Gameplay: Max Unit Shield

[PlaceboCyanide]

It might already be too late to see something like this on release day, but maybe post-release. Anyways, I'm curious if SOE has ever considered giving MAX units an actual, physical shield. Well, Physical for TR and NC at least, I imagine the Vanu will have some fancy force-shield. Customizing your max to substitute one (both would be a bit silly) of your guns for a large tower shield. The ability to trade out some of your firepower for additional health/armor would open up more options and gameplay styles. For instance: a coordinated squad use maxes like this in base assaults as a way of providing a moving wall of cover for the infantry behind them.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay?

[Red Beard]

If balanced properly it would be cool; if not, it would be a nightmare.

[AssassinGT]

That would be a fantastic idea. I mean honestly, the MAX is only used as an offensive tool, but given the traits like this shield it could be used as a defensive guard. Might be OP'd but it's worth a try.

[Zekeen]

Originally Posted by PlaceboCyanide

It might already be too late to see something like this on release day, but maybe post-release. Anyways, I'm curious if SOE has ever considered giving MAX units an actual, physical shield. Well, Physical for TR and NC at least, I imagine the Vanu will have some fancy force-shield. Customizing your max to substitute one (both would be a bit silly) of your guns for a large tower shield. The ability to trade out some of your firepower for additional health/armor would open up more options and gameplay styles. For instance: a coordinated squad use maxes like this in base assaults as a way of providing a moving wall of cover for the infantry behind them.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay?

Placebo.... why did you have to bring this up?...... now I feel compelled to draw art for it. I'll see if I can get some concept art up sometime to get more attention to this idea.

I'm a HUGE fan of physical metal shields. I also think if the MAX had some sort of heavy armor front protection (but not the back or sides obviously, in place of one of the weapons, it'd be more than balanced. A nice breaching tool.

[NoKitty]

This idea is great. I think it's balanced in that it takes half of the MAXs DPS.

It gives the MAX class more versatility, opens new playstyles, strategies, and teamwork compositions.

[SoNaR]

I had an idea similar to this but I guess you beat me to it. :P

+1 I like

[Zekeen]

I had this idea as well a week or so ago, here's my proof!

Originally Posted by Zekeen

I too have thought of this. Maybe a single hand wielded weapon like a large handgun/smg and a shield.

There could also be a MELEE weapon used in one arm for those extra close encounters. I wonder if I have the talent to draw a MAX suit... they are rather complex.

If several people have the same idea and everyone wants something like it... then it must be good!!!

[Demarkin]

Ohhh, maybe even have the ability to customize the design on the front of the shield for outfit specific logos, or just to show off!

[FreekilXAlpha]

Sounds like you want to add Riot shields to the MAXes, which could work depending on how its used. I would prefer to use them as toggle-able "weapons" (fire that arm to turn on/off), so when they are turned on they block the majority of your screen (except for a smaller slit).

Also would be cool if each empire had some bonuses/penalties with their shields, IE:

VS: Made out of energy so you can see out of all of it, and when destroyed it can regen (would take a considerable period of time) but is the weakest shield and you cant use your other weapon when wielding it, and it slows your max a little bit.

TR: More of a standard riot shield, but its made in such a way that the max can utilize its other weapon when wielding it and it doesn't slow your max down when brought up, has a view slit.

NC: Heavy shield with a view slit that slows the max down quite a bit, but it can take the most damage before being destroyed, but like the vanu shield you cannot use your other weapon when its is being used

[Zekeen]

Ok, here's another shield concept. I kept it simple, because that's how the Terran are. A simple reinforced Terran MAX shield.

[Kriegson]

I loved the capabilities a shield might bring, but honestly I've hardly seen any game get them quite right. Either they are impenetrable portable walls, or a big hunk of metal made useless due to the fact your character constantly has some vitals exposed.

But with MAX's being rather tanky, and the simple but effective tradeoff of protection vs dps, I think it's a great idea. Still somewhat vulnerable to AV weapons, but would be much harder to spray down with AI guns. Also could protect the head to some degree in a raised state to protect the weakest point.

[PlaceboCyanide]

Nice and simple for the TR, can't wait to see the massive NC shield as that'll be the one I'll use

[ArmedZealot]

Originally Posted by Zekeen

Ok, here's another shield concept. I kept it simple, because that's how the Terran are. A simple reinforced Terran MAX shield.

The TR would not have such an unprofessional looking piece of equipment. NC maybe.

[Zekeen]

Originally Posted by ArmedZealot

The TR would not have such an unprofessional looking piece of equipment. NC maybe.

Ya know, you're right, so I'm gonna work on ANOTHER concept redesign with a few TR style improvements. TR might be basic, but they also accessorize their gear to last longer and perform more duties, so I got something sketched up that will look cool.

[Wayside]

Originally Posted by PlaceboCyanide

It might already be too late to see something like this on release day, but maybe post-release. Anyways, I'm curious if SOE has ever considered giving MAX units an actual, physical shield. Well, Physical for TR and NC at least, I imagine the Vanu will have some fancy force-shield. Customizing your max to substitute one (both would be a bit silly) of your guns for a large tower shield. The ability to trade out some of your firepower for additional health/armor would open up more options and gameplay styles. For instance: a coordinated squad use maxes like this in base assaults as a way of providing a moving wall of cover for the infantry behind them.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay?

I think thats a killer idea with one addition: The ability to "deploy" the shield. So, for TR and NC physical shields, the Max might slam the shield into the ground, have it unfold or unpack a bit, and suddenly offer a make-shift barricade that nearby players could get behind. VS shield would probably be energy based, so it might just "grow" into a crescent shape in front of the MAX.

Trade a weapon to become a mobile defensive position. Several MAX's work in conjunction to create a phalanx of sorts. Dig it!