7 replies to this topic

[Kaeb Odellas]

Perhaps not. There are certainly far more important and gameplay-relevant things PGI could do with their artists' time, but after watching some of the Solaris streams, I'd say there's definitely a place for a bit of mech showboating. It adds another layer of customization for MechWarriors who like to play mech dress-up and adds another source of relatively cheap revenue for PGI. They could even tie it to the rewards system for Solaris as part of a "showmanship" aspect that would be expected in gladiatorial-style combat, with different gestures performed at different times potentially providing different rewards.

For example, saluting your opponent before before opening fire increases your rewards, but opens you up to potential attack against an unscrupulous foe, while shooting a saluting opponent gives you a greater chance at victory at the cost of rewards. Insulting your enemy with a gesture during the start-up cinematic increases your rewards if you win, but decreases it if you lose. Saluting before dealing a finishing blow as a show of respect increases your reward, while showboating with a dance has a random chance of increasing or decreasing rewards, depending on audience reaction.

Solaris, after all, is a spectator sport in the BT universe, where the ultimate goal of each competitor is money and fame. While winning is the primary means of achieving that goal, the ability to put on a good show for the organizers and the fans is also vitally important.

EDIT: Too perfect

Edited by Kaeb Odellas, 16 April 2018 - 09:17 AM.

[Stridercal]

I figure this is coming, just as soon as all the other Little Details^TM get handled first.

[JediPanther]

I've got the cobra pattern in blue and red on a spider. Would be pretty funny to see some 'webbing' emotes for it. My lct-1e would love to pop up a flag with a red 'V' on white background for victory. My cptl-k2 to fire off fireworks off those ppc arms. Ember could start a camp fire holding a giant hot dog on a stick.


Unfortunately many mechs lack the ability to emote as well as the ones that are not humanoid. Urbie could get a drop down pixar inspired globe standing on a topical island. Ravens could get a small wave and surfing board along with a comic style shout balloon with the word "Bird!" in funky text and colors. Catapults C1,A1,C4 could shoot a barrage of Staypuft marsh mellows. Panthers could giant a giant ball of yawn to pounce upon.

[Kaeb Odellas]

JediPanther, on 16 April 2018 - 09:36 AM, said:

I've got the cobra pattern in blue and red on a spider. Would be pretty funny to see some 'webbing' emotes for it. My lct-1e would love to pop up a flag with a red 'V' on white background for victory. My cptl-k2 to fire off fireworks off those ppc arms. Ember could start a camp fire holding a giant hot dog on a stick.


Unfortunately many mechs lack the ability to emote as well as the ones that are not humanoid. Urbie could get a drop down pixar inspired globe standing on a topical island. Ravens could get a small wave and surfing board along with a comic style shout balloon with the word "Bird!" in funky text and colors. Catapults C1,A1,C4 could shoot a barrage of Staypuft marsh mellows. Panthers could giant a giant ball of yawn to pounce upon.

Emotes would definitely take more creativity to pull off in MWO where not all player characters have actual arms, but it's certainly doable. Armless mechs would just have to do more leg and torso work.

They'd have to keep these things somewhat plausible in a BT setting, so no crazy physical props appearing out of nowhere or breakdancing Atlases. Pyrotechnics and holographic projectors might work though, and it would be really cool if they could incorporate some of the mechs' weaponry in these things.

[El Bandito]

I'm also fine with PGI simply giving the victor 5 extra seconds before finishing the match. During those 5 seconds he can wiggle his arms, walk over or shoot at the down opponent and what not.

[sycocys]

"Teabag Confirmed"

[MechaBattler]

Perhaps I could see them adding salute for the sake of fun. But the problem with adding emotes is that they have a massive roster of mechs now and would need to animate every single one to do emotes. That's a lot of work. It would also add more work to the production pipeline on every mech. They already have to apply every camo in the game to them, as well weapon models. So unless they're selling the emotes for a hefty sum, I don't see them doing the work.

[Prototelis]

I want an Urbie that does the Washington J Frog bit, complete with top hat.