Forums » Suggestions
AI combat formations
Currently large-scale combat is mostly random and all over the place...
The escort AI flies in flocks, this suggestion is to add/extend that code for Border fights and Hive Skirmish. So instead of ships working individually to attack other ships (sometimes they gank up on you, but mostly it's just random [or at least seems so] when two or more attack you), ships would form "flight wings" or whatever you wish to call them. Such a group would try to stay close together (flock like the escort ships) and only break appart if/when enough of the group is destroyed (perhaps join another wing, try to make a run out of the sector, or some other fun behaviour).
Any number of behaviors is possible, but I know for me at least the PvE would be alot more immersive if it wasn't just a large free-for-all. Would be much more intense if the ships jumped into sector then grouped up and groups attacked each other instead of just whichever random ship flies nearby.
Anyhow, just some thoughts I wanted to scribble down... discuss!!
EDIT: In HS's often the "overseers" will group up near the queen, and only attack you if you come near and shoot at her. Not sure if that is intended, but this suggestion is to make other ships (especially in border skirmish type missions) behave somewhat like this. Where it looks like the group has a purpose, rather then just everyone for himself.
The escort AI flies in flocks, this suggestion is to add/extend that code for Border fights and Hive Skirmish. So instead of ships working individually to attack other ships (sometimes they gank up on you, but mostly it's just random [or at least seems so] when two or more attack you), ships would form "flight wings" or whatever you wish to call them. Such a group would try to stay close together (flock like the escort ships) and only break appart if/when enough of the group is destroyed (perhaps join another wing, try to make a run out of the sector, or some other fun behaviour).
Any number of behaviors is possible, but I know for me at least the PvE would be alot more immersive if it wasn't just a large free-for-all. Would be much more intense if the ships jumped into sector then grouped up and groups attacked each other instead of just whichever random ship flies nearby.
Anyhow, just some thoughts I wanted to scribble down... discuss!!
EDIT: In HS's often the "overseers" will group up near the queen, and only attack you if you come near and shoot at her. Not sure if that is intended, but this suggestion is to make other ships (especially in border skirmish type missions) behave somewhat like this. Where it looks like the group has a purpose, rather then just everyone for himself.
+100000000000000000000000000000000000000
indeed.
I'd also like to propose that we progam the Itani for this behavior during NW.
Heh. Yeah, agreed.
Hmm i dont know if i missed it, but would this include AI nation ships to form up as a sqaud on the player or would it only be AI to AI?
Otherwise a very very very good idea
Otherwise a very very very good idea
I like the idea, it sounds great..but have you fully considered what that would be like to fight against? Just reading your thoughts straight off.. it conjures visions of HomeWorld fighter formations, that form and fight in unison.
It would be great to see a flight in formation certainly, however it might be preferable that they would then break into pairs for the dogfight. (read : Manageable chunks)
Also, since a majority of gamers play VO solo for a large part of their gaming time, facing two opponents at the same time, and surviving is feasible for the average player.
Current weapons tech also lends itself to the furball realm tactics. Not unlike the classic X-Wing by Lucasarts. This style of combat benefits the lone wolf 'Fighter Ace' mentality.
Formation Foes
Scenario : You jump into a Hive Skirmish, swing about to reform with friends and fight.. but get swamped by a formation of Aputech5 Drones.. a wall of Flechette death. You're back in the station before you had twitched your controls. ...(in a sense, the uber-gank)
There is a lot to be considered about giving coordinated abilities to skirmishing AI. There's a reason organised fire control is so lethal. We all play VO, alone but together in spirit. Against several types of enemy, I don't think many would survive at all when they are not just mobbed, but actually encounter synchronised fire.
For example; Behemoths in convoys are fairly easy kills, because they do not coordinate their fire control like proper fleets. Where as a Constellation, which has guns to spare, often fires crossfire shots that catch out Bots by leaving few escape trajectories without them being struck as they try to evade.
If there is to be formations, let them be for show and immersion, but when the fight is on.. it becomes a classic WWII Dogfight, where only the better pilots and their wingman(?)are left alive.
If anything, having escort fighters perfom an orbiting CAP while the convoy filters into the Station, then they in turn swoop in to dock, would be a first step. Instead of the current multi-ship type traffic jam.
best,
Taele
It would be great to see a flight in formation certainly, however it might be preferable that they would then break into pairs for the dogfight. (read : Manageable chunks)
Also, since a majority of gamers play VO solo for a large part of their gaming time, facing two opponents at the same time, and surviving is feasible for the average player.
Current weapons tech also lends itself to the furball realm tactics. Not unlike the classic X-Wing by Lucasarts. This style of combat benefits the lone wolf 'Fighter Ace' mentality.
Formation Foes
Scenario : You jump into a Hive Skirmish, swing about to reform with friends and fight.. but get swamped by a formation of Aputech5 Drones.. a wall of Flechette death. You're back in the station before you had twitched your controls. ...(in a sense, the uber-gank)
There is a lot to be considered about giving coordinated abilities to skirmishing AI. There's a reason organised fire control is so lethal. We all play VO, alone but together in spirit. Against several types of enemy, I don't think many would survive at all when they are not just mobbed, but actually encounter synchronised fire.
For example; Behemoths in convoys are fairly easy kills, because they do not coordinate their fire control like proper fleets. Where as a Constellation, which has guns to spare, often fires crossfire shots that catch out Bots by leaving few escape trajectories without them being struck as they try to evade.
If there is to be formations, let them be for show and immersion, but when the fight is on.. it becomes a classic WWII Dogfight, where only the better pilots and their wingman(?)are left alive.
If anything, having escort fighters perfom an orbiting CAP while the convoy filters into the Station, then they in turn swoop in to dock, would be a first step. Instead of the current multi-ship type traffic jam.
best,
Taele
I like the idea. A simple progression would be to set up smaller flocks that pyramid up. 2 escorts guard/flock off of a third, the third and another flock off of a different. One thing I did notice is convoys get scattered, expanding this a little bit would be nice, so that convoys would be more cohesive. And having a minor enforcement, meaning bots having a wingman instead of just clustering, would also have 2 ships attacking in concert, instead of just hap-hazardly furballing.
Like to add this link to the thread :
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/22341
The Original Poster comments on the difficulty of being mobbed by the Raptor formations in the Dark Convoy event. Co-ordinated or not.. it certainly offers example of how rough you get treated when your AI foe get the Group Work Ethic in order. ;)
- Taele.
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/22341
The Original Poster comments on the difficulty of being mobbed by the Raptor formations in the Dark Convoy event. Co-ordinated or not.. it certainly offers example of how rough you get treated when your AI foe get the Group Work Ethic in order. ;)
- Taele.