283 replies to this topic

[LadyTiggs]

A few days ago we launched the first content update for the consoles.  You will see better frame-rate, some quality of life improvements, the beginnings of controller vibration, and some good bug fixes.  The focus for this update was to consolidate the crazy-hectic changes that were flying around until the final builds for launch. We made some improvements that should make it easier to navigate the game as a result of these changes.

 

One great fix we did was a conversion of how the server handles threading, and the efficiency of those threads that communicate with the back-end services.  We redid some legacy code that would on rare occasions suck up tons of CPU on the host, instantly hosing the process in question.  It was one of those things that comes up so rarely that it wasn�t until we had hundreds of game server hosts that we really had a chance to see what the problem was.

 

On the PC side of things, we have consolidated hosting to even better hardware and networking infrastructure, so you should start to notice smoother game play compared to before. Please give us feedback on hosting so we may make adjustments to the PC servers as needed.

 

In terms of what this latest content update contains, we wanted to push the boundaries on what we thought mechs in the Hawken Universe might look like.  We have an incoming �Energy� mech chassis skin that makes your mech look like a combination of being cloaked and shielded.  We took the bold route on this one, and we want to know what you think.  We�ve also got some shark and kraken mech chassis skins added in.

 

What�s up for the next content update?  We�ve got loads of new cockpit decorations, more holo taunts, some new Halloween stuff, and something really special; We�re working on making it so you can swap out your weapons, items, and internals.  Tell us what you think � do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? This is a direct response to player feedback regarding the �locked internals and items� system we tried out in Hawken on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  We found that the �unique pre-fitted mech� system didn�t really work out that well in a game that we (and hopefully you think!) should be about customizing your mech. After all, what is a mech game without customization?  We�re curious what you think, what the restrictions should be, and we would appreciate any feedback as a reply to this post J

 

Also for the next content update, we�ll have some frame rate and performance improvements � stupid-high frame rate is calling our name, especially with the refreshed console hardware and those re-freaking-diculous new video cards that came out recently.

 

Oh yeah, we�re also thinking about taking a stab at refreshing some game modes.  We don�t want to do anything drastic, but we do want to get familiar with the code related to game modes so that we may make additional types in the future.  What are some ways you think could completely change how you play, say, the Siege game mode?  Or pick another game mode and comment on that if you�d rather. We�re open to feedback and would like to hear from you.

[crockrocket]

• For balance purposes you should never be able to put any weapon you want on any mech. There's a reason that system was ditched in the very early versions of hawken. That said there should be some degree of customization. I think the current PC system works well, though some weapon loadouts should be tweaked to make certain mechs more viable or more interesting.
• I think most people would be in favor of some sort of siege rework, depending on what that ended up looking like. Personally I think the other game modes are in a solid place right now.
• Content is always good. Regular content updates will be the best thing you can do for player retention.
• Others have mentioned a custom game mode where the full range of weapons are available on any mech, either by choice or randomization. I concur that this would be a fun game mode, much like weapon glitching on a consenting server.

Edited by crockrocket, 03 October 2016 - 12:11 PM.

[MomOw]

Tell us what you think � do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? This is a direct response to player feedback regarding the �locked internals and items� system we tried out in Hawken on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  We found that the �unique pre-fitted mech� system didn�t really work out that well in a game that we (and hopefully you think!) should be about customizing your mech. After all, what is a mech game without customization?  We�re curious what you think, what the restrictions should be, and we would appreciate any feedback as a reply to this post J

 

Fixed set of weapons is definitely mandatory for PvP balance. I don't want to see breacher everywhere, and it adds incentive to play some mechs rather than other (please no more AR / TOW mechs...), the abilities ain't enough as game-changer.

 

We more need the required slight tweaks in weapons / mech rather than unlocking everything.

 

That being said, slight changes in current weapons availability could be welcome

- the Fred chassis could be used as the scrap / test mech it could be. make its loadout : fixed AR and TOW or GL or Hellfire and make it unlocked from the start.

