2 replies to this topic

[LCCX]

I had an epiphany this morning about why Assault and Conquest game modes feel, for lack of a better word, a bit "off" as in "not quite right". I think it is because we're told that there is this objective (capture the base or accumulate resources, respectively), but according to the gameplay and reward mechanics, that isn't true. The rewards are such that destroying the other team is *always* the best option, unless you have multiple disconnects or otherwise get too behind in combat ability to pull off the true primary objective of destroying the of team's mechs.

It is *so* different, in fact, that more often than not your teammates are upset with you if you achieve the stated objective once it is clear that your team has won the actual primary objective (e.g. once your side has gotten 3+ kills ahead). And it is never in a team's interest to, for example, sacrifice a lance to a holding action while the other two lances capture the base. Your team will get almost no kills, 2/3s of the team get no assists, and the resulting rewards are terrible. Because capturing the base or running around capturing resource points is *not the primary objective*. It's some side show to throw a bone to ... roleplayers who don't want every match to be nothing but an arena team deathmatch?

"Fundamental Conflicts in Contemporary Game Design" by Jonathan Blow
https://www.youtube....aREO4OcZg#t=975
the 6 minutes from 16:15 to 22:25

Accordingly, I'd suggest making a change to ensure that either
1) capturing stuff actually is the primary objective; e.g. give every player on the winning team a kill assist on all remaining mechs on the losing team
2) capturing is clearly the secondary objective, de-emphasized with ready room text like "destroy the enemy team, or capture their base if you can't"

Edited by LCCX, 18 October 2014 - 08:04 AM.

[Burktross]

Despite how much hate I'd get-- I will say there's one definite solution to re-themed skirmish.
Respawns.

That way you cant win by elimination.

But, you know.
Haters gunna hate.

[ShadowFire]

PGI should note that Assault mode would be a LOT more FUN if the map had proper forts, spaceports, fortified drop ship landing zones, royal palaces to attack. Not some dorky looking mobile communications truck parked on a side street or behind some rocks with some portable turrets tossed about.

As for conquest, its just a game of musical chairs with mechs involved. Just how we pump spaceship fuel while fighting in our mechs is just beyond me. I could understand destroying the well heads or defending them.... but not the run around cap thing.