Buff Wars

[SunTzu]

I hate to keep referring to SWG but while I have dabbled in DnL, GW, Vanguard, it has been the mainstay of my mmo experience. Buffs were always important but currently it's like we have 20 each and is now getting to the point of who ever has the most wins. I like a buff or two but it's just ridiculous now.

[Cavadus]

Just say no to buffs.  I don't think this game needs them for any reason.

[Hamilton]

Well there will be "combat medications/drugs", but they would have limited effects and can only take so many before the toxicity or chemical reaction occurs.  The more powerful the drug, well the greater the crash or negative effect; trade-offs.  There is one drug that would make a person into a super-soldier, but has the side-effect of death...

[Malice42]

There is one drug that would make a person into a super-soldier, but has the side-effect of death...

And the question here is: Death has what side effects? 

[Hamilton]

I thought we had a thread on that...
I guess not, but we'll' need to do one.

Essentially death is going to have a sting.  Cloning can be done so many times, ten are possible with random chance of failing cloning afterwards.*
So yes, characters have a finite life-span (via combat only, not from aging).

In order to be a Hero, there must be some sort of sacrifice to be possible.

Now is this Perma-Death?  Not according to the definition of the industry, one to three lives with all equipment lost, back to level 1.

Again Death is going to be a full topic of its own... and I'm trying to find out where that thread went...


* Actually numbers or chances will be adjusted right up into Beta.

[Malice42]

Im cool with this, especially because the skill gaining grind doesent seem to be that big a deal.

When I own the entire world, and I just happen to  be assassinated, well my *twin* brother will just take over. 

[HATEBRINGER]

Buffs in term used in mmo could be more linked to mech systems than player. Some could work on mechs linked to bnet. Something like +acc buff modules. It would lead to support mechs.
AEGIS module- anti-rocket systems accuracy
Movement prediction unit- accuracy aginst moving targets
Trajectory optimiser- accuracy of balistic weapons

[Kellzz]

i would not mind slight increases to mobility, tracking speed, radar lock, etc as far as mech "buffs" are concerned.
But dont make it so that these "buffs" can turn the tide of battle.

[Hamilton]

Never thought about using the Computer Modules as a form of buffs...  thats sound possible.

Agreed, "buffs" should provide up to a 20% advantage but no more, that's my opinion.

[Cavadus]

Never thought about using the Computer Modules as a form of buffs...  thats sound possible.

Agreed, "buffs" should provide up to a 20% advantage but no more, that's my opinion.

I'd imagine it would be just like the droid commands in SWG's Jump to Lightspeed.

[Mastiff]

I think we'll also be doing some things that may seem a bit like buffs, but are actually more a part of tactics. For instance, scout mechs working in tandem with support mechs may feel like having a buff as the scout mech paints a target to increase accuracy for the support mech, etc. So we've got different mechanics to work with than the typical "buffs" that tend to be a part of MMOs these days as well.

[Hamilton]

Computer Modules were designed more for functionality rather than as say "buffs".  For example, a computer system needs a Gunnery Module, a Piloting Module, perhaps a Counter-Artillery Module, etc.  Depending on the technology level of the computer determined the number of Modules that could be used.  The older system allowed Expansion Slots to be used, but only one Module in the expansion slots could be used.  I decided to drop that requirement and allow for full functionality of all Modules in an Expansion Port.

Some Modules had better performance than others based on Tech Levels and had restrictions to use the same or better Tech Level of a Computer.


But seeing the possibilities of Buffs for Mechs...  I think would add in some plausible game elements.  For example, there is a Bus that can allow up to 5 Modules to be used; but only one that can be active at a time.  These Modules, unlike the ones mentioned before, are not for functionality, but to provide better performance.  "Math Co-Processor" +2 to Gunnery (old x386 thing); "Enhanced Virus Guardian" +1 to Computer Virus Warfare.

Tech Levels will provide the amount of bonus as well as the capability of the Bus.

[Kellzz]

For mech buffs, perhaps some sort of computer linking system could be used. Similar to what some heavy cavalry units use.
What one tank sees, is relayed back to all other tanks within the unit, even if they are hundreds of kilometers away.
But if a player goes "solo" no type of advantaged would be provided. The more people in the squad (or whatever it is being called) the better the sensory capabilites, and the more targets that can be tracked and accounted for.

[Hamilton]

That is considered as the Corporative Engagement Network (CEN).
The advantage is what was described above.
The disadvantage is the possible exposure to broadcasting of Computer Viruses.
Got to hate Electronic Warfare...

[Thraxius]

I would like to state that I am new here.  I meant to get in on the ground floor and bring my expertise.

Here are my suggestions for buffs:
Buffs should be modules added to a mech.
Example: 3 team squad. 
2 use LRM (Long Rang Missles)

If they want a buff to damage or accuracy with the LRM.  (I have not read all the forums to determine how missiles will be handled. ) The third mech will have to load a module for laser painting.  This could bring variety to combat as well. 

This would enhance group combat and not actually assist solo combat players overly.  Because any buff they choose would decrease there firepower and energy reserves like normal weapons do. 

(Buff Mechs) Bad idea because take that mech out.  and the squad/lance or team gets hurt badly.