Commando Archive
Thread: An analysis: What is a commando?
There is definately something missing from this class when you compare it to the conventional portrail of the commando role. Maybe we need some special melee moves or something. Definately more melee defense if we hoster our big guns (which should be able to be done very quickly). Perhaps something like being able to snap someone's neck, or inflict a mortal wound with a knife or something. Those are real commando skills. We should be able to level the field when the hammer drops and defend ourselves when it comes down to it.
My above opinion is obviously based on what a commando should be if based partially on real life, partially on commandos as interpretted by hollywood. I think there definately should be some focus on how a commando is in the Star Wars universe. What role do they play there? If there is a precedent (and I'm sure there is) the game should try to accurately stay true to that example before it uses real life and movies.
Commando issues aside:
I think balance is important but so is continuity. If this is not kept in mind a time will come where this game is star wars only in name and not in spirit. There should be an even strike between continuty and balance. All classes cannot be equal. Each class should have their strong and weak points. I know most of the simple minded young players of this game will have an inability to grasp how not everything can be "fair" (hell most of them can barely spell), and that is just too bad. I hope the dev's have the strength to tailor this game as best can so that it fits the star wars universe and timeline. I am sure the temptation to cater to the younger crowd will be difficult to resist and I hope this does not happen. Too often I read all these suggestions about how to "fix a class" and frequently they lack the "big picture" and would most certainly overpower a class if implemented blindly (I hope that NEVER happens).
</rant>
The question is, how do you get a commando to better in a one vs many but not be able to beat a BH in one on one?
The solution is really quite simple, it exchange focussed power for area of effect attacks. The BH in reality shouldn't have the lightning cone, but should be focussed ideally towards causing the maximum about of damage to a single target in the shortest amount of time. However when it comes to a group they cannot switch their attention around as much. The problem is that currently the BH can do both 1 vs groups and 1 vs 1 because they have a wide variety of status effects which allow you to increase your chances of survival against multiple opponents while you focus on them one at a time.
Blind, stun, knockdown, burns, bleeding and various other status effects which all put the enemy at a disatvantage and can be quickly applied to multiple targets so that he BH can then focus on them one at a time.
The commando on the other hand has no such powerful specials, all we have is the same that a BH has from marksman and that isn't really fair as both are hybird professions. For a commando is hold their own in a group situation but not in one on one then you need things like AoE knockdown, AoE Blind, AoE D.O.Ts and various other attacks designed to applya status effect to groups of enemies quickly so that you gain the upper hand. As it stands we only have a DOT which is fine for causing damage but as long as the enemy is able to attack us unhindered then it doesn't matter if they're burning down slowly since we won't outlast them.
In the Real World Commandos are well trained soldiers, they are equipped with better and more weapons than the ordinary army grunt.
In SWG Commandos has the role of what I would call Heavy Weapon Specialist. The Commandos skill tree is made up by heavy and support weapons. They are there to give the extra punch to the group carrying the hardest hitting weapons.
I'd also realy like to the see deployable Heavy Repeater Blaster in the Commando skill tree. It would be awesome.
I would also realy like to see a profession in SWG that would be similar to the Real World Commando. Using some heavy weapons but more special attack with the ordinary blaster carbines and rifles along with some other Commando style skills.
I was having trouble making a fellow player understand our roles yesterday. He is a smuggler and I am a commando. We can take on about 5 Storm Troopers together. I take food, drugs, and flame each one.
By looking at the amount of damage done to each Stormy, he feels that he is worthless in the game and I can do fine by myself. This is completely untrue.
When we go into battle, I take food, drugs, and flame each one (flamecone if they are close enough). If I get incap'd, he heals me or cleans up the rest. If he gets incap’d, I’m able to take down whatever is remaining using Warcry and healing myself with Stim B’s. We also use pets.
Without another player or a pet, I would be toast against 5 Stormies. This is because they will focus their firepower on me. Five Stormies shooting at my 1300 Wookie HAM will only take a few seconds to incap me.
In a group, the Stormies are forced to throw their attention in different directions, making it easier for me to stay alive and set them on fire.
Thus, my role is one of support. It is different support than that of a medic, but it is support nonetheless. I cannot do it alone. I am forced to group with a pet or other players if I am to reach my full potential in a battle.