12 replies to this topic

[Kasiagora]

First of all, I just got back from a long vacation and have been fiending for my MW:O fix. Missed you guys!

Now for the topic! Just before I left I was thinking about interesting periods and places in the Battletech universe, and thought I should ask what some of y'alls' (I'm not Southern, but it's a useful word! (See; Yins or Yuns for other regional synonyms.)) favorite settings in the B-tech/MW universe that may or may not have been covered in games in the past? Do you think this time or place would be worthy of an expansion pack or update after the game come out?

Solaris 7 is a popular option that I'd love to see for close combat, arena battles, new weapons, and possible betting of e-monies. I'd also think that adding the Periphery would be a great expansion for primitive mechs, weapons, and armor; and for adding lesser but still cut-throat governments and pirates to the game. As an idea for a stand alone game the civil war that created the Clans shortly after Kerensky's army went into self-imposed exile would be a very intriguing period to cover as Star League mechs become modified and Omni-mechs are first born.

TL;DR – What aspects of Battletech do you think would make for a good game?

[Sychodemus]

It's never too early to think about expansions. In fact, it is advised to think about expansions and future possibilities before launch so you can build certain features into a game/engine so you don't completely destroying everything when you add things later.


As to what (just quick thoughts):
non-'Mech units (aerospace, infantry and vehicles);
Unit/Corps bases so you can defend your own custom stronghold;
different eras as to choose to play in;
'Mech Builder / Studio tools for those so inclined;
Mission / Map tools;
PvE aspects of some kind so we have the opportunity to encounter canon units and personalities.

[Starne]

The model that MWO will likely be built on doesn't really lend itself to 'Expansions' as such. It's likely that MWO will launch as a "minimum viable product"(This is not intended as an insult to Piranha, in fact I'm fairly sure a Dev has stated as much at some point), with Piranha fleshing it out as quickly as possible. Piranha will likely release content as fast as they can produce it, with major patches every few months, and minor bugfixing patches as needed, and as fast as they can be put out. Major patches will likely bring a few new Mechs, maps, game-modes, and equipment. A good example of a major patch would be adding Four new mechs, and a pair of new maps. Another example would be the addition of a new game-mode, and the reworking of existing maps to support that game-mode.

The first major content patch after launch will most likely be the Clan Invasion. We'll probably see our first 4-8(Either one of each weight class, or two of each weight class) Clan Mechs at that point. Along with ClanTech equipment, of course

As to what I'd like to see:

NPC Non-Mech units under the indirect control of the team commander.
Some kind of PvE game-mode at some point down the road.

Edited by Starne, 28 May 2012 - 06:39 PM.

[Kanatta Jing]

It's never to early to start thinking about when the next Mech will get here...

[SuckyJack]

As above, MWO won't lead well into expansions. Putting in new content or changing the year by a patch, that's likely. Bringing in a new Era into the game is expected eventually. But an Expansion gives the idea of it being content that must be purchased to play, which then segregates the free players from the premium players and that is very bad for the business model.

[Preditorian]

SuckyJack, on 28 May 2012 - 06:41 PM, said:

As above, MWO won't lead well into expansions. Putting in new content or changing the year by a patch, that's likely. Bringing in a new Era into the game is expected eventually. But an Expansion gives the idea of it being content that must be purchased to play, which then segregates the free players from the premium players and that is very bad for the business model.

What he said.

[Voidreaver]

Nothing wrong with thinking ahead...
'tis why I always **** off the NCR and Caesar's Legion in New Vegas... the NCR kill teams carry Anti-Materiel Rifles on at least two members, and Legion Assassin teams usually have at least one 12.7mm SMG and some stray rounds.

Even crappy condition, they sell good to merchants.

[Kanatta Jing]

Well free Expansions. And by Expansions we mean new content.

And I hope they get the staff they need to make all the Mechs we want. So we can give them our money to have them. So they can pay the staff to make more Mechs.

[Madog]

For a mini expansion I'd like to see bandits/pirates. They would essentially be a new faction, or even just new mission types for lone wolves and mercs. Maybe some new mechs to go a long with it, and an alternate way to earn c-bills or gain items.

For a moderate expansion, Solaris VII would be ideal. I probably would have played an exclusively Solaris VII game. New factions for stables, new maps, duels, etc. Maybe even betting on matches. An annual tournament would be awesome too, with one person out of all the players becoming the grand champion...

For a major expansion I expect to see the Clans. That will require an entire alternate faction system, dozens of new mechs and weapons, a separate game economy, and a coordinated story line following the conquest.

And a few years down the line I think it would be awesome to see a playable Battle of Tukayyid. One month where players can either play Comstar or Clan forces in the battle...

[phinja]

I doubt expansions, I suppose there could be special "events" like pirates raid, or something that last a short time (just as an example).. but I'm guessing most "pay" content will be special custom edition mechs and whatnot.

Madog, on 28 May 2012 - 06:49 PM, said:

For a mini expansion I'd like to see bandits/pirates. They would essentially be a new faction, or even just new mission types for lone wolves and mercs. Maybe some new mechs to go a long with it, and an alternate way to earn c-bills or gain items.

^ dang, beat me by a few minutes haha.

Edited by phinja, 28 May 2012 - 06:53 PM.

[Kasiagora]

I suppose using the word "expansions" was misleading. It seems in my experience that most online games have weekly small updates, the occasional or seasonal big patch, and once a year there will be some major, game-changing thing that really gets players spinning like tops to try and figure out what the new, best build is. That's mostly what I mean, but also separate games that the devs might launch in a couple of years that use the same engine that's already being used. Not many people played the Vietnam expansion on Battlefield: Bad Company 2, but it's there and there are those small communities that love it. Stuff like that is what I mean. What would you personally love to see touched upon even if it's just for you and a few friends?

BTW: There's some great points and ideas floating around in here already. I love the brain candy.

[FinnMcKool]

well I would like to see the Meta game,( you know where we take control of planets and then have to defend them.) the Mechwarrior universe get more sophisticated , problem is I dont know how its going to be at launch , so I cant be sure what to think of it yet, but I am looking forward to this part of the game as much as the mech battles themselves.

[evil713]

arnt there content releases comming anyway?

there basing the game on the timeline, and the timeline says the clans are going to be attacking in the next 12 months. those mechs and clans will need to be added (i want my warhawk/masakari).

the clans attack the perifery in august and wave 1 of 4 of the invasion of the inner sphere in march.