10 replies to this topic

[Protection]

Before I begin, I do realize that the developers are putting an emphasis on making every mech relevant and important to the battle, and the game is looking outstanding so far.

But at the end of the day, that 25 ton Commando isn't likely to take down an Atlas, unless that Commando pilot is damn good at his job. Even with the importance of speed and teamplay, it seems like heavier mechs will probably come to dominate, simply because they will pack in more guns and armor.

But I have one possible suggestion for encouraging the use of lighter mechs, or at least, not picking massive assaults and heavies all the time.

Presumably, at the end of every battle, you win some amount of XP, C-Bills, Mechwarrior credits, etc (whatever, lets just call them reward points for now). The team that loses gets say, 50, a piece (just for example), while the team that wins gets 100, by default (plus bonuses for surviving, kills, damage, tagging, etc)

But instead of just leaving it like that, how about a modifier. Take the opposing team's accumulated Battle Value and divide it by the your team's accumulated battle value, and then multiply this by the total reward points. This way, "stacked" teams with ridiculously high battle value get less of a reward for pummeling on a smaller medium mech lance (who would get better reward for their loss), while in the even of a win, that medium lance gets big reward.

Example: Medium Lance (Total Battle Value: 4000) against Heavy Lance (Total Battle Value: 5000)

So (using the 50/100 reward point example):

Medium Lance gets 50 for losing, but that gets adjusted: 50 x (5000 / 4000) == 62.5
Heavy Lance gets 100 points for winning, but adjusted: 100 x (4000 / 5000) == 80

but if the medium lance wins,


Medium Lance gets 100 for the underdog victory, but that gets adjusted: 100 x (5000 / 4000) == 125
Heavy Lance gets 50 points for the loss, but adjusted: 50 x (4000 / 5000) == 40

The greater the odds, the bigger the reward (and vice versa). It would encourage skilled and experienced players into lighter mechs, and rewarding teams for fighting against superior firepower.

I realize that there would likely be some tweaking (some people don't like Battle Value; and a lot depends on what the 'default' reward is for a game; etc) but I thought it might be an idea to consider.

Edited by Protection, 31 May 2012 - 01:44 PM.

[Spleenslitta]

I like what i saw but could you remove those [color=54568] things so i can read things easier?

[Protection]

^ Fixed.

Also, I should mention that there would have to be some margins, to prevent players from picking an unarmed 20 ton mech and intentionally losing, or the like. It doesn't have to be a huge adjustment, just a half-decent boost in reward for the risk takers ought to be enough.

[Rodney28021]

sounds great, but will the devs go for it?

[Spleenslitta]

That's better. If the dev's haven't thought of this already they should. If players choice in weaponry count as well when it comes to battle value then things could very interresting indeed.
If this is done right there might even be mercenary corps that specialise in using low tech weapons and equipment to win.
Who wouldn't like to bash an Atlas with all the latest hightech gear with a measly Commando that is nearly a stock mech.

Yup yup. I'm one of those loons that want to solo engage an Atlas in an urban enviroment just for the thrills.
I even have some slight hopes i can manage to wring a victory out of it.

Yeah yeah....i should probably go see a headdoctor for even thinking the thought.
But the thrills i could get from such an encounter would be incredible.

[Roland]

But remember, the only way to get points isn't to kill other mechs.

According to the devs, scout mechs will earn points just for doing their job and spotting mechs.

[eZZip]

This is certainly not game balance—game balance is not intertwined with player incentives (though this could be implemented for the latter). Each mech weight should be able to actually be as useful as a good mech configuration at another weight, rather than just getting more XP for self-handicapping.

[Revage]

Derp, I posted a similar suggestion not long after without noticing this one.. I like it

[Rodney28021]

We'll have to see how Role Warfare and Information Warfare works in beta and give suggestions then. The Devs way might be rather helpfull to keep all mech type engaged.

[Cerlin]

I personally hope something like this will be implemented. It will allow groups that roll smaller tonage or less advanced tech to get more points for the effort.

[Nik Van Rhijn]

I was imagining that mech numbers, tonnage and some form of BV to cover tech levels would all be covered by the matchmaker. Certainly the devs have said that they are aiming for it. If this is the case then all they would have to do is allocate XP etc based on what you do surely?