I'm working on an MMO RTS, that I imagine will have things like tanks. And weapons like EMP's. EMP's don't blow stuff up, they just cripple electrical equipment. So what if you had a large group of tanks approaching and crippled only the first wave with an EMP. the other tanks typically can't just ride over the first tanks. But in Star Craft and most others, the just disappear

It makes sense from a processing sense, as ever bit of shrapnel takes a toll on performance. (I have ideas on how to make that better in certain areas) I like the idea of being able to take a disabled tank, rehabilitate it, and use it for your side. Or even take a disabled tank and learn its technologies.

What ideas do you guys have for left behind shrapnel? Handling it, clearing it, etc...

I'm not as interested in the programming of it, but more in the application of it to the player. What would it mean to you, what complications and advantages could be used? would it be annoying to deal with and are their ways around the annoyances?

Thanks.

Don't know if this is exactly an answer, but CnC Generals had something like that. The GLA faction had a hero unit Jarmen Kell who had a snipe ability, which would render any vehicle unit neutral, and which would then be captureable by sending any infantry unit into the vehicle. And you could theoretically have an infinite number of neutral vehicles, although it was rarely so, since players would try getting those vehicles for themselves as fast as they could :)

Also, the game Universe At War had a similair principle, as every mechanical unit destroyed on the battlefield was then salvagable for resources.

[quote name='Cyberdogs7' timestamp='1357504034' post='5018296']
Units would leave behind block scrap heaps, which could be harvested back (for metal, one of the 2 resources).
[/quote]

Excellent idea. I like the idea of recycling for raw materials, or, if you know how to use it, there is potential for parts to be salvaged as well.

[quote name='Cyberdogs7' timestamp='1357504034' post='5018296']
With additional fire, the scrap heaps would crumble, clearing the way, but also reducing the salvage value.
[/quote]

Also a good idea. Scrap heaps or disabled vehicles could be blown up with rockets/tanks, etc... to get them out of the way. or, prevent capture for studying the techs.

[quote name='PyrZern' timestamp='1357523564' post='5018389']
When a robot is destroyed, those pieces scatter on the battlefield. Another mech could come and grab the arms and utilize them right away (Laser Sword arm, homing missiles launcher arm, etc.). Other pieces need to be brought back to base, researched, reverse-engineered, then you can use enemy's technology against them.
[/quote]

I definitely like the idea of usable parts. For instance perhaps tanks and other vehicles have optional weapon bays, which you can pay to have something their, or upgrade these ports. That would be quite nice that a tank, if their mechanic has the skills, could collect and attach these additional features.

[quote name='Strewya' timestamp='1357546069' post='5018505']

Don't know if this is exactly an answer, but CnC Generals had something like that. The GLA faction had a hero unit Jarmen Kell who had a snipe ability, which would render any vehicle unit neutral, and which would then be captureable by sending any infantry unit into the vehicle. And you could theoretically have an infinite number of neutral vehicles, although it was rarely so, since players would try getting those vehicles for themselves as fast as they could
[/quote]

This is good, having weapons or troops with skills to disable instead of destroy. like turrets for instance, not just vehicles. as this would allow you to take over a turret at the edge of an enemy base, using their own weapons against them.

just make sure those abilities aren't too spammable, because it can get really annoying for the guy it's being used on.

always think about the guy on the receiving end when designing abilities :)

[quote name='Strewya' timestamp='1357566894' post='5018582']
just make sure those abilities aren't too spammable, because it can get really annoying for the guy it's being used on.
always think about the guy on the receiving end when designing abilities
[/quote]

That's a good point. I would need to make it easier to take out than to take over, and make it a feature that turrets can upgrade, to first focus on approaching sabatours, or have a self destruct mechanism on take over. Or even have a trap where if a turret is taken over, its weapons silently switch to healing rays, or shield buffers, so when its shooting your troops/machines, its a good thing. *perhaps* being the operative word. I agree that this could be an annoying mechanic, and will certainly need consideration on how it works and remains balanced.