherwise, expect to be whiffing a lot and eating heat for your troubles.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Very well put.

[@Aceman52]

I like the Griffin MF. However, I would make one change. I would move 1 of the light PPCs to the left arm. That way, one shot won't destroy both of my primary weapons.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I considered that but figured having both in the Right Arm would keep to the Griffin aesthetic.

[@Kingofdragons117]

I like the Griffin MF. But I would swap out the two Light PPCs for a Snub Nose PPC, give Artemis to the MML9, and either throw in an ER medium laser or a Small X Pukse laser.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I considered that but there is a Word of Blake Griffin that runs the SNPPC and I didn't want to copy.