MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries MP3.1 version .0026
Advanced Radar Mode (LOS)
In the Advanced Radar Mode the player Mech radar does not see enemy units through terrain or
non-terrain objects. It is based on Line Of Sight (LOS) where an enemy unit has to visually
be clear of obstruction with the player Mech in order to be seen by the radar. Certain
electronics enhance the functionality of the radar as well as affect enemy radar. Currently
in version .0026, terrain completely masks all radar signature regardless of electronics
carried. This condition will be modified in the future with new electronics.
Advanced Radar can be selected in the Multiplayer Host menu under the Default Radar setting
as well as for each individual map in the multiplayer game Mission tab under the Radar
setting. Advanced Radar is also available in the single player campaign by setting Veteran
or Elite difficulty in the main menu Roster for the pilot as well as in Instant Action with
the Veteran and Elite difficulty setting.
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Components available in Mechlab
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ECM:
- Prevents BAP detection by enemy through non-terrain objects
- Decreases player detection range on enemy radar
- Increases enemy missile lock time
BAP:
- Detects enemy through non-terrain objects
- Increases player maximum radar range
- Reduces missile lock time
Jump Jets:
- Jumps player Mech based on throttle movement speed and direction
LAMS:
- Reduces number of locking missiles that hit player Mech
Enhanced Optics:
- Increases size of zoom window
IFF Jammer:
- Prevents automatic designation by enemy radar if non-IFF Mech is in LOS
- Displays neutral green crosshair for enemy Mech at ranges beyond 200 meters
Advanced Gyro:
- Reduces enemy weapon knock effect
- Reduces chance of knockdown
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Narrow Radar
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Narrow Radar is essentially a combination of Active and Passive Radar modes. The forward
radar arc is in reference to the position of the player Mech's torso. With Narrow Radar mode
engaged, for the player Mech the forward radar arc can detect units in Active Radar range.
Outside the forward radar arc the player Mech can not detect any units.
From the enemy perspective if the player Mech has the forward radar arc facing the enemy,
the player Mech will be detected at ranges as if in Active Radar mode. If the player Mech
does not have the forward radar arc facing the enemy the player Mech will be detected at
ranges as if in Passive Radar mode.
Narrow Radar is displayed as active by the forward radar arc cone on the radar display and
minimap changing color to blue as well as the letter 'N' appearing on the radar display.
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Target Tracking
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Target Tracking allows the player Mech to maintain selection of a target that moves out of
Line Of Sight (LOS). With Target Tracking engaged an enemy Mech that is selected will be
automatically reselected if it moves out of LOS then returns to LOS with the player Mech.
If Target Tracking is not engaged, when a target moves out of LOS the next nearest target
will be automatically selected.
This behavior changes a bit if an enemy Mech has IFF equipped. When Target Tracking is not
engaged and a targeted Mech moves out of LOS, the nearest non-IFF Mech will be selected even
if an enemy Mech with IFF is closer. Though if only IFF equipped Mechs are in LOS, the
nearest will be selected.
The Target Tracking HUD text will show three colors, red, yellow and green. When the text is
red the Target Tracking mode is turned on but the actual function is not engaged. An enemy
Mech must be manually selected with the Target Previous / Nearest / Next Enemy commands or
the Target Object Under Reticule for the text to turn green, which indicates the mode is
tracking that selected target.
When the Target Tracking mode is engaged, if the manually selected target moves out of range
or out of LOS the text will turn yellow, then return to green when the target is reacquired.
If the target Mech shuts down the text will turn yellow, then return to green when it starts
up again.
If the target is destroyed or leaves the game the text will turn red. If the Target Tracking
mode is turned off at any time then turned on again, the text will turn red. If any of the
Target Previous / Nearest / Next Friendly commands are pressed or if a friendly or neutral
target is selected with Target Object Under Reticule the text will turn red.
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Radar Ranges
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Radar ranges under all sensor conditions. The range number refers to the Sensing Mech's radar
detection range. BAP and ECM are only in effect when the Mech carrying it is in active radar
mode.
Sensors Off = Passive Radar
Basic Sensors = Active Radar
Active Probe = Active Radar with BAP
Target has ECM = Active Radar with ECM
Sensing Mech is Shut Down / Target is Shut Down: 0 meters
Sensing Mech is Shut Down / Target has Sensors Off: 0 meters
Sensing Mech is Shut Down / Target has Basic Sensors: 0 meters
Sensing Mech is Shut Down / Target has ECM: 0 meters
Sensing Mech has Sensors Off / Target is Shut Down: 0 meters
Sensing Mech has Sensors Off / Target has Sensors Off: 0 meters
Sensing Mech has Sensors Off / Target has Basic Sensors: 250 meters
Sensing Mech has Sensors Off / Target has ECM: 100 meters
Sensing Mech has Basic Sensors / Target is Shut Down: 0 meters
Sensing Mech has Basic Sensors / Target has Sensors Off: 500 meters
Sensing Mech has Basic Sensors / Target has Basic Sensors: 1000 meters
Sensing Mech has Basic Sensors / Target has ECM: 500 meters
Sensing Mech has Active Probe / Target is Shut Down: 100 meters
Sensing Mech has Active Probe / Target has Sensors Off: 600 meters
Sensing Mech has Active Probe / Target has Basic Sensors: 1200 meters
Sensing Mech has Active Probe / Target has ECM: 800 meters
Battle Armor have a reduced radar signature with the following modifiers to detection ranges:
Kanazuchi: 50%
Elemental: 20%
Salamander: 20%
Gnome: 20%
Golem: 20%
Standard: 20%
Gray Death: 20%
Longinus: 20%
Infiltrator: 10%
The six Infantry units can not be detected by radar.