8 replies to this topic

[Tincan Nightmare]

Well the Clans are probably a ways off still but I thought looking at the targeting computer would be useful as it is a common item carried by many Omnimechs. In the case fo the Masakari/Warhawk it is mounted in every configuration. Now in TT it gives you either a base boost to your rolls to hit, or you can make a called shot to a specific location (except the head), one or the other and only in regards to direct fire weapons (AC's, gauss, lasers, and PPC's). With MWO being skill based, how do you put this tech into the game without making it way OP or just pointless. If you can't, then you have to rebalance a large number of Clan mechs that carry it (like the above mentioned Warhawk) in regards to loadout. Plus later down the road the Inner Sphere gets it too, just in case they ever jump a little in the timeline. So here are my ideas.

1) To represent the ability of the TC to make it easier to hit targets, it would place a red outline around hostile mechs (maybe including shutdown ones). This would only happen when line of sight exists (no red glow thru buildings) but would be visible at night and thru low visibility conditions (like snow in the air in Frozen City).

2) Improved zoom function. Instead of 1.5x or 3x as the current zoom system gives us, the TC would give a slight boost, say 2x and 3.5x. This would still be lower than the Advanced Zoom modules 4x, but allow for better aim at range.

3) Location highlight function. Basically, when your crosshair covers a section of an enemy mech, it would be 'highlighted', just like in the mechlab when using the loadout function. So if your crosshair is over the enemy mechs right arm, the right arm would be highlighted to indicate that you are targeting it. The only exception would be the head/cockpit, it would just light up the center torso to remove the chance to use this to headhunt targets at range.

I think this would allow targeting computers to be used in the game and make them useful, but not so powerful they would unbalance the game.

Edited by Egomane, 21 March 2013 - 05:22 AM.
Edited poll options to follow the rules

[FrostCollar]

Problem:

Bryan Ekman, on 22 February 2013 - 04:22 PM, said:

FrostCollar: Are there plans for other mech electronics that are added in the mechlab and are not modules, such as targeting computers, enhanced comm. equipment, etc?
A: No plans.

So no targeting computers, at least for a while. Well, unless they're modules.

Edited by FrostCollar, 20 March 2013 - 06:19 PM.

[Tincan Nightmare]

FrostCollar, on 20 March 2013 - 06:18 PM, said:

Problem:


So no targeting computers, at least for a while. Well, unless they're modules.

Well what about the Masakari/Warhawk . Does it get an extra laser or heat sink? Targeting computers are just like the BAP and ECM, existing items from BT that should make it in game. Maybe the way you worded the question they took it as some new electronics not in TT to be mounted as modules? Of couse the new consumables, like the cool shot, while not being 'electronics' are still equipment so they kinda contradict themselves here. Hey, maybe if enough people like this idea they will change their mind . But even if they don't (at least hopefully for now) what do you think about the idea itself?

[FrostCollar]

Tincan Nightmare, on 20 March 2013 - 06:26 PM, said:

Well what about the Masakari/Warhawk . Does it get an extra laser or heat sink? Targeting computers are just like the BAP and ECM, existing items from BT that should make it in game. Maybe the way you worded the question they took it as some new electronics not in TT to be mounted as modules? Of couse the new consumables, like the cool shot, while not being 'electronics' are still equipment so they kinda contradict themselves here. Hey, maybe if enough people like this idea they will change their mind . But even if they don't (at least hopefully for now) what do you think about the idea itself?

You've seen right through me - I love the Warhawk dearly and it was part of the reason I asked that question. I can't speak for what they meant however, I can only report what they say.

[Nathan Foxbane]

I liked the way MW3 did the targeting computer (except that it weighed 1 ton no matter how many direct fire weapons you had). Gave individual targeting circles around each location that never changed in size (at long distance they overlapped heavily). The head was still absurdly hard to hit, but it made picking off limbs or hitting the a certain torso section so much easier.

Edited by Nathan Foxbane, 20 March 2013 - 07:22 PM.

[Egomane]

Yes
No
Abstain

Anything else as part of the anser is not allowed.
http://mwomercs.com/...estion-polling/

[Neolisk]

I like the idea. It should not be about how well you monitor displays a dark picture or how good your eyes are. TC should work by line of sight, but I think it should account for low visibility conditions. I.e. no reticle highlight when you absolutely cannot see through heavy snow. But on average it should be better than your eyes are.

I believe location highlight is a good addition and would not ruin the balance, because if the mech is moving, you may not hit the part you are targeting. If it's stationary, good news for you. It should be perfectly easy to target stationary mechs, to keep the action going, and the game exciting at all times.

[Tekadept]

Retracted

Edited by Tekadept, 23 March 2013 - 07:43 AM.

[Xerxys]

I like the idea and TC's are part of the game. People don't really seem to understand this, but they are. Much more so than this game is showing and I think for an additional ton to weight to have faster info, and some form of display to show exactly what the computer is saying I'll hit would be very helpful. Sometimes it looks like I'm going to hit what I'm aiming for and still miss. It would also be nice if the TC would account for the target's distance when calculating convergence so that my PPC/AC/Gauss round(s) will actually hit the target instead of missing wide to both directions.