Unit ranks

[DemolitionSquid]

Lots of people's complaint back then was the model and name - There was little, if anything, about the weapon upgrade mechanic. (Which always had the potential of getting tweaked) In fact, I pretty much remember you having a say about this on the ol' BlizzForums; I went to look, but unfortunately they only go back 5000 posts...

Anyway, we're not talking about 'classic' C&C interpretation of veterancy, or even one for all units (Which I'm also against) just an upgrade (for one unit or unit ability) of some type based upon that units kills. the balancing for that wouldn't be that terrible IMO.

It goes far beyond the balancing, but its a big part. Veterancy is either meaningless or overpowered. If the veterancy bonuses are too small, they won't be used and the mechanic is just taking up memory. If the bonus is too big, units with it will be micro-ed and saved and we'll end up with the "small but powerful army" gameplay of WC3, which is what we want to avoid.

The whole thing is just pointless.

[ArcherofAiur]

porridge is too hot, porridge is too cold...

[DemolitionSquid]

porridge is too hot, porridge is too cold...

I'm glad you're finally starting to understand, Goldilocks.

[ArcherofAiur]

Just giving you a hard time

Pessimistic approaches to balance aside. Unit ranking does place increased emphasis on longevity in a game where units are supposed to be (relatively) short lived.

[Pandonetho]

Ranked units + micro = pain in the ass.

[Gritten]

I'm glad you're finally starting to understand, Goldilocks.

LMAO!!
I swear if we had rep, I'd +1 this.

[ManjiSanji]

I always thought the Archon would make a good model for a system like that. Use already-tough units and allow them to grow slightly stronger based on the number of kills they have (to a limit).

It could do more damage, grow a larger AOE, have a chain-lightning-type attack, whatever.

[unentschieden]

LMAO!!
I swear if we had rep, I'd +1 this.

Don´t encourage him he is bad enough on his own already.

[Triceron]

Rank was at one point in SC's development, the original one. Zerg were planned to start out at a base amount of HP, and gain more max HP over time, so a Hydra would start out at say 120 HP and over time it would mature to 130 HP. You could also pop eggs prematurely, and I think that's how you got Zerglings.

And there had to be a reason why every unit has a kill counter on them. My guess is the kill counter was part of a bigger feature (ie Veterancy) that was taken out.

[ManjiSanji]

Yeah I remember that; Zerg were supposed to "age," and get a little tougher as they got older, and could also be spawned prematurely with reduced stats.

It was a neat idea, but I think it lead to too much rushing.