15 replies to this topic

[Knightshadowsong]

Alright. Before I go off on my 'rant' as I'm sure people will think of it like that. I just want to say that this is my ideas on how to make what I feel is a AWESOME game better. Take it as you will. I don't gave a #amn if some Tank driver disagree's with me.

Okay. Point 1: Increese the C-Bills even for 'bad matches'
We all have had bad matches. were we want to line up a good shot. only to die in 2 hits from twin LBX-10 weildin Catafrackts. But to only get a meagor amount of C-bills for that, is enough to make ANYONE rage and cry. unfortunately unless you do at least 180 Damage, your only going to get maybe 30K C-bills and experance. Which if your working on your mech's Basic's and you keep getting shot. your a lot less likely to keep playing. or play like an @$$ and use glitches/hacks.

Point 2: Buff and Nerf some weapons.
I know that some people are not going to agree with some of this. But lets start with the Buff's. in my mind, the Ultra AC5's Dammage is fairly balanced. But the Jam Rate is through the Roof! making having just one of these annoying as heck. there high cost (400K C-bills each Plus ammo) would make you think that they wouldn't fire 2 shots, Jam. fix them self's and then fire 1 shot again and then Jam! Yes. I understand there points in making the UAC Jam every so often. But seriously. the thing's Jam rate almost makes these un-useable.

Now for the part that people are more likely to Not like but seriously. I'm sick of this. Machine guns are to a Mech. What a 22. Cal Rifle. using machine guns on a Battlemech. would be like using a 22. on a Tank. it simply wouldn't work. Yes. I understand that they have to do SOME damage to make the light mech's that can only mount MG's useful and not a waste. but when you see JagerMech's using 2 AC-5 and a bunch of MG's you have to know something's wrong. I've suggested this before. to add a random Jam to them, which would Limit. But not brake them. Another idea to make Light mech's better would be to add an "Ultra Light AC2" with a slower fire rate then a normal AC2. but make it able to fit on a Spider or a Locust.

Point 3.
Buff Light mech's!
I got a Locust. But it's the most useless thing I've ever seen! I know lights are not meant to be brawlers. but when you die in 2 shots it gets annoying. And in my mind. EVERY player needs to start on a Light mech. I leave it to the Dev's to figure out how to do his. also I'm SOO tired of a Light being the last mech on a team, and just hiding in Shutdown. I think that if the whole other team has been wiped out. a NAV point should show a Ruff area as to Were the last Mech is.

Point 4.
Mech Exchange.
Everyone tries mech's. (not just the Trial mech's) and sometimes they just will not like them. So how do you work around this? How about making an exchange system. The base cost of the Mech (or at least half) for a mech of similar value. it wouldn't cover the full cost. Unless of course you were trading an Assault mech for a Light mech. (not that you would) but it would make it so that even If you don't like one version of a mech. You might be able to exchange it and try another type.

And lastly.
I think that this would be a good thing to add. would be 'mercenary contracts" for C-Bills. These would Change every week or so. and be something like "Win 20 Matches" for 500K C-Bills. or "Deal 400 Damage" for 1 million. This would increase Gameplay and such, and make it so that players would have 'goal's' to reach. and again. Buff the C-bill thing that I mentioned earlier.

All in all. I think these are fair things to ask for. And I feel that it would add something to the feel of the game.

Edited by Knightshadowsong, 08 January 2014 - 08:04 PM.

[Zack Esseth]

I agree with a need to increase C-bills. Or at least work it in a manner that would better encourage people to do things other than bring an atlas to every battle. Why not create a drop bonus where people automatically earn 10k-20K for dropping and pay a fine on it for using heavier mechs. Use a Locust, no fine, bring a Highlander or an Atlas, get none or nearly no drop bonus. This could increase the buffer for people not making any money, encourage the use of lighter more lore friendly mechs, and perhaps assist cue timing when tonnage limits come out. Cause everyone and their dog will want to pilot and Atlas, Highlander, Victor wile everyone else has to pilot a Hunchback, Cicada, Spider and mop up free kills at the cost of waiting an hour to find a drop cause there are no light med pilots who what to get killed by them.

[Roland]

Did you actually suggest a NERF to machine guns?
Seriously? You did that? A nerf to what is easily one of the worst weapons in the game?

And yet you consider UAC5's, one of the best weapons in the game, too weak?

