Turn MINimus into MAXimus

[BadAsh]

I think the MAX Units need some help in this game and I have a few ideas and suggestions I�d like to pose here for feedback and discussion.

After spending some time playing all 3 empires I�ve noted that the NC and TR MAX Units needed some help. The VS MAX Units are pretty strong as they are, but like the other two empires they could use more versatility.

Here are my suggestions.

Alter the NC MAX Shield to allow them to fire weapon systems with the shields on. The shields are pretty weak anyway and I don�t feel this would imbalance anything. After all when I charge my Vanguard�s shields at an AMP station I can fire my weapons with no problem. So this change makes sense and would make the NC MAX more fun to play.

Alter the TR MAX Lock-down ability to allow a 180 degree torso twist. This will allow the MAX to defend better against infantry that just surge behind you and get an easy kill with a heavy or AP weapon. This would also help the TR MAX by giving them a semi-turret like ability while locked down. One could still flank the MAX and be really annoying by shifting back and forth at that 180 degree axis point behind the MAX. This would force the MAX to spin all the way around to target the enemy doing this every time you shift. I think this would be a reasonable change and make for some interesting and fun battles.

Increase the turning rate of all 3 empire�s MAX Units so that they can turn to face Agile flanking infantry. I think it�s rather lame that an Agile or Surged Rexo can just run behind the MAX and maintain that position long enough for an easy kill. At least give the MAX the ability to fight back. Please note I�m suggesting turning speed increase only. They should still be slow in walking and running allowing infantry to effectively use hit and run tactics. This turning speed increase would make the MAX a little more deadly and remove what I feel to be a cheap easy kill flanking tactic.

Reduce the Decimator�s damage against a MAX Unit from 400 to 225. This would require the Decimator to score 3 full hits to down the MAX Unit. Currently this weapon is a 2 shot kill with the first shot taking nearly 2/3 of the MAX Unit�s armor down. This is decimating to be sure, but IMHO it�s a bit too much. I�d leave the Decimator�s damage the same against infantry and vehicles. I�m suggesting ONLY changing how it damages MAX Units.

Finally, and more controversially (me braces for the flames), I think it would be cool if MAX Units should have use of the various tools available to infantry (hacking tool, medical applicator, and both engineering tools). The way I�d suggest this work is that if you place any of these tools in your inventory that is be considered �holstered�. MAX Units could be considered to be pre-wired for integrated support implementation and any tool placed in their inventory would be accessible through normal weapon switching. Changing �weapons� would work like the holstering system except that when a tool is selected and used an appropriately colored beam would emit from the wrist of the MAX Unit. This would make this code change simple and require no new animation sequences.

The limitations I�d impose of tool integration would be to reduce repairing, healing, and hacking times by 50% and impose a heavy 3 second tool/weapon selection time. So this would give the MAX Unit more capabilities but NOT make him a replacement for infantry armored squad mates. Tactically, it would be impractical to try and self-repair in a tower siege for example. With 3 full seconds to switch to repair mode and another full 3 seconds to switch back this would be unwise to attempt unless in desperation. Further with the 50% reduction is repair time it would take twice as long to repair. You better have back-up or you are going to be in trouble.

I think the above suggestions would make the MAX Units more fun to play and remove some of the really annoying aspects of being a MAX Pilot.

[Liquidtide]

I was completely with you up until the last idea. I won't flame you, but in all seriousness you could have a TR Pounder or NC Scatter hack a base and camp the spawnroom all in one motion.... not cool. But as for the small special ability balances I agree.

I would like to add to your TR pivote idea that when locked down by hitting strafe you immediately look 90 degrees left or right. Not a smooth pivot a snap like pivot.

[EVILoHOMER]

i wud agree with u but the vs max is the worst! it can fly which is gd but shud be able to for a full 30 secs! also they shud be stronger as they cannot take on anoither max without dying! Plus the comet max shudnt get sooo much grief and shud be more powerful! as the nc max kicks all arse and as a vs it pisses me off! tr punder max shud be turned down in speed

[dscytherulez]

I like your ideas, except for the turning speed and the tools part. The VS maxes are known for there fast turning speeds and this would take away from their specialness. If you can get behind a max, you deserve to kill it. Also i think deci's are fine. They suck vs people and if you have one, use it. Without a 2 shot deci towers would be much harder to take, and really easy to defend. I myself dont use the deci that much, unless im on my VS char. I like using AV more with my TR and NC, dunno why.

Edit: Evil what are you smoking? The VS don't need more buffs! They pretty much have the best maxes in the game!

[Veteran]

Speaking as a NC, I'd prefer that all my TR opponents had Uni-MAX. More weak MAXs to kill with Decimator. Speaking as a TR, I'd prefer none of my VS opponents had Uni-MAX. Fewer vastly overpowered MAXs.

