I think I read somewhere that Warchest was hesitant to remove the Auto-Turret/Ammo Station/Healing Stations from the Merc Models as they wanted to make sure players could quickly and always identify a friendly or enemy merc.
But, I think after just a few hours of play everyone is quite familiar with the appearance of all the mercs. And showing the mercs without their specials would be a need feature. You could even do it with Sawbonez Health packs and Skyhammer and Arty’s ammo packs.
As long as the overall shape silhouette remains the same, it shouldn’t be a problem, instant recognition is important in class based games, so that’s all that matters (mostly anyway.)
And thats the reason why its not getting removed (as cool as it would be) Bushwhackers turret is a big part of his silhouette, that makes him easily recognizable.
Take Nader for example her grenade launcher works with cooldown nowadays, so there is zero justification for the spare drum magazins on her back. But they make her stand out. Especially when she is lying on the ground helping to prevent some martyrdom death.
I see what you both are saying, but heck I see a target I shoot it. The game is so fast paced it is rare I have time to pick and choose my targets in the chaotic furball that is close quarters combat in Dirty Bomb.
I guess it’s just me and my bad back, as every time I look at Bushwhacker I think how the f#@k can he carry that thing around. It just looks so awkward and out of place.