How to make the Command Console viable [Discussion+Brainstorming+Feedback]

As long as i have played MWO i never loaded this equipment into any of my Mechs - it costs 1slot/3tons but only returns some better target info speed up and negligible zoom/sensor range boosts. Actually i find this really really poor and i am asking myself again - what can make this tool somehow really viable for some real "Commanders" on the Battlefield, which is/are worth to protect and follow? I have lots of ideas (see Poll), but well..
I guess you all also had this question in your mind for a long time, and i bet you all have some (great) ideas, too. So let's share some ideas and talk about, what could be done to make this thing really really viable!

I'd be glad if you all could join this discussion.

btw when i think of command console, i literally have this image in my mind as real upgrade for the controls:



Reference Infos

The last info update i have found about the CC in MWO is this:

Source: http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/160509-targeting-computers-and-command-console/

What we can read in Sarna is this:

Latest feedback on the official forum:
http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/210445-chance-to-make-the-command-console-suck-less/

 

That was an old necro thread.

Simple solution is to give it the enhanced function of a combined BAP and some level of TC.
I would say double range BAP + TC2 type of function.
It has more restrictions.


We know better not to try any info warfare crap.

 

If we are going to call it a command console the buffs should be geared towards command.
One that is not on the list that I think would warrant the 3 ton 1 slot capacity would be persistent battle field target information. Once target information (chassis, loadout, etc) is gathered by the user it is stored in memory to be called up without delay once a target is identified. This would also make it a good scouting tool.
Edit: Especially if that information was relayed by all friendly unit's on the battlefield or even a UAV. (Information Warfare)
Not sure how the logistics of it's use could be implemented though, especially in a PUG atmosphere.

 

Buffing UAV to include target information, even without friendly LoS targeting would be nice as a "Command" feature. Being able to significantly boost sensor range and negating ECM would be a huge plus, the weapon boosts are nice as a component addition, but don't really speak to Command... I think it'd be best to make it more of a leadership module. Retaining Target info, superior sensor suite, faster strikes/improved UAV readout, even a priority status to in-game comms... Things that are needed for command, not just a Clan TC clone...

 

Agreed

 

Buffing UAV - i once had the idea of just giving the Commander a fourth view mode - the "God's Eye", when UAV(s) are launched... you know what i mean, right? ofc until the UAVs are destroyed.

Good/Bad Idea?

 

What about being able to give commands by using a command rose (similar to Battlefield 3 and 4)


But really we should have that anyway for everyone.

 

btw... Russ has twittered last month that there are plans for the Command Console by adding "new functionality".. So, any suggestions? Now we might have a chance to give constructive feedback, wishes, ideas before they implement something totally against our expectation...

 

Russ is probably thinking of something completely garbage for pugs, as time and again he is trying to push some info/role warfare structure on pug games which would never ever happen as we know it.

I personally don't mind something like huge 360 sensor range and something like that. But on the practical side things like a glorified TC+BAP is the simpliest way to go.

I mean it is 3 tons, and I don't see it being used if it is just to help issueing commands and shit like that. In group games we don't need it, and in pug games I would rather OH myself than listening to some 12 year oldlittle shit giving commands.

 

I still say persistent target information from friendly units and UAV is the way to go. It's not too OP, can be interrupted by destruction of the unit or UAV before the uplink is completed, or enemy ECM in disruption mode... And the information is useful in a command situation, and the individual user. I don't know, just my thoughts.

 

I could see three benefits that would make it useful even in PuGs and teamplay, one of which has already been mentioned (Target Info Retention/Sharing):
-Allied Lock Speed reduction on a currently locked mech (the unit with the CC is holding a lock on the target, friendlies lock faster)
-Allied 360 retention

The idea I have here is that when a target is locked by the Command Console carrying mech, the rest of their team gets information related benefits so long the information flow is not disrupted (some combination of ECM / LoF / Radar Deprivation prevents the team from having info on the target). Most of this functionality IS already in game: Target Info, 360 degree retention, lock speed reductions. Combined with saving/sharing gathered info (status of armor and internals, weapons still functional or jammed/destroyed), this would be a meaingful, PuG friendly, ACTUAL information warfare. I say actual because Russ/Paul seem to have some really weird ideas about what both of those words mean by themselves, much less when chained together. Information IS ammunition. In terms of restrictions, my initial balance idea is that these benefits only apply to:
-the currently held lock of the CC carrying mech
---CC can't be destroyed
---lock must be obtained/held (not just active target)

-while information is coming in
---the CC mech doesn't have to have the info itself, but a friendly mech or UAV/NARC must have sensor data (not strictly a lock).

It's not a damage buff. It's not a range buff. It's affected by everything currently in game that affects range/speed of data gathering. It's not chassis or variant specific. BUT IT STILL MATTERS. And it can still be balanced (more restrictions: only actual sensor info, or only friendly locks count for sharing / less restrictions: ALL friendly sensor data can be shared through the CC mech if possible as if they were a router or range extender functioning as instant target info when it exists to be shared). Oh, and want to add it to Clans? TC if and only if in the head OR significantly large (like TC4+) or some similar solution. Or eff it, just say "screw it, Clan Command Console" with similar restrictions and functionality.

This also acts as defacto target calling, and a special color or extra icon to indicate a CC-lock over a normal lock would be meaningful as well. So, stuff that even voice chat can't convey as well / as timely as a visual indicator

*mic drop*

 

UAV buff, NARC buff, TAG buff... All should instantly relate the full enemy data to the whole team if the Command Console is in place...

 

As a pug, if I don't get anything from it why would I waste 3 tons? Unless there is special cbill/xp for carrying it that is.

Fact is, pugs are selfish, and for good reason. Team benefit is good, but there should be some personal benefit also.

 

What about boosting the Efficiencies by raising the multiplier to all (basic) tier efficiencies from standard 2x up to 3x?

 

This is the big question - actually you have to trade 3tons for this, which you could use for: Extra Firepower/Ammo/Engine Size=Speed/Heatsinks/JJs/special Equipments etc.

Keep in mind that the Efficiencies Multiplier gets enabled only for the Basic Efficiencies, which are:

• Cool Run
• Kinetic Burst
• Twist X
• Heat Containment
• Hard Brake
• Twist Speed
• Arm Reflex
• Anchor Turn

Also keep in mind that the CC is limited to Heavies/Assaults which are already very limited in Mobility. And 3 tons looks little on paper but actually it is a loss of many possible things in the Mech Stats, which imho should be compensated by loading the CC. Not?!

I doubt even by a Multiplier of 4x the CC would become a Must-Have. Maybe if the multiplier also applies on the Elite Efficiencies, and give yet another Module Slot.

 

7.5% Heat Dis and 10% Heat Capacity.
Yeah even with the 10 basic DHS in the engine it would be more than 1 DHS.
ONE DHS give 1.5 Heat Cap and 0.14/s Heat Dis. (Fuck SHS I won't waste time on that math)
I would say more than 2x DHS on that alone with 3 tons and 1 single slot. This is all ON TOP OF the other mobility bonuses.

So yeah This can be pretty OP.


***
Why don't we just treat the mech with CC as having a permanent UAV around him?
***

 

Now THAT's an idea! Automatically targeting every LoS mech within - lets say- ~350m? Get full-readouts for the paper-doll, make all visible to teammates... Damn... I'd carry a CC if it gave that kind of (biting my tongue) Information Warfare.