Easy enough.

[Liquidtide]

Originally Posted by EVILoHOMER

i wud agree with u but the vs max is the worst! it can fly which is gd but shud be able to for a full 30 secs! also they shud be stronger as they cannot take on anoither max without dying! Plus the comet max shudnt get sooo much grief and shud be more powerful! as the nc max kicks all arse and as a vs it pisses me off! tr punder max shud be turned down in speed

[TeraHertz]

Originally Posted by EVILoHOMER

i wud agree with u but the vs max is the worst! it can fly which is gd but shud be able to for a full 30 secs! also they shud be stronger as they cannot take on anoither max without dying! Plus the comet max shudnt get sooo much grief and shud be more powerful! as the nc max kicks all arse and as a vs it pisses me off! tr punder max shud be turned down in speed

Please tell me thats a joke.
HINT: Try using personal sheild.

[Veteran]

I'd say EVILoHOMER represents the absolute apex of those who would argue that VS MAXs are the weakest.

For what that's worth.

edit: now I wonder if I've been pranked responding to this. Oh well.

[Pilgrim]

Just imagine a TR getting out of his MAX after pivoting 360

Ouch, my spine!

but realism aside, I've always been a fan of the idea of a support MAX. Basically you loose all the normal max weapons, get an AMP equivilent deffense weapon, but can access a single set of tools from an advanced level of support, ie, engi's could repair and deploy with vastly more inventory space with which to carry stuff,

A medic would be able to take tons more dammage, and still do all their medic stuff. And a hacker would be able to hack, while not worrying about a single stealther killing them.

This wouldn't overpower support, but it would provide a kean alternative to the die and respawn support, or constant trips back to the well.

Also I think that the MAX units should change up their specials just a little bit. Here's what I think would be kean.

When a TR MAX locks down it should have at least 200 armor added... if this is by way of shield, or supper plating I don't care, but make them tougher when locked.

VS maxes should have a slight increase in walking speed, as well as turning speed, then have their armor cut down by 150. I'm a little sick of the fact that the VS always gain in mobility but never have to sacrifice armor for it.

And the NC MAXes leave alone. Other then fixxing the lock-on mechanism, something that all locking weapons need, change nothing.

That's just my thoughts. IT would increase the locked down TR in defense that we all love to see. And decrease the VS MAX zerg that we're all getting a little sick of seeing.

PAX

[Mudflap]

Considering that I have a BR14 and a BR13 Vanu, I'm not speaking as an inexperienced newbie. The comet max is the most kickarse max in the game. I can take any other max 1-1 with it, easily. I don't know how someone would get tons of grief with it, unless you're shooting at enemies and friendlies in VERY close combat. In that case, the PS gods don't protect the stupid.

I like the idea for the NC max. Their special ability sucks as it is. A shield that helps you run away, or not get hurt when running cross-country is all it is.

The TR idea is good, but I don't think it would bring their maxes up to par with the others. Perhaps if they kinda became a turret by kneeling(or squatting), giving them a smaller profile, that would be better.

[Vick]

If NC MAXs could shoot through the shield it would be soooooooo overpowered, trust me, I use them every day.

NC are fine
TR need the 180 degree rotation, and the dual cycler needs a small buff
VS starfire needs a nerf, it is to good against vehicles and other MAXs, especially with the massive numbers they have

[Chaaos]

Originally Posted by EVILoHOMER

i wud agree with u but the vs max is the worst! it can fly which is gd but shud be able to for a full 30 secs! also they shud be stronger as they cannot take on anoither max without dying! Plus the comet max shudnt get sooo much grief and shud be more powerful! as the nc max kicks all arse and as a vs it pisses me off! tr punder max shud be turned down in speed

Yeah right. Its bad enough VS maxes can jumpjet as it is, giving them to be able to fly for half a minute is a BIT too much power. Its bad enough that they can jump over pretty much any wall, jump onto a tower and own it, jump into a tree and snipe anything within range, and the fastest turn speed.

TR maxes are about as powerful as these guys http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2...18/sony_06.wmv hehe

[Gigabein]

Maxes and mags are where the strength of the vs empire (mobility) is displayed

[Rayder]

VS maxes should have a slight increase in walking speed, as well as turning speed, then have their armor cut down by 150. I'm a little sick of the fact that the VS always gain in mobility but never have to sacrifice armor for it.

VS maxs DO have weaker armor, just not less. Most people don't notice it though.

TR maxes are about as powerful as these guys http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/...218/sony_06.wmv hehe

Look out broadway! The TR are coming to town!

[Doppler]

Fuck max's for their cost their fine.