30 replies to this topic

[Conquistador]

It's a simple solution to the level 20 unlock problem.

Balancing level twenty unlockable weapons is a NIGHTMARE of a task. Spare yourselves the troubles, devs. Rather than unlocking a level 20 "prestige" weapon, allow players to unlock level 20 cosmetic skins for their mechs instead.  That way players are still rewarded for grinding all twenty levels, but not in a fashion that imbalances the game. By providing cosmetic upgrades at level twenty to a mech-specific chassis or camouflage, you still provide players with an incentive to reach level 20 and feed the show-off in all of us, without causing odd balance issues like the Point-D Vulcan on the Assault mech, which we players can't even test properly without grinding to that unlockable point.

This can be executed two ways: By skinning the mech chassis itself, or by skinning the weapons individually with specific colouration. Think of the "golden gun" mechanic implemented in some games. I'm sure "prestige" skins for mechs and/or weapons will be very popular.

In short: Mech-specific cosmetic unlocks at level 20 only. No new weapons. No imbalance. No headache. Everyone wins!

Edited by Conquistador, November 26 2012 - 10:16 PM.

[AsianJoyKiller]

Swag at 20_
Yes please.

[NotKjell]

I'm for this

[Necro]

I want unlock-able sounds and gun models not just skins:)

Maybe a flag or something

[c0mad0r]

Skins = revenue generator... leave it at that. People want to much *Fuzzy Bunny* for free I swear.

[Conquistador]

c0mad0r, on November 26 2012 - 11:05 PM, said:

Skins = revenue generator... leave it at that. People want to much *Fuzzy Bunny* for free I swear.

I'd rather they give us a prestige skin than a prestige weapon. Almost all current level 20 unlockable weapons imbalance the game heavily, and we can't even test them properly at the moment. Berserkers in Point-D vulcans_ Never again!

[Titzilla]

c0mad0r, on November 26 2012 - 11:05 PM, said:

Skins = revenue generator... leave it at that. People want to much *Fuzzy Bunny* for free I swear.

Well it could also work for two skins, or even mech parts, to be unlocked once a mech reaches 20. One of them can be the general level 20 one, while the other is only available to be bought. That would allow for people who want the even more exclusive skin to still pay for it and allow for revenue to be generated.

It's not that we want stuff for free. For all I care, level 20 bonuses could be removed completely and it would work better than providing the primary switch. The reason that people are suggesting to switch the level 20 reward is because the current system allows too much for vertical progression and giving another edge against newer players.

[Grafix]

Makes sense.  I have a LvL 20 mech but have not decided to get the upgraded wepon for it yet.  Been trying to level up my other mechs when I can.

[marshalade]

Necro, on November 26 2012 - 11:03 PM, said:

I want unlock-able sounds and gun models not just skins:)

+1

[Strikermodel]

I'm all for cosmetic progress. It allows you to show off without influencing the game play directly.

[defekt]

Dev's did mention a general shift in this direction a little while back.  Granted, no mention of a specific lvl20 cosmetic per sé.  Brag Tags-a-go-go! (http://community.pla...ame/#entry92721)

[Roundlay]

This would be cool.

Whilst I may have missed the point at the time, the thing I liked most about finally unlocking the Point-D Vulcan during CBE1 was how unique it was audibly and visually and less how seemingly OP it was. It sounded like a late game unlock, and that was enough to make the whole leveling process seem valuable.

[Etan]

+1

[The_Silencer]

Why not both_.. ( just asking.. )

[AsianJoyKiller]

The_Silencer, on November 27 2012 - 08:00 AM, said:

Why not both_.. ( just asking.. )

The same reason stores don't give you "Buy 1 get 2 free" deals unless they're trying to clear absolute junk.
It's not profitable.

EDIT: And how can you not understand exclusive weaponry is bad, even if it is balanced_

Edited by AsianJoyKiller, November 27 2012 - 08:50 AM.

[TheChaffeemancer]

If we absolutely had to have some kind of leveling, this is the better option.

They gotta be able to sell two subscriptions somehow!

[The_Silencer]

AsianJoyKiller, on November 27 2012 - 08:49 AM, said:

The_Silencer, on November 27 2012 - 08:00 AM, said:

Why not both_.. ( just asking.. )

The same reason stores don't give you "Buy 1 get 2 free" deals unless they're trying to clear absolute junk.
It's not profitable.

EDIT: And how can you not understand exclusive weaponry is bad, even if it is balanced_

Hey, no hurries; I said that I was asking...
Maybe a combination of visuals and VFX/SFX for a weapon as a plus might be interesting as well. For example, adding tracers and/or any other unique aspect, all subjected to good balancing and positive fair-play once the pilot has leveled up his chassis to the max and got awarded. Maybe some child ability added to the main mech's ability.

[Roundlay]

AsianJoyKiller, on November 27 2012 - 08:49 AM, said:

And how can you not understand exclusive weaponry is bad, even if it is balanced_

Care to elaborate_

[AsianJoyKiller]

Roundlay, on November 27 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

AsianJoyKiller, on November 27 2012 - 08:49 AM, said:

And how can you not understand exclusive weaponry is bad, even if it is balanced_

Care to elaborate_

Hiding weapon variety behind a grind is cheesy and bad progression.
It says "Hey_ You want a new weapon for your mech_ Yeah_ Well here, grind this mech for 12 solid hours if you want it so bad."

[Roundlay]

AsianJoyKiller, on November 27 2012 - 11:32 AM, said:

Hiding weapon variety behind a grind is cheesy and bad progression.

Would it not follow that hiding cosmetic variety behind a grind is also "cheesy and bad progression"_