29 replies to this topic

[verybad]

Will it scrable ECM, ecen if only for say 5 seconds? This would be an Awesome (pun intended) game effect, it would make PPCs as they are now very useful, and would especially be a good Atlas DC counter as they are slow enough to hit reliably with PPCs.

I am very much hoping that the EMP effect does more than just make the HUD go wavy. Make it the equivalent of an energy AC-20 hit. Not rattling your mech as physically, but making electronics in th area reboot.

This is something that we were going to introduce in Mechpack 4.0 for MekTek, but sadly that project was not completed (I DID complete my art selections btw )

Having all systems have "meta" effects in the game is a passion of mine, and I truly hope this will turn out this way.

Now to make it even MORE interesting. Have the person FIRING the PPC disrupt their OWN electronics also, thoguh not for as long (say 2.5 seconds)

This makes electronics heacy mechs like the Atlas DC unlikely to carry PPCs, so they can't be their own best counter. Good old Awesome, Unpicked at the prom, still wins the beauty contest at the end.

[verybad]

I don't normally bump my own posts, but I think this is a good idea (maybe I'm wrong) and would like some feedback.

[Irvine]

The self EMP-ing wouldnt be good, except maybe if it was within 90m. I like the idea, it would create an actual counter to ECM, esp the DDC.

[sleeveless]

I support this idea.

[BarHaid]

I'll second the self-EMP effect only happening within the PPC's minimum range, maybe along with some minor armor damage as well. But what would make this even better would be to have the PPC not fire within minimum range unless you toggle the safety off. (I like toggles. Give the Ultra AC one as well to lock or unlock fast-fire) That way you only experience this effect if you are willing to risk it.

Hey, maybe this should get re-listed in suggestions.

Edited by BarHaid, 07 December 2012 - 10:34 AM.

[Wolfways]

What about the ERPPC? I has no minimum range.

[BarHaid]

GIVE IT ONE!!!!!

[Viper69]

You think getting people to use the PPC is hard now, if you add a self imposed EMP effect, you will never have anyone use it. As it stands now the ERPPC and PPC are the least used weapon systems in the game. I bet even LBX10s are used more than the ERPPC.

[Elyam]

Minor EMP effects for the PPCs would be good. 5 second knockout of ELINT/ECM is too much. Perhaps a 1 second interruption; alternatively, a chance that effective broadcast/detection range is reduced for a short time; or sine ither minor, limited effect. If you make the penalty too high, constant PPC shots (possibly from multiple mechs) will render the targets equipment useless.

Disagree with self-inflicted effects.

[verybad]

Viper69, on 07 December 2012 - 10:51 AM, said:

You think getting people to use the PPC is hard now, if you add a self imposed EMP effect, you will never have anyone use it. As it stands now the ERPPC and PPC are the least used weapon systems in the game. I bet even LBX10s are used more than the ERPPC.

IF that self-EMP is only effecting specialized electronics (ECM/BAP, maybe some HUD waving on other stuff) it would be fine.

An Awesome chainfiring PPCs and using his head hardpoint for a TAG while disrupting an Atlas DC's ECM would be an extremely valuable part of a team... The whole point to the self disruption would be so the specialized electronics mechs weren't carrying the PPC also. That makes the counter to ECM a NON ECM carrying mech. Make more sense now?

Elyam, on 07 December 2012 - 10:58 AM, said:

Minor EMP effects for the PPCs would be good. 5 second knockout of ELINT/ECM is too much. Perhaps a 1 second interruption; alternatively, a chance that effective broadcast/detection range is reduced for a short time; or sine ither minor, limited effect. If you make the penalty too high, constant PPC shots (possibly from multiple mechs) will render the targets equipment useless.

Disagree with self-inflicted effects.

1 second isn't enough to get anything done. PPC is a 7 ton object, ECM is a 1.5 ton object. PPC only would affect the firing mech and the target ECM affects a 180m bubble. ECM being rebooted is not like killing the opposing team, it's just removing ECM from ONE target (and many teams have more than one ECM now)

It makes PPCs a highly useful weapon. Specialized for sure, but they wouldn't need more damage or less heat, they'd be worth it as is.

Also, ECM works through hills, PPCs don't

Edited by verybad, 07 December 2012 - 11:01 AM.

[Tickdoff Tank]

I think you are on the right track. And I think that part of the reason the dves have not added the effect to the PPCs was because they needed to wait for ECM to come out before they could buff the PPCs "EMP" effect the way they want to.

[Nathan Xain]

I like the idea of the EMP disrupting electronics, such as the HUD, ECM, BAP and maybe even TAG and NARC, but how about having an area of effect around where the shot hits? So every mech within 50m (or something) of the hit would also be caught by EMP disruption to a degree and the closer they are the longer it takes for the effects to wear off?
Not talking a long time, but say 0.01 seconds disruption per metre from the edge of the blast radius? So if a mech was 49m away from a mech that takes a PPC hit, it suffers disruption for 0.01 seconds before the electronics all start functioning fully again, if its 10m away it would 0.4 seconds to recover?
0.01seconds might not sound like much but when you have to re-acquire target lock, check your damage paper-doll, radar...

[Dyslexor]

I think the EMP effect on the target is a great idea, as if it momentarily knocks out ECM, it brings a lot of value to the PPC.

[JokerVictor]

I agree, wholeheaterdly. Wonderful idea.

[ManDaisy]

Ppcs should jam the gauss rifle for a few seconds, make missiles lose lock on, and make mechs lose targeting info as well.

[CutterWolf]

Good idea VB, I too wish all of our hard work on Mechpack 4.0 for MekTek could of made it out before the project got scraped. I had also finshed all my skin work on several models too. I really miss working with you, Matt, Tess and the rest of the group. I hope your heath problems are better now.

Edited by CutterWolf, 07 December 2012 - 11:18 AM.

[Horned Bull]

I play ecm boats and I support Op's idea. it would made ppc viable.

[Enigmos]

Irvine, on 07 December 2012 - 10:09 AM, said:

The self EMP-ing wouldnt be good, except maybe if it was within 90m. I like the idea, it would create an actual counter to ECM, esp the DDC.

With the upcoming velocityincrease for the PPC/ER PPC (will be equal to AC/2 in speed) there is even a chance at hitting a light/fast medium.

I think it should take at least 15 seconds for Betty to reboot, report incoming missiles and then announce ECM rebooting. Similar times for HUDs and targeting systems on impacted mechs.

One second is not enough for panic to set in. The duration should be long enough for an ssrm/lrm targetting system to get a lock, fire, and deliver a salvo. Multiple hits should increment that time in reducing returns on each subsequent hit. Once the systems have fully rebooted the efficacy of another hit should should reset to full effect.

Edited by OriginalTibs, 07 December 2012 - 11:40 AM.

[Kernfeuer]

I also like the idee but i think..5S jam is to much ..3S sounds Better and if the heat generation goes down an bit it would be an perfect counter to ecm+an viable weapon to get dmg on enemy mechs

[MustrumRidcully]

My preferred idea to make the PPC useful is - lower its heat by 1-2, and its ER PPC brother by 3-4.

If you then want to add something fluffy, add some minor EMP effect.