27 replies to this topic

[Ginga121]

Alternatively use the TAG.

It really works... I have 1 on my ECM Light so I can counter ECM Atlases without getting too close

[SpookShow]

Just throwing my idea out there. The way the ECM module works is fine for the moment. The only things I see that need to be changed is limiting ECM to just the raven and Commando variant. Being able to use ECM should be an Elite skill unlock with a several mill module unlock on top of equipment costs. This will make ECM relatively scarce on the battlefield like it should be.

[Stingz]

SpookShow, on 07 December 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Just throwing my idea out there. The way the ECM module works is fine for the moment. The only things I see that need to be changed is limiting ECM to just the raven and Commando variant. Being able to use ECM should be an Elite skill unlock with a several mill module unlock on top of equipment costs. This will make ECM relatively scarce on the battlefield like it should be.

Raven-3L stock has Guardian ECM built-in, changing some effects to be parts of modules (hide teammates from radar, not just carrier) could work.

[Solis Obscuri]

Pihoqahiak, on 05 December 2012 - 01:46 AM, said:

One minor nerf I think would be appropriate for ECM is to have it generate heat while toggled on. This is of course not in line with "canon" functionality, but I think it would help bring the power level of ECM back down to something more reasonable. Also, it would be a very accurate representation of real ECM systems. Real ECM systems run very hot while transmitting. The realism is just an added bonus though, lol. I also feel that it will take more than just heat generation to balance out ECM. As Marineballer pointed out, ECM isn't an option for serious and competitive play as it stands right now, it's mandatory, and having just one ECM mech isn't enough, you really are going to want 3 or 4. That sort of game mechanic doesn't enrich a gaming experience, it narrows it :-( I will give PGI the benefit of the doubt on this one though, as I think they probably know that ECM will need some adjusting, but I sure wish they had a bit more foresight to have introduced it in a slightly more polished way closer to being reasonably balanced.

QFT

[Hayashi]

I've been locking the other ECM feedback/bugfix threads, but as a suggestion thread this one can live on its own for now, unless the other mods disagree.

However, as a suggestion thread, it should exist in the suggestions forum.

Edited by Hayashi, 07 December 2012 - 06:41 PM.

[Edahs]

I believe the ECM is mostly fine as is. I would suggest some rethinking into how the ECM affects the TAG system. TAG is a simple laser which provides information to optical tracking systems streak, Artemis, and LRM. It should not be affected at all by an ECM as ECM are designed to disrupt radio/radar emissions. If an ECM can disrupt TAG, then it should also disrupt regular laser weapons (which would obviously be a bad idea). Also, why there is a range limit to a TAG system is beyond me as it is a line of site system.

As for the Streak and Artemis disruptions, I see how the systems could be disrupted as they are hybrid in use of radar and Optical sensors. I would say that an ECM can increase the amount of time that it requires to achieve a lock before firing.

Disrupting the LRM locks completely makes sense since the lock is achieved through radar. However, someone equipped with a TAG should still be able to guide the missiles once they are launched because the LRM optical sensors would not be disrupted.

This would still allow for platforms carrying ECM to be disruptive in the battlefield as it will force affected units to depend more on optics without completely negating expensive weapon platforms. What military would spend money on munitions that could so easily be made innefective?

As for BAP - It does not make sense that it could be used as a Countermeasure to ECM as a BAP works strictly with radar to gather data. I would suggest that an amplification switch be added to increase power to the BAP when it is being disrupted. Amplifying the power would be at the cost of creating heat over time. This would at least allow for the BAP to be used as a method to try to identify the platform that are using ECM until the offending platform can be eliminated.

There are some good ideas on this thread and I notices that most of the community agrees that the ECM is a good add on that only requires some polishing.

[Goreshade]

PGI should also rethink NARC, allowing it to give targets and locks on ECM'ed mechs for 20-30 seconds. It was like that in the tabletop, why not make it the same way on MWO?

Edited by Goreshade, 08 December 2012 - 12:24 AM.

[Kenshar]

Goreshade, on 08 December 2012 - 12:24 AM, said:

PGI should also rethink NARC, allowing it to give targets and locks on ECM'ed mechs for 20-30 seconds. It was like that in the tabletop, why not make it the same way on MWO?

Heck I don't even care if ECM counters narc.... I just want the cloaking gone!