85 replies to this topic

[Rip von Graze]

This thread has made me want to read the forums again.

Thanks!

[oldradagast]

Khobai, on 13 May 2014 - 02:05 AM, said:

MWO shouldve been stock only from the start. Customization has always caused balance problems in not only Battletech but also every other Mechwarrior game. MWLL had the right idea by only allowing stock configurations and thats what MWO shouldve done too.

Eh.... the only problem there is that mechs with more advanced tech - double heat sinks in particular - would be completely dominate. Also, many stock mechs have too many weapon groups for easy use on a keyboard and mouse, even though they work fine in table top where you just designate targets and don't actually have to aim and such.

Long story short, I partly agree that the game allows too much customization, but I think all mechs should have access to the Upgrades (DHS, Endo, Ferro, etc.) since without that, many mechs would be useless without some sort of Tech Era limiting factors on the matches, which would then further split up the player base.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[Rhaythe]

Ripvan, on 13 May 2014 - 06:12 AM, said:

This thread has made me want to read the forums again.

Thanks!

If you'd like a taste of the Stock Mech Monday goodness, Lordred has uploaded a glut of screenshots, and I've uploaded a match from last night. Both in this thread: http://mwomercs.com/...s/page__st__320

[East Indy]

As players are having no problems organizing independently, I would rather PGI take a close (and fresh) look at how and why MWO is so well-balanced at 3025 -- especially since major changes are being made to the Clan ruleset, and there's an opportunity for a reset button.

1. Form follows function, and special geometry of chassis like the AWS and HBK compensates for unique loadouts. 'Mechs fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces.

2. Ammunition is strictly limited. Many chassis must choose between slower, sustained DPS and early-match burst.

3. Heat constraints dictate pacing once the battle has largely switched to energy. It's thrilling to have exposed internals for several minutes, continue to engage, and survive.

These lessons might be obvious, but actually playing stock reinforced why checks and balances are so vital. I know the chaotic nature of the beta made a clear view of play almost impossible. But with the ability to look back, now, with a fully functioning engine, it's clear where this game -- probably like all other incarnations, starting with FASA's -- got away from design intent, and how it can be brought back in line.

[Xenois Shalashaska]

Stock mech matches are great. I really wish PGI will allow for a stock match drop mode. It would create a better simulation atmosphere for the game.

[Rhaythe]

I'm incredibly curious as to what the game designers and balancers think of this. It's hard to browse the forums at this point and not see some sign of how this Stock Mech thing is taking off. With all the work sunk into making MWO modular and customizable, its these plain-vanilla stock mech variants from way back in the day that seem to hold the most balance and inspire the best gameplay. Hell. I'll even go so far as to say that, so far, these Stock Matches are the closest to "Mechwarrior" this game has felt since the closed beta.

All the work into adding more mechs and all the comings and goings of meta after meta after meta, and it's the stock loadouts we've had since day one that make this game feel 'right'.

[N a p e s]

I talked to some of the guys in my unit about participating in these events... figured some of the older guys who are into the lore might be interested but its fallen surprisingly flat. However, this looks like too much fun to pass so I'm going to try to make it on wednesday night. Just need to grind out the space bucks for a stock mech. Not sure which one yet.

[Sybreed]

oldradagast, on 13 May 2014 - 06:12 AM, said:

Here's how I would do it:

When Configuring a mech, you could set a "temporary Stock" toggle on it, which would temporarily reset the mech to stock mode WITHOUT losing your custom configuration that it probably already has.

Then, you can take it into "Stock" matches. This would be a fast way to rule out cheaters - since they can only enter the match with the "stock" setting on, which automatically returns the mech to stock mode - and would encourage this nifty alternate format.

what would make this extremely simple is having a private lobbies "browser" where you can see all actual private lobbies (they can be locked of course, and if you want to join you need to ask to be invited). Those lobbies can be named (i.e. Stock matches tech 1) so you know where you want to go.

[Sybreed]

oh and food for thoughts: this brought back Role Warfare... to a certain extent. Funny huh?

What I would like to try next week is to do Conquest matches instead of Skirmishes. Skirmishes are cool, but this forces the gameplay to be blobs vs blobs, while Conquest forces you to split your forces more and have more balanced lances.

Edited by Sybreed, 13 May 2014 - 08:11 AM.

[Khobai]

Quote

Eh.... the only problem there is that mechs with more advanced tech - double heat sinks in particular - would be completely dominate.

Nah because you could have a battle value system to balance that out.

Battle value would be very easy to implement if mechs were only stock loadouts. Customization makes battle value very difficult to implement because of all the variable loadouts.

