I would like to applaud Sabotssnake and his massive and in-depth post (#108 on page 6, dont want to link it, since its so long, and many pages past by the time I write this). It is exactly how I feel and was wanting to say, so I'm glad It's already been said and shared.
I would like to add a few personal (and hopefully intelligible) notes:
First, my computer is aging and my internet kinda sucks, so I may not be so good in PvP NOT because I lack skills, but because of my hardware available to me. But Im willing to give it a try. Also, for the several of you who say "if you dont like PvP, than go play a different game," then keep in mind this is the first real mechwarrior game in a DECADE. We dont have much choice if we want to play a modern MW game we havent already played to oblivion.
Second, I may not know much aboout the battletech universe, since the MW4 series (and both MA's, which many agree sucked) have been my only experience in it, but I did enjoy the story much more than the PvP. I got much more than only 4 hours out of it, because I could play through again with different mechs and different strategies (and in Mercs, with different factions or choices). Having story and something greater to link all the different missions together made it much more interesting and less repetitive, and more meaningful, than just a bunch of XvX matches against other people. Story adds variety. The Instant Combat missions were great for trying stuff out and getting to know the maps better, but weren't great for replayability. This, however, I agree with many other posters, should be the first bit of PvE that should be added. It gives players the room to learn, to test loadouts and mods, to get to know the maps, and, primarily imho, to be able to play MW when offline. I also agree with most other posters that the free-play PvE instant combat should have NO rewards - It's for testing and practicing, not for grinding. I also agree with some others, a SP story aspect of MW should not be implemented in MWO anytime soon after launch, it would be too much work and money, but a campaign would be a great expansion pack sometime within the next couple of years.
Anyways, much of my opinions are already well-stated in his and other posts, so I'll stop myself from rambling here...
(would also like to note for consensus reasons that I support Stormdragon)
Edited by FatalHunter, 02 June 2012 - 07:24 PM.