Goonhub
04-27-2020, 11:38 AM
Hey all. Been trying to think of some things I could suggest for robotics, with the use of prosthetic limbs by human crew being a pretty major part in my thought process. In its current state, as awful as this sounds, Robotics is quite drab and boring. There's no interesting mechanics behind choosing robotic limbs other than "move faster and break cuffs instantly" and a cool? (potentially cooler, though!) aesthetic. I'd personally like to see clearer benefits and drawbacks to having them. I'll list some things I've been thinking of that I think may potentially make the choice between flesh and metal a lot more interesting.
I'll start with potential benefits for robotic arms
- Stronger punch damage. The damage doesn't have to be drastically different, but maybe a small, noticeable change would make those players who are more inclined to engage in combat seek out upgrades.
- Faster dragging. Dragging corpses, heavy objects and all that jazz.
- Innate cold/heat resistance. But not by much. Again, like the punch damage - I'm not talking drastic, insane numbers here. Just a little bump/buff to make you notice. People operating in the cold confines of space may find this useful.
- Faster swinging with heavier objects. Lower spread with gun usage and more accurate shots.
Drawbacks for robotic arms
- Arms could take damage. Much like the cyborg system, brute damage would require a welder to repair and burn would require wiring replacement. If left unrepaired or further damage is taken, arms would malfunction occasionally with duration varying based off of how damaged the arm is. Things like sparking and dropping items with varying frequency. After a certain threshold of damage, arms would cease to function entirely and would require complete replacement, much like losing a limb.
- Electricity would be a lot more dangerous to handle. Things like shocked doors, cutting wires and other such hazards could link in with increased damage to your arms and also cause the electricity to surge through your body in a dangerous way. Things like damaged organs and burn damage. Potentially even disabling the limb entirely, based off of how much you were shocked.
- EMP charges/shots would outright short-circuit the arms, disabling them entirely for a short time or unless re calibrated by the roboticist.
I haven't thought too much about legs, but I'm sure I'll come back to it. Feel free to give your thoughts and your own ideas, too.
Basically, I'd just like to see robotics become a more influential and diverse department that feels fun to play and fun to engage with as normal crew.
I'll start with potential benefits for robotic arms
- Stronger punch damage. The damage doesn't have to be drastically different, but maybe a small, noticeable change would make those players who are more inclined to engage in combat seek out upgrades.
- Faster dragging. Dragging corpses, heavy objects and all that jazz.
- Innate cold/heat resistance. But not by much. Again, like the punch damage - I'm not talking drastic, insane numbers here. Just a little bump/buff to make you notice. People operating in the cold confines of space may find this useful.
- Faster swinging with heavier objects. Lower spread with gun usage and more accurate shots.
Drawbacks for robotic arms
- Arms could take damage. Much like the cyborg system, brute damage would require a welder to repair and burn would require wiring replacement. If left unrepaired or further damage is taken, arms would malfunction occasionally with duration varying based off of how damaged the arm is. Things like sparking and dropping items with varying frequency. After a certain threshold of damage, arms would cease to function entirely and would require complete replacement, much like losing a limb.
- Electricity would be a lot more dangerous to handle. Things like shocked doors, cutting wires and other such hazards could link in with increased damage to your arms and also cause the electricity to surge through your body in a dangerous way. Things like damaged organs and burn damage. Potentially even disabling the limb entirely, based off of how much you were shocked.
- EMP charges/shots would outright short-circuit the arms, disabling them entirely for a short time or unless re calibrated by the roboticist.
I haven't thought too much about legs, but I'm sure I'll come back to it. Feel free to give your thoughts and your own ideas, too.
Basically, I'd just like to see robotics become a more influential and diverse department that feels fun to play and fun to engage with as normal crew.