2 replies to this topic

[Tralik]

After 18 matches this last week in this mode, I don't think the game mode is horrible, but it definitely needs some work to be balanced. Of the 18 games we won 8 and lost 10. That is not unreasonable or outside what I would expect for a new game mode. I think many of the problems associated with this new game mode are directly related to the map that gets selected. For example, maps with long sight-lines heavily favor the attacker. Polar Highlands, Grim Plexus, and Frozen City heavily favor the attacker as the VIP is exposed, in the open, for long periods of time making him a sitting duck for ranged weaponry. My experience has been that maps with shorter range and limited visibility play more evenly as it requires the attackers to close range to engage.

Other issues are that the travel route for the VIP is on a rail and not adaptive in any way. On many occasions the VIP will simply march straight in to a heavily fortified attack position. This forces the defenders to charge a fortified position where they are at a strategic disadvantage instead of engaging at a time and place of their choosing. Having the VIP be programmed to simply follow the largest density of friendly mechs and making the team responsible for getting him to the extraction point via any route they choose would be a much better solution than the current "on rails" mechanic of the VIP. Even something as simple as giving the Company Commander the option to select one of three or four routes at the beginning of the match would be preferable.

That being said, there are things I like. The turrets have negligible effect, but the sensors on the map add some interesting aspects to the game for the defenders although its actual effectiveness in determining the outcome of matches is debatable.

I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bath water just yet, but addressing a few of these issues would go a long way towards making it interesting every match and avoiding the blowout matches where the VIP dies within 3 minutes of the start of the match from focused ranged fire because he's standing in the wide open and there is no way to defend him. Just my thoughts so far.

[Shiroi Tsuki]

I agree.

Though to be honest, I see the turrets/ECM towers as a way to track attacker movement while on the Escorting team. It gives you the idea of where they'll be coming from

[Zeoraimer]

Tralik, on 19 December 2016 - 01:14 PM, said:

...Having the VIP be programmed to simply follow the largest density of friendly mechs and making the team responsible for getting him to the extraction point...

+1 Hahahaha, I can't wait to see where the defenders get the VIP stuck