4 replies to this topic

[Mahnmut]

The idea of having hard point restrictions has been suggested many times but not considered by devs since it would limit mech customization. I tend to agree with the devs but at the same time I do think that hard point limits would solve in-game balance issues.

So, rather than having hard limits on weapon hard point sizes, why not impose a soft limit where each hard point location would have a default size (similar to how missiles currently do)? If you exceed this soft limit than you will impose a penalty for each additional crit slot used.

For example:
Energy - Heat penalty (1 Hps)
Ballistic - Tonnage penalty (0.5t or 1t)
Misslies - Soft limit already exists so no need to change.

If an energy hard point had a soft limit of 1 and you placed a LL in that location you would incur a 1 Hps penalty. If you placed a PPC in the same spot a 2 Hps penatly would apply. Similar would apply for ballistic weapons except that it would cost you tonnage.

Using this system you will still be able to customize your mech how you see fit, however you need to make a decision if the heat/weight penalty is worth it. It would also address the issue of large weapon alpha builds that is currently an issue.

Thoughts?

[Pater Mors]

It's a good idea, but I still think there are simpler ways of fixing MWO's current problems without needing to add any additional systems.

I don't like HP restrictions. The only reason people are talking about them is the current Alpha Strike meta and there are heaps of good ways of changing that without taking a hit to customization.

[Sybreed]

that's not a bad idea. A slower RoF, higher heat, slower lock time, etc are different stuff that could be put in.

Hell, the more I think about it, the more I think it's a win-win situation for the both the devs and the players (well, except for those who want unlimited customization). It would be easy to implement too, doesn't limit current customization, but makes heavy tweaking a double edged sword. Good post.

edit: I wouldn't touch weapon tonnage, but you could increase the required crit slots for said item. Or, reduce weapon HP by half if it's too big. A lot of potential here! Wait for people's response to this, but if it's really positive, you should ask Garth to forward this to the devs.

Edited by Sybreed, 15 June 2013 - 06:33 PM.

[Sybreed]

Also, this would get a lot more attention in the weapon balance forums

[Mahnmut]

Thanks for the suggestion of posting in gameplay balance forum. I've re-created it here