Forums » Suggestions
Computer controlled ships
I was in the Itan system, getting ready to go through a wormhole, when I noticed that a computer-controlled Serco ship had just come through. Is it just me, or is it odd that Serco (albeit "fake" Serco) are navigating the inner depths of Itani space without apparent repercussion (even when there's a slew of Itani computer-conrolled ships at the wormhole)? I assume that the same happens in Serco space, but haven't played over there yet.
Although I think the existence of the Serco ships at inner Itani wormholes was odd (particularly considering the frequency of them), the thing that really bugged me was that when I, like a good defensive fighter, attacked, the computer-controlled ship did nothing. It did not modify its course, attempt to counter-attack or evade me, or do anything else that I would expect a pilot in enemy space under fire to do.
I really think that if there's going to be ships from enemy factions waltzing around in inner Itani space, that they should at least have the intelligence of a DenTek bot, if not more. Any chance that such ships will receive some AI in the future? Besides making life more interesting around the wormholes, giving them some AI would also open up some possibilities for missions or other content based on border patrols and so forth.
Although I think the existence of the Serco ships at inner Itani wormholes was odd (particularly considering the frequency of them), the thing that really bugged me was that when I, like a good defensive fighter, attacked, the computer-controlled ship did nothing. It did not modify its course, attempt to counter-attack or evade me, or do anything else that I would expect a pilot in enemy space under fire to do.
I really think that if there's going to be ships from enemy factions waltzing around in inner Itani space, that they should at least have the intelligence of a DenTek bot, if not more. Any chance that such ships will receive some AI in the future? Besides making life more interesting around the wormholes, giving them some AI would also open up some possibilities for missions or other content based on border patrols and so forth.
I was in the Itan system, getting ready to go through a wormhole, when I noticed that a computer-controlled Serco ship had just come through. Is it just me, or is it odd that Serco (albeit "fake" Serco) are navigating the inner depths of Itani space without apparent repercussion (even when there's a slew of Itani computer-conrolled ships at the wormhole)? I assume that the same happens in Serco space, but haven't played over there yet.
They're peaceful traders, doing no harm. There's no reason for Serco traders to stay out of Itani space, or Itani traders to stay out of Serco space.
Although I think the existence of the Serco ships at inner Itani wormholes was odd (particularly considering the frequency of them), the thing that really bugged me was that when I, like a good defensive fighter, attacked, the computer-controlled ship did nothing. It did not modify its course, attempt to counter-attack or evade me, or do anything else that I would expect a pilot in enemy space under fire to do.
How rude! They never hurt you, why would you want to attack them? But yeah, the NPC traders have no evasion skill, not only when players attack them, but also when Hive Bots in Ion Storms attack them. They just go pop (although, when a ship in bad standing with the NPC trader gets within a certain distance, they do start to turbo. But that doesn't do much good). I'm pretty sure the devs are planning on making them smarter, soontm.
I really think that if there's going to be ships from enemy factions waltzing around in inner Itani space, that they should at least have the intelligence of a DenTek bot, if not more. Any chance that such ships will receive some AI in the future? Besides making life more interesting around the wormholes, giving them some AI would also open up some possibilities for missions or other content based on border patrols and so forth.
There is a border patrol mission currently, in which you go up against actual fighter pilots, not the NPC traders (why would a border patrol attack peaceful traders?). But, there have been a number of suggestions about missions to assist NPC traders that have been damaged, or else to pirate the NPC traders & take their cargo somewhere.
They're peaceful traders, doing no harm. There's no reason for Serco traders to stay out of Itani space, or Itani traders to stay out of Serco space.
Although I think the existence of the Serco ships at inner Itani wormholes was odd (particularly considering the frequency of them), the thing that really bugged me was that when I, like a good defensive fighter, attacked, the computer-controlled ship did nothing. It did not modify its course, attempt to counter-attack or evade me, or do anything else that I would expect a pilot in enemy space under fire to do.
How rude! They never hurt you, why would you want to attack them? But yeah, the NPC traders have no evasion skill, not only when players attack them, but also when Hive Bots in Ion Storms attack them. They just go pop (although, when a ship in bad standing with the NPC trader gets within a certain distance, they do start to turbo. But that doesn't do much good). I'm pretty sure the devs are planning on making them smarter, soontm.
I really think that if there's going to be ships from enemy factions waltzing around in inner Itani space, that they should at least have the intelligence of a DenTek bot, if not more. Any chance that such ships will receive some AI in the future? Besides making life more interesting around the wormholes, giving them some AI would also open up some possibilities for missions or other content based on border patrols and so forth.
There is a border patrol mission currently, in which you go up against actual fighter pilots, not the NPC traders (why would a border patrol attack peaceful traders?). But, there have been a number of suggestions about missions to assist NPC traders that have been damaged, or else to pirate the NPC traders & take their cargo somewhere.
I've actually found this to be troublesome as well. In times of war, I don't think there has ever been a precedent where one side let traders from the other side into their territory (major wars anyway). It would be too much of a security risk. Anyone could dress up as a peaceful trader and sneak deep into enemy territory. I understand the UIT's ability to move freely, but itani's at Sky Command makes no sense. Even if they are peaceful, mindless traders.
couldn't agree more with the last post.
I agree.
