17 replies to this topic

[Boronho]

Hi, I think it would be very nice, if each lance would have it's own drop location on a map (especially in 12 vs 12 on big maps) instead of dropping in one big group with the whole team.

The lances would become "seperate" combat-groups fighting against enemy lances. So a lance would get a real importance, even if the lance is made up of random players. Also the game would become much more dynamical (lances head for different targets, supporting other lancen, flanking the enemy) than rolling over the map with one big zerg.

I'm looking forward for your opinions!

[Herr Vorragend]

I think this is a cool idea. There would be a lot more dynamic. In conquest the teams should start without having any "own" base from the beginning on. In the beginning, all bases should be untaken. This opens many more tactical possibilities, because it isn´t such a steamrolling as it is now. 2 Teams spawn at opposite sides, walking towards each other.

Somehow there should be taken care of, that no lance spawns inside 2 enemy-lances. But a more "spread" dropping would be very nice on the bigger maps.

[Stingray Productions]

very good idea, i like it.

[HadesOne]

On big maps this would be ideal. It'd make a lance actually meaningful, for one thing.

Also, it'd stop the mindless march. You'd have to see how well the other lances were doing, and decide whether to help the hurting ones or join in with the stronger ones.

[BorgT6]

I agree that the gameplay is a bit boring atm and could be more dynamic. Adding different locations for lances can also help to make some builds more viable which are designed for flanking. There should later be an option for commanders to set objectives for his lances f.e. to attack shield generators/structures or hunt the defending mechs when attacking a planet of the other faction. An Atlas Commander has plenty of time to do other things

[Tweaks]

I think this would help lances to stick together in pug games, and also make it more interested for organized lances. Right now, since we all drop bunched up together, most people ignore lancemates and just follow the rest of the pack they want to follow.

[Herr Vorragend]

We played some hours tonight and experienced some typical "forecasted" games. A big bunch of all mechs ran just towards the other bunch.

If the lances would drop with distance to each other, the fight lance vs lance becomes more important. That could lead towards more surprises and changes in leading. Combined with the drop-tonnage that might a good idea. I would like to test different drop locations.

[Boronho]

Quote

, most people ignore lancemates and just follow the rest of the pack they want to follow.

Yes, that is one fact that cannot be the intention by indroducing the lances. Lances are ignored by 90% of pug players. They just follow the bulk and not their lance members. Seperate spawn regions for the lances will make the lance much more important for every player.

[-Muta-]

Agree on that 100% .

That way every match will be different and not all just going upper or lower in river city or to the same place in alpine.

Alpine is a beautiful map that has not been totally explored

[Skoll Lokeson]

+ For variety
- For being an Assault dropped with three random Lights on Alpine .

[Boronho]

Thats another point, the "lance building". I don't know if its such a good idea that e.g. assaults are put into the same lance with random lights and fast medium mechs. It doesn't make sense in general because of the total different playstyle of the mech classes. But that is another point for another feature suggest I think, to build the lances more logical.

But you are right, that there should be some "intelligence" by choosing the lances and the drop locations for each lance.

[Skoll Lokeson]

>Boronho

It wasn't really a serious point (the ability to cope with "randomness" and adversity is a skill too btw). Improvements don't have to make things perfect, only better IMO. If something makes the game 40% better on one end and 20% worse on the other - than I'm ok with that, especially if it the consequence of a problem that should be fix anyway.

The variety alone is worth it. However, PGI should have a plan B ready in case it makes things worse for some unforeseen reason. I think there's been a distinct lack of plan B:s when it comes to MWO "fixes/tweaks" so far. But that's on PGI.

[Boronho]

I totally agree with you :-)

[CPT Orangetayo]

I'm the minority: I vote no. I don't see how lance mates in solo games would stick together any more if the team is split apart, than if they're together.

I see this viable in a competitive match, or with premades. In a situation where you have a couple actual groups, and the rest solo players, I see this sort of drop ship option to be even more chaotic and frustrating to watch.

[Herr Vorragend]

Hey Orangetayo,

I think the OP didn´t mean the lances to go solo. But the process of bringing the lances together will be a huge increase of variety on the battlefield. Maybe the lances unite, maybe 2 lances unite and one lance harrasses. Do you get, what I mean?
And I also think that this wouldn´t be the fastest way into death for solo players. You´ll not spawn alone, but with lancemates. You can choose on your own, like you can choose now. Some solo players will do the one-man-army thing, some will get close to other teammates and stick together.
There´s no matter of splitting up this topic for newbies or competitive players at all

[Boronho]

In most matches players are following the mass, any teammates and it doesn't matter if they are in there lance or not. And I think this would be also the case if lances would start isolated. Most random players will follow their lance mates I think and the lances mostely will stick together.

Edited by Boronho, 10 September 2013 - 12:05 PM.

[Orkhepaj]

Let lance leader choose drop location too

[Hop per]

I agree, mix it up.


Even if it was 6 locations and Lances randomly drop, it would make the game really interesting in many aspects. Sure a lance might get stuck between two enemy lances, but that means an Enemy lance got stuck between two friendly lances. Lights and mediums with speed would be a bigger asset as they could support/attack lances that are isolated. This could be the niche Mediums need to be a bigger part of the game. as it is Assaults and specialized heavies (LRM and sniper boats) that are the difference makers right now. You would have to properly watch/support your back and flanks.