11 replies to this topic

[Kakela]

Let's say I've got an Atlas D-DC and decided I'd prefer the dual AMS of the K. Would it be possible to swap hardpoints of the mech in the canonized universe? (Hero Mechs are a thing so don't tell me no) but instead of free forming, switch them to standardized variants for a price? Obviously it would be easiest to take the base value of the chassis and have you pay the difference plus an extra million or two for the services. So back to the example, let's say I switch from D-DC to K. I'd pay around 4 million C-Bills for the addition of the AMS slot and hardpoint switches, plus reprogramming of the CPU to register the alterations. I could then complete any challenges I wished, then paying another 4 mil or so for the sake of having the same process performed in reverse, I could go ahead and unlock proficiencies for the D-DC and have ECM capability once more.

In my mind, it makes sense, similar to if you have two cars, one with options the other doesn't, its not impossible to alter the first model to match the second and vice versa. Would this be a possible and widely utilized change in the mechwarrior universe? I'd imagine this would lead to questions about free forming with tonnage taken in mind. But hey; 2 Guass rifles in the Catapult K2's arms via removal of the torso based hardpoints.

Edited by Egomane, 14 April 2013 - 01:58 AM.
Changed poll, so it follows the rules

[Artgathan]

It's a neat idea, unfortunately it will lead to serious balance issues. It also basically means that there's no point in having different variants available, since players would be able to mix and match hardpoints at will (imagine a Raven-3L with 4/5 missile hardpoints).

Also, from a lore perspective there are no "hardpoints". Battlemechs typically aren't customized, and when they are you can basically do whatever you want to them given the right facilities and a big enough budget.

[Kakela]

Artgathan, on 13 April 2013 - 08:42 PM, said:

...It also basically means that there's no point in having different variants available, since players would be able to mix and match hardpoints at will (imagine a Raven-3L with 4/5 missile hardpoints).

The free forming aspect wouldn't be implemented, that is a suggestion.
What would be implemented by the posts standards is the conversion from the 3L to the (Insert Desired Raven Setup here). So you'd have the dedicated hardpoints that the stock one would have.

[MasterErrant]

it makes sense are i like it which means the devs wont.

Artgathan, on 13 April 2013 - 08:42 PM, said:

It's a neat idea, unfortunately it will lead to serious balance issues. It also basically means that there's no point in having different variants available, since players would be able to mix and match hardpoints at will (imagine a Raven-3L with 4/5 missile hardpoints).

Also, from a lore perspective there are no "hardpoints". Battlemechs typically aren't customized, and when they are you can basically do whatever you want to them given the right facilities and a big enough budget.

partly true...battlemech are inherently customizable...they are mostly modular. but feils mods are limited fairly minor things dropping a weapon for a heatsink... losing JJs etc...

major changes take major work.

[Durant Carlyle]

OP wants to have all of the Atlas variants without actually purchasing each one, and getting a HUGE discount to boot. I will never support anything like this.

MasterErrant, on 13 April 2013 - 09:26 PM, said:

battlemech are inherently customizable...they are mostly modular.

This is wrong.

BattleMechs are NOT inherently customizable or modular. It takes days of work just to make one "simple" change. Some 'Mechs were even completely set up for a specific weapon and if you switched it out they would have gunnery penalties because it no longer had the "right" weapon installed.

That's why OmniMechs are so devastating -- they are both customizable and modular and can be swapped to completely different setups within hours.

[Alois Hammer]

Durant Carlyle, on 14 April 2013 - 01:22 AM, said:

OP wants to have all of the Atlas variants without actually purchasing each one, and getting a HUGE discount to boot. I will never support anything like this.

This. Want all variants, sack up and buy all the variants.

[Kakela]

Durant Carlyle, on 14 April 2013 - 01:22 AM, said:

OP wants to have all of the Atlas variants without actually purchasing each one, and getting a HUGE discount to boot. I will never support anything like this.

That's why OmniMechs are so devastating -- they are both customizable and modular and can be swapped to completely different setups within hours.

Although this does play a role in my reasons for the post, I would happily disband the thought of the profficiencies. The main idea behind this is to be able to adjust my mech to whatever the lance may need for the next match. I feel that with the limitations of 4 mech bays to start with, plunking down 4+ million c-bills seems reasonable to switch from 2 energy slots in each arm of the atlas to one in each arm, and removing two of the crossplates to fit the energy hardpoints in the chest. Plus gaining the use of two AMS to support my slow moving lance. Obviously i wouldnt get ANY of the stock weapons nor armor, it would be completely stripped and hardpoints reset. If the main issue you have is negating the climb to get the profficiencies, I understand your concern completely. With an atlas chassis selling for far less than 4 million anyway, it makes it difficult to buy different stock variants.
I do appreciate the insight and I definitely get what you mean.

[Kakela]

Alois Hammer, on 14 April 2013 - 07:25 AM, said:

This. Want all variants, sack up and buy all the variants.

I am a big time grinder, and I have two Atlai in my mechbays. I have an RS, a D-DC, A K2 and an 8Q. Lets say two of my lancemates are going to field light mechs with tag and/or narc to assist the team woth the larger threats at a distance. Why not pay 3 million to remove the arms from the cata and replace them with the original missile pods? Remove the ballistic slots and remove the energy cover and shift the energy hardpoints from the left and right torso to the center. Just like that i can fulfil a long distance support role, and reduce the risk of there not being any missile users in the match. Sure, mech XP can be helpful, but it would be negated due to alterations in the chassis. The sig may show up as "K2-C4". I am fully aware this is not cannon, but the added realism would make it, in my opinion alone, a better game.

[Nathan Foxbane]

This is the kind of thing they would charge MC for. Not going to happen because you can just get another 'Mech bay and buy the 'Mech instead of converting it. Converting defeats the to point of variants, when it becomes cheaper to convert to rather than buy and customize that variant.

[Neolisk]

Kakela, on 13 April 2013 - 08:45 PM, said:

What would be implemented by the posts standards is the conversion from the 3L to the (Insert Desired Raven Setup here). So you'd have the dedicated hardpoints that the stock one would have.

Yes, +1 for this. Buying a new mech instead and then having to pay for upgrades again does not sound cool.

[Bobzilla]

A lot of 'no you must grind just cause' responses. The only thing this would save is MC spent on a mechbay. If you don't get any of the equipment that comes with the stock chasis, 4 million cbills is quite a bit for the empty shell, it would acutally cost more in the long run if your tryin to master it.

Atlas 9.4mill, switch 2 to get basic 8 mil, switch 2 to get elite 8 mil, switch 2 to get master 8 mil

Thats 33.4 mil. Straight up buying them cost almost the same, cept if you buy them you get all the equipment to sell/use.

This suggestion actually costs more.

[Kakela]

Bobzilla, on 15 April 2013 - 06:27 AM, said:

Thats 33.4 mil. Straight up buying them cost almost the same, cept if you buy them you get all the equipment to sell/use.

This suggestion actually costs more.

The prices were greatly exaggerated, mainly in an attempt to combat the quick rebuttal that if it were cheap it would ruin the game. Actual denominations would be reasonable, and i see your point. I just wanted to know whether or not the idea would be accepted.