10 replies to this topic

[Brenden]

In lore, Battlemechs have free use of their arms in anyway their pilots can see fit. An Atlas could wave to on lookers (though it'd be a little janky), a Battlemaster could discard their PPC to free up use of their other hand for close-range combat, and 'Mechs like the Jagermech and the Rifleman could swing them 360* behind them to fire on enemies attempting a surprise bum-loving session. And, as I've seen in nearly every iteration with Cutscenes from older games, images, and descriptions from books I have on back-order, Battlemechs could also aim their weapons. What I'm wondering is that maybe PGI could implement some sort of system that could allow Battlemechs with low-slung arms to move them up? Here's an example.

A Victor is on the Canyon map. He see's a Centurion above him but there's a rock in the way of his arms. Normally he'd have to back up or move around the rock to fire at the Centurion, who might have moved on once the Victor has clearance. What if instead of that, the Victor could just raise his arm out, stretch it out like he's trying to get his teacher's attention in grade-school, and fire from there? Not only could this make Battlemechs with low-slung arms a it more viable in close range and difficult terrain, but it would allow players more agency with their Battlemech which could lead to better immersion in the game itself. This could also help pave the way for a rudimentary Melee system in which Battlemechs could quickly stretch their arms out in a sort of striking motion with damage based on the weight of the 'Mech, the enemy's armor rating, whether or not you have a hand-actuator and so on.

What are your thoughts on this? I'd like to hear some feedback.

[Felicitatem Parco]

We have been asking for the ability to raise Mech arms for many years.

We want the ability to raise ars to shoot over obstacles with the penalty of the arms being locked to the Torso weapon reticule (so Mechs with straight arms still have an advantage of higher/lower arm motion than a mech with lower arm actuators that straightens its arms, otherwise having straight arms would offer no real advantage).

Edited by Prosperity Park, 13 January 2017 - 11:24 AM.

[Brenden]

Prosperity Park, on 13 January 2017 - 11:24 AM, said:

We have been asking for the ability to raise Mech arms for many years.

We want the ability to raise as to shoot over obstacles with the penalty of the arms being locked to the Torso weapon reticule (so Mechs with straight arms still have an advantage of higher/lower arm motion than a mech with lower arm actuators that straightens its arms).

And the only way to fix it is to allow the arms to move back into place, requiring the pilot to punch in the required button prompts needed to command the 'Mech to do so!

[Deathlike]

I guess the more important question is... is that part of its animation as currently consituted?

It would take work for applicable mechs.

[Hit the Deck]

Quote

What if 'Mechs had better control of their arms?

Then prepare for zombie 'Mechs!

[Snazzy Dragon]

[Nightbird]

Just implement a movement penalty when arms are out, like -25% speed, then no one will do that.

[Brenden]

Snazzy Dragon, on 13 January 2017 - 04:59 PM, said:

The Firemoth!

[Bishop Steiner]

Brenden, on 13 January 2017 - 11:25 AM, said:

And the only way to fix it is to allow the arms to move back into place, requiring the pilot to punch in the required button prompts needed to command the 'Mech to do so!

Replace the Current ArmLock Crutch.... er..Toggle with it, and I'm sold!

ironnightbird, on 13 January 2017 - 05:00 PM, said:

Just implement a movement penalty when arms are out, like -25% speed, then no one will do that.

it actually makes sense, since Mechs emulate human sway to minimize load on the Gyro, it's a simple fact, you can't run at full speed with your arms out like that... though, truth to tell, that also implies that mechs like Jagers and Rifleman and Blackjack should also have a penalty.

Would also distinguish digitigrade designs, which actually are better able to move at speed, like so.

[Brenden]

Bishop Steiner, on 13 January 2017 - 05:06 PM, said:

Replace the Current ArmLock Crutch.... er..Toggle with it, and I'm sold!


it actually makes sense, since Mechs emulate human sway to minimize load on the Gyro, it's a simple fact, you can't run at full speed with your arms out like that... though, truth to tell, that also implies that mechs like Jagers and Rifleman and Blackjack should also have a penalty.

Would also distinguish digitigrade designs, which actually are better able to move at speed, like so.

That would be a good idea.

[Bishop Steiner]

Brenden, on 13 January 2017 - 05:06 PM, said:

That would be a good idea.

armlock needs to go regardless, but that's a whole different thread. (or at least it needs to be set to either on or off from settings, not a little cheat toggle)