21 replies to this topic

[Dlardrageth]

..what could it look like?

Would we rather fancy to have a "MechSimulator" feeling? Basically fluff-wise give it a "feel" of being something like you would have to go through in the BT universe if you were, say, a MechCadet, getting your feet wet?

Or would we rather prefer it to be just like the "standard mode", just with tweaked/different parameters to give people a different option to get into the game?

In some other threads, several suggestions have already been made. Like making it distinctively newb-friendly, making it a mode where you have neither repair cost nor in-game rewards, having it be an area for distinct perma-respawn mode, and what not.

Also, how would we want to actually "join" a training battle? Have it randomly thrown on a "spawned virtual server" (ref. to the method of server spawning as already explained by PGI so far here) together by people in a queue? Or a model like WoT where a "training battle" would actually have to be set up, more like a classical "dedicated server"?

And what about the Mechs brought in? Balancing enforced server-side or everybody can just pick whatever strikes the personal fancy? Or even you get assigned a random Mech and have to adapt to use it to get like a true "MechCadet" (could as well be one option of a couple for this mode)?

Let's share some thoughts.

Edited by Dlardrageth, 13 January 2012 - 05:11 AM.

[Oderint dum Metuant]

What is wrong with just jumping straight in and learning as you go?
How many people actually read the manual for new games? Or play the tutorials?

If the game is being launched with the minimal amount of content and later patched with more as we go, something like this would be time spent away from developing stuff that actually matters.

Edited by DV^McKenna, 13 January 2012 - 04:05 AM.

[BlindSide]

DV^McKenna, on 13 January 2012 - 04:04 AM, said:

What is wrong with just jumping straight in and learning as you go?
How many people actually read the manual for new games? Or play the tutorials?

If the game is being launched with the minimal amount of content and later patched with more as we go, something like this would be time spent away from developing stuff that actually matters.

Alot more than you might suspect, But anyway I'd put money on there being some form of tut being implemented so might aswell put some thoughts out there who knows maybe some of the players ideas will put some spin on how it is implemented. I always liked the Gruff drill sergeant in MW 2 rattling at me in that training mode. I found it comical and somewhat immersive.

[alVolVloLy]

I'd like to see XP be earned, no repair costs, but no c-bills. When/if people want c-bills to purchase things, they proceed to the "real" "standard" engagements.

edit: changed real to standard to stay in line with terms used by OP

Edited by alVolVloLy, 13 January 2012 - 04:18 AM.

[Nik Van Rhijn]

I would like somewhere you could try out different specified mechs, with perhaps different terrain and targets so you could get used to the way the mechs/weapons handled. It would be useful for groups to be able to practise manouvering/fighting as units using the actual game interface ie things like modules and battle grid.
It would be useful in the latter if your mech just "froze" for a moment and then effectively respawned fully repaired so that you could retry various tactics without having to do a new session.
As for people not reading manuals or playing the tutorials - I can't see that will work in a game of the complexity of MW. It would pay PGI to make at least a stripped to basics tutorial be compulsory before playing. They can play up the "Are you capable of handling the most powerful weapon of war "etc angle. Can you imagine someone whose never played a MW title starting in the cockpit of a mech with the "***" moment - chances are they will be dead before they work out what theyre doing - not a good intro to the game.

[alVolVloLy]

Also, allow different game types, maybe with the option to simulate an objective, but minimally the exact same game as "standard" except that it allows for pick up scrimmages among players. Hope in, shoot, position, and play.

[Dragon Lady]

DV^McKenna, on 13 January 2012 - 04:04 AM, said:

What is wrong with just jumping straight in and learning as you go?
How many people actually read the manual for new games? Or play the tutorials?

Raises hand.

DV^McKenna, on 13 January 2012 - 04:04 AM, said:

If the game is being launched with the minimal amount of content and later patched with more as we go, something like this would be time spent away from developing stuff that actually matters.

Some of us might like to play as seasoned veterans of the long struggle for independence against the Draconis Combine, and this might want a little practice with however jump jets work in this game, so as not to embarrass ourselves by planting ourselves head first into the ground because we didn't quite feather our left leg jets correctly.

[Durant Carlyle]

Yeah, some sort of practice mode would be nice, especially for those of us who have only played the campaigns. Also a good place to try out new 'Mechs and variants. I won't be boating (unless the 'Mech I pilot was designed that way, like the Nova), so I'll need a place to test out the viability of various weapon mixes.

[MaddMaxx]

If the Practice Server provided Instances as in the "Standard" game play arena, it could be as easy as having 3-4 Maps to select from, and each Map offers a different form of combat.

1) Target shooting and driving drills. Could also Test out Heat based builds for viablility.

