This has come up often over the last 10 years. Again in the most recent "Wish List" thread.
I think it represents a major area of improved WZ game play so merits a dedicated thread.
I know there are quite a few of you out there with good ideas on this flowing directly from your specific frustrating experiences with Commanders.
First let me start with a couple quotes from the "Wish" thread.
Per wrote:The problem with the commander isn't that it is weak (I am not sure if it is), but that it is really annoying to use. Fixing the first problem without addressing the latter will just make the situation worse, not better.
As much as I have considered Commanders over the years it is In Black Project's "Hardcore Campaign Mode Mode" that I have found a fine lab for analysis and possible remedies.... In "Hardcore" Commanders are absolutely essential to success therefore it is the perfect testbed to identify where improvements are needed to make Commanders more effective in Multi-Player, IMO.Zarel wrote: I think it's both. I agree that we should do something about the latter. Ideas?
I always like to begin by framing the situation in a generative manner:
Abstract summary: Commander Improvements to make Battle Groups Smarter by reducing baby-sitting and making more effective microing, & switch-tasking with non-combat management.
Some Key Areas:
- - Commander Engagement Orders-Schema
- Commander Re-supply Orders-Schema
- Commander Repair Orders-Schema
- Commander Retreat Orders-Schema
- Commander Maneuver Orders-Schema
- Commander Special Abilities
- BetaWidget / LUA
ALSO: A brief insight into where I'm going with this. IMHO, improving Commanders is the best way to make Asymmetric GPMs viable in WZ.
Now I must go through my chit and better sort it out before I can share on my end stuff that goes back to discussions I had in Pumpkin's own BBs with
several of WZ Creators input as well fans from the early days clear through RTS.net.
But please do share your thoughts because I believe anybody that has used commanders has insights of value..
Thanks, whipper
Addendum: I wasn't sure how many folks were aware of the following so I thought it best to put it forward here up-front....
Command turrets DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT need to be of a "command" classification! In other words, it is entirely possible to have a Commander shooting laser beams, missiles, cannon shells, MG's, Flak, SAM's, rockets, BBs.... whatever !
You can have a Commander armed with Missiles instead of the usual Ruby Red Laser - lancer-strength missiles, for example, so such a Commander doesn't just lead armies, he can kick butt, too!
Anyway.... to use or not use becomes a balance issue vis a vis a Commander's native durability.............
.