Time Attack Nightmare Mutator

[Lumireaver]

Presently, the time attack Nightmare Mode mutator is functionally the same as the vampire mutator. They both force the player to rapidly kill enemies in  order to remain alive. The best way to address this would be to introduce a new, separate mechanic to add time.

 

Perhaps a new different-colored orb pick-up? As suggested by corpseshock, these new orbs could drop from special/heavy enemies. (IE:Grineer Heavies, and Corpus Techs/Fusion Moas) 

 

Alternatively, time extensions could be rewarded every time each player in a cell crosses through a door?

Edited July 16, 2013 by Lumireaver

[corpseshock]

I like the orb idea. Special enemies like infested ancients, corpus technicians or Grineer Gunner could drop them. It takes more time to kill, so that would fit.

[Lumireaver]

I like the orb idea. Special enemies like infested ancients, corpus technicians or Grineer Gunner could drop them. It takes more time to kill, so that would fit.

 

Ooh, I was thinking totally random, but if special/heavy enemies dropped them exclusively that would put an interesting spin on things. Good idea.

[Xoxile]

I see a difference between the two. The time attack mode is better for bosses as it does not get reduced from taking damage, and you can accumulate enough of it to last through a boss fight if you are fighting something that is tough enough to last a minute or two. The vampire mode is better for regular missions since it's a good way to keep yourself fully healed the entire time.

[MetalGerbil]

not really.

an example is boss rooms. when in time attack its good to clear out all the enemies. you get the time bonus then fight the boss.

in vampire you start the fight with enemies in the room, or even bring some in from outside, and use them to keep your health up.

time is something you build.

vampire is a resource you manage.

they arent the same at all.

[Lumireaver]

@Xoxile and MetalGerbil, when you've got both vampire and time attack you are killing units to satisfy the demands of both mutators simultaneously, which is a bit redundant. It's the same exact mechanic dressed slightly differently. Not to mention it's not as though you get to chose whether or not you're playing an assassination mission after the RNG has already assigned your mutators.