Now its not just a visual thing, there's also some gameplay built into it. You can "deny" some areas by placing AA turrets, slowing your descent allows for a smoother landing that transitions right into movement, while a faster descent takes longer to recover from the landing.
But having it be purely visual would be fine. We can all agree that this little video is cool as hell, right?
And speaking of visuals, while I know 3rd person view is off the table as far as gameplay goes (couldn't you get limited 3d person in using launched probes that, when destroyed, put you back in 1st person?) I feel like never giving us a look at our giant machines of destruction outside of the mechlab is a real waste. It SHOULD be done, and there are some good times to do it with no gameplay impact.
Like a sweeping 3rd person view of the team pre-game, and then a panning camera shot of our mech after a victory. I mean you get one when you are turned into a pile of ignominious slag, but not when you are a glorious victor? Why?
