So I have posted about a playable Geth Hopper, and how much I would like to see it added to the MP roster. But I recently read an interview about the MP and the part that struck me the most was how difficult a brand new character was to create.
I believe the article mentioned that adding the Hanar or Elcor (for example) would require something like 50 times the amount of work it took to add the Volus.
Now, while the Geth Hopper I had in mind would still 'fit' as a humanoid kit, I'm not sure the MP team wants to spend an entire DLC cycle working on one brand new kit (Volus in Retaliation). That type of demand would not only be incredibly taxing to the MP staff for little reward (only one new kit), but it would also be unfair to the community if the Geth Hopper kit allocated all of the resources of the DLC and left all the other kits as simple 'redoes' of existing models using existing powers.
Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that Bioware gives us the MP DLC free of charge, and that they listen to fan feedback (Collectors, Platinum difficulty, Turian mobility, gear/consumables, ect.). But, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed in the fact that all the new Retaliation character kits (with the exclusion of the Volus, and new Turian) reused the same existing models, and that only a few new powers were included.
The roster needs some 'new blood' IMO, something along the lines of Earth DLC (minus the human exclusivity); but how to do this without bogging down the rest of the DLC?
The answer is, of course use the assets already present in the SP side of the game. Granted, this point has been used ad nauseum in the forums, but it is true; why create work for yourself when the work is already done? There exists several models/powers (complete with texture and animation work) in the SP game that would be excellent additions to the MP side. Powers like: Flare and Dominate for example; models such as: Female Krogans, and Female Turians. Bioware devs have mentioned the legal ramifications of adding fan concepts in the past, so why not use the assets you already have access to?
Now I am sure everybody has their own take on the female Krogans and Turians, but I (being a big fan of robots in general) would like to see some new synthetic kits join the fray as well; something like a Rampart Mech.
These Cerberus upgraded, VI controlled robots, would make the perfect addition to the synthetic lineup (IMO), and best of all, would require minimal work to bring over. Now some people might say: "But Rampart Mechs are slow (speed and intelligence-wise) and don't take cover." We'll if you you will indulge me; allow me to explain (lore wise) how these mechs could fit into the current MP format and then let me explain the powers I envision these things having.
Now, simply because the Rampart Mechs are VI and not AI controlled doesn't automatically mean that it would have to be stupid and/or lack tactical awareness (using cover, reviving allies ect). Sure the Rampart Mechs in Omega, and the Loki mechs of ME 2 would march in a straight line at Shepard, but both of those cases were either:
1. Repurposed civilian level security VIs (as indicated by ME 2 codex) pressed into military use.
2. Jury rigged civilian level VIs with new toys added on in order to provide a quick solution to hold enemy territory.
Look at Avina, or Glyph; while not combat VIs, both of these entities were capable of functioning with new data and (in Glyph's case) able to help resolve logistical issues that the Shadow Broker had. In every case of the Alliance obtaining Cerberus tech, they were able to repurpose it and/or improve upon the design.
Who's to say that several recovered Rampart Mechs couldn't be upgraded with military grade VI software to compliment the improved chassis? Actions such as flanking attacks, using cover, squad cohesion, ect. are all things that can be programmed into a VI's code; essentially if one can write a book about warfare tactics then one can program a computer to operate around those tactics.
Now that I have gotten, the lore explanation out of the way I can now give you my vision of a new playable kit.
RAMPART MECH
Description: After the Cerberus occupation of Omega, several upgraded security mechs were recovered. In conjunction with the mini-fabrication technology, improved shielding and additional ablative armor Alliance engineers were able to adapt high end military grade VIs to the robotic platform. The second generation 'Rampart Mech' not only utilizes deadly combat functions, but is also able to access warfare tactics suites allowing it to operate alone or in small groups.
class: (Full Tech) Sentinel or Engineer (whichever works best with this power set).
Powers (Active): Emergency Shielding, Over-Clocking (Hunter-Killer mode), and Overload.
Powers (Passive): Military VI, and Repurposed Systems
Emergency Shielding: Just like the Omega DLC version, this shield functions similar to tech armor, but with greatly improved damage resistance, and has a cool down period after usage.
Over-Clocking (Hunter Killer Mode): This is just like the Omega DLC version. When used, the Rampart Mech gains the 'enraged' animation it had in SP, and receives increased melee/weapon damage; with melee attacks stunning and inflicting a flame based DoT attack; for a short time.
Overload: Same as it always was; would be able to cause fire explosions off of enemies affected by Over-Clocking's melee attacks.
Military VI: Same as other kits; increase weight capacity, power/weapon damage.
Repurposed Systems: Would be similar to the Shadow's and Paladin's versions of Fitness, in that besides offering increased health/melee damage, the Rampart Mech would get a trait called Fail Safe. This trait will cause a small, localized explosion upon being downed, the blast will damage and knock back enemies as well as inflict a fire based DoT to those affected.
And this is just one class that could be added from the myriad of ingame assets. classes that could provide both a new look with very little effort on Bioware's part, but also can help extend the life of the MP. I mean who doesn't want to see:
Krogan Female Shaman
FEMALE TURIAN ADEPT
COLLECTOR THRALL (Thanks to Robosexual for reminding me)
TL;DR Version: Bioware please add existing SP assets to MP, so that we can have 'new' character kits. One of those kits that I would like to see is a playable Rampart Mech.
Modifié par Vortex13, 19 janvier 2013 - 01:46 .
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