- remove EOC from the rocketeer and give it the RPR, AM-SAR or SA-Hawkins.

- A 4th weapons could be carefully thought after, but with some necessary test and errors.

 

And last but not least : coop TDMs with random weapons - as the current weapons glitch kinda work - would be awesome. You spend HC to have a random primary, if you die you lose it, if you finish the game with that weapon you get a bonus HC reward.

[JackVandal]

Cool, while i personally like the idea of *all* weapons being available, unless im misunderstanding the emphasis, i think there are certain combos that would be a little too good, like breacher with almost anything.

[Rainbow_Sheep]

All weapons being available would be terrible for balance in actual games. 

However I would really like to see this be available on custom servers, would be insanely fun.

 

Right now I feel the gamemodes themselves are alrightish, A tutorial for siege would be really nice.

Heck in general more tutorials in general would be nice to get players a head start with dodging etc.

[DemitronPrime]

overral this sounds good...

 

fartfiltrator incoming

EOC g2 raider incoming...

Breecher Tech Incoming...

 

actually on second thought, i better get some lube.....

 

though Im wondering when these" changes" and extra content will be coming TO the PC...

I mean we have only been talking about it for... what 3 years?

Edited by DemitronPrime, 03 October 2016 - 12:09 PM.

[Kindos7]

 

In terms of what this latest content update contains, we wanted to push the boundaries on what we thought mechs in the Hawken Universe might look like.  We have an incoming �Energy� mech chassis skin that makes your mech look like a combination of being cloaked and shielded.  We took the bold route on this one, and we want to know what you think.  We�ve also got some shark and kraken mech chassis skins added in.

 

#TeethOutForHowken

 

No amount of shark skins is enough.

[_incitatus]

This sounds exciting whenever it lands on PC!

 

I also think that you should only have a set of primary weapons, but have a custom mode where anything goes.

[Silverfire]

whatever the documentation ADH left for Siege 2.0, we'd love to how it'd change Siege because right now Siege is king of the hill TDM

[ArchMech]

needs more cat theme and such

[ArchMech]

 

I mean we have only been talking about it for... what 3 years?

have we?

have we REALLY?

or at least....."we"?

"us"

not sure about you bro lmfao, jk dont rage ? you pass

but surely none of us truthfully

cuz care.exe had a fatal error and none of us gave a damn anymore

warframe is fun

[DallasCreeper]

 

#TeethOutForHowken

 

No amount of shark skins is enough.

 

I would be quite exited for another Shark Turkey. 

[comic_sans]

All weapons avalable = breacher on EVERYTHIIIIIING.

 

Definitely keep it limited.  Most mechs have a good selection as-is, though I'd be ok with a few being reworked slightly.

 

Also, we could use a pic of the energy chassis.  Hard to comment on it without seeing it.

Edited by comic_sans, 03 October 2016 - 12:48 PM.

[DeeRax]

Gimme' a mech with t-bolt and heat cannon.

[crockrocket]

 

 

Also, we could use a pic of the energy chassis.  Hard to comment on it without seeing it.

 

Yeah I want to see this bad boy, because to be honest it sounds pretty hokey 

[Hyginos]

Dual-weapon mechs seem they're designed

without weapon swapping in mind.

They seem to account

for weapons they mount,

but not for their guns reassigned.

[KarlSchlag]

Pretty happy to see something happening . When?

 

And:

 

What does a "shielded" Mech look like?

Edited by KarlSchlag, 03 October 2016 - 01:01 PM.

[Dr_Freeze001]

How about a 3 team TDM? Get a new faction into the game, seeing as Crion is kinda exploded.

 

Maybe locking mech choice, like Ultra-Violent tech vs tech or tech vs reaper.

 

 

Edit: also nice to get some positive news, looks like things are finally starting to get rolling :).

Edited by Dr_Freeze001, 03 October 2016 - 01:07 PM.

[Call_Me_Ishmael]

How hard to modify stats on guns? A b-class heat cannon should fire slower than the a or c version. IMO.

