Well lately it seems that all of the players of MW:LL have finally gotten their feet wet in the mod and are past learning the controls and dealing with the basics of the game. The new reduction in lag also seems to help with allowing people to focus on the game. That said, while we're focusing on the game it becomes a great deal more difficult and complex. The best way to deal with issues that could potentially ruin a match for yourself and your teammates is to foster teamwork to deal with the problem.
Here's a few things that I have noticed about team play that could greatly improve the quality of your match.
1.) Don't be afraid to try to initiate teamwork. Be polite and ask for help - don't try to boss people around. If you're having trouble running into a group of 'mechs that you know you can't confront on your own, see if you can't get some help. I have had several instances where I've asked players to wait up for me out of the spawn and had others join into the group so as to form a lance or star of 'mechs. This is a great way to start cooperation and it helps make the game less suicidal and more competitive on both sides. Nothing is better than marching onto the airfield at marshes with a full lance of heavies and assaults only to find yourself met by another lance of roughly equal strength. That's how MW:LL should be.
2.) Look to work with your team first, do less solo fighting - Find where your team is on the battlefield and make yourself present there. See what you can do to help out on the front lines of the fight and try to stick with the majority of folks, rather than doing a solo flanking run or just trying to take on the enemy yourself. Sometimes all your team may need is for more people to be present at a firefight for it to turn from complete and total rout to overwhelming victory.
3.) Donate cash you aren't using - Before you get in your 'mech, throw your extra cbills to a random player, especially those who are on the lower end of your team's board. It will help them acquire a more powerful 'mech or vehicle and make your team more potent in the field. This also increases the probability that they will rank up more quickly and be less of a disadvantage late in the game.
4.) Know what roles your team needs and don't be afraid to switch to them - Sometimes your team will be plain out-manned by a particular threat (BA, Aerospace etc.) and not enough of your teammates are filling support roles to deal with that threat. If you notice this, don't be afraid to try a new support role or switch to that role to attempt to deal with the threat yourself. Even if you distract those enemies, you greatly hinder their effectiveness against the rest of your team for the time being. Never be afraid to try something new, I guarantee you al of the game is fun.
5.)TALK. - Hit the U key and type, or use the microphone if you like with left alt. It's never a bad idea to start communicating. The more you talk, the more you'll find that others will talk back. Communication is the first step to having team work.
If you do simple things like these and create some team cohesion, you'll find that the game becomes altogether more enjoyable. It's hard to beat having two lances of 'mechs going at it instead of scattered firefights, it's more fun to have people to work with on the front rather than just try to go lone wolf. The best times I have had playing MW:LL so far are the times where I have found myself on a team that was working together. I guarantee you'll find the same thing.
