What I'm asking for:
I am asking for the addition of the full suits of armor worn by Firstborn Astartes prior to the introduction of MK.X Armor (Primaris). Not only recent MKs of the Firstborn Armor like the MK.8 "Errant" and MK.7 "Aquilla", but for the entire lineage of armor going back to MK.1 "Thunder Armor". I would also like to provide possible methods of implementation, as well as, new events and modes for PvE and PvP that would compliment the addition of these armors.
I would also like to discuss using the restriction of Lore regarding the use of Firstborn Marines alongside Primaris when it comes to the gameplay experience of Space Marine 2, and how I believe it will be beneficial for both the community and the companies involved.
I want to give my sincerest thanks for the time and consideration of my Idea.
(Armor of the Adeptus Astartes MK.1-MK.8)
Implementation:
Armor Core System:
The best method of implementing different and unique armors into the game has already been tested in another IP. In the FPS, Halo: Infinite, there is an "Armor Core" system for choosing which variant of Armor your character wears, as well as, a "Cross Core" customization system that allows individual pieces from Armor sets to be used across All Armor Cores.
(Halo: Infinite's Armor Core selection)
This "Cross Core" system has already been implemented to a lesser scale in Space Marine 2 with the introduction of the classic MK.6 "Corvus" and MK.8 "Errant" Helmets, and has displayed the communities desire for more cosmetic content including Firstborn Armors.
Reusing Existing Models:
I completely acknowledge that 3D modeling and Animation takes time and money to do, and in no way diminish that. I would like to provide possible avenues to hopefully make this idea, if considered, more efficient.
Currently in-game, there are models for the MK.3 "Iron", MK.4 "Maximus", MK.7 "Aquilla"(Chaos Corrupted), and MK.8 "Errant" armor. These armors can be remodeled and used as a reference point to model Armors that are not currently present in=game, such as MK.2 "Crusade" which shares many similarities with MK.3 "Iron" Armor, just to name an example.
All the mentioned models above also share the same frame, making the compatibility and model sizing easier.
(Models for the MK.3 "Iron", MK.4 "Maximus", and Corrupted MK.7 "Aquilla" compared to the Primaris MK.X model)
In-Game Events and Modes:
While you can absolutely add the armors in a regular update, I believe introducing Armors with Narrative events that takes place throughout Warhammer's vast Lore would add another layer of hype and excitement that would draw players in and get them more engaged with Space Marine 2's post-launch seasons. I have selected a handful of events throughout the Lore Timeline of Warhammer that I believe would be the perfect occasions to add Firstborn armors.
These events would also serve as an outlet to display iconic Lore events for the dedicated readers and veterans of the Franchise.
Unification Wars PvE Event (Used to Introduce the MK.1 "Thunder" Armor set)
Take part in any of the numerous battles during the Emperor's campaign to Unify Terra, play as a Thunder Warrior and fight against the Warlords and Techno-Barbarians of Old Earth. Possibly even show the ultimate fate of the Thunder Warriors at Mount Ararat through a "Last Man Standing" mode, where a team of players attempts to last as long as they can against the forces of the Emperor.
Horus Heresy Pvp Event (Used to Introduce the MK.2-MK.6 Armor Sets)
This would be the "Big One", containing the majority of the Armor sets, a PvP event which would pit players against each other during the Galactic Civil War that crippled the Imperium as we see it today. Can have maps and modes based on locations during the Heresy, for example:
-Istvaan V Drop Site Massacre Map, and have a "Big Team Battle" mode that is 12v12(Possibly more) and players are tasked with various capture points or objectives. Although the outcome of this event is known, I believe it would be thrilling to be immersed in the events of the ultimate betrayal by the War Master Horus and his brother who followed him.
-Siege of Terra Map, and have another large scale mode. This time it would be an "Attack and Defend" mode(Similar to Rush/Operations from Battlefield), allowing both teams to try their hand at either Attacking the Loyalist defenses, or Defending against the Traitors assault.
The Battle for Macragge PvE Event (Used to Introduce the MK.7 "Aquilla" and MK.8 "Errant" Armor sets)
A more recent event in the Lore against a familiar foe, the Battle of Macragge during the First Tyrannic War would be a bitter sweet trip down memory lane for the veterans of the "Pre-Primaris Era". It would also tie back into the Ultramarines theme of Space Marine 2 and give an opportunity to show off the Courageous and Honorable home world of the Ultramarines, albeit during a Tyranid invasion.
Indomitus Crusade PvP Event (Used to Introduce the MK.7 "Aquilla" and MK.8 "Errant" Armor sets)
The revival of Roboute Guilliman ushered in the Ultima Founding and the start of the Indomitus Crusade, along with it the deployment of the Primaris marines across the galaxy. This event would serve to show Firstborn and Primaris fighting along side one another and show the "passing of the torch" to the next generation of Space Marines.
Lore Restrictions and the Benefits of more customization:
The feedback on the lack of, and restrictions to customization have been echoed throughout the community since day one, by both newcomers and veterans alike. To be blunt, I believe this has hindered Space Marine 2's post-launch life span.
However, with the monumental success of Space Marine 2, more eyes are on the Warhammer Franchise than ever before, and now is the time to take advantage of that. Now is the time to gain good will with the fans, both new and old.
Now, I'm not advocating for throwing the lore out the window, but I am advocating to loosen up on the reins a little and give the players more freedom when it comes to how they customize their marine in-game. One of the Core tenants of the Warhammer hobby is creativity, just look at the tabletop and see the incredibly creative minds of the fans. Why not translate that creativity to the digital media side of Warhammer?
Conclusion:
With the introduction of horde mode on the horizon, and the unknown frontier that will follow it, Firstborn armors and the related systems in this post will provide overwhelmingly positive outcomes and extend the life span of Space Marine 2 significantly. Not to mention the monetary aspect of it, but I'll leave that to the professionals.
If you have taken the time to read this post, I offer my deepest and most sincere gratitude.
Thank you
-Bam
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