Why don't the Marines Push more? (A discussion to help development)

[Sanchez13]

Applying RTS logic to CM, the reason you shouldn't sit in your base all day is because, while you're turtling the enemy is acquiring resources and expanding their control of the battlefield. Right now there is no need to hold down more than one point, but if there were some mechanic that rewarded map control then perhaps that could motivate marines to get out there. LV 624 needs hard objectives that MUST be taken, or they have no reason to push out into the darkness.

What if, and I'm completely spitballing here, there were radar towers that break down much like the generators? They could be strewn about the map and controlling them could tell you if there were enemies in the zone. Think motion sensor but on a larger scale. It doesn't have to be the radar tower, just give the marines SOMETHING to work towards other than kill the aliens dead and they will be forced to have a bigger presence on the planet to gain advantage.

That could probably work, IMO. If the towers possess just enough defences to keep the aliums from just knocking them out at the start, the marines could go and slap 'em on like the generators, encouraging offensive marine play. Of course, we may need more than that to supplement the marines' offensive capabilities, since knowing where the enemy is doesn't really work if you lost your assault gear (and thus capability) to them, forcing defensive play. I made a suggestion earlier to refill such assault gear so that the marines can still attack effectively late-game, so I'd support such a proposition if you place a suggestion for it in the forums, Edgelord. Just my two cents, anyway.

[Boltersam]

Applying RTS logic to CM, the reason you shouldn't sit in your base all day is because, while you're turtling the enemy is acquiring resources and expanding their control of the battlefield. Right now there is no need to hold down more than one point, but if there were some mechanic that rewarded map control then perhaps that could motivate marines to get out there. LV 624 needs hard objectives that MUST be taken, or they have no reason to push out into the darkness.

What if, and I'm completely spitballing here, there were radar towers that break down much like the generators? They could be strewn about the map and controlling them could tell you if there were enemies in the zone. Think motion sensor but on a larger scale. It doesn't have to be the radar tower, just give the marines SOMETHING to work towards other than kill the aliens dead and they will be forced to have a bigger presence on the planet to gain advantage.

I can believe that I didn't think of this. I'm stupid. But I can't believe someone ELSE didn't think of this for SO LONG.
I think the merits of this idea are obvious.

[Seehund]

What if, and I'm completely spitballing here, there were radar towers that break down much like the generators? They could be strewn about the map and controlling them could tell you if there were enemies in the zone. Think motion sensor but on a larger scale. It doesn't have to be the radar tower, just give the marines SOMETHING to work towards other than kill the aliens dead and they will be forced to have a bigger presence on the planet to gain advantage.

I like this. I like this a lot.

[Jeser]

Applying RTS logic to CM, the reason you shouldn't sit in your base all day is because, while you're turtling the enemy is acquiring resources and expanding their control of the battlefield. Right now there is no need to hold down more than one point, but if there were some mechanic that rewarded map control then perhaps that could motivate marines to get out there. LV 624 needs hard objectives that MUST be taken, or they have no reason to push out into the darkness.

What if, and I'm completely spitballing here, there were radar towers that break down much like the generators? They could be strewn about the map and controlling them could tell you if there were enemies in the zone. Think motion sensor but on a larger scale. It doesn't have to be the radar tower, just give the marines SOMETHING to work towards other than kill the aliens dead and they will be forced to have a bigger presence on the planet to gain advantage.

It's really THE ONLY reason, why I, as engineer, could leave my pretty comfy FoB and go out somewhere. Oh, and also evacuation of planet, yeah.

[Steelpoint]

That is a strong idea.

Right now the only incentive for Marines to push out is to attack the Aliens, there's no reason to defend any other objectives or fortify any other positions. Giving the Marines something they need to work to keep secured from the Aliens, as well as benefiting a advantage, would be a good idea.

However I think individual Marines would need a way to know the status of these 'towers.

[Edgelord]

That is a strong idea.

Right now the only incentive for Marines to push out is to attack the Aliens, there's no reason to defend any other objectives or fortify any other positions. Giving the Marines something they need to work to keep secured from the Aliens, as well as benefiting a advantage, would be a good idea.

However I think individual Marines would need a way to know the status of these 'towers.

Perhaps that could be the jurisdiction of Sulaco Command? If not, there could be a console in the science dome that lists the status/information of the towers.

[adrenalinetooth]

People don't want to wait 1-3 hours to play again if they take a risky push and die.