I'd rather not see bolt or breacher everywhere.

I'd like it if EU trees were not in fixed positions but could be put some place where there is more risk of being intercepted or sniped. If we had the map overlay waypoint system again, that would be a cool way to teach strategy in different situations. Have ships shoot mechs and each other again, and require more Eu for launching, still progressive but more. Have Laila teach newbs siege in a series of three coop tdm missions, with strategy explanation.

[Call_Me_Ishmael]

Requiring achievement awards to enter game modes and requiring the completion of training to award them (not 'disconnect') may help with both minimum strategy for siege and smurfing.

[TheButtSatisfier]

I'll add my vote to "unrestricted weapon loadout sounds fun for custom games, but aside from that I'd prefer a limited selection of weapons for each mech (similar to the current PC Hawken)".

[StubbornPuppet]

I applaud the fix to the weapon and item customization roadblock.  But, for the love of all that is good in the universe, do NOT let people pick any weapon.  It should be a static secondary (which is tailored to the mech for balance) and a choice of no more than 3 primary weapons - all of which are similar and focus on a balanced performance compared to other mechs.

 

I do not know what I would change about Siege other than the following:

 

> A mandatory tutorial where players are required to follow prompts and complete specific objectives to be able to unlock the online MP version of the mode.  It should not only show them what things they should do, but provide instruction and subsequent reinforcement of why those tasks are critical to winning.

 

> Adjust the point system in Siege to award "working the objectives" and devalue "Kills" and other behavior which is 'selfish'.  Being IN the AA and actually collecting and returning EU at the right times should give the player points, not staying out of harms way or farming kills.

 

> TEAM VOICE CHAT (that works) would be a real game-changer for Siege.

[DemitronPrime]

going by what people are saying, i think there would be another option....

 

As too making suggested changes acceptable..

As we already have DM-TDM-SIEGE-MA servers...

 

rather than make the all weapons only available on private servers OR all servers

 

why not designate several of the existing servers to run as follows

 

DM_standard (current 3 primary setup)

DM_freeform  (New all weapons allowed)

TDM_standard (current 3 primary setup)

TDM_freeform  (New all weapons allowed)

 

ETC ETC

 

with player base as it is atm this may stretch out games temporarily BUT!!

being that I trust Reloaded is ATTEMPTING to increase player base on all platforms I think this would be remedied eventually without jeopardizing existing game balance if that actually exists

 

all this still however relies on one important factor...

 

IF WE EVER ACTUALLY SEE THE CHANGES....

 

seems console platforms are STILL the only ones getting the love

Edited by DemitronPrime, 03 October 2016 - 02:37 PM.

[Nov8tr]

Right now I'd just be happy if all my BROKEN MECHS worked. THAT is my main wish. Everyone else can fill in the blanks.

[Zebanchi]

 

 

We�re working on making it so you can swap out your weapons, items, and internals.  Tell us what you think � do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? This is a direct response to player feedback regarding the �locked internals and items� system we tried out in Hawken on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  We found that the �unique pre-fitted mech� system didn�t really work out that well in a game that we (and hopefully you think!) should be about customizing your mech. After all, what is a mech game without customization? 

At the risk of sounding rude and confrontational, this system was in place in early days of Hawken, and was ditched for good reason. Why waste development time and money making the same mistakes Adhesive made? I'd prefer a limited selection of primary weapons like how it is currently on the pc build. That said, I'm all for a custom game mode where any weapon combination is possible, just keep it out of regular pvp game modes. Thanks for the update and info!

Edited by Zebanchi, 03 October 2016 - 02:50 PM.

[coldform]

I think that all of the aforementioned ideas concerning weapon loadouts deserves some implementation on all platforms, as well as coming up with new weapons and new combinations available. I believe we had made comments about the fact that their are 4 mechs with the same options for primaries, and no less than 5 mechs with the same secondary weapon.

All in all, I'm sure the pc players would love an opportunity to try something out.

