After playing with SRM's for a good amount of time I would like to point out something I've noticed while playing MechWarrior Online.
Unlike several other Mechwarrior titles (that I'm aware of). A standard SRM rack currently functions more like a shotgun that shoots rockets rather than being homing missiles on their own. I'm actually content with this either way since SRM's are still effective.
However this certainly can make SRMs somewhat difficult to aim. Unless if they are on a flexible arm mounted hard-point like a Commando.
Streak SRM's are popular for this very reason. One weapon that is almost entirely obsolete in every way is the SRM 2 + Artemis and It does makes sense... why settle for anything that has the possibility of missing it's target, weighs half a ton more, and does less damage per missile? The only drawback would be the S-SRM's suceptibility to Guardian ECM. (Which can be overcome in some circumstances.)
So I came up with this interesting idea that can take off in several directions if it were implemented in-game. I think that it could be worth testing and overall could be a vital feature towards missile accuracy and effectiveness.
A simplified explanation:
Missile Lock-on
Currently there are two types of aiming reticules, there is one that controls your torso weapons (+) and one that control your arm weapons (o). What some of you have probably figured out is that there is a 3rd invisible controlling property and that is your mouse cursor.
This cursor can become a 3rd targeting tool dedicated to missile guidance. When you mouse-over a 'mech (While having it targeted) It will begin registering a lock-on. So you don't have to stare at the 'mech with your front torso facing it.
Some 'mechs are already capable of doing this to *some* extent by targeting 'mechs with their 360 degree rotating arms. But other 'mechs like the Catapult won't have this luxury.
Additional Options:
(Artemis) SRM Guidance
I have another idea that also ties-in. (Artemis) Short Range Missiles's can be made more valuable if they can be launched in several directions that is guided by this cursor. The only thing that would change about SRM's is their ability to reach their intended target.
If such a thing were introduced in MWO. It would require a lot of changes to missiles, perhaps some balancing as well. So what would be are the differences beetween SRMs and Streaks if this feature were introduced?
- Streak SRMs will still function normally with a lock on required with an almost guaranteed registered hit.
- SRMs will also function normally but now can be aimed in more directions. While having better chances to hit, they can still miss outright.
(Artemis) LRM Guidance
This feature can be applied to LRMs as well. However this may change the some need for LRM locking and thus more likely to interfere with balancing systems in place but IT IS somthing to consider.
If LRMs could be manually guided I do imagine that this can be countered by simply having a 'mech hide behind cover and thus the Missile guidance is only able to guide LRMs into somthing like a cliff or a wall the mech is hiding behind. Tell me what you think about this.
Free Look Navigation
(Although some probably don't use this feature that is already in MWO, I consider this a very useful feature and I encourage that others try using this.)
To use this feature you must press and hold down the Left-Ctrl button.
You should be able to look around your cockpit and you may noticed your arm-weapons weapons will face in the direction that you are staring. (Assuming you have the right kind of arms.)
The missile guidance cursor will be pinned to the center of your screen. You will navigate this cursor by simply looking around through your cockpit view.
This means you will be able to guide your missiles just by having your pilot stare directly at it. It provides an optional toggle between missile guidance and dumb-fire. I consider this a simple yet manageable approach.
I made a short video to help you figure things out. I'm using annotations in this video. It displays the differences beetween free look and torso twist.
(If you notice the yellow square in the center of the screen it simulates what missile guidance would be like.)
Important things to remember:
-Missile trajectory could be aimed towards any direction in front of the mech regardless of where hardpoints are currently facing.
(On a side-note If balancing becomes an issue, then I have one suggestion that this feature be available to only Artemis equipped 'mechs. This can allow Artemis guidance to... guide Missiles and make it a more desirable and can directly influences how missiles are used in-game.)
- This feature would allow SRM's to be systematically more reliable without resorting to them being a true lock-on weapon like the LRM or Streak SRM.
- LRM/Streak lock-on would be more easier to accomplish by being able to move your cursor over your target.
This applies especially for 'mechs that have a lock-on disadvantage by having arms that can only rotate vertically [like the catapult] as opposed to 'mechs that have 360 degree movement [such as the Trebuchet.]
- If this mechanic is complex to manage for some players then a toggle ability can be implemented.
Visual Demonstration
*Now, feast your eyes on this Incredible Microsoft Paint Picture.*
This image depicts a view from a Cicada cockpit, pretend it's the Cicada X-5.
*And now another glorious MS paint picture!*
This picture will sort of give you an idea on what is intended.
Remember that this feature can be reworked in several ways to adapt to the gameplay.
It would be nice for some to take a look at this feature.
This all sounds like good practice to me, but I can never be sure for myself. The best way to find out is if it actually works.
Edited by Livaria, 29 December 2013 - 02:52 PM.