Author Topic: Auto-Equalize? (Read 4058 times)

ZylonBane · **on:** January 01, 2003, 09:23:18 am

Has anyone working on the SCP given any thought to implementing an auto-shield-equalize function? So that every time your shields took damage, they'd automatically be equalized.

This would best be implemented like the other Auto functions (auto speed match/auto target). Just press Alt-Q to enable/disable, and automatically disable if the player uses any of the manual shield-management keys.

As far as basic implementation, I suspect changes would only need to be made in three places-- keyboard processing, a hook into the shields-damaged routine, and the HUD to display "AUTO-EQ". Full implementation would require adding this option to the configurable mapping screens, pilot config, et al. Ugh.

And yes, this is basically a retread of this thread. I thought the scheme aldo proposed was needlessly complex.

Rampage · **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2003, 06:29:38 pm

Personally, I wouldn't need it anyway. I ALWAYS keep my finger on the "E" key all the time when in Freespace 2.

Carl · **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2003, 06:47:14 pm

you know what's funny? one big shield bubble is superior to segmented ones in every way. it will always protect your whole ship as long as it's up.

mikhael · **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2003, 09:33:52 pm

Quote

Originally posted by Carl
you know what's funny? one big shield bubble is superior to segmented ones in every way. it will always protect your whole ship as long as it's up.

Except when you lose that one shield projector due to a critical malf.

Then having segmented shields becomes so much more comforting.

Personally, I like segmented shields, but I also like ZBs suggestion. It makes good sense.

ZylonBane · **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2003, 11:29:42 pm

Quote

Originally posted by Rampage
I ALWAYS keep my finger on the "E" key all the time when in Freespace 2.

"Target Next Escort Ship"?

Bobboau · **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2003, 11:33:36 pm

he probly changed it

this is something I think we should to, it wouls be an option, better pilots could turn it off if they want to manage the sheilds manualy

Nuke · **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2003, 03:10:55 pm

SHIELDS!!!

I turn them off!

Sesquipedalian · **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2003, 03:28:30 pm

Quote

Originally posted by Carl
you know what's funny? one big shield bubble is superior to segmented ones in every way. it will always protect your whole ship as long as it's up.

I have to disagree. If your shields are equalised across all four sections at only 25%, one good strong hit will punch right through them and impact your hull. If you put all the shield energy you have into the one necessary quadrant, you have full protection where you need it despite having only 25% of the shield energy necessary for full coverage.

diamondgeezer · **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2003, 03:34:41 pm

Dunno how good a Herc driver you are, Seqs, but I've never used the shield management system - there's no way I could fight and screw around adjusting the strength of my shields at the same time...

Idea --> How about have a function that automates the shunting of energy into a particular quadrant, so that as you are attacked from behind the shield will increase power to the rear quadrant at the expense of the other three (or two, if you are taking damage on two quadrants... you get the idea). This could be a replacement for the 'equalise shields' function, or an extra feature which only kicks in when you're taking damage - otherwise, the normal equalise effect is used.

Fury · **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2003, 03:48:05 pm

Don't make everything automatic!

Players have brains and arms, they should also use them.

Remapping keys can be handy if you are unable to fight and manage ship systems at same time.

But these automatic stuff could be handy for AI, which I'd like to be improved. Sure they can be deadly if they are 100% accurate and so on, but AI is not good at ship management.

Player usually can keep up fighting long enough, but AI pilots are dropping like flies because they just can't manage their ship systems, shields for example.

Nuke · **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2003, 03:59:15 pm

Shields Suck!

mikhael · **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2003, 04:15:17 pm

Quote

Originally posted by Mr. Fury
Don't make everything automatic!
Players have brains and arms, they should also use them.

Remapping keys can be handy if you are unable to fight and manage ship systems at same time.

But these automatic stuff could be handy for AI, which I'd like to be improved. Sure they can be deadly if they are 100% accurate and so on, but AI is not good at ship management.

Player usually can keep up fighting long enough, but AI pilots are dropping like flies because they just can't manage their ship systems, shields for example.

If you make it an option, not a requirement, then everyone is satisfied: you don't have to toggle AutoEqualize anymore than you have to toggle on AutoMatchSpeed. Those that want it, have it, those that don't can ignore it.

Solatar · **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2003, 05:55:08 pm

I think AI at least needs to be better at shield management. You'd be surprised at the Unification War. It's balanced completely different than fs2 because your wingmen don't have to manage sheilds, and thus are almost on level playing turf with you.

ZylonBane · **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2003, 06:53:29 pm

Quote

Originally posted by Mr. Fury
Don't make everything automatic!
Players have brains and arms, they should also use them.

But when you're just sitting there reflexively tapping "Q" every time you get hit, you're NOT using your brain. This is a prime indicator of a function that should be automated.

Nuke · **Reply #14 on:** January 02, 2003, 07:27:01 pm

before i say that shields suck, let me remind you that shield management has not changed much sence the great war. this obviosly means that the shield systems used by the gtva are so outdated that they need to be replaced, else be ripped out of ships in order to make a few m/s faster. i think that 4 segments is not a good number, i would much rather have 50 or just 1, but not 4, its just such a lame number. more segments mean that you can get a more precise idea of where shots are comming from, fewer means that they are easy to manage, i personally think that i am full of $}{!+ and should shut up, but what do you think?

p.s.

Shields Suck!

Bobboau · **Reply #15