To start off, I must first say that I thoroughly enjoy this beta, and that it brings me back to the days of MW 2 and MW 3. Aside from the CTD's every 30 minutes, which is mostly the cause of the unstable cysis platform, the mod has alot of potential, and it may even become the game to precede Mechwarrior 5. However, I feel that some of the aspects of the beta could be changed to represent a better mech experience.
What I Feel Could Change-The HUD inside the mechs feels a bit too small and discreet. To make the player feel immersed in the mech experience, the HUD should be more spread out, offer a bit more information and make itself more noticeable. The circular radar is fine, however I feel the map should be a square as to provide the player with the largest map view possible.
-The zoom inside the mechs just doesn't feel right to me. I think it would be better if it was something along the lines of the zoom in MW 3. You could have one level of zoom, as is currently offered in the standard optics, but instead of zooming in a second time with the enhanced optics, the image of the mech you are targeting comes up in a box beside/around the cross hair (see image below).
-Customization in a mech game is a must. I know this is the first beta and I know it does not include all features. However I do not know if there are plans to include mech customization into this mod. As such I will state my ideas anyways. The standard options that you offer (Prime, A,B etc. variants) are well balanced and are good for those who do not like to personalize their mech to their fighting style, and should be kept. However I think that the "Loadout" tab on the purchase screen could be changed into a mech editor, allowing the player to change heatsinks, weapons, weapon groups, paint, etc. (see image below)
-The cockpits in the mech seem a bit too simple. I understand that this may also be a work in progress, however I think that the cockpits should be filled with screens and control surfaces, as to immerse the player and to make the feel as if they are actually piloting a complex, 40+ tonne vehicle of war. Two cockpits that fit this criteria, and are absolutely beautiful are the Owens and the Madcat MK1. However there are two cockpits which are quite disappointing; the Shadowcat and the Uller.
-The Light mechs seem to be a little bit too light. They walk at very high speeds, and they seem to just glide along the landscape. While they may be light mechs, they are heavier than most tanks. This point is mostly just nitpicking, and could be fixed with a slight change to make the walk of the mechs a little bit more lumbering. The other mech classes all feel like they have their respective weights, and when you power them up and crank the throttle, you really feel like your moving a 100+ tonne mech.
-There should be some form of a head movement when in the mech's cockpit. It is much easier to turn your head than it is to swing the torso of a mech in that direction to look.
Again, I am enjoying the beta, and I thank the dev team for their hard work and dedication.
If anyone feels I have missed something, or I am wrong in my feedback, feel free to comment and add your two cents.
