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The following suggestions are aimed to circumvent any changes to the existing Cryengine module, and function more like certain features found in web-based 4x titles (object parameter changes), hopefully simplifying implementation. For example, weight-limitations on drops are not integral to these suggestions. "Expanded features" suggestions are features which may be out of scope, or not worth it for current PGI implementation. TL;DR: Section headings
Maybe other players can join in on this suggestion format:
1) Territory and distance should (must!) hold some sort of inherent relevance to combat (it cannot just be a "list" of battles to pick from around the galaxy), be it having the units in the right place at the right time, supply of parts (cost of mechs, modules), or availability of spare mechs to continue a battle.
a) Visualization of location in game space is key to immersion: Perhaps showing up on a location in the game map, whether you are a free-roaming individual, or a unit ("attach to unit"). An actual location which you exist in also allows for factional taxes to have an effect-- A mercenary unit may want to have their base of operation be situated in a neutral, taxless, less secure zone to maximize their profit margins, as their acquisition of materials will not primarily be from factories or industrial worlds, but payout. Implementation: A 2D graphical map, location data, a little lore research.
Expanded features: Time to travel map, location dependent actions ("Join/Create front": Open up battle options to expand territory, "Build outpost": Increase defender waves, vision of unit movement in proximity, or favorable map layout on matches, "Establish supply lines": Reduce c-bill cost for mech repairs, more mechs and modules become available to purchase at normal price).
b ) Territorial disparity: Equality is not fun, and neither is it necessarily fair! For a faction with fewer Mechwarriors, or one gifted with a "disadvantaged" geopolitical situation, to gain equal per-capita rewards as a powerful, well-equipped, well-manned faction, is not "fair". It may also be nowhere near as interesting as "fighting for the underdog" or "crushing the upstarts"-- The material rewards are only half of the pie. For example, FRR is traditionally well-defended, and is difficult to invade or aggress out of (see small green territory above), with fewer "fringe zones" that are contested (contrast with FedSuns-Kurita border).
Implementation: Instead of making this a "hard-coded" limit on aggression, use rudimentary "resource points" or even path-linking-- The borders of FRR should be comprehensively networked, easy to reach from other points within the FRR territories, and easy to supply. However, moving out of this zone may make supply, or battles more difficult.
Expanded features: Dedication of jumpships to star systems (a dynamic location-based parameter) by elected faction leaders to bypass multiple jumps, and help "bridge" a normally disconnected supply line (2 planet movement instead of 1?).
2) Implementation of basic politics: Battletech is all about politics-- From the Exodus to the Succession Wars, we need a reason to fight! "The Capellans are pushing on New Avalon" is not as good a reason as "The Capellans are trying to make up for the loss of St. Ives". Implementation: Because territorial disparities and the rewards of expanding give people an impetus to take what's "not theirs", we simply need a time-limited council style vote option for "regions", consisting of multiple star systems (the Periphery, for example). Options for an unheld region could be: "Designate region for invasion", "Present Trial of Possession" (without having to implement batchall), and so on. Held regions: "Raze existing infrastructure" (sets region bonus to zero, which slowly recovers over time), "Hyper-pulse generator blackout" (multilateral inability to retrieve intel on units within the blackout), "Occupy region" (Sacrifice invasion currency to gain regional bonuses), and "Transfer ownership" (Transfer occupation of region to another faction, which must pay invasion currency, same as if they had "Occupied region"). Again, regional bonuses and pathing through the galaxy play a big role in "Why should we bother to invade but for the sake of fighting?" A well-led faction is not just about excellent military units, it is the application of the right units in the right places.
3) Unit decorations and lineage: This may be easiest to implement of all suggestions. Groups and individuals want more than a memory of their participation. A simple campaign tab for "Invasion of St. Ives, 3045" is enough for most people. Implementation: Participated in >50% of the presented battles? Get a tab! Did a unit perform exceedingly well? Factional leadership can vote to present them with a unit citation. Of course, what use is a tab if you don't have anybody to show it to? After accruing a certain number of tabs, individuals are awarded Order citations, ie: "Order of the Dragon". In Cryeengine, these can be implemented as cockpit items or special decals.
Expanded features: An in-game graphical editor for custom unit insignias would be nice, right? A unit that has completed at least one campaign could unlock the ability to use an in-game or online editor to generate a custom decal for use by their members.
4) Solaris: This may be the hardest to implement out of all suggestions. However, many of the building blocks for implementing "The Game World", may be re-used on CW features. Implementation: Individuals can join stables (Merc groups limited to fighting arena matches). This is a quick, low-investment way for a player to join the action in 1x1s, 4x4s, and 12v12s, and reap suitable rewards. I'm going to break my rule by suggesting that small, simplified maps for these matches would be excellent (think Coliseum). This is also a great way for MWO tournaments to be used as immersion aid, and not "see who is the best in a 12v12 on alpine colony, win a t-shirt".
Expanded features: More tabs! Rewards! Prestige!
That's it from me, just an old rambling fart who dabbled in coding and started during the MUSH and MUX days. I will finish with this: We're counting on you, PGI!
Edited by Ferventus, 10 October 2014 - 04:09 AM.
