Some new details of MechWarrior Online have been revealed today with the release of a detail-fueled developer diary that covers "Role Warfare."
Role Warfare is a term the developers are using to describe applying in-game mechanics and features that assist a player in figuring out their favorite style of play. These gameplay roles, which can be applied in any team-based game, are split between four roles: scouting, defense, assault, and command.
Scouting – Gathering information as a reconnaissance/stealth unit that gets relayed back to the rest of the friendly force.
Defense – The defender holds the ground gained by the offensive forces and protects those in need.
Assault – The assault role is for the tactical forward units whose primary role is to seek and destroy.
Command – The command role is split into two different levels, lance and company. Lance command falls to those in charge of up to 3 other players and assist in coordinated attacks on key targets. The company commander utilizes the 2 other lance commanders and all information being relayed back to him to make global calls on the battlefield.
The developers have assigned various mechs and the suggested mechs players can use to get into their particular roles on the battlefield. In addition to choosing their mechs, players can outfit their warmachine with a variety of modules, enhancements, and pilot skills.
The full details can be read at the game's official website.
