Gameplay: Outfit Air Cruisers Redux

[Sentrosi]

I could see implementing something like this IF the distances between bases is long. Like 15-20 minute transits via Galaxy transportation. You could put this up at some sort of midway point to provide a quick way to re-distribute your troops to the ground.

But as Galaxies are pretty much flying spawn points now (as I understand it) I can't see Air Cruisers being integrated into PS2

[VelRa]

Originally Posted by Sentrosi

I could see implementing something like this IF the distances between bases is long. Like 15-20 minute transits via Galaxy transportation. You could put this up at some sort of midway point to provide a quick way to re-distribute your troops to the ground.

But as Galaxies are pretty much flying spawn points now (as I understand it) I can't see Air Cruisers being integrated into PS2

Presumably there would be some benefit to airships over galaxies as a spawn point, longer range and ability to spawn while moving the most obvious, (did I read somewhere that people can spawn in galaxies in flight, or did I make that up?).

EDIT: Oh, and the ability to carry vehicles.

Essentially my understand of the OP is that air cruisers are a customizable logistics aircraft vulnerable to a coordinated assault but defensible by a fully-manned crew. They are useful as staging platforms for major assaults involving outfits. Galaxies will not be adequate anchors because they are vulnerable to all types of fire. Just one galaxy will probably not be enough to anchor an assault. I can see them dying alot especially since there is no cloaking bubbles like there were for AMSs.

[Baneblade]

Originally Posted by VelRa

Yeah your option sounds better, upon reconsideration. Except for the fact that presumably a pure heavy assault player could pilot a behemoth of an aircraft equally as well as a pure galaxy pilot. But I'd be willing to sacrifice the immersion for the ease of gameplay.

Well these wouldn't necessarily be controlled the same way as other vehicles since they resemble naval vessels more than aircraft. I figure the classic heading and speed settings are all we need. Navigate the old fashioned way.

And yeah maybe each Mark level requires an outfit cert, and purchasing the module each time you build or upgrade a ship requires resources.

Definitely, one of the defining characteristics of this plan is that some outfits will want to master these, and they should be able to. But most outfits won't, so they shouldn't be able to get the best toys without dedicating themselves to it. Much like players and their professions. Another reason to keep outfit specialization is so larger outfits don't subdivide to form a fleet of them.

Originally Posted by Sentrosi

I could see implementing something like this IF the distances between bases is long. Like 15-20 minute transits via Galaxy transportation. You could put this up at some sort of midway point to provide a quick way to re-distribute your troops to the ground.

But as Galaxies are pretty much flying spawn points now (as I understand it) I can't see Air Cruisers being integrated into PS2

Well, I'll be happy to conceded the point when the Galaxy can spawn while flying, transport MBTs, and anchor an outfit's beachhead.

Originally Posted by VelRa

Presumably there would be some benefit to airships over galaxies as a spawn point, longer range and ability to spawn while moving the most obvious, (did I read somewhere that people can spawn in galaxies in flight, or did I make that up?).

EDIT: Oh, and the ability to carry vehicles.

Essentially my understand of the OP is that air cruisers are a customizable logistics aircraft vulnerable to a coordinated assault but defensible by a fully-manned crew. They are useful as staging platforms for major assaults involving outfits. Galaxies will not be adequate anchors because they are vulnerable to all types of fire. Just one galaxy will probably not be enough to anchor an assault. I can see them dying alot especially since there is no cloaking bubbles like there were for AMSs.

Exactly, OACs can be destroyed without using another OAC, but since they are not floating BFRs, it should require significant effort and coordination. Even still, an OAC is essentially offensive in nature while being defensive in stance. The only time an OAC gets directly dangerous is when another OAC is in range. Then it is naval warfare.

[IMMentat]

BF2142 Titan
I want this.
Also the ejection system in the ground transport.

[Baneblade]

Indeed.

I saw Battleship and now I want a Battle Cruiser even more lol.

[berzerkerking]

/sign
this needs to be implemented in beta

[Baneblade]

I'm surprised there isn't more opposition to the idea.

[Raka Maru]

Originally Posted by Sobekeus

I'm surprised there isn't more opposition to the idea.

Cuz it's guuuuuud!

Would like to see huge outfit logo and custom paint jobs too..

[Baneblade]

Yeah, definitely.

[VelRa]

Just no zebra-print colossus blocking out the sun, please.

[Baneblade]

What if it is commanded by an ape wearing a bikini?

[Raka Maru]

Ape wearing a zebra patterned bikini?

[nomotog]

I was actually thinking of this same idea too. My main comment is you seem to have limited their role too much. You are forcing them high up in the air basically making them big fancy spawn points. I think you can let them get closer to the ground and even have them land.

[Raka Maru]

Originally Posted by nomotog

I was actually thinking of this same idea too. My main comment is you seem to have limited their role too much. You are forcing them high up in the air basically making them big fancy spawn points. I think you can let them get closer to the ground and even have them land.

I guess they can land and have an empire specific impenetrable shield.

[Baneblade]

Originally Posted by nomotog

I was actually thinking of this same idea too. My main comment is you seem to have limited their role too much. You are forcing them high up in the air basically making them big fancy spawn points. I think you can let them get closer to the ground and even have them land.

Well, I wanted to avoid allowing them the ability to directly engage ground units, because if they could, then OACs would become the new BFR/GG/orbital_strike_large.

I am not opposed however, to a deployment mode that allows them to detach a module to act as a ground Forward Operating Base directly below.