30 replies to this topic

[Iron Horse]

I was thinking about some of the camo patterns used by fighter planes in world war two, and how the flight leader would sometimes have a distinctive look for easy spotting in combat. I think this idea may actually prove useful in certain situations in Mechwarrior Online.

I believe that the alternate leader (leader of the other element) also would have a significant variation from the basic pattern, but not as extreme as the squadron leader as well. (Example: all units have basic olive drab, but the squadron leader has a white dapple pattern, and the element leader has white wing tips.)

Just curious what some other 'mechwarriors thoughts are!

EDIT: I don't want this to apply for pub games. But for serious games played between competetive teams, which choice would you support?

Edited by Iron Horse, 25 April 2012 - 12:33 PM.

[Tearalum]

I think it's a good way of visually enforcing a chain of command. Not that EMPs are a harsh reality in the MW-universe but if your communications should falter then visual confirmation of leaders could prove important.

It's also a way for enemies to spot and direct force directly to opposing leaders, but then again the lance should have the option to change their painting so that you can use decoys

In WW2 it was both common to show your rank on your combat-uniform and also sometimes (in case of snipers) hide it. I think the same should apply in MWO. Give the lance leader the decission, but the options should include freedom of different looks in every mech.

[Kanil]

Absolutely not. You shouldn't be forced into (or out of) a bright pink livery just because someone else says so.

[Iron Horse]

Tearalum, on 24 April 2012 - 11:35 PM, said:

I think it's a good way of visually enforcing a chain of command. Not that EMPs are a harsh reality in the MW-universe but if your communications should falter then visual confirmation of leaders could prove important.

This could also serve a function for other lances, as they would be able to quickly tell what lance other 'mechs are from based on camo.

Tearalum, on 24 April 2012 - 11:35 PM, said:

It's also a way for enemies to spot and direct force directly to opposing leaders, but then again the lance should have the option to change their painting so that you can use decoys

That is an awesome idea! I wholeheartedly endorse this!

Tearalum, on 24 April 2012 - 11:35 PM, said:

In WW2 it was both common to show your rank on your combat-uniform and also sometimes (in case of snipers) hide it. I think the same should apply in MWO. Give the lance leader the decission, but the options should include freedom of different looks in every mech.

That's why I put this option in the poll. I think that really tight units or mercenaries (or even pub games) should just have it set to each player's own customization.

EDIT: This also brings up larger issues, like how lance leaders will be chosen, but for the sake of this topic I'll assume this is all being done by PGI.

Edited by Iron Horse, 24 April 2012 - 11:55 PM.

[pursang]

I'd rather it be set by the individual, myself.

[Gigaton]

I'll get blinking pink and gold camo and the lance leader doesn't get to say anything about it.

Iron Horse, on 24 April 2012 - 11:50 PM, said:

like how lance leaders will be chosen, but for the sake of this topic I'll assume this is all being done by PGI.

With merc corps company and lance commanders are chosen by corp leaders I belive. With houses, it's the guys with highest house rank or best stats or combination thereof (high commander spec probably also affects the assignments).

I'm sure that some corps will enforce additional rules and matching camos and so forth, but those don't belong to regular play.

Edited by Gigaton, 25 April 2012 - 12:18 AM.

[Thrall]

Maybe the company leader can create/save designs made by him/her self and save it in the companies database as something optional.
(players would be able to send eachother designs, or even download non-private designs by viewing player ID's.)

So whenever you want to load your saved personal designs you'll see a 2nd option for company saved designs.

That way before you even go into a match, the company your in can discuss the colors/designs you all want to use.

Edited by Thrall, 25 April 2012 - 12:33 AM.

[errorabbit]

I definitely think this shouldn't be an actual mechanic. If you want to enforce that personally in your player groups, sure, go ahead, cool idea. But I don't want to have someone else's skin design ideas forced on me, and I don't want to force mine on others either, even if I disagree with their taste / the practicality of being bright pink in an all grey moon battle map.

[Kiyoshi Amaya]

My mech, my choice. PGI has already given me free choice of my camo and colours, and no one else will tell me what my mech should look like.