[Solahma]

Switched my major gaming day from Tuesday to Monday because of this. Had a great time trying out some new mechs I grabbed since the previous event.

Great turn-out again for the second week. I think I counted 3 Private lobbies of 12v12 before I had to leave. 72 people in stock mechs is glorious!

My only recommendation is for lobby commanders to switch the teams up a bit more often to find the right balance of skill. It would take a few matches, but a little more proactive shuffling around can weed-out one-sided matches. If you feel you are a pretty good player, don't be afraid to request a team switch to even things out.

In our case last night it took 4-5 consecutive wins to realize that the teams were not balanced, by that time a handful of players on the other team had left. Not saying it was only because they lost, but i'm sure it doesn't help if you get stomped a couple times with your first introduction to stock mech battles. Next Monday I'd like to see team shuffling if one team gets two consecutive wins from the start. I think it's fair to say some balancing is needed if a team wins 12-2 in their first two games.

Not making a big deal over it, just noting it so we can make future SMMs even better, especially for new-comers

We can all do a better job volunteering to switch teams, including myself.

Edited by Solahma, 13 May 2014 - 08:38 AM.

[General Taskeen]

Sybreed, on 13 May 2014 - 08:11 AM, said:

oh and food for thoughts: this brought back Role Warfare... to a certain extent. Funny huh?

What I would like to try next week is to do Conquest matches instead of Skirmishes. Skirmishes are cool, but this forces the gameplay to be blobs vs blobs, while Conquest forces you to split your forces more and have more balanced lances.

In the private chat window or TS I would just ask the 2 teams if they would prefer to try conquest. Usually they come to a consensus, but yes, Skirmish tends to form blobs in public mode too.

[Sybreed]

General Taskeen, on 13 May 2014 - 08:37 AM, said:

In the private chat window or TS I would just ask the 2 teams if they would prefer to try conquest. Usually they come to a consensus, but yes, Skirmish tends to form blobs in public mode too.

well, I don't mind playing skirmish per say, but mixing things up a little would be nice.

[Trauglodyte]

Bishop Steiner, on 12 May 2014 - 09:59 PM, said:

I told you so's are usually reserved for talking to people who argued against or doubted your stand. At least for me, I always wanted stock matches as an option. Still want customizable Tier 1, also.

Lock, stock, and smoking barrels Mondays (stock only)

Tier 1 Tuesdays (full tier 1 customization allowed)

Problem solved, my friend!

[Frantic Pryde]

Stinks I missed last night, but now that I know about Wednesday I will be all over that! really glad we have so many people coming together on this. See you guys Wednesday!

[Trauglodyte]

Frantic Pryde, on 13 May 2014 - 09:17 AM, said:

Stinks I missed last night, but now that I know about Wednesday I will be all over that! really glad we have so many people coming together on this. See you guys Wednesday!

When did they announce it for Wednesdays? Dammit, people - keep me informed!!!

[Sybreed]

Trauglodyte, on 13 May 2014 - 09:23 AM, said:

When did they announce it for Wednesdays? Dammit, people - keep me informed!!!

they aren't exactly the same thing, in that you can have tier 2 tech accepted in some occasions. Stock mondays are T1 only.

[Khobai]

All we need now are urbanmech thursdays

thurbsdays

30 ton mechs, 100 rated engines, anything goes.

Edited by Khobai, 13 May 2014 - 09:43 AM.

[Skyer Stralende]

Sybreed, on 13 May 2014 - 09:33 AM, said:

they aren't exactly the same thing, in that you can have tier 2 tech accepted in some occasions. Stock mondays are T1 only.

Technically, Stock Mech Mondays are Tech 1 and Tech 2, but only if the variant comes stock with SHS. No DHS! The front page of the website clearly lists all of the rules you need to know.

Trauglodyte, on 13 May 2014 - 09:23 AM, said:

When did they announce it for Wednesdays? Dammit, people - keep me informed!!!

Just read the calendar, and keep up with the wonderful Stock Mech forums. Tsk tsk!

Edited by Skyer Stralende, 13 May 2014 - 10:07 AM.

[General Taskeen]

Trauglodyte, on 13 May 2014 - 09:23 AM, said:

When did they announce it for Wednesdays? Dammit, people - keep me informed!!!

Not the same, just slightly different variation. SMM is a locked tech list of Mechs to use (to draw people into Stock gameplay), SMW changes every week and allows you to use build some extra 'Mechs if you want (like a stock LCT-1S, WVR-6M, and others).

Edited by General Taskeen, 13 May 2014 - 10:32 AM.