Edited by coldform, 03 October 2016 - 03:11 PM.

[MCX_TheRockMachine]

More maps!

[DemitronPrime]

All in all, I'm sure the pc players would love an opportunity to try something out.

 

Something?anything? is it here yet? LOL

 

but yeah, all jokes aside cold, your right there

[TURDxSANDWICH]

 

We�re working on making it so you can swap out your weapons, items, and internals.  Tell us what you think � do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? 

 

Seems to me like allowing any mech to have any weapon would end up exactly like the tuning points in Ascension.  Eventually, there will be one dominant loadout for each mech and all "customization" will go right out the window.

 

But if you really want to go that route, maybe take a page from Hearthstone, and have a "wild" mode where mechs can have any loadout they want.  And a "standard" mode where mechs can only equip competitively balanced loadouts.

 

However, the skeptic in me just looks at this like a way for Reloaded to add a bunch of extra stuff to buy for each mech without actually designing anything new.

[Draco3]

Can't wait to see the updates however still hanging out for brand new game modes and levels.  Please look at the Suggestions & Ideas forums as there has been a lot of stuff mentioned before in the past.  Heck put it into a vote.  For example, which one of these 3 game modes should we concentrate on first.  Use that as the first new game mode outside of the existing ones.  We also need maps and maps and maps.  To avoid the complexity with building the mechanics around siege and MA (and other game modes) use DeathMatch and TDM as the initial playthrough for some maps and add the silos etc. etc. at a later date.

 

All weapons available on all chassis sounds like a recipe for balance disaster and should be done with care.  Yes you can glitch the weapons but it's primarily only the primary not the secondary.  However I would like to see the G2 variants that we currently have in the PC (G2 Assault and the Turkey) have a choice of primary and secondary weapons that wouldn't unbalance the game too much.  I would also like to see the G2 level-able so that you can then select a set of weapons as per the G1 mechs. 

[nepacaka]

We have an incoming �Energy� mech chassis skin

 

anything but not lasors. 

i agree with some lighting weapon.

[Shade__]

anything but not lasors. 

i agree with some lighting weapon.

i like zap zap guns in this games world, no pew pews tho.

[ARCH3TYP3]

Thanks for the good news.
More skins.
And capture the flag!

[crockrocket]

However, the skeptic in me just looks at this like a way for Reloaded to add a bunch of extra stuff to buy for each mech without actually designing anything new.

Corporate meddling strikes again

[americanbrit14]

i like zap zap guns in this games world, no pew pews tho.

Lasers can be done well in the hawken universe, as long as we stay the hell away from starwars like lasers and more like spartan lasers from halo, bursty, needs a lot of cooldown, as well as a short spinup, it could be done well.   We just have to make sure that it stays all made of scrap metal and broken ship parts. turn the lore of it into something like "Several unauthorized mining vassals got too close to Illal's atmosphere and were shot down, Sentium decided to send a crew to go check them out and found a half broken mining laser as well as a still functioning black box like server that held a few schematics to replicate it but not enough to perfectly mass produce it, so Sentium got a little creative, made a few changes, Smacked it on a mech and called it a day"  

[nepacaka]

 

Tell us what you think � do you want *all* the weapons, or do you think it should only be a selection of weapons? This is a direct response to player feedback regarding the �locked internals and items� system we tried out in Hawken on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  We found that the �unique pre-fitted mech� system didn�t really work out that well in a game that we (and hopefully you think!) should be about customizing your mech. After all, what is a mech game without customization?  

 

My solution. Give a mechs change only one item, but let default item unchangable. to prevent the same loadouts for every mech or standart (emp+rep, shld+rep, emp+shld etc.)
let players chose any internals like on PC. and let mechs chose beetwen 2 primary weapons like it was in hawken beta.

