"Storm Commando" suggestions

[Delta-E93]

So in the latest public version, I am of the opinion that "Commando" units are utterly unremarkable, perhaps bordering on useless. I just can't ever really justify them based on performance/cost. (Which is sad given they're pretty cheap.) While this isn't just a Pentastar Alignment issue, I'm most familiar with the Storm Commandos from a gameplay and lore perspective so they'll be my focus for this post. Though the thought process could be applied to all Commando units across the factions.

I'm not going to go into my problems with the Units in too much detail, but here is a quick rundown. Unit Size is too small (2). Damage output is too low (low rate of fire, Meh damage). No utility abilities. No raids.

So now Let's get into the changes I'd suggest.

Increase the squad size (4-6 perhaps.) and give us a mix of units. Say a 4 man squad of a Sniper, Demolitions, and 2 Troopers. Make them a little harder to kill and a little deadlier. Similar to the Hand of Judgement, but to a lesser extent, given Storm Commandos can be reproduced.

Next, replace the Imperial Transport unit in Space with an Imperial Escort Carrier and let it spawn 1-2 TIE Hunters. Nothing to make them a Premier space unit, but enough that they can survive a small scrap themselves or supplement a dedicated Navy. This would put them in a somewhat unique position among units, which is great for gameplay!^(IMO) But not only is it good for gameplay, it also is in perfect keeping with the lore! IECs were almost exclusively for Storm Commando's use, and were under their direct command. (This is also something that can be done for other Factions commando units, New Republic=Commando/Quasar for example.)

And on the topic of Imperial Escort Carriers, Could they be changed to have the functionality of the Quasar for the New Republic and be used as air support units (TIE Fighters or preferably TIE Hunters) for ground invasions?

Thoughts? Am I discussing something that's already been addressed in 2.2? Go ahead and let me know!

[Corey]

There will be some systematic changes to commandos to try to make them more useful, which will apply to Storm Commandos as well. The specifics aren't all 100% worked out yet, so I won't (and really can't) get into them. The IEC will likely be made into their space transport, however in that case it won't be the Eriadu's version of the ground fighter deployment ship.

[Delta-E93]

Understandable. You can't talk about what you don't know after all.

Giving the Commandos an IEC instead of a transport is already a decent step to making them useful. Though I must have missed the faction change for IEC and Storm Commandos. Guess I'll be rereading the faction previews.

Given that you've decided to change the SCs in space, are other commando units going to receive a similar change, just a few of them, or do you think that might be unique to SCs and the PA EA? Or is this still in the undecided territory of the changes?

P.S. I love the changes to infantry, makes them a much more useful and interesting unit.