Inspiration
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Posted - 2006.06.07 14:04:00 -
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Edited by: Inspiration on 07/06/2006 14:09:31
I got a few simple ideas that seem to tackle all issues as I see them, without much change. I read some bizzare and complicated idea's so far, so this should be a breeze for anyone interested:
The goals:
1. Make ECM a DEFENSIVE, instead of an OFFENSIVE module (Just like the module description states).
2. Prevent them from being overpowering against everything.
3. Force closer combat and reduce the attractivnes of focused fire in fleet combat.
Solution 1:
The simplest idea is to cause ECM to break *already existing* locks and to slow down new ones. An existing lock is broken if the enemy sensor strength is lower then the ECM strength *and* the enemy is *outside* the ECM optimal range. Aquirering new locks are slowed down based on the relative sensor and ECM strengths.
No magic to it, and all balancing can be done by means of tuning cap use and fitting options.
Solution 2:
ECM has optimal and falloff range, as well as a 'strength' as it is now. Perfect, but unfortunatly its turned upside down as it is. ECM should protect from locks outside its optimal range and gradualy loose its effect once the locking ship gets closer. This promotes close combat and speed over gank options.
Enemy ECCM should affect the effective ECM protection range (or falloff, thats tuning), based on relative strengths. Again, there is the oppertunity of slowing formation of new locks, or randomly prevent them.
Solution 3:
Introduce 'weak' locks. A ship that uses ECM will get locked, **BUT** the lock strength is weakened as to be less precise. This would affect the effectivness of weapons on the target, be it turret or missile. The ECM again will have less effect once inside a certain radius, promoting closer combat and/or use of ECCM to affect the range.
Either of these three will work after some tuning, require no new modules or skills and a mixture of them is also viable. Either way, it would make ECM very useful, but never the ultimate I win module as it is now and force new tactics on top of it.
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