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[R 13]

Problem (as perceived by me, humble opinion, etc.)

Omnimechs in MWO don't really get to leverage the main benefit of the chassis/pod layout. As such they are many times overshadowed by the IIC 'mechs/clan "battlemechs" due to fixed crit and engine limitations.

Background:

In canon (don't shoot me yet for saying it) the reason the Clans developed omni 'mech technology was twofold: manufacturing efficiency and in-theater flexibility.

The first simply means they can get away with having (~3050) less than 20 chassis in production, onto which any number of also-mass-produced omnipods could be fit.

The second is where I think some existing functionality could be leveraged in MWO. Omni Mechs could be quickly re-fitted for specific roles prior to landing/engagement. So if the Clans were defending an urban location, they could quickly swap pods to CQC stuff with little concern for ammo. If they expected a drawn out engagement, they could change up to energy-heavy designs to reduce ammo dependency.

Solution:

Users could be allowed to pre-configure a single core chassis (say, a Timberwolf Prime) with up to 3 preset variants...say, Energy/Dakka/LuRM. Then, in either quick-play or faction play, they would have the opportunity to pick the variant after the map is known to them.

This accomplishes a couple of things:

• Distinguishes what should be the front-line Clan 'mechs from the IIC/Others
  
• Leverages omni tech in a way that could, situationally, make less used omnis potentially more relevant in their weight class (think Warhawk / Ice Feret / pre-hero-Summoner)

It leverages some existing functionality with respect to the drop-deck system.


The "Clans OP" complaint can be mitigated by the fact that timeline-wise, IS omnis should be on the horizon in a year or so.

Anyway, 'just a thought I figured I'd cast before the fickle mistress that is the internet

Edited by R 13, 24 December 2016 - 12:30 PM.