I don't think I'll ever hate a weapon as much as Swarm Launchers, and I'll never hate a class as much as Dual SL Commandos

How about giving Heavys an ability to act as mobile cover?

Like maybe a wide collapsible riot shield, using Nano tech to unfurl and support the shield for a limited amount of time. The shield would have an additional hit point pool, be wide enough for two people to take cover behind the Heavy, have a limited deployment time, and have a cool-down before it can be deployed again. Since Heavy's don't have equipment slots, it could be categorized as a Sidearm and make it only practical on Heavy suits the way Cloaks are only practical on Scouts.

- You would have an Armor version (riot shield) and a Shield version (projected shield wall).

This would be ideal for pushing on enemy positions across open ground. It would work best in a fire team of 4 with a Heavy, two gunmen providing cover fire from either side of the shield, and a logy trailing to keep the Heavy up.

- Have the shield not cover the head and feet so it is still possible to damage the Heavy directly.
- The shield has a hit point pool, so do enough damage and you can drop it early, leaving the fire-team in the open.
- The Heavy cannot use a weapon while the external shield is deployed.
- The Heavy cannot sprint while the shield is deployed.


Ok, so this is a new idea, so there might be some holes in it, but what do you guys think? This would allow the Sentinel to really accomplish the traditional MMO Tank role. It only works for a limited time, but provides a strategy for pushing heavily defended positions.