Disclaimer: This is a follow up from an IRC discussion with Mustang and Anti^.
DB currently has only one proficiency: construction speed which is tiered to fit a broad range of mercs. From this proficiency comes all the types of objective currently in game. The only types of objective that are generic is milk jugs carrying and zone capture. And I think this is an element that deeply participates in the game being “repetitive” objective-wise. When you come to think of it, having other proficiencies could unlock a load of new objectives (main or side). So here are a bunch of proficiencies I think could bring diversity and new elements of gameplay:
Construction proficiency
Already in the game. Would fit close-ranged mercs
- Main/side objective: construction of pumps and EV
- Main/side objective: plant C4 for destructing objectives
- Ability: faster construction / C4 planting / disarming
- Side objective: construct access ramps
- Side objective: construct access bridges
- Side objective: construct pumps for alternative routes
Hacking proficiency
Possessed by close range or covert mercs. Their role would be to go beyond the enemy lines (stealthy) and disrupt as much as possible the enemy team. It could be:
- Ability: faster hacking
- Ability: Jamming MGs
- Ability: Smoke screens
- Side objective: Hack doors controls
- Ability: Hack ammo stations to detonate on enemy use
- Ability: Hack health stations to damage on enemy use (yes Pixel, yes…)
- Main objective: Short-circuit electric commands (lift, cranes, etc.)
- Main objective: Repair communication links/tower for data transmission (mhh, Island ?)
Delivery proficiency
Some mercs could be better for the delivery type of objective by being pushers, resistant and[I] mail-men.
[/I]- Ability: Faster delivery (not running speed, but delivery time)
- Ability: Faster return of the objectives
- Ability: Can throw the milk jug to someone else mid run
- Ability: Can use a pistol while carrying the objective
Medical proficiency
Could determine how effective a merc can be at healing, reviving team mates or accomplish medical-related objectives.
- Ability: Self health regen ticking faster
- Ability: More efficient help up (for non medic mercs, but having like tiers 1 of medical proficiency)
- Main objective: Administer serum / antidote to a client trapped in London
- Main objective: Rescue an important patient
- Main/side objective: Capture medical supplies
Vehicle proficiency
The EV as well could have more depth and enable different behaviours based on who’s driving, escorting it. Mercs with properties such as driver or[I] escorter.
[/I]- Ability: FFster repair due to better knowledge (different engies could repair faster/slower the EV)
- Ability: Faster EV turret mounting / unmounting (involved merc climbing on the EV)
- Side objective: Find ammo refill for the EV
Also the EV could have a limited amount of Ammo, just an idea to go with the side objective for example. Or get rockets for the EV like in the first version of LB.
Movement proficiency
Some mercs could go a bit more Brink style and feature more or less types of jumps / tricks. Also I don’t see why only size should affect speed: phantom for example has a lightweight equipment and should go faster than a nader, etc.
OVERALL
The most important idea behind that is that each merc is a combination of proficiencies to define it’s role. It fits the per merc style SD wants and allows to have more objectives types where you have to make strategic decision while prepping your squad. My main motive behind this thread is to make the game support more types of objectives, so anyone with ideas please share here !