[Pale Rider 010]

No. No no no. If you're working closely with people you know, perhaps from the same merc unit, then you can discuss it ahead of time and come to an agreement. I would be okay with the offer of a lance camo option, as in the lance leader comes up with something, and then you can choose to use it with one click, but absolutely do not let them decide for me what my paint scheme looks like. For every person who used it for lance cohesion and visual leadership reassurance, there would be five who want to put everyone in their lance in hot pink and yellow.

[Soviet Alex]

If I've been grinding for weeks to unlock a regimental skin, I want to show it off. Some random stranger who happens to be my lance leader due to matchmaking tells me I have to wear his favourite outfit? No way.

[SideSt3p]

I voted for the Lance Leader having no direct control. The reason being, it's a game. In a competitive environment having all the same camo to try to make the most out of terrain and blending would make sense. But to just have fun I don't think it really matters.

[neodym]

what a horrible idea,I dont want some colorblind derp to set my camo to pink hello kitty tactical paintjob.... I dont want to look like crap just becose someones decided that

Edited by neodym, 25 April 2012 - 06:14 AM.

[Kargush]

Iron Horse, on 24 April 2012 - 11:22 PM, said:

I was thinking about some of the camo patterns used by fighter planes in world war two, and how the flight leader would sometimes have a distinctive look for easy spotting in combat. I think this idea may actually prove useful in certain situations in Mechwarrior Online.

"All mechs, target the one with the bright yellow chevron on his leg, that's their commander. Take him out, and they won't be able to call in artillery/spotter drones/whatever."

With the metagame that will obviously come along with the game itself, I'd rather not stand out in a crowd.

[CyberCrist]

I would like to see that Lance leader be able to make this decision, however the individual should be able to override it. This way, Lances that play together will be readily more visible, and I can go pick off the ones who don't want to work together

[Shepherd]

I think that most people who care to have a uniform amongst their lance will end up having a uniform. It was great in MW4 seeing the Widowmakers roll out in their black and reds. It was a unit pride sort of thing that we were all on board with.

I don't think that letting some person pick your paint scheme is good for anything, really. Well I suppose if you've got somebody in a bright pink mech, maybe you'd find it better to slap some olive drab on the thing. But who died and made you king of how the other person is to enjoy the game? It would be rude to override their choices.

Next we'll be wanting options to change an ally's weapon configuration?

[Program 024]

I agree that mech colors should be down to an individual's choice. Having personal colors gives your mech a bit more character. And if you use a specific mech, weapon configuration, and so on, maybe a bit of a reputation will spread?

We all know that we should be on the look out for mechs that are pink. Our illustrious Paul will now be associated with pink mechs as stated (whether jokingly or serious, it is hard to tell) in one of the recent updates. Like it or not, that is a reputation.

As we all play more and more, names will become more well known. As the names become more well known, and this is dependent on whether enemies also see mech names along with targeting info, mech names, along with their color scheme, will become feared or respected. That depends on whether you are shooting at them or with them.

That being said, I would want my mech to stand out in some way down the road in the game's life. Along with a mech name, the color scheme will assist in doing that. Whether I am standing out as a lone wolf, part of a merc corp, or as a ranked individual in a house military unit.

[Ross486]

I think the lance leader should set the basic camo pattern for everybody in the lance with the lance leaders pattern. Then have the individuals of each mech thats in the lance customize the mech after that this way you will know who is on your side during intense firefights. I mean i dont really care either way with what they do with this i just thought it could be helpful i just want to play some Mechwarrior.

[JadeTimberwolf]

I honestly wouldn't want anyone in a pug to choose my camo pattern, in groups of people that work together I can see them deciding together on a camo pattern but pugs it takes away some of the individuality that players generally enjoy

[Goldhawk]

Um, there should be a recommended or basic pattern along with a "suicide" pattern

Suicide pattern is going all white in a jungle map, or painting your mech bright pink in an urban setting.

There should be a base pattern that can be selected at the beginning of the match that each player can pick, if they want, let them be the ***** with the right red mech.