I love this game, really do. I grew up playing the table top and all the computer versions in between.
Overall, the developers did an amazing job. It's extremely hard to balance out all the original concepts of Battletech, and its follow-on's, while converting it into a video game format.
However, I have one main suggestion - complaint. It centers upon the concept that tonnage should not equal difficulty in the campaign. For those that read my suggestion below ... yes, it falls in line with the concept of the Clan's Batchall. For those not familiar with the term, as basic and simplistic as possible (if not overly simplified), Batchall is a bidding system by which the size of the force, among other critical aspects, of a battle is determined - usually, the group that pledges less requirements (material, Mechs, resources, etc. etc.) towards achieving the endstate will be given the opportunity. So, how does that relate to tonnage should not equal difficulty?
As you progress through the game (campaign), it becomes clear that mission difficulties are directly aligned, correlated with a "needed" tonnage. In other words, 5 skulls means you'll probably need to bring a lance of 4 Assault Mechs due to the impending need of firepower and armor. Because of this, as the game progresses, there is a very low need for Light and Medium Mechs. Furthermore, the missions will seek to increase its difficulty by simply outnumbering the opponent. Brought 4 x Heavy Mechs? No worries, here are 2 x Lights, 2 Mediums, 6 x Heavy, and 2 x Assaults ... Have fun if you're not utilizing stand off weapons ! - Seriously folks, use the Highlander with the Gauss Rifle as a Sniper Scout, support with 3 x Missile Boats (3 x Highlanders with a total of 9 x LRM 20s) and hit your I win button -
This mission setup strips the need for tactics at all levels (tonnage wise) and, in my experience, completely removes the requirement for needing a second and third Mech Bay.
My suggestion centers upon the idea of restricting, or offering certain types of missions, in which the total drop tonnage is restricted, thereby creating a need for keeping Mechs of all different types of tonnage readily available. This forces the player to master the four different types of Mechs (Light, Medium, Heavy, and Assault), learn how to efficiently and effectively build different tonnage based lances, refitting weapons based upon needed synergy, and employ different tactics based upon changing resources. Yes, just like in skirmishes / multi-player.
A mission that allows only 180 tons can still be a 5 Skull Difficulty, if the parameters of the fight are set up properly. It can still pay well while not requiring Assault Mechs. Additionally, since Battletech is currently based upon only controlling Lances, in theory only the tonnage can be influenced.
Now, I know some people will point to later campaign missions being readily available that still center upon convey escort, interceptions, etc. etc - and the need for mobility. However, those missions can still be easily accomplished with Heavy - Assult Mechs because it's not hard, based upon the map and terrain, to predict where you need to go. The AI, and game mechanics, are simply not good enough to confuse any player that hasn't falling asleep.
Overall, the developers did an amazing job. It's extremely hard to balance out all the original concepts of Battletech, and its follow-on's, while converting it into a video game format.
However, I have one main suggestion - complaint. It centers upon the concept that tonnage should not equal difficulty in the campaign. For those that read my suggestion below ... yes, it falls in line with the concept of the Clan's Batchall. For those not familiar with the term, as basic and simplistic as possible (if not overly simplified), Batchall is a bidding system by which the size of the force, among other critical aspects, of a battle is determined - usually, the group that pledges less requirements (material, Mechs, resources, etc. etc.) towards achieving the endstate will be given the opportunity. So, how does that relate to tonnage should not equal difficulty?
As you progress through the game (campaign), it becomes clear that mission difficulties are directly aligned, correlated with a "needed" tonnage. In other words, 5 skulls means you'll probably need to bring a lance of 4 Assault Mechs due to the impending need of firepower and armor. Because of this, as the game progresses, there is a very low need for Light and Medium Mechs. Furthermore, the missions will seek to increase its difficulty by simply outnumbering the opponent. Brought 4 x Heavy Mechs? No worries, here are 2 x Lights, 2 Mediums, 6 x Heavy, and 2 x Assaults ... Have fun if you're not utilizing stand off weapons ! - Seriously folks, use the Highlander with the Gauss Rifle as a Sniper Scout, support with 3 x Missile Boats (3 x Highlanders with a total of 9 x LRM 20s) and hit your I win button -
This mission setup strips the need for tactics at all levels (tonnage wise) and, in my experience, completely removes the requirement for needing a second and third Mech Bay.
My suggestion centers upon the idea of restricting, or offering certain types of missions, in which the total drop tonnage is restricted, thereby creating a need for keeping Mechs of all different types of tonnage readily available. This forces the player to master the four different types of Mechs (Light, Medium, Heavy, and Assault), learn how to efficiently and effectively build different tonnage based lances, refitting weapons based upon needed synergy, and employ different tactics based upon changing resources. Yes, just like in skirmishes / multi-player.
A mission that allows only 180 tons can still be a 5 Skull Difficulty, if the parameters of the fight are set up properly. It can still pay well while not requiring Assault Mechs. Additionally, since Battletech is currently based upon only controlling Lances, in theory only the tonnage can be influenced.
Now, I know some people will point to later campaign missions being readily available that still center upon convey escort, interceptions, etc. etc - and the need for mobility. However, those missions can still be easily accomplished with Heavy - Assult Mechs because it's not hard, based upon the map and terrain, to predict where you need to go. The AI, and game mechanics, are simply not good enough to confuse any player that hasn't falling asleep.
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