--- A Class ---

(Berserk)

pre-fitted Item - H.E.Charge (this item can't be changed, only upgrade)
Weapon 1 - SMG
Weapon 2 - AR

(Infiltrator)

pre-fitted Item - Scrambler
Weapon 1 - EOK
Weapon 2 - Heat-cannon

(Scout)

pre-fitted Item - Scanner
Weapon 1 - Heat-cannon
Weapon 2 - M-Flak

(Reaper)

pre-fitted Item - Detonator
Weapon 1 - RPR-hawkins
Weapon 2 - AM-SAR

(Tech)

pre-fitted Item - Blockade
Weapon 1 - Redox-O2
Weapon 2 - PN-223

(Charge)

pre-fitted Item - ISM
Weapon 1 - M-flak XT + M-flak XT

(Nief)

pre-fitted Item - R-Turret
Weapon 1 - Seeker XT + Seeker XT

--- B Class ---

(CRT Fred)

pre-fitted Item - Shield
Weapon 1 - AR
Weapon 2 - SMC

(Bruiser)

pre-fitted Item - MG-Turret
Weapon 1 - Vulcan-D
Weapon 2 - SMC

(SharpShoot)

pre-fitted Item - Hologram
Weapon 1 - Slug
Weapon 2 - SA hawkins

(Raider)

pre-fitted Item - EMP
Weapon 1 - Reflak-35
Weapon 2 - EOK

(Assault)

pre-fitted Item - Detonator
Weapon 1 - Vulcan XT + Vulcan XT
 

(Predator)

pre-fitted Item - ISM
Weapon 1 - Breacher
Weapon 2 - EOK

(Civ)

pre-fitted Item - Scrambler
Weapon 1 - EOK + EOK

--- C class ---

 

(Brawler)

pre-fitted Item - Shield
Weapon 1 - Flak
Weapon 2 - T-32 bolt

(Grenadier)

pre-fitted Item - H.E.Charge
Weapon 1 - Rev-GL
Weapon 2 - Heat-cannon

(Rocketeer)

pre-fitted Item - R-Turret
Weapon 1 - Seeker
Weapon 2 - EOK

(Maradeur)

pre-fitted Item - EMP
Weapon 1 - T32
Weapon 2 - Flak

(Vanguard)

pre-fitted Item - Detonator
Weapon 1 - rotary cannon (or what he have on console?)
Weapon 2 - M-Flak

 

(Incinerator)

pre-fitted Item - Heat-Charge
Weapon 1 - BABY
Weapon 2 - MAMA

(36M)

pre-fitted Item - MG-Turret
Weapon 1 - PAPA + PAPA


I personaly think it should be 2 changable weapons, not 3 like as PC right now. 2 weapons more easy to balance, it give you less the same combinations (like we have right now Vanguard with Vulcan = Gren with vulcan, but vanguard just useless), so, some combinations is not viable, or more weaker, and mostly, almost nobody don't use it (cuz these weapon combinations sux, or hard to play, or something else)

i also dream to return old rocketeer, without seeker (with EOK and Heat as a primaries), and seriously buff it, to return rocketeer glory!
 

Edited by nepacaka, 15 October 2016 - 04:55 AM.

[nepacaka]

Also, reloaded, i suggest to you making a some change in global Hawken "gameplay".

Let every G1 mech be Free. As a "trial". Player can play on any mech which he like, or want to try. He can spent HC on G1 upgrade, or play as is, and then Buy/Unlock G2 version which replace or "merge" with his G1 mech. ("merge" it is mean, if player buy any camo/ thrusters/ parts for G1, they will be automatically available on G2 mechs.)

thinking about it. 

Edited by nepacaka, 03 October 2016 - 05:20 PM.

[JackVandal]

�Energy� mech chassis skin 

 

would these happen to be the co-op bots boss skins?

[nepacaka]

would these happen to be the co-op bots boss skins?

probably yes.

have no idea why, but i first think about unreleased energy-weapon, than i read more attention and see that they talk about mech skin :D

[americanbrit14]

 

(Raider)

pre-fitted Item - EMP
Weapon 1 - Reflak-35
Weapon 2 - T32

 

I need my EoC raider, don't take away my EoC raider.