Forums » Suggestions

Mining Beams = Weapons?

Jul 23, 2005 Arolte link
I never understood this...

Ship + Asteroid = Boom for Ship
Positrons + Asteroid = Boom for Positrons
Missiles + Asteroid = Boom for Missiles
Rockets + Asteroid = Boom for Rockets
Mining Beam + Asteroid = Boom for Asteroid

The only device that can break apart an asteroid is also the only beam device that can't hurt any ships. Why wouldn't something that could cut through these minerals in its purest form not be able to cut through the hull of a ship? I realize there are balance issues with this, so bear with me.

I'm not suggesting that mining beams be turned into deadly weapons at all. But I do believe they should have some type of hull drain when used against a player. Sort of like a lightning mine, but with less damage. Think of it as a magnifying glass that you point at an ant. Over a long period of time it'll start to burn away at the hull.

The other thing I should mention is that mining beams look funky when they shoot right through the middle or back of the ship. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not. I think they need to have a limited arc of movement like the Gatling Turret. That would prevent players from becoming stationary mines themselves.
Jul 23, 2005 KixKizzle link
What's the point? Who really cares?
I say the devs take the mining beams in the capitol ships and make them super ultra cool looking like the ones in HW2.
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/homeworld2/screens_2911461.html?page=3
See that?
That's a BattleCruiser. The VO mining beams look way too dinky. BEEF EM UP!
Jul 23, 2005 Arolte link
I think everyone can agree that Homeworld 2's graphics are superior. But I doubt we'll see those beautiful backgrounds or particle effects inside Vendetta Online anytime soon. As much as you and I keep dreaming about it.

=P
Jul 23, 2005 Harry Seldon link
KixKizzle, I think the very next image in that sequence ought to get an honourable mention too: http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/pc/homeworld2/h_screen004.jpg

About Homeworld 2's backrounds, they were all done as matte art, which is hugely time consuming and notoriously difficult to do.

However, I want to see some glows around the beams, so we can tell where they are and where they're coming from. With the Hive update nearly complete, and the Mission Editor well under way, I think we can expect to see more graphical changes in the the future. Hopefully.
Jul 23, 2005 VincentV link
How would the roids respawn? I thought they were kinda permanent.
Jul 23, 2005 Lord Q link
NOOO don't make my beams do damage, then i'll have to use scaners to count coup.

i would agree that mining beams should probably have a limited fire ark though.