4 replies to this topic

[FrostCollar]

So, right now the BAP and GECM are the same price, same weight, and take up the same space. I've got both on my Raven 3L and frankly, BAP doesn't pull its weight. I'll keep it, but right now it's a rather boring item that has incredibly mundane uses compared to the ECM.

So, in an attempt to make it more useful and perhaps deal with ECM somewhat, I suggest it be given a new ability and the ability to toggle between modes. In one mode it would function exactly as it does normally. In the other, it would allow limited detection of mechs through terrain and an increased distance at which you can see through ECM. However, as a drawback it would have some of the same problems as in MW4: enemy mechs could lock on to you considerably faster than normally. In addition, maybe you would show up on the enemy map as well due to all the electronic noise its throwing out. Essentially, it would be somewhat like an anti-ECM, a device that makes you considerably more vulnerable to missiles.

I'm not wedded to this specific concept, but I am very interested in seeing the BAP have some new abilities. Maybe it could be restricted to some specific mechs, but I think having more elements to electronic warfare would be quite fun. I started playing the Raven because I wanted to be the EWAR specialist on the team, not the highly effective murderer the 3L has proven to be. Aside from ECM's effects, I think the idea of giving it different modes was a good idea and that it could be extended elsewhere. So, what do you think? Someday I'd quite like BAP to be something a bit more interesting than it is now.

[Boris The Spider]

If I read the wiki rules right, the BAP should be required to get the 'low signal' warning when you are being jammed. Not much I know, but it's something. The BAP range increase is nice esp with the modules to compliment, but I can't help but think, like the TAG, its true usefullness wont become apparent until some other tech is introduced at a later stage.

[FrostCollar]

Boris The Spider, on 15 December 2012 - 12:31 PM, said:

If I read the wiki rules right, the BAP should be required to get the 'low signal' warning when you are being jammed. Not much I know, but it's something. The BAP range increase is nice esp with the modules to compliment, but I can't help but think, like the TAG, its true usefullness wont become apparent until some other tech is introduced at a later stage.

Well, I've never played the tabletop (no offense to those who have), but my understanding from the wiki is that Guardian ECM is pretty much an anti-EWAR module. It seems to counter a variety of other advanced systems, but really doesn't do anything to mechs without them and definitely doesn't cloak you from radar (I was thinking of suggesting spinning off some of ECMs effects to a Stealth Armor system, but it won't be developed for years according to the timeline) so I don't think the wiki is the best source for what we should or shouldn't do in regard to BAP.

In addition, the maps really aren't large enough to allow you to fully benefit for the range increase. Apart from calling out a few enemy contacts at 950m to friends over the mic, I've found that feature to be only minimally useful.

[Boris The Spider]

I think the TT/Wiki rules should only exist as a guide to the technology if anything, a dice based RPG cannot ever be balanced if ported directly over to a Mech Sim. Just had a re-read of the rules from the Wiki for BAP, how about another one, make thick trees decrease the range a mech can be detected (no ECM stack), but the bonus is negated by BAP? It says camouflaged units, doesn’t specify ECM hidden units. Hopefully the maps will get bigger, at which point BAP could probably use a range % boost, but for now, with modules it gets about 1100M which is pretty cool.

I would like the BAP to do a bit more, but I fitted both BAP and G-ECM in my 3L since I bought it, and for most of the mechs life it has been carrying round 3 tonne of dead weight, I can live with BAP in its present form for the time being. LOL just remembered my 3L is still fitting AMS, so its still lugging around dead weight.... ECM changes will be coming no doubt so I best keep it on for the time being. Future proofing FTW, haven’t been Nerfed since pulse lasers heat value was corrected.

[LynxFury]

FrostCollar, on 15 December 2012 - 12:23 PM, said:

So, right now the BAP and GECM are the same price, same weight, and take up the same space. I've got both on my Raven 3L and frankly, BAP doesn't pull its weight. I'll keep it, but right now it's a rather boring item that has incredibly mundane uses compared to the ECM.

Yes indeed to balance the ECM, BAP should have a range of 2km, allow targeting of the entire enemy team and just to make things even turn SRMs into streak missiles.

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I rather like the BAP, think it was pretty well balanced before the last patch--not a must have but handy for LRM, ultra long range snipers and scouts. It should directly counter most of the ECM range effects for those that carry it.