3 replies to this topic

[Ketzktl]

Without changing the current implementation of ECM, I was considering the interactions between these two systems. What if we take an idea from the TT game and allow BAP to actually detect the ECM bubble.

As has been mentioned elsewhere, in TT the BAP can't defeat ECM, but it knows when it is being interefered with by ECM. Since the current implementation has BAP increasing sensor range while the ECM decreases sensor range the BAP could know when its range is being degraded by and ECM bubble.

Lets say for argument's sake that when the crosshairs of a BAP equipped mech are pointed in a direction that passes through an ECM bubble there is some kind of message or symbol for ECM interferance. The BAP mech still won't be able to detect anything under that bubble, force numbers or composition, and still won't be able to pinpoint anything other than the outer edges of the ECM bubble and doesn't get any information about how far the bubble is away (unless the pilot gets good at using parallax).

This still maintains the information warfare aspect since even though you know there is an ECM bubble over there you still have to go actually take a look to see what's under it. Is it a lone scout poking about? Maybe he is actively spoofing you trying to draw you away. Maybe its the main force. Who knows but at least it means you now have active options to persue. The ECM is still a powerful device but it doesn't quite make everything invisible and on the ECM side there are choices as well. In jam mode you are giving away your position to BAP mechs though they don't know what's over there. Do you hide behind hills sneaking around without ECM, or do you cloak under ECM potentially giving away that something is over there to BAP units but ensuring details remain in question. More choices to make for both sides.

[Firewuff]

I actually preffered the way MechCommander had BAP and ECM interacted, When ECM hit BAP the whole sensor range was reduced.

I think that in this game the ECM bubble should be reduced (has to cope with a stronger signal) to 100m or similar AND the BAP range is reduced as it trys to compensate for the ECM.... both become slightly less effective

[focuspark]

BAP does this already. You get a low signal warning when an ECM mech is near by.

[Kreisel]

focuspark, on 09 December 2012 - 01:35 AM, said:

BAP does this already. You get a low signal warning when an ECM mech is near by.

You get that without BAP, by the time you get low signal warning your IN the bubble being disrupted... so not really helpful except to know your already in trouble.