[Knightshadowsong]

What I'm saying. is that there are TOO MANY heavy mech's. Even Assaults using MG's. so yeah. That says something. And by Nerf. I mean that on larger mech's. (Heavy or larger) there might be a slight JAM risk.

And if you'll recall. I said that the UAC5 is nearly un-useable because of the JAM rate. Thus making them a lot harder to use. But I'm tired of ppl going around blasting me with 2 AC20's because every other weapon is just too weak. I think fixing them would make people less prone to using AC20's if they could deal more Dammage with a lower faster fireing gun.
(I think the AC20's reload time needs to be upped. FYI)

[Lukoi Banacek]

I can only guess at what Elo level you are playing at if MGs are on Assaults often enough to notice.....I do not consider your O a rant BUT your balancing comments are largely way off of the mark.

[990Dreams]

Knightshadowsong, on 08 January 2014 - 07:48 PM, said:

Point 3.
Buff Light mech's!
I got a Locust. But it's the most useless thing I've ever seen! I know lights are not meant to be brawlers. but when you die in 2 shots it gets annoying. And in my mind. EVERY player needs to start on a Light mech.

I like all the ideas you offered, except this one.

Lights aren't armored tanks that should be able to take 40+ damage and live. Just no. What we need is smarter people piloting lights. And as for everyone starting in a light, 10m C-Bills to buy whatever you want is a good idea.

A few tips to making your Light tougher:

• Use the biggest engine possible (XLs increase vulnerability, but at these speeds it isn't a problem)
  
• Max out armor
  
• Try to camo yourself
  
• If possible, use JJs
  
• Max out your equipment/firepower (ECM is a must, BAP is a good idea if possible)

And most importantly: Stay smart and alert

Edited by DavidHurricane, 09 January 2014 - 10:00 AM.

[Roland]

Knightshadowsong, on 09 January 2014 - 09:49 AM, said:

What I'm saying. is that there are TOO MANY heavy mech's. Even Assaults using MG's. so yeah. That says something. And by Nerf. I mean that on larger mech's. (Heavy or larger) there might be a slight JAM risk.

Dude, I realize you are kind of new here, but MG's are trash. Those assaults using MG's? Yeah.. those are bad builds.
They could potentially have them as stuff for chewing through internals, since the MG's themselves are light weight... but even in that case, it's generally not worth the slot space, or the risk of ammo explosion, to mount MG's.

The fact that bads use lots of MG's doesn't mean that MG's are good. It just means there are lots of bads who don't know any better.

Quote

And if you'll recall. I said that the UAC5 is nearly un-useable because of the JAM rate

Yeah, but your statement is wrong. They aren't unusable at all.

Honestly, I'm not sure if you were playing prior to the last change to the UAC's, but a short while ago when the jam rate was lowered, the UAC was one of the most dominant weapons in the game. I had a hillarious Atlas build that just murderized anything cause it could crank out more damage than anything else could come close to, with a combination of a high alpha strike followed up by a constant rain of lead.

Also, light mechs in the hands of a good pilot are actually very strong... .although I wouldn't tend to put the locust in that category. It's kind of a garbage mech.

[Knightshadowsong]

I agree MG's are trash. But they eat though you and that bugs the hell out of me. I'm tired of having full armor and getting eaten alive by a spider. so in some ways they need a nerf. But others there just garbage.

I agree that with enough time and practice. Light's can be good. But they just cant mount any good guns. So I again re-submit my idea of Ultra Light weapons.

[Craig Steele]

Point 1,
We already get a big C-Bill kick for the first 25 games which is enough to fund 2/3 mechs easily. Unless your repeatedly switching up loadouts and acquiring a big inventory of weapons / ammo, I don't see the need personally.

Point 2
The Devs are buffing or nerfing weapons virtually every patch. Is your argument they should buff / nerf your particular chosen example or that they should simply continue to balance weapons as they have been?

Point 3
On one hand you say lights get smashed early in a match and need buffing, and then you say they are the last man standing (ie, NOT taken out early). Which is it. Is it not possible that perhaps the pilots capabilities have some input into the two extremes you have used as examples?

Point 4
You can sell your mech for half cost and use the C-Bills to purchase a new mech exactly as you have described without the need to post on some Auction house and wait for a player who wants that mech. The functionality is in the game already.

Point 5 (and lastly)
Yes, perhaps not the exact example you have used but CW is supposedly to provide a more interactive "the mission has consequences" outcomes which would likely address the point you raised. ETA unknown but certainly flagged.

