: I'm guessing that we're not talking about dodging missiles and bullets. I'm
: not sure how much unpredictability factors into a battlefield where guided
: missiles and computer aided targeting are commonplace.

: I can see that it could come in handy in edge cases, but mechs also suffer
: from terrible armor placement and a taller profile. You're sacrificing a
: lot of durability for a little bit of maneuverability.

: That said, the fact that mechs can sidestep and pivot in place (presumably
: faster than a Scorpion can) is something I haven't given much thought to.

I think this is why there's typically a huge range of customizability in mechs. What's its purpose? What's its goal? Its task?

If it's to be nimble and fast, it won't carry loads of weaponry; it'll be smaller, lighter, less defended.

If it's to be a mule, it'll be strong, able to carry loads of weight, perhaps a lot of that being extra armour and protection; slow; depending on intended terrain, either not too flexible, or built to be multi-terrain capable.

If it's to be a tank, it'll likely be slower, heavier, built with stability and protection in mind, able to carry a decent amount of ammunition

etc etc. There's no single optimal mech. It's really just a class of very large machine housing a person and designed with a specific purpose.

As such, IF a mech were to be feasible in the Halo universe, either it would be something not intended to be used by a Spartan (but still likely usable by a Spartan, or s/he'd find a way) or intended to be an additional augmentation suit that provides even more capability to the Spartan over and above what the Mjolnir inherently provides.

I could accept either of those two latter contexts in a Halo video game :)