While I do not agree with the mech idea (for me the game is not in that kind of universe), I really like the idea of new SRV models, so let me present some ideas I had when scouting on planets for hours the other day (all suggestions are from a functional POV, as I am nowhere near creative enough to design anything).
Combat focused:
- more shield, hull and damage (like +50%, nothing huge)
- less speed (say 30m/s tops)
- bigger power distributor for WEP and SYS, but lower for ENG
- bigger aiming cone for the normal driving mode
- cargo bay unchanged
- fuel consumption about the same
- fuel tank unchanged
- less visibility from cockpit (like in the Vulture?!)
(- maybe a little clunkier to steer -> tracks like a tank?)
Exploration focused:
- paper thin shields
- laser weapon for mining (no ammo to refill, but almost no damage) -> like a mining laser
- smaller overall power distibutor
- more hull (for the longer trips)
- better suspension, like a rally car
- can refuel from ship tank!
- bigger fuel tank (1 to 2 tons reserve)
- cockpit made by Lakon (no thick bars blocking my view when steering)
- only 1t of cargo
Racing focused:
- paper thin shields
- weapon damage almost nonexistant
- no cargo
- hull just a little lower then the Scarab
- higher speed (about 40m/s maybe a little lower)
- better suspension
- power distributor is way smaller in capacity, but fast recharge for ENG
- weaker lifting thrusters, but better onees for keeping on the ground
Cargo focused:
- a little beefier shields
- hull about the same
- slower (27m/s or similar)
- power distributor like the Scarab
- overall clunkier (suspension and turning circle)
- cargo 6-8t
Closing thoughts:
I think only one SRV model does not make too much sense and more would add a lot of nice gameplay. A very good opputunity to implement these (or just some of them) would be the big planets update which is planned for this year.
