http://mwomercs.com/...te-and-apology/
Easy vs. Hardcore Mode
As many have noticed on the public test servers, we have new "Hardcore" game modes coming down the pipe. One can easily assume this will be for the 1PV only crowd. After playing with 3PV in test and thinking about it a lot, I think the game can thrive with both 3PV and 1PV...providing that they handle it VERY carefully.
As I've been talking about for quite a while, there are two inherent problems with introducing 3PV:
1. If they split the queues into a 3PV/1PV mixed queue (Easy Mode) and a 1PV only queue (Hardcore Mode), this could potentially lead to unbalanced queues, with the majority of the players eventually migrating permanently to the 3PV/1PV queue because it's easier and wait times for matches would be shorter.
2. If they force everyone into a single 3PV/1PV mixed queue, that's not fair to skilled/experienced players who want the harder challenge of a 1PV ONLY simulation-style environment.
Obviously, Option No. 2 is out. That would kill the game before it even had a chance to get off the ground. Long-time fans and veterans of the franchise would leave in droves. As much as I love this game, even I'd have to weigh my options at that point. I most likely wouldn't "leave" the game, but I would find it very hard to spend money on it ever again.
So, that leaves us with Option No. 1 (thankfully, it's also the option PGI has stated that that they are going to pursue). However, in order for it to work some design balances must be put in place to ensure healthy numbers in both queues and to prevent players from migrating en masse to one queue or the other.
This is what I propose:
Easy Mode
- Player can switch between 3PV and 1PV (press F4)
- Stats not affected by matches; essentially it's just for fun without worrying about stats
- No Community Warfare
- No Eject option
- Caters to casual players that just want to "shoot stuff in big stompy robots"
Hardcore Mode
- 1PV Only
- Stats ARE affected by matches; it's the real deal.
- Player can participate in Community Warfare
- 20% higher XP AND C-Bills
- Player receives no rewards if they die in a match (see eject option)
- Eject option in place (see below for caveat)
- Repair and Rearm enabled (?)
- Caters to ardent fans of BT/MW and experienced players that want a little more depth
Eject Option
When playing in Hardcore mode, if the player is killed they receive no rewards for the match. However, if they manage to eject before their mech is completely destroyed, they retain their rewards. Pilots may eject at any point after the following conditions:
1. Both legs destroyed. The mech topples over instantly. The pilot has 2 seconds to punch out (about as long as it takes for the mech to hit the ground).
2. Core breach. The mech's engine is destroyed. The pilot has 2 seconds to punch out before cockpit temperatures cook them to death.
3. Cockpit destroyed. The pilot is killed instantly unless they have a command console. In which case, they may eject at any point or continue to fight. However, if the mech's head takes any additional damage during that time, the pilot is killed.
4. Critical damage. The mech pilot may punch out any time after their mech sustains critical damage, however they receive a -20% XP and C-Bill penalty for Pre-Mature Ejection.
Auto-Eject Option
The player may toggle auto-eject on or off. When on, the pilot will eject automatically upon the following:
1. Ammo Explosion
2. Critical Damage
3. Both legs destroyed
4. Engine destroyed
NOTE: Disconnections count as a death and the player looses their rewards for the match. Also, if the player auto ejects, they receive a -20% XP and C-Bill penalty. This penalty will help curb abuse of Hardcore mode and the Auto Eject option.
So, instead of switching to the flying camera after your mech is destroyed, you stay in 1PV view but your mech is completely disabled with no HUD and offline weapons systems. The cockpit is filled with smoke, sparks, sirens blaring and flashing emergency lights. Once the pilot punches out, they have a 1PV of the battle below them then it switches to Spectator Mode.
The logistics of ejecting needs some tweaking, but the concept is in place and would give it a practical value to the game.
Additional Thoughts...
Repair and Rearm
They could potentially bring back repair and rearm with Hardcore mode, as well for added realism. Especially with now that Easy mode is an option.
Edited by Bhael Fire, 27 August 2013 - 02:52 PM.