1 reply to this topic

[torgian]

So, this topic is a run-off of the last one I made earlier this month, since the old topic was archived due to the new forum layout.

If this is TL-DR for you, feel free to go to the last paragraph, since I would like to impart a suggestion to you rookies out there who are looking for something a bit more than just random shooting.

Archived thread:
http://mwomercs.com/...93#entry2203193

Basically put, I'm discussing how often I see battles where teamwork works well, either to the loss or win of the team I'm on. Just because my team loses doesn't necessarily mean that the team was bad... this is more of an analysis and observation on how often I notice good teamwork regardless of the outcome.

However, I am not noticing much change. Every six or seven battles I fight in, only one involves outstanding teamwork from the entire team. For example, tonight's battle that stood out to me...

It was the tourmaline desert. I was in my Trebuchet. Since no-one else seemed to have a plan, I made one.

Now that the map has lance waypoints, it made things a little easier in a sense. I split the two lances to the left and right of center, near where that burnt out base is in the sinkhole. I directed bravo to take my left, and Alpha on me. Both followed suit, and right away I knew I had a team that would follow me direction.

My lancemate scouted ahead and reported contacts 12 o'clock to my position. As I ordered him back to the main force, I directed Alpha farther ahead of my position, with Bravo a bit more to my left. Only one alpha lance-mate followed me due to some fire from the enemy; the main force was under long range attack, and I was distracted by a Dragon that pushed ahead and was attacking me and the lancemate I was with. Shortly after the Dragon was destroyed, I directed my Alpha mate to move to the new point I designated on the map. It was almost smack into the middle of the crater area, where a cataphract was alone. I told Bravo to stay frosty and push forward on my mark.

It was here where everything moved smoothly. Although me and my lancemate were exposed to fire briefly, we went into the sinkhole that shielded us from fire. At this point I called Mark, and bravo, along with the rest of Alpha lance, pushed forward. They were the calvary that pushed forward and helped me and my mate destroy the cataphract from two sides. We converged and rolled over the remaining mechs.

While we did win, the point here is that the team responded as a whole unit from the very beginning of the match. This made a difference and set the tone for the rest of the round, allowing us to stay cool and flank the enemy from two sides. It was quite refreshing. Unfortunately, in the other six games I played tonight, only one or two people would respond to my direction, which is better than nothing, but in most of those games we as a team lost the match.

Again, keep in mind that the games I play are all lone wolf drops... I never go in with a pre-made team. I recognize that this also makes a difference with teamplay, but my main concern is how often I can bring random troops together on the field. So far it only happens sparingly.

So, in conclusion, for you rookies out there who want to have a bit more fulfilling experience and are willing to put in a bit of effort, keep pushing for those team games. Ask what the plan is, and feel free to experiment with command. You may succeed, you may fail, but you will definitely learn.

[Willie Sauerland]

Good post.
Learning to read the battle map is one of
the first steps toward being an effective leader.
You have to be able to know how the terrain will
provide you the cover and element of surprise
needed to be able to accomplish your missions.

Absolutely ask what the plan is and if nobody answers,
do not be afraid to offer one as many experienced players
want to see what you will do to determine
if you might be a good fit for their teams.

Sure, there will be whiners who will complain about you
losing the match for them or won't follow your plan.
Some people play in the same rut and always do the same thing.
However, if you can be creative, you will be a valuable asset
to your team and any future group you join.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice either.
Many of the experienced people are very approachable,
and if you find the one occasional player who isn't,
then don't let it phase you.

To the new players:
Welcome to MW:O!

Edited by Willie Sauerland, 25 April 2013 - 05:12 AM.