Brachis
Eve Liberation Force
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Posted - 2008.06.03 07:03:00 -
[1]
Formation commands that directly influence the movement of a ship are a bad idea, I agree.
However, a better option would be for the fleet commander to have formation orders. Being able to flag an exact point in space using a fleet organization tool, and having it instantly broadcast to the desired player. Treating the broadcast location as a beacon in the tactical overlay would also give players under command more detailed movement options when their FC is giving them effective orders. The player can then choose to fly to the location while still being in control of his ship. These broadcast orders could be given to wings, squads, or individual players.
The ability to flag an exact position gives the FC detailed order capabilities which not even voice chat can chat. Not only does this not dis-empower the individual pilots, but it also means that a highly skilled FC, commanding pilots who understand how to operate efficiently under orders, will be able to tactically influence a combat situation and benefit.
Imagine a fleet engagement: The Fleet Commander and his squadrons exit their warp, and the FC quickly takes in the state of the battlefield. His fleet has warped in at various ranges to their cloaked scout, but their positions aren't optimal for engaging the enemy fleet. He quickly broadcasts targets, and his mind buzzes with tactical information. He flags different locations for his squadrons and key members, picking out exact coordinates using his FC targeting overview and broadcasts the orders. He gives specific spots for his allies to work from, no generic orders like "Stay at 100k", he has complete control. He's able to pick exact locations. His veteran pilots who know how he thinks are already fixing to move into position by the time he's given the orders, but the newer, inexperienced, members of his alliance don't even have time to be confused by the battle... their FC has told them exactly where they can be of the most use. As pilots move into position, the battle intensifies. As the battle continues, he is able to give orders to new locations best suited to counter the enemy's formation and tactics. He can even broadcast specific locations in empty space for his stealth bomber pilots to align to and drop their devastating payloads of bombs. No more eyeballing distances and trying to clumsily place bombs on invisible targets, with a specific spot to align to, and a distance indicator to their beacon, the bombers are able to place their explosives with the accuracy of a JDAM. And better yet, the FC has received word that reinforcements have just entered system, so he broadcasts a specific set of coordinates to the new squads and they warp in exactly where they're needed.
Power to the FC.
"I do this with but one small ship and I am called a terrorist... you do it with an entire fleet and are called an Emperor." |