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The game already contains a nice system for rocking cockpits based on the impulse value of weapons fire. My system would use and extend this system to encapsulate mech collisions as well. When two mechs collide, an impulse would be generated to both mechs. The magnitude of the impulse would be based on the speed and size of the two mechs. The net effect is that when a mech has a collision with another mech or terrain, the pilot's cockpit gets rocked throwing off their aim. So if you're circling a mech and run into a mech your aim would be thrown off for example. How badly you are rocked would depend on relative size and speeds.
The second part of my system involves staggering. When the amount of impulses delivered to the cockpit, whether through weapons fire or collisions exceeds a certain threshold (which could be based on mech weight) a mech would be staggered. Staggering would be represented by a temporary reduction in maximum speed and difficulty in rotating the torso for a period of time relative to how far past the threshold the mech is. In this manner being struck by heavy weapons or colliding at high speeds or with a mech much larger than you would cause difficulty both moving and aiming for a period of time.
Unlike knockdowns, lighter mechs would not be completely helpless and stationary after colliding with another mech which in some cases would mean instant death. Instead, they'd be slowed, making them easier targets while also having a rocked and difficult to correct cockpit, making it difficult for them to target enemy mechs.
EXAMPLES:
A Jenner moving at full speed clips a slow moving Atlas. The Atlas cockpit is rocked slightly as if it was struck by an AC/2 from the impact. The Jenner is rocked heavily as if struck by an AC/20. Furthermore the Jenner is staggered. Its speed is reduced to 40% and it has extreme difficulty moving its torso. Both these latter two effects dissipate gradually over the next two seconds, but in the meantime the Jenner is an easier target for any mechs supporting the Atlas.
Two hunchbacks are circling a third mech in opposite directions. They collide as they pass each other. Both mechs are equally rocked throwing their aim off the third mech. In addition they take light collision damage and are slowed simply from blocking each other, but the impulse wasn't high enough to stagger them.
A Commando sustains heavy fire from an Atlas and supporting mechs. The amount of impulses from the barrage of AC/20 and missily fire causes this small mech to be staggered in addition to having its cockpit rocked all over. The mech is slowed and has difficulty aiming. As long as the Atlas and supporting mechs are able to continue the withering barrage the commando will not be able to recover his full speed nor maneuver his upper torso effectively.
Edited by BarmyBrad, 29 November 2012 - 11:48 AM.