2) Objective based. Some (say 3) with some having Timer(s) running (dependant on the Objective type). One could have a required Lance formation be set around an Objective for it to be successful. Ex: Form a Line Abreast/Wedge etc after the whole Lance arrives (tick tock, tick tock)

3) 8 Mechs go in, 4 or Less Mechs come out. "I can't believe Johnny fell for that feint so easy. At least he knows what to look for now" etc etc etc.

Edited by MaddMaxx, 13 January 2012 - 10:45 AM.

[Khushrenada]

hmm i think it should be something in the line of a simulator.

which means no repair bills, but also no exp gain, since no equipment or territory is at risk.

also full customization of your mech and all mechs that are available can be piloted. this way you could really try different loadouts and mechs, to find the one you like, without spending millions of c-bills to find yourself in a mech you cant stand (that would pretty much frustrate a lot of people!)

re-spawns, so you can try things out and dont have to go through several loading screens over and over again to test different mechs and loadouts.

no "noob-modus". means no different settings compared to territorial matches, since all the testing and "getting to know the game" would be pointless, if everything changes as soon as you are in a real battle...

[Morashtak]

Would like to see a training mode beyond a "x" vs "x" number of opponents - maybe an obstacle course for those wanting to try different control schemes and get comfortable with jump jets. Then later random targets can be added and a scoreboard kept of finishing times, waypoint times, target accuracy, etc. All in simulator mode so repairs are a non-issue.

Could be a good way to judge the run-n-gun capability of aspiring team mates.

[Godzilla Enthusiast]

A weapons range/obstacle course would be a fine addition. How are newbies supposed to learn how their mech handles if they die everytime before they can even figure out the controls. Learning how to move and fire your weapons is much easier when no one is shooing at you.

This goes double if we have to pay repair costs.

[Nick Makiaveli]

DV^McKenna, on 13 January 2012 - 04:04 AM, said:

What is wrong with just jumping straight in and learning as you go?
How many people actually read the manual for new games? Or play the tutorials?

If the game is being launched with the minimal amount of content and later patched with more as we go, something like this would be time spent away from developing stuff that actually matters.

Scaring off brand new players is the worst thing a game can do. So a simplified simulator experience could be a great thing. Don't need or want it? Skip it. For someone like me who hasn't played a Mech game in a long time, might be nice. I just fired up the F2P version of STO and I can't pilot the ship for **** Ground combat is fine, but lining up arcs and maneuvering etc...I suck at it.

**edit** Oh yea, I like the idea of it feeling like a sim. Basically what the OP said. The optimal version would be scaled. Starts off simplified and works it's way up to random mechs with a full UI etc.

Edited by Nick Makiaveli, 19 January 2012 - 08:04 PM.

[Burned_Follower]

Personally i think it would be really really really cool if they could have the exact same "training class" that was in MW4. Have it be the same in every way, even the same Bushwacker, etc except the only difference be the graphics of course. It would be kinda cool for us old time players in my opinion anyways. I know that won't happen but i still think it would be kinda cool.

[osito]

i like the idea of a training/ gunnery range to get a feel for the play style of the game. For some reason as i think about this i see the faction players here going through a mech boot camp from the famous academies of our faction. mercs and lone wolves could go to outreach for training. that would be awesome.....

[Lima Zulu]

XxDRxDEATHxX, on 19 January 2012 - 08:25 PM, said:

Personally i think it would be really really really cool if they could have the exact same "training class" that was in MW4. Have it be the same in every way, even the same Bushwacker, etc except the only difference be the graphics of course. It would be kinda cool for us old time players in my opinion anyways. I know that won't happen but i still think it would be kinda cool.

Notable thing - there were 2 bushies in MW3 too. But I guess, it was designed after Clan Invasion.

I believe, training matches should be made not just shooring range, but real combat. There should be able to get in training match as one team and divide somehow inside match or join as two teams. Ofc, no money or XP gained, but no repair bills too.

But shooting range with standing and moving targets is quite cool to. For the best I think training ground map should be divided to shooting range, some maneurability exercises area and combat arena for group engagement.

[Wulfbane]

well they can do it like eve online or mw4 or boot camp in merc or house or clan. unknown of lone wolf

[Creel]

Quote

In REAL combat, speed is life.

Edited by Creel, 20 January 2012 - 07:37 AM.

[Havoc2]

For simplicity and ease of implementation the "simulator" should just be a standard lobby, everyone joins, everyone shoots the hell out of each other, no one gets XP, upgrades, salvage, or repair bills.


Normal fight, no rewards, no consequences.

Maybe if they wanted to add it in, brief text/speech that define what button does what.

[Roughneck45]

i would like to have a mechcadet training mission for each house. i think it would be a great way to give the player some c bills and a starting mech, as well as being a great way to give each house a bit of flavor. i remember being scolded by the mechwarrior 2 clan wolf trainer, and thought it added a lot of immersion to the game. something similar for each house would be cool i think.