This was mined from the official forums.... Seismic Sensor Upgrades * No Seismic sensor detection while moving * Weapon Hits to Terrain and Weapon Fire cause Seismic events XP / C-Bills Rewards * XP/CBills for using Counter ECM advantageously * XP/CBills for using UAV advantageously Screen Shake and additional effects * When a dead mech falls to the ground * Immediate area of a Strategic Strike (Airstrike/Artillery Strike) *Features are subject to change *Estimated release date Nov 4th 3050 *Details coming soon
Oh... that'll add some interesting info with the hits on terrain. I wonder how much of that can be used for distraction. Also, would that only work for ballistic and not lasers? Hmmm so much to consider.
The XP one for info gethering is a good start on providing various points other than killing. The seismic thing is good, but meaning other than for those who use seisnic, obviously. I think we have many other things to fix rather than adding screenshakes.
I like the update on Seismic, although it's a BIG nerf for Lights using that module in my eyes. I'd love to see some sort of weight dependant signals here so that a light mech like a COM or SDR can sneak up quite a bit when not moving at full speed.
Damn! I mean...helluvah change here! I saw seismic sensors as a wallhack, since they gave exact location even while you were moving. I have used them myself as they are the only way to level the field but I was grudging all the time. Using it against people who didn't have them was so shameful, poor new guys. And now, with this change, I'm so happy I can't even begin to describe it. I was getting set to downgrade this game from "a match every day to "weekly checkins". This is almost the change I was suggesting too, a static seismic spike sensor set into the ground that had to be relocated. Hmm. The whole functionality changed and opened up some very interesting alternatives for tactics.
There is nothing wrong with this patch, but it leaves me thinking "why the heck do they have people doing fine-tuning like adding c-bill rewards when they should all be scrambling to add missing features".
These things take a month to be released in a patch?!?!?!? Good changes overall but wow slow delivery.
Likely because the people who do the above changes are not the same people who implement features. Not all designers/engineers/artists have the same skill set.
Because the UI and Community Warfare aspects are very different code. The UI is written in Flash (correct me if I'm wrong), the engine is the CryEngine, the community warfare will be all backend user account coding. Also, doesn't it make sense to get the reward system balanced properly before dropping a massive, new feature? That's just my 2 cbills as a software developer.
I for once SUPPORT the work on things like award system. IT is actually quite important for the encouragement of different styles of gameplay. Current system boils down to basically... tag/lock and kill assists (savior kills for xp). More different award system encourages different builds and styles of play. Which is much more important in the long run than a totally incomplete CW, or the UI 2.0 which is good for access, but adds little to gameplay. I mean, you do spend most of the time PLAYING, not toying with the UI, right? (and you should be using smurfy for builds, which is where I spend a huge portion of my time, usually on my phone thing)
Another use for Machineguns. Simulate Mech stampede over next hill. Whilst the Seismic changes sound logical.. it transforms the seismic sensor in just another anti-light-tool... who can afford to stand & stop? Assaults, Heavies, Maaaaybe Support-Mediums, like an LRM-Treb. But lights? nope.
Those who bought a package will get all their mechs tomorrow (like all the Phoenix and production variants of whatever they ordered). Everyone else will get.... October: Locust November: Shadow Hawk December: Thunderbolt January: Battlebastard
After recently nerfing Seismic's range to almost half, now making it effective only when immobile is very disappointing. I understand making this an anti-light tool to protect heavier mechs, however, after paying my GXP and CBills for a product billed to meet a specific function, I want my money back after they have taken away SO much of the ability I specifically paid for. I also am amused at how they posted them as "Upgrades" on the official forum. Ha! Okay. I am certainly happy to see a little bit of light love given. Not only in the fact that the seismic sensor is becoming a waste of space, but, more in the fact that they are awarding XP for a light oriented role. That is AWESOME! I hope to see more of this in the future. Giving rewards to lights for preforming their duties is a great step towards balancing the end-of-match results for our little guys. Getting half the CBills and XP of the larger, higher damage brethren is a little skewed. I really like the steps they are taking to improve that.
Yeah, I was rather disappointed when they announced the upcoming Seismic nerf. So much so, that I immediately removed all Seismic Sensors from my 'Mechs and sold them. I have since been re-training myself to function without them. It's been quite a challenge operating at a distinct disadvantage, with nearly all light pilots worth their salt having Seismic installed.
I would think that they'd expand the range back out somewhat... but it'll probably be a week or a month after the (much-needed) nerf comes down.
