Just an idea I got for new units, and I hope it hasn't been discussed before.
What if there were few units that can act individually and also assemble together to create a more powerful single unit?

That's an interesting concept! It has been used in many movies, but I haven't seen it in videogames. I haven't seen it in the old forum either.

Examples:

Movie: Battle LA: 2011 (drones can engage and disengage with each other).

Movie: Transformers 2 (Constructicons "assemble together to create" Devastator).

Movie: Terminator Salvation (moto-terminators are deployed by the harvester; the hunter-killer and the hervester are deployed from the transport as well (not in the video)).

Real military concept developed by BAE systems:

etc.

I'll see if I can do some sketches!

Exactly what I thought! Though it should stay within originality of Machines. Looking forward for the sketches :)

Well, I think it's an interesting idea, too!
What about... hmm... something similiar to locusts? They stick together and eat almost everything on their way (or something, I don't remember, but I think it was like that).

@Encrypted said:

Well, I think it's an interesting idea, too!
What about... hmm... something similiar to locusts? They stick together and eat almost everything on their way (or something, I don't remember, but I think it was like that).

Are you referring to swarms and the famous "plague"? Yes, you are correct; despite the fact that it isn't exactly the same concept, scientists are currently using locusts and other animals to create A.I. capable of avoiding obstacles, just like the moto-terminators (below), and moving in close formation without colliding with each other. The automotive industry is the main interest group (I think), for "driverless" vehicles. It is a very interesting subject!

Hey, @Pisarz, you've just brought me an awesome idea!

What if there was a special kind of mine for a Spy? When it explodes, it throws some shrapnel around and releases a burning slick of oil that lasts for a long time and damages everything on the ground that comes across and steps on it. Shouldn't really work on air units, but... well.

@Encrypted said:

Hey, @Pisarz, you've just brought me an awesome idea!

What if there was a special kind of mine for a Spy? When it explodes, it throws some shrapnel around and releases a burning slick of oil that lasts for a long time and damages everything on the ground that comes across and steps on it. Shouldn't really work on air units, but... well.

It sounds interesting. I have a suggestion: what if we discard the shrapnel and use the substance (oil, or something else) only? The shrapnel can be used in the conventional mines anyway.

I might do a sketch of that, but first I need to finish the ones related with this thread.

Hmm, why not?
What if we have a dynamic liquid system? So if that oil mine explodes near a cliff, the oil slick won't stay in one place, it'll simply drop down that cliff.

yay.gorilla <--- wow

@Encrypted
That would be a nice feature! Imagine using it on an inclined plane: the area of effect would be greater and it could act as a moving barrier (especially if it's on fire).

@Byrgius
One question: what if there are two units that complement each other in such a way that one is land-based (on-field unit) and the other one is aerial (recon, close air support and long-range transportation)?

@Pisarz Yes I think that's an awesome idea! But once assembled it becomes a land unit?

@Byrgius Oh, yeah, it might also become a hovering unit!