2 replies to this topic

[TELEFORCE]

I think in order to make the command console worth its weight and cost, I think it should allow the 'mech it's mounted on to highlight additional targets for other teammates.

What do I mean by this?

For an example, a stock BLR-2C BattleMaster with its command console pokes its dual cockpit over the saddle on Crimson Straight. There are four enemy targets in its LOS (note that I said "targets", more on this in a little bit). Because the command console is actually a second pilot in the 'mech, usually dedicated to command duties, the BattleMaster automatically spots three targets for teammates. The way I propose that this works is that even though the primary BattleMaster pilot (the player) hits the "R" key on one target, the other teammates can see two other targets closest to the selected target.

For an example, there a lance consisting of an Atlas, with a Grasshopper 100 meters north of it, a Blackjack 130 meters east of it, and a Panther 200 meters south of it. If the Atlas is spotted with the "R" key, the two other targets closest to it in the player's LOS, the Grasshopper, and the Blackjack, will also be automatically spotted by the player, and that players teammates can lock on to those targets and make indirect attacks on them.

Now this is why I selected the word "targets": If that Atlas pops a UAV up, that UAV is spotted in lieu of the Grasshopper since it's now the closest target to the player-locked Atlas.

Note that a 'mech mounting the command console can only lock onto one target at a time as always, but the two targets closest to the locked one in the player's LOS will be visible by every one of the player's teammates as well.

[Uthael]

Your idea might produce some bugs with targeting. But it's a great one. How about this: it can lock more than one target, but the player does the locking. Pressing R switches to the next targetable enemy mech, but the previous one is kept locked. Up to 1-3 additional targets. This way you can keep track of another important target and won't accidentally spot an enemy who's trying to keep in the back lines.

I had another idea for using Targeting Computer / Command Console, which involved ballistic trajectories, UI changes, weapon convergence, weapon range outside of it's maximum, etc., but yours is much more "newb-friendly". And easier to implement.

Edited by Uthael, 19 May 2015 - 10:31 AM.

[HammerMaster]

I kind of like this. It is an easy addon on to a GROSSLY UNDERPOWERED item.