49 replies to this topic

[Riptor]

Well... the devs said we will have upgradable Mech HQs in one of the interviews...

But what could they possibly be good for? I mean what difference would be between a "fresh" merc HQ and a fully upgraded one?

Or rather: What would you guys like to have with these Merc Hqs?

The higher the level the more members are allowed in the merc unit?

Just some fancy "guild hallish" thing to brag about and show off your units achievements?

Faster repairs to your mech based on your mechangars level?

Basing the options for customisation on how well your mechhanger is upgraded? Some customisation options really need alot more then a welder and a toolbox... good equipment is expensive.

Having different benefits depending on the level of the base? Like aditional information warfare options available? Like access to beacons or surveilance satelites? (limited uses ofcourse.. like showing you "possible" enemy contacts on the maps.. the level of the HQ would determine the accuracy of those infromations?)

Well those are my ideas what they could be used for but really... if its upgradable it must have some decent influence on gameplay right?

Or should they be possible targets for enemy merc units? (Wich would be totaly awesome but also somewhat difficult to get right)

Soooo.... Ideas anyone?

[Iron Horse]

All of your suggestions seemed plausible and like they could add to the fun factor, but I expect HQ's will be something more akin to DOA4 lobbies or PlayStation Home (IMHO).

[Grand Paladin]

I have an Idea. Why not have improvement trees. Merc HQ's can earn and spend points to improve in categories. In MW4 each of the Merc Units had its advantage. Money, Lost Tech , Better salvage etc. Create a system that makes each HQ unique. Favorite House (Prestiege Points) Etc. I have more as needed.

[Volume]

It'll probably just be something like the WoT garage + "premium" garage, which will be depressing considering all the awesome stuff it could have.

[John Clavell]

I think there should be no restriction on the amount of members you can have. That seems a really bad mechanic. Having to have a higher level to have more members discourages 'community' team building. When you think about Mech Corps within lore there are a few things which come into play. The Mech Corps Dragoon Rating. This is an indicator of a units size, perceived resources and effectiveness. The higher your rating the more money and better contracts you should be able to command from employers. This also could lead to better pay for each member of the Corp.

There could be a reflection in the ability of 'techs' you employ. This might allow you to better repair Battlemechs, while also being able to have some rare Battlemechs in a hanger which can be awarded to members, or allow to transfer to personal mech hangers if that is something which happens in the game. If there is no personal hanger, then the size of the Corp hanger will be where everyone pools their mechs from.

Medals, and unit state pages. Obviously you'll have the ability to award members medals, design your own medals, and control your roster and other unit administration. I'd love for the game to generate a mini-page which shows stats and rosters and such.

[xlrate]

I seriously doubt that the developers will make us research upgraded weapons or chassis, but upgradable merc HQ's could allow for a bigger "garage" and could allow for a larger Merc Unit.

for example I would imagine that it would look something like this:

Level 1: 1 Lance
Level 2: 2 Lances
Level 3: 1 Company (12 - 16 mechs)
Level 4: 2 Companies.
Level 5: 1 Batallion (roughly 3 companies plus a command lance)
Level 6: 2 Batallions
Level 7: 1 Regimental Combat Team to include 3 full batallions plus a command company (and possibly support)

I cannot imagine that the devs would even consider allowing us to get into Brigades or Divisions.

In addition to this upgrades could allow for the Merc Company to allow to store more weapons, armor and ammo.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[Cattra Kell]

What I can see from the Merc HQ is as xlrate has said. The addition of a bigger "garage", and possibly if I may add onto what you say xlrate because I think its perfectly said, the ability to have more storage capacity as in parts and weapons, not just mechs.

[Dihm]

I will be irate if there are member limits on Merc Corps.

I've hated limits like this in every game that's had them. It is nothing but an annoyance.

[Riptor]

Yeah i do hope we dont get any BS limits like in WoT where you cant even play together with your friends if you dont pay up...

But perhaps it will influence how many lances you can bring into a fight? *shrugs*

[Adridos]

What about giving access to more technologies and faster/cheaper repairs and stuff like that?

