Gameplay: Galaxy Gravity Tether / Tractor Beam

[RageMasterUK]

Similar to Zekeen's suggestion in one of his threads I'd just like to expand on the idea, and make it its own topic, as I think it would add one hell of a twist on vehicle logistics, and would also make for a rediculous yet fantastic weapon against the enemy factions!!! Not essential for release but could be added at a later date. I like most of your suggestions by the way Zekeen

GRAVITY TETHER / TRACTOR BEAM TURRET for GALAXY

Galaxy cert tree would include a gravity tether turret (near the end of the cert tree) which gives one of the gunners (rear gunner?) a short to medium range gravity tether / tractor beam weapon. More certs could consititute a more powerful tractor beam. The beam itself would do no damage.

When the weapon is fired from the galaxy it slowly draws the targetted vehicle and the galaxy together untill the vehicle is dangling a short distance below the turret. If the vehicle is very far away the tether would have little to no effect, as the galaxy nears its target (say 50m) the effect increases (like magnets attracted to each other). Lighter vehicles would be easier to pull. Once the vehicle is drawn close to the Galaxy it becomes "Locked" in place on the underside, and can thus be used as a viable vehicle transport. Once a vehicle is "Locked" to the Gal, it would disable the weapons of the transported vehicle (to prevent Gal's transporting functional AA vehicles as an extra weapon). Heavier vehicles would take longer to draw in and impede the Galaxy's handling considerably both during the pulling and after during the lock.

A tank driver who wants an air chuckie would park up near the rear of the Gal, jump into the Gal tractor beam weapon seat, target his tank after the Gal has taken off and his tank would be locked to the underside of the Galaxy untill he releases the tether, or leaves the gunner seat. When he wants to drop he releases the tether and bails to land near his vehicle.

This feature would replace the need for a specific vehicle transport (Lodestar) allowing use of the existing game assets to provide the same functionality. This is the biggest benefit I can see to this idea if you guys are planning vehicle air carrying.

I imagine this weapon could be used on any empires vehicles for the hilarity of fly-by snatching, followed by dumping enemy vehicles from high altitude, or even using the captured quarry as an improvised wrecking ball or bomb. Snatching enemy vehicles up would be very difficult considering the bullet magnets Gals are inevitably going to be, and would require good co-ordination between pilot and crew, enough for it to not be a mainstream combat tactic, but more of an "OMG DID YOU JUST SEE THAT" moment whenever someone does. I dont really want this to be a viable strategy for combat, I just want everyone to know its possible If it is possible, we will see it happen!!!!!

The Galaxy and its transported vehicle could be damage independently. Also, the tractor beam lock could be broken by damaging when the turret recieves hits, allowing for awesome fighter-pilots to be able to scupper transportation plans or rescue their own snatched vehicles. I am imagining a Magrider snatched up by a TR Gal, the Mag driver could bail and if quick enough, shoot and damage the tractor beam turret on the Gal to break the tether lock and retrieve his vehicle. Friendly vehicles would have to authorise the tether, to prevent griefing from same faction.

Galaxy pilots were known for their craziness in PS1. I just think this is would be a thoroughly entertaining feature Galaxy crews could get real creative and skillful with, and would provide scope for some seriously epic moments as a Gal crew.

Comments?

-RageMasterUK
CR5 BR 28 Werner TR
Playing PS since beta, back when the lightning cannons were forward fire only!!!