Mercenaries - Comprehansive Improvement Ideas
By
Comicsluvr,
Posted on: 2012-05-05 21:40 in Masterminds
I like Mercs as it is, but yeah, I could go for some improvements.
Leadership among the pets would be great, as would just a general buff to their basic stats. I'd like the Medic to primarily heal/buff instead of run off and die or stand there and watch. And finally, just aesthetically, I think the Commando needs one of the Council's miniguns. He just looks like he needs it.
Serum: The Super Soldier serum is designed to amplify the inherent abilities already found in an average soldier. Because every person is unique, the Serum has a different effect depending on who it is administered to.
Duration: 120 seconds Recharge: 300 seconds
If administered to...
Soldier: When the Soldier is exposed to the serum, he gains a large boost to his damage and damage resistance. Additionally, all of his powers recharge in half the regular time and he unlocks the ability to use a flamethrower attack. He becomes a one-man firing squad. Other mercenaries in your command will be so emboldened by his actions they gain a bonus to their attacks in the form of Assault and Tactics. When the Serum wears off the Soldier is left so exhausted that he must dismiss himself to recover.
Medic: When the medic is exposed to the serum he abandons his offensive abilities and devotes himself completely to supporting the Mastermind and his fellow Mercenaries. He gains the ability to cast ST and AoE heals, as well as Empathy based buff powers like Recovery Aura, Adrenaline Boost and Fortitude. He also gains the ability to summon a force field generator that will protect the entire team for as long as it is active. When the serum wears off the Medic is left exhausted and drained of all endurance, but he will not have to dismiss himself.
Spec Ops: When the Spec Ops Soldier is exposed to the Serum he gains a multitude of controlling and stealth strike capabilities. Spec Ops stealth will allow opening attacks to deal critical damage as long as he attacks from a hidden state. Under the effects of Serum though, the Spec Ops soldier will prefer to use stun grenades, AoE glue Bombs that slow and immobilize foes, as well as Venom Grenades that eat away at enemies' armor, reducing their damage resistance and defense. When Serum wears off the Spec Ops soldier is left tired, losing half of his endurance, but is able to carry on immediately afterwards.
Commando: When the commando is exposed to the serum he becomes an offensive juggernaut and fearless leader. His attacks gain a large special bonus damage (mechanically identical to fiery embrace), and a large defense bonus seems to make enemy attacks bounce off of him. Additionally, he gains powerful versions of the Leadership abilities Assault, Tactics, Maneuvers and Vengeance, emboldening his fellow mercenaries and avenging those that fall in battle with righteous vengeance. Additionally, enemies targeted by the Serum boosted Commando may be cower and be overcome by fear. The commando suffers no penalties when the Serum wears off, but he will be unable to accept another dose for 60 seconds afterwards.
I wish Serum had different effects like the ones you suggested. Serum could be a "tier" buff but only one active at one time.
What's left is to normalize all Assassin Strikes and improve Stalker's old sets (Claw, MA and EM)! You don't need to bring back the missing PbAoE attack. You just need to make the existing ones better! For example, make Slice a WIDER and LONGER cone.