[Haeso]

xlrate, on 07 December 2011 - 12:23 AM, said:

I seriously doubt that the developers will make us research upgraded weapons or chassis, but upgradable merc HQ's could allow for a bigger "garage" and could allow for a larger Merc Unit.

for example I would imagine that it would look something like this:

Level 1: 1 Lance
Level 2: 2 Lances
Level 3: 1 Company (12 - 16 mechs)
Level 4: 2 Companies.
Level 5: 1 Batallion (roughly 3 companies plus a command lance)
Level 6: 2 Batallions
Level 7: 1 Regimental Combat Team to include 3 full batallions plus a command company (and possibly support)

I cannot imagine that the devs would even consider allowing us to get into Brigades or Divisions.

In addition to this upgrades could allow for the Merc Company to allow to store more weapons, armor and ammo.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

It would have to start much larger than that, the endpoint seems fine. But a single lance to start? I don't know about you but I have more than three friends.

I don't think size should really be impacted by level though.


It all depends on how community warfare plays out. Are we going to be fighting to try and get an entire planet for our Merc Commands like the Highlanders or Kell Hounds? Earning a whole planet seems like it would be quite the endgame.

Or will it be something else? Perhaps they'll aim to have most of conquest take place in Merc Command Vs Merc Command complete with logistics over the course of an entire campaign rather than multiple iterations of the same fight?

I truly hope Merc Commands are more involved than glorified chat channels. Though even more than that I would hope to see true and proper House warfare like MPBT with players leading it, rather than focusing on Mercs. The focus on Mercs makes me feel like the game is going to have less depth than it should, we'll see.

Edited by Haeso, 07 December 2011 - 09:04 AM.

[Major Crash]

"They’ll be able to band together in the format of a lance, which is four, and they’ll be able to band together as a mercenary corporation for hire. And that’s not unlike a guild. And we have a whole editor and mercenary HQ for players to explore that allows them to customize the look and feel of their corporation, their membership, the structure of how they enter battle, the lances, their names, ranks, all kinds of things.
We really wanted to put as much control into the community’s hands as we could. They can create their own legends."

It seems to be more about creating your own unit history than any in-game limits or such. I think it is what they say, YOUR Merc HQ.

[Threat Doc]

I think the minimum size for the Merc HQ should be a full Battalion, 36 'Mechs, no more. To go to a Regiment would need to be earned in game-play and, perhaps, added to the store to be purchased early. However, I'm curious to find out, first, what the structure limitations are going to be like?

[Marauder3D]

There are preexisting guilds/clans from other games that might want to come over intact: I would be worried about size limits preventing that from happening.

I guess the question is how would it be implemented: in game limits, on line limits, ToO limits? Interested in how it plays out but seems like we just don't know enough at the moment.

[MaddMaxx]

A social Hub for its members. A place to display their Colors, Rosters etc and allow the Brass to create a Hierarchy (if that is desired). A place from which to advertise themselves to would be Contractors. Set up Trade deals with merchants, be they legal or black market based perhaps.

As noted above. Track the units history in regards to the game. Corp A was awarded Contract B and was dropped on Planet C. Word on the Interstellar Grape Vine is they achieved great success with only minimal losses and their sponsors were very pleased indeed. Rumor even has it the Sponsor threw in a nice BONUS for a job well done.

Want to hire Corp A? Go to www.CorpA.mwo for details and pics. Better hurry, they have been keeping pretty busy of late.

Edited by MaddMaxx, 07 December 2011 - 10:06 AM.

[Epitaph]

On the subject of HQ upgrades, we'll probably see upgrades along the lines of intelligence/support since the devs mentioned they want to emphasize that kind of aspect in gameplay.

Though what kind, I'm not sure.

[John Clavell]

Not every unit can afford a website, let Merc Corps have external facing single info page showing blurb, recruitment info, stats, and ratings, and rosters. Or let us have API's to put this info on our own websites.

[Black Sunder]

Link to your source please?

[Agasutin]

HQ Upgrade, you now have C3 <3

[S3dition]

One thing I would very much like to see is upgrading HQ's with additional buildings/features that cost money and other in-game resources, as well as real time (so 300 hours literally means waiting 300 hours). But it could do things like reduce cost/time for repairing mechs or swapping weapons, increase number of members, have a weapon hangar for sharing ammo/weapons (kind of like the hangar in EVE).

In addition, there could be social upgrades, such as a canteen that acts like a chat room/lobby for members.