I wrote this on a point by point basis of the podcast and added questions where I felt they need clarification, and occasionally combined topics where there seemed to be a digression, or the QnA2 answered questions that had similar topics. Also skipped topics that I felt were thoroughly covered by you guys.
Distribution Platform
I'd prefer STEAM as it reduces the number of Icons I have on my desktop, no discs to lose or get destroyed. The only issue I have with steam is that it makes it way to easy to spend my money in their store. It really uses such minimal resources (less than 150 MB).
Number of players per map
I really hope servers aren't hard set as 12 v 12, but rather 24 'Mechs total per match (balancing based on BV rather than tonnage or number of 'Mechs), but I don't know how PGI is balancing the game yet.
Voice Chat
Hopefully they do have an integrated voice chat that is worth a damn.
Maps
Yeah, I read it as four types of maps, and not just four maps total. I don't know about the maps being randomly generated (not sure if that's what you guys meant), but a decent variety of map types within each category and you don't know exactly which sub-map, of each archetype, you are dropping in that would be cool.
Loyalty Points
I really like how LPs are used/earned differently based on role, and unit type (Lone Wolf, Faction, Merc) and that decay only effects further advancement of rank and perks. I'm curious as to if Loyalty Points (LPs) are replacing C-bills, and if they are does that mean that every LP I use causes a hit against gaining ranks, or are ranks based on total LPs earned sans decay? Also will Mercs pay more generally for 'Mechs or will the merc units LP with a given faction determine the cost for a specific 'Mech?
I read the planetary holdings as separate from contract agreements, but the way the question was answered confuses the two issues. I am a little less sure if the two are actually separate from one another, and if that is the case I think that doesn't make quite as much sense to me.
Various XP types
I like the concept of 'Mech XP in that you gain better proficiency with a specific 'Mech, and hope that it is also a general 'Mech role, but maybe the latter is covered by pilot XP which would also make sense.
Custom skins and Logos
I read the custom created skins and logos as separate from the provided in-game tools for creating Merc' skins (an integrated at launch skin creator) and a number of integrated logos available at launch. I.E. at launch there will be a series of tools to create skins and logos for a unit, but completely unique logos and skins won't be an option until later when they can figure out the legal issues involved with allowing user created content within that category.
Mercs, contracts, planetary control
On the faction contract vs planetary control seems to me to fall within the various sub sets of planets (core, border, periphary) and their answer just seems to reaffirm that stance. Core worlds only change hands based on major timeline events, factions fight for border worlds (which they may higher mercs to assist with), and periphery worlds will be controlled by merc corps. All of them are separate sub sets of planets with their own rules. Factions cannot lose core worlds, factions fight for border world control (and may use mercs to capture/defend) and merc corps vie for control of periphery planets (non faction contract).
Melee
The certain game type/map/planet type that "demands" melee combat I read as a post launch thing that will introduce melee combat. AKA they are working on melee combat, but don't expect it to be ready until after the launch date and have a few close quarters types maps that will demand the use of melee to achieve victory just because it will be too close quarter to use weapons effectively.
Permanent destruction
My only issue with the permanent destruction is it may be a real turn off to a huge portion of the player base and could effect the profitability of the franchise, but I agree there should be some cost associated with getting your teeth kicked in. It just shouldn't be so severe that more casual players will be turned off and therefore reducing player base. From a business perspective that would be detirmental. I'm all for the hardcore perma-destruction, but that should really be reserved for a hardcore game mode.
Loadout
I hope they stick the customization to still fall within canon variants, or at least limit personal customs to some extent. I think something between MW4 and full strip down a la MW3 is used. Full customization as in MW2/3 is too easily abused, but MW4 is way too limiting.
Half An Axe
Personally I'm afraid of the Urbie. It honestly is a devastating ambush 'Mech for it's size. It can punch a hole in many Heavy 'Mechs armors. Even if it dies shortly there after the hole is still there and all his lance mates can exploit that new found weakness.
Practice
I really hope they do have training matches that exist outside of regular combat. No consequences, but no XP, or LP. Travel time may not fit in an instanced PvP game in my opinion.
Travel Time
I really hope they don't implement some kind of real time travel time as it won't work too well in an instanced PvP focused F2P game in my opinion. I think you are right that travel time is a concern, and yes immersion could be a factor if you are always instantly wherever you are fighting, but from a business perspective it could be detrimental.
Melee
Seems to me they covered this in one of the QnA2 questions. We will see this post launch and I'd assume that includes weapon based melee combat for 'Mechs that implement them. I'd also love to see me being able to beat an Atlas down with it's own arm that I shot off.
Lone Wolf
PGI has suggested that Lone Wolfs may be able to act as bounty hunters in an interview. How do you guys feel about this, and how should it, bounty hunting, be implemented?
Catapult Announcement
This suggests that fire support is a archetype of Mechwarrior. I know the Dragon announcement suggested that indirect fire is a possibility, but how do you guys think this should work? Should indirect fire be purely based on scouting, or be able to be used more like artillery where you don't need a target, but can just blanket fire an area to coral or just strike fear into your opponents? What is your opinion on Flyingdebris' redesign? Personally I think Isaac has really made it look a machine of war, as much as I love the old design I think his redesign makes it look more viable.
New Question
Do you guys think that PGI should be considering adding a SP campaign to MWO post launch or should they be considering creating a new game with an SP focus after MWO succeeds?
General boot kissing
Love the addition of great music to the Podcasts. Keep it up guys you all get better with every podcast.
Edited by Halfinax, 31 December 2011 - 12:42 AM.