I’m a big fan of the bionics system, but I’ve always thought it could be fleshed-out a bit (ba-dum-tss?).
So, without lengthy preamble, here’s my two cents:
Multi-tier Bionics- I always love the feeling of installing new Power Storage CBMs, and I think it’d be fun to have common, low-level versions of certain bionics (e.g. Fingertip Laser mk.I- “Basically a laser pointer, but could be used to start fires with the help of a magnifying glass. Might improve aim slightly.”), mid-range versions of the bionics like the ones currently implemented, and super rare, high-end bionics that could really mess some shiz up. The Fingertip Laser mk.III, for example, could have a chance of slicing off an opponent’s limbs at a great distance (regular zombie to crawling zombie), be able to start raging fires, cut through metal bars, and drastically improve your aim as a passive function.
Bionic Transit- Literally no idea how this would be best-implemented, but I’d personally enjoy having the option to like, install wheels in my feet or something. Perhaps a retractable hang-glider for when flying is added to the game?
Total Conversion Bionics- At the sacrifice of your humanity, you’ve become something new, something better. I have no thoughts on how this could be best implemented, but I feel like it’d be fun to play as a brain in a jar, sitting inside some superalloy behemoth. Inactive turrets, salvaged power armor, tank treads, and stuff like that could be used to craft this CBM.
Bionic Combatants- I’ve gotten to the point where I feel kinda OP, and I’d love it if there were some things in the world that could take me down with relative ease. EMP grenades are nice, but I’ve never once encountered anyone but myself using them. Perhaps a weak, low-range craftable EMP Blaster Rifle that could temporarily disable certain bionics, and a more powerful version that could be found in labs or in the possession of scientist NPCs, capable of disabling all internal bionics for several turns at a long range.
Additionally, it’d be nice to see a few NPCs here and there who truly loathe bionic humans, and would attack them on sight.
NPC Bionics- I don’t even know if this is already a thing, but it’d be really cool if some survivor NPCs spawned with some random bionics. In addition to being a source for evil characters to harvest CBMs from, I think it’d pose a unique challenge to gameplay that would make me more inclined to think about my combat choices.
Custom Bionics- Likely difficult to implement, as with any sort of custom crafting, but I think it could be cool.
Advanced Power Armor Integration- Just being able to use your power armor with your bionics in more ways than just powering it.
New Bionics Suggestions-
Implanted Cryogenics- Being able to freeze yourself internally and sleep until your power reserves run out would be really cool (ba-dum-tss???), at higher levels, even allowing you to skip seasons. This would definitely come with some amount of skill rust, unless your enhanced memory banks were active, but that extra power draw would likely lead to waking up and having to refuel.
Goddamn Laser Vision- I know there are already fingertip lasers, and though that’s neat, I’d love to have like, a cylon-eye that blasted things with lasers, a process that could happen automatically with your Bionic Combatives activated, just like the Monomolecular Blade and Fingertip Razors.
Implanted Grappling Hook- This may already be in the game for all I know, but I think it’d be cool to have a powerful grappling hook implanted in your wrist that could help descend long distances, and even pull enemies closer to you.
Modular Limbs- It’d be really neat to have like, a locker full of interchangeable bionic limbs, so I could still have my regular arm, but occasionally switch it out for a Fusion Blaster arm, or legs with wheels on them.
Cosmetic Bionics- Basically being able to install the Beautiful mutation. I know there’s already that face-thing CBM, but this might have a more pronounced effect on gameplay.
Etc.- I wasn’t sure where to put this, or if it’s already a thing, but Bionic Psychosis would be pretty neat, and would remove some incentive for installing hundreds of Power Storage CBMs. Perhaps installing too many bionics, or with too much frequency, you could go into Bionic Psychosis, wherein you’d suffer severe morale problems, and even pronounced health issues, if you didn’t get your fix. This could work alongside the NPC bionics system, where the you’d be so desperate for new parts that you’d go around murdering innocents for their bionics. This could also work with the Total Conversion Bionics, but instead of basically becoming a robot with a brain, your species could change to Bionic Horror or something. Great power has a price; you are now nearly unrecognizable as a human, and you must continue to hunt to satisfy your dark craving.
Unrelated Suggestions-
NPC Thieving- I’d love it if I actually had to worry about some of the more ballsy NPCs breaking into my base at night, stealing my loot and maybe even trying to slit my throat while I slept. A bit grim, sure, but it’d be truly terrifying to wake up with severe damage to your head, some of your stuff missing, and a little NPC douchebag running away. It’d be a huge problem at lower levels, making complex traps more worthwhile, and really amusing at higher levels, where you could just blow their head off and take their loot instead.
NPC Sleeping- It’d be cool to find sleeping NPCs that you could steal from, or even assassinate. Ya know, if you’re a terrible person. This could also help vampire characters do their thing.
If you made it this far, holy hell, congratulations.
I’d love to hear your input on any aspect of this, as many of these are suited to my own play style, and might not be for everyone.
On the other hand, maybe you’re way into something I suggested, and you want to help build on it.
Also, Kevin, if you’re reading this, I’ve always wanted to tell you what a rabid fan I am of your work; Cataclysm is literally the only game I play, and I’m constantly trying to recruit new players (wiiiith minimal success, sadly).
That probably sounds like me trying to gain favor with the dev, but this seemed like the easiest way to publicly declare my undying love for the glorious Kevin Granade.
All hail.
