Conversely, I would say the exact same thing about the HW2 BC, you can supplement them in the same manner using traditional HW2 forces. I don’t see much of a difference here, barring the fact the HC aren’t nearly as versatile, and while that in itself is fine- it doesn’t really stack up to the HW2 counterparts in multiplayer, even after bringing up the stats. If support frigates weren’t so abysmal it would help, but it’s unlikely they’ll reach their former glory because of HW2 DPS.
We can’t have both HW1 and HW2 mechanics replicated perfectly in multiplayer, so I don’t think upgrading the HW1 HCs is such a bad option. Given we’re mixing HW1 and HW2 in the first place, there isn’t all that much room for being purist about it.
Are there more important, fundamental balance problems to worry about? sure. Doesn’t mean these things can’t be considered.
Unfortunately the IP holders aren’t interested in making friends… and have their own projects to work on.
Gravwell, Inhibitor, cloak field, support frigates (which also gives you a fighter / vette dock platform) are all modules / built-in for HW2 and units in HW1.
I do like @Riess 's idea for a special ‘Z’ ability. That would be kind of neat and play along with HW1 style.
They’re too concerned about damaging their brands long-term value and don’t see any merit in the Homeworld franchise or engine. They won’t swoop in and start selling a Homeworld mod. Gearbox most likely would nickle and dime them at the same time.
There’s difference between a disbelief and not knowing what you’re saying. Which dots have you connected, who said what? It was a legitimate question, especially if you throw around things like “they don’t see any merit in Homeworld franchise”. I asked you what you mean and you shut it off with “if you don’t believe me I’m done talking”. Care to actually explain instead?
If you are concerned about the difference, you should avoid using ‘again’ in this fashion. It’s derogatory.
This is also not the thread for extended discussion on what IP holders think or don’t think.
If you want an explanation in earnest, okay.
Put simply every title that fails for an IP holder damages what people think of the IP in general. Homeworld and Homeworld’s gameplay is not popular, and I would wager most IP holders would think of it as failed, it’s no blockbuster; not the franchise, not the gameplay, not the engine. What happens is the game sells 100k units, is probably universally panned as a mod of Homeworld rather than a unique effort. That is potentially millions in damage for the IP.
This effectively spells doom for any decision to make mods for Homeworld in the eyes of the IP holder. As I have said, they’re not out to make friends.
IP Holders have their own vision (most of the time, not well thought out ones at that, these guys aren’t gamers after all) and don’t see the potential in Homeworld as we do.
Of course GBX is a bussiness and RTS games aren’t popular these days, but HWRM was no. 1 seller on Steam for a while, I don’t know about any released numbers saying it failed. You simply presume it because it’s an RTS? It may very well be true, but if you think they see the Homeworld as Fox sees Firefly, why did they acquire it in the first place, why didn’t they presume that?
But OK, I hijacked a thread, we don’t have to talk about it. The Heavy Cruisers…
It was only #1 seller for half a day… And the Steam numbers for people playing (which includes single player), was very low.
I’d imagine it sold less than 200k copies.
TBH, I doubt it would have sold a whole lot more by virtue of the sort of game it is, like you said, even if it was more bug free and finished on release. Though I certainly think it’d have sold enough more to easily pay for the extra cost of making that right and with more left over for extra profit if they had done that.
Maybe they can still fix it, and revitalize the stumbled start a bit. That’d be the right move if they wanted to remake Catalysm.
It’d make even more of a difference if GBX is publishing Shipbreakers (I know the dev is separate).
Whatever is done, I’d like to see this return for both HCs and BCs. I much preferred they way things were in HW1 and HW:C. HCs (and Dreadnaughts in HW:C) were vulgar displays of power to show off to an already defeated foe. These ships should be rare, not the “go to” weapon of choice. HW1 balance where frigates and a destroyer or two, with support frigates and some anti-strike capability as the “standard” was a much better game, in my opinion.
The balance question shouldn’t stop at HC vs. Hiig BC vs. Vaygr BC. It should include the whole fleet. BCs are too powerful and too easy to get. They should be the trophy you build for yourself.