There's a lot that could be done with the NPC traders (more ship types, missions etc.). See thread:
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/9170
There's a lot that could be done with the NPC traders (more ship types, missions etc.). See thread:
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/9170
mmmm just a thought: if there is no problem with them serco traders, humming along in itani space, why do we get a faction raise for every kill? ^^
As sissoko pointed out, these NPC ships are clearly hostile; red on the radar, faction increases with kills, etc. If they are going to be neutral traders (which I find unlikely given the backstory), then they need to be marked a neutral color on the radar. Better yet, they could be Serco ships but not be labeled as Serco (or Itani in the Serco system); if they are smugglers, then I would imagine they would be unidentified and trying to lay low.
Of course, unless there is a clear difference in what ships are available for which factions, then this doesn't make as much sense.
Speaking of smugglers, it would be way cool if instead of random Serco ships wandering around interior Itani space if there were some gray (or whatever color) unidentified ships which you could interact with via hail/chat. This would open up the possibility of having people police the borders, of needing to have clearence codes to be able to fly in certain parts of space, etc. Which would be quite a bit of fun, and add another element to game play (as well as opening up future espionage mission creation, as well).
Of course, this would be an even nastier bit of AI to program in than simple evasion/combat AI, but it would still be sweet.
Of course, unless there is a clear difference in what ships are available for which factions, then this doesn't make as much sense.
Speaking of smugglers, it would be way cool if instead of random Serco ships wandering around interior Itani space if there were some gray (or whatever color) unidentified ships which you could interact with via hail/chat. This would open up the possibility of having people police the borders, of needing to have clearence codes to be able to fly in certain parts of space, etc. Which would be quite a bit of fun, and add another element to game play (as well as opening up future espionage mission creation, as well).
Of course, this would be an even nastier bit of AI to program in than simple evasion/combat AI, but it would still be sweet.
This was in another thread, but it sparked an idea related to this topic.
Why couldnt we buy forged licences and various standings at Corvus?
Like false ID or smtn.
--bojansplash
If there were a way for players to show up at first glance as unidentified or even part of a specific faction, but then also have a way for people to pierce their facade (through hailing? Hailing within a certain distance?), then it would make interactions with random NPC ships much more interesting, and also add an intriguing element to PvP interactions.
Extending this idea, certain stations might only approve docking for people with certain levels of clearence, perhaps gained either illegally or through doing legitimate missions. If such stations had experimental technology or what-have-you, then there would be another twist to the VO universe.
Additionally, with false clearences for enemy space, those trading missions that give you encrypted data files could be interestingly corrupted into espionage missions if a "false" Serco, Itani, or whoever took them.
I'm not sure that purchasing false license levels would really be worthwhile (since they represent what you can actually do, so being able to buy a ship with higher license level requirements would presumably just give you a ship that you couldn't fly), but the general concept still has a lot of merit I think, both for NPC ships in enemy space and for creating missions for players.
Why couldnt we buy forged licences and various standings at Corvus?
Like false ID or smtn.
--bojansplash
If there were a way for players to show up at first glance as unidentified or even part of a specific faction, but then also have a way for people to pierce their facade (through hailing? Hailing within a certain distance?), then it would make interactions with random NPC ships much more interesting, and also add an intriguing element to PvP interactions.
Extending this idea, certain stations might only approve docking for people with certain levels of clearence, perhaps gained either illegally or through doing legitimate missions. If such stations had experimental technology or what-have-you, then there would be another twist to the VO universe.
Additionally, with false clearences for enemy space, those trading missions that give you encrypted data files could be interestingly corrupted into espionage missions if a "false" Serco, Itani, or whoever took them.
I'm not sure that purchasing false license levels would really be worthwhile (since they represent what you can actually do, so being able to buy a ship with higher license level requirements would presumably just give you a ship that you couldn't fly), but the general concept still has a lot of merit I think, both for NPC ships in enemy space and for creating missions for players.
The Itani and Serco should halt all trade with each other. Instead, BUY FROM GOLD NATION! Lots of items for sale from Dau! We UIT travel the universe to bring you the most exotic widgets you can buy! You can get ANY, that's right ANY trade item from within our borders! All at a low low price!*
*Speaking of which shouldn't Itani and Serco be pressed for trade items and those item prices inflated? Make weapons cheaper there than in UIT, and we'll be much much more inclined to trade than fight.
Right now, if you can't decide which side to choose in the war, you join UIT. We need a nationless/grey choice. Ambrosia had the right idea in EV games to have a separate pirate "government".
*Speaking of which shouldn't Itani and Serco be pressed for trade items and those item prices inflated? Make weapons cheaper there than in UIT, and we'll be much much more inclined to trade than fight.
Right now, if you can't decide which side to choose in the war, you join UIT. We need a nationless/grey choice. Ambrosia had the right idea in EV games to have a separate pirate "government".
There is a fortune hunter (pirate is such a blanket term ;p) government: Corvus.
You just can't join it.... yet
Even in EV:Nova you had to do a whole bunch of missions before you got into the pirate government, it wasn't like you could choose to start out as a pirate.
You just can't join it.... yet
Even in EV:Nova you had to do a whole bunch of missions before you got into the pirate government, it wasn't like you could choose to start out as a pirate.