Regards

[Knightshadowsong]

Yes I know about the 'Cadet bonus." and NO. it's not enough to fund a mech. Because even if you work as hard as possible. A new player wouldn't be able to play as well as an experaned player. thus there not going to get as much from the Cadet Bonus as they could. (unless your a double accouter) Also. I personaly checked this. No. you cant sell your mech for half it's value. Your lucky if you get a THIRD of it's value. and that's with Weapons and Heat sincs and such. Example. My HunchBack. that I bought for X amount of C-bills. when I clicked sell it only offered me 1.9 Mil for it. and that's with the XL engen I put in it. and an AC20 and double Heat Sinc's and Large lasers.

[Roadbeer]

[Redshift2k5]

Knightshadowsong, on 08 January 2014 - 07:48 PM, said:

I think that this would be a good thing to add. would be 'mercenary contracts" for C-Bills. These would Change every week or so. and be something like "Win 20 Matches" for 500K C-Bills. or "Deal 400 Damage" for 1 million. This would increase Gameplay and such, and make it so that players would have 'goal's' to reach. and again. Buff the C-bill thing that I mentioned earlier.

Generated missions & rewards is a good idea, but I think you're being too generous. 400 damage is nowhere near worth a million c-bills, and in many cases dealing more damage means you are being inefficient.

also, all of these features would take much too long to appear in the next patch. Anything for the next patch is already well under way, and even features announced months ago are still being worked on.

Knightshadowsong, on 10 January 2014 - 01:40 PM, said:

Yes I know about the 'Cadet bonus." and NO. it's not enough to fund a mech. Because even if you work as hard as possible. A new player wouldn't be able to play as well as an experaned player. thus there not going to get as much from the Cadet Bonus as they could. (unless your a double accouter) Also. I personaly checked this. No. you cant sell your mech for half it's value. Your lucky if you get a THIRD of it's value. and that's with Weapons and Heat sincs and such. Example. My HunchBack. that I bought for X amount of C-bills. when I clicked sell it only offered me 1.9 Mil for it. and that's with the XL engen I put in it. and an AC20 and double Heat Sinc's and Large lasers.

It sells for half of the chassis cost plus half of the item cost currently equipped. It does not factor any c-bills spent on upgrades such as double heat sinks (the value of each heat sink is counted but not the 1.5 mil for the upgrade)

[Oppresor]

I agree with some of your suggestions, in particular the one about the Ultra Light AC2 for fitting to the Spider, Locust and Flea. Interestingly and clearly not one that you would go along with; one of my Atlas Snipers carry's a combination of twin AC2's and twin Streaks as it's secondary armament. Initially I did this for protection against lights, but more recently have found this setup works really well within the range of the Streaks; can't wait until they bring in the UAC 2 (It really exists in canon)

I would definitely go along with points 1 & 4. Point 4 is interesting and comes into it's own if like me you have never moved beyond the four Mech Bays. It would provide a way of exchanging like for like or close to without loosing everything. We would need some sort of for exchange board where we could register the Mech's for swap and list details and specs.

[Craig Steele]

Knightshadowsong, on 10 January 2014 - 01:40 PM, said:

Yes I know about the 'Cadet bonus." and NO. it's not enough to fund a mech. Because even if you work as hard as possible. A new player wouldn't be able to play as well as an experaned player. thus there not going to get as much from the Cadet Bonus as they could. (unless your a double accouter) Also. I personaly checked this. No. you cant sell your mech for half it's value. Your lucky if you get a THIRD of it's value. and that's with Weapons and Heat sincs and such. Example. My HunchBack. that I bought for X amount of C-bills. when I clicked sell it only offered me 1.9 Mil for it. and that's with the XL engen I put in it. and an AC20 and double Heat Sinc's and Large lasers.

Ummm, yes the cadet bonus IS enough to fund 2 / 3 mechs. On my only account (this one) I was able to afford and Atlas and a Jenner. If you preferred to buy 4 Blackjacks / Ravens you could do that too. My freinds who also play had similar outcomes except one guy who is always playing in the mech lab. He spends more on loadouts and uses then a few times before changing again and is always complaining how poor he is. Also, the cadet bonus is a fixed amount not % of performance.

When when you sell your mech you get C-Bills for half its value. You may be confused by the option to retain all weapons / ammo which is automtically unchecked, but if you don't want the stuff you can sell that too for half cost. I am pretty sure upgrades (Endo steel, XL) that you put in do ont count towards this, just the basic cost but I haven't tested that.

[Monsoon]

First off, Woah Bro, what's with the Tank Driver hating.

C-Bill rewards - I don't really care too much, raise them great, leave them where they are, fine. I suppose those early stages are a bit of a pain, but after a while it isn't so much of a problem. Heck, we've just had our first C-Bill Billionaire! I have my suspicions of who it might be....assuming she is still playing the game.

Weapon Balance - Yes a single UAC/5 feels like it jams too often, which is why I usually go with AC/5 myself, but when you're tricked out with 3-4 of them, the jamming problem isn't really noticeable.

Machine Guns - you may want to compare it to a .22 vs a Tank....well the only 'Machine Gun' I can think of that weighs a half-tonne is the Avenger Gattling Gun, and last I remember, that thing was called the 'Tank-killer'.

Light Mechs - I disagree, most of them are quite dangerous, especially when they wolfpack a lone Assault that was left in the dust from its teammates. The Locust is certainly fragile, but it really has always been meant for Scouting and Anti-Infantry more then any Mech vs Mech engagements.

Mech Exchange - An interesting Idea, I wouldn't mind seeing PGI find a way to do this that couldn't be abused. This way you didn't have to loose half the value of the mech, otherwise as stated you could just strip the mech down to just an empty husk and sell that.

Mercenary Contracts - As far as I recall you can already expect those to come with Community Warfare. Sure CW is taking its sweet a$$sed time to come to the game, but when it does, this is a feature we can expect to come. Maybe you're thinking about Achievements more so then Contracts, but we're getting those even sooner.

Edited by Monsoon, 10 January 2014 - 04:57 PM.

[Firewuff]

Some serious responses


1) The c-bill earnings are good as they are. for a good match I can get >100k and with premium time + hero mech that can be 200K. THe earnings for "bad" matchers is intentionally low becasue too many people were c-bill farming. Dropping into a match, not doing anything or killing themselves just for the c-bills. This sucked for everyone and was killing the game as one or both sides would start several players down. They are low for a reason.

2) UAC5 jam is a RANDOM chance. I've dropped 50 rounds without a jam, next game I've had it jam every 3... thats the point of random. When it had a lower jam rate it was just too powerful and was about the only weapon worth carrying.

With the MG's 2 points. a) they are REALLY effective once you remove the armour because of the crit hit rate. I love watching a Jagger mech or an Atlas charge my Locust 1VP with no CT armour and my 4 MG's chew their internals before they get 2 shots off. I carry them on my Muromets, my LLas and UAC5 strip the armour and MG's chew their insides. I can also continuiously fire with them while the enemy has to cool down. That is why Jaggers carry them and I have them on my shadowHawk and hunchie.

Secondly the MG's on the mechs weigh 500KG, this is on a par with the 30mm Cannons on the A-10 thunderbolt close attach aircraft (Warthogs) firing depleted uranium rounds which are designed as tank killers. There are not a 50cal hand held MG. Comparisons to tanks ALL mechs which are Mediums or lights are all lighter than a M1A1 Abrams tank which is 61.3 Tons. So the idea that MG's should do nothing is basically a lack of understanding of modern tech.


3) Light mechs are NOT brawlers as you said. They are scouts and need to be treated as such. I can get 3-6 kills in my locust in a good match, but I dont try and fight with it, I engage mechs already in a fight with someone else and target stripped parts of their armour. I sneak up from behind, unload everythign and hide again before the emeny get a shot off. If I'm stupid a can be killed in a single alpha which is frustrating but it took me a while to understand the change i needed to make in my play style.

New players should not start in a light as it take a good experienced player to use them well. Medium mechs have far better survivability and easier to pilot for new players. They have a good balance between durability and manuverability, Heavies and assults are too slow and take a fair learning curve to learn to lead targets etc.

4) mechs exchange - sell your mech and you get 30% (?? maybe 50%) of the cost back already no need to complicate things further. To be honest there are no bad chassis, only ones that suit different play styles. There are ones i dont like but they are not bad. I prefer my Wolvie Phoniex mech overr the 6k but the 6k is a viable chassi and I can do a lot of damage in it. The more mechs you own the easier it is to level up new ones.


5) just for ref they are already in the process of writing an achievements scheme, hopefuly it will include some rewards as well which is exactly what you are asking for.