3 replies to this topic

[Seddrik]

I've been working my way through all the lights. While grinding commandos I had this idea.

Make each commando have ONE hardwired feature, that does not affect its current weight or space consumed. One with a hard wired ECM, another with a hard wired BAP and third with a hard wired seismic. This way they have some bonus to them, while freeing up a little space for other things, thus making commandos at least a little more useful. Currently theya rent worth much at all.

[Nothing Whatsoever]

I'd consider tweaking their speed related to engine rating first.

Currently they need a 210 to even hit 149.7 KPH.

I would at least consider tweaking the calculation to instead hitting an engine cap at 200 would give the same speed of 149.7 KPH and go from there.

And maybe (along with Spiders, Locusts and any other tiny mech) consider providing more module slots, where appropriate per variant.

And who wouldn't mind to pay for a Module where one could at least mount a single Jump Jet in the CT, at the weight of a Jump Jet (a Class V is only 0.5 on a Commando)?

[Op4blushift]

The problem I feel with commandos (although not having actually owned any) is that they're the lowest in their weight class currently (until the flea arrives) meaning they can't mount as many weapons, but they still can't go any faster then a Jenner or a Raven which will eat them up every time. About the only thing they have going for them is their very small size (I think they're the smallest chassis in the game right now?) but that only helps so much. I think we need to see the speed cap raised and then they might shine a little more.

[stjobe]

Making the Commando into a 26.5-ton 'mech isn't the solution - what will you have to add to the Flea and the Locust when they arrive?

The Commando's biggest problem is simply that it's the lightest thing around while having not a single advantage over the heavier lights - it can't go faster, it's not more mobile, it can't pack more fire power.

Those are all things that could be adjusted if the devs wanted to:
* readjust engine limits after removing the speed cap
* adjusting 'mech specific traits like torso twist, acceleration/deceleration etc
* buffing SRMs - half of the Commandos rely on missiles for the bulk of their firepower

None of these things make the Commando useless though; given a skilled pilot they can wreak havoc with the best of them. It just takes a lot of training, flawless execution, and a tiny bit of luck

But perhaps the best way of encouraging light 'mech use (and therefore also Commando use) is to actually reward light gameplay in a meaningful manner - things like capping, scouting, TAGging/Narcing, drawing enemies off the battle line, those kinds of things should pay just as much as doing damage and killing does currently.

(I've piloted Commandos since closed beta; it's my preferred 'mech chassis and I have over 1000 drops in them)