Radar clicking? Yeah, i agree that might work. But still, what's the point? just point your ship at what you wanna target and hit RadarNextFront. I mean, honesty, if you're targeting it, you're probably trying to kill it. And if you're targeting it and trying to dodge fire i dont think you wanna giv up your mouse control to take the time and select it.

I agree with Urza. Unless you have an extra hand and two mice, it is really quite useless in a single player ship. Once we get multi-player capital ships, however, it might be neccessary.

Radar clicking? Yeah, i agree that might work. But still, what's the point? just point your ship at what you wanna target and hit RadarNextFront. I mean, honesty, if you're targeting it, you're probably trying to kill it. And if you're targeting it and trying to dodge fire i dont think you wanna giv up your mouse control to take the time and select it.

"u brings up a sector list with everybody in the sector on it. You can click on a name to target them if they are in range. It is not as fancy as what you suggest but does the same thing"

minus the click to on the object itself to target idea. I think it's cool (works in astrobattle) then again you need one hand for the mouse how would your other hand controll everything else?

The target list is actually a good idea. While it may not be particularly useful or necessary for the ship interface we use now, it would be ideal for a commander aboard a capital ship if he is to designate targets for his AI turrets to hit.

" it would be ideal for a commander aboard a capital ship" - Magus

Whoa, now that could really change the way the game is played. Sounds like a mix of RTS and FPS games. Has that been done before? Commander chooses an objective for you and you try to carry it out. Might be very difficult to implement. How does his/her order effect your current situation? Changed target, highlights second or third target. I would bet that interface and programming get REAL complicated.

BUT, that would be a great way for players to create thier own missions... Itani commander purchases capital ship, calls for pilots and orders an attack... Instant mission. Commander deals with who gets rewards and promotions.. blah blah...

Back to the topic... I want to be able to use a mouse to control on onscreen cursor and click an object and have it targeted. 'u' works nice, but I think it can be improved...

First of all there already is a command that dos what you want. It's RadarNextFront. basicly when you kit the key it's dbinded to "i use g" it selects what's directly in front of you. Thus, what you're pointing at.

Urza - read the whole thread. I already mentioned that functionality.

"a mouse to control on onscreen cursor" - Not what the ship is pointing at, what a seperate cursor is pointing at.

read the whole thread of pointless bickering? i think not.

The mouse on screen would probably not be ued much i think, cause unless the person is standing still you wont be able to click on him.

Whoa... ease off the trigger a bit... this is "Suggestions", not the role-playing forum.

I see suggestions, hints and ideas. You don't like the idea, fine, but at least have the courtesy to read the thread you plan to post to.

As for the "standing still" point you bring up, I agree. But it would definitaly work on the radar scope, maybe even a listing. And I don't think ships move that fast, but it definitly would make it harder.

EDIT - made nicer as asked.

It's getting a bit flamey here. Please edit your posts and refrain from personal comments.

OK, my turn for a suggestion...

Targetting via clicking with the mouse... (wait for applause)

Allow the mouse to click on objects either on the HUD (radar) or the view out the cockpit to target it. I know the mouse can be used for control, so make this a new mode for the mouse. The current targetting system is good, with the ability to target this type of object or that, or in front or closest...

But, I these are a lot of buttons... I use a nostromo programmable game pad, and it can take those few extra seconds to target that one baddie gunning for me while trying to dodge.

I think a mouse clickable target would help... especially entering a fight. Instead of having to cycle til the ship you want to nail gets a red box, click, fire and save the a$$ of the guy you are escorting (or clan mate, or guy who owes you credits)

Proly not an original thought, but there is no search feature for the forums.

Very neat idea. Shoot in the general direction of the enemy and it auto targets it? Is that what you mean? If so I'm all for it. That would really save a lot of keystrokes of having to re-target the next enemy in the middle of a huge furball. It'll also open more possibilities for newer tactics. For example have a wingman by you at all times to throw off the auto-targeting mechanism by occasionally having him go between you and the enemy repeatedly. Hehe.

Actually, no, that's not what I meant, but that's a good idea too.
What I meant was to select a mode where the mouse did not control any ship function (flight, turret movement) and was a simple "arrow" on the screen. I click on an object and it is targetted. I use a joystick, so I would leave the mouse in that mode. When I saw something that interested me, or I wanted to track and shoot, I move the pointer to it and click. Targetted and ready for destruction.

I could click in the radar screens or the real view out the cockpit.

New addition to that idea...

Upon entering a sector a list of possible targets could be generated and displayed. Maybe a small, translucent box next to the sector map.

Maybe it's just a list of "objects in radar range" or selectible subsets thereof:
All enemy objects in radar range
All cargo objects in radar range
All friendly objects in radar range
etc. etc.

Then one could select that way also. Easy way to know who is who around you without having to start cycling objects and risking attack before you know that 'insert pirate player name here' is that one red dot only 500m away.

Maybe they could be purchasable upgrades... like batteries or weapons...

I know I'm suggesting a pretty complex interface, but it is a "Suggestion" forum.

have you ever hit u ?

Ummm... no... Why, does it do something like I suggested and make me look like a non-document reading idiot? Cause it wouldn't be the first time...

u brings up a sector list with everybody in the sector on it. You can click on a name to target them if they are in range. It is not as fancy as what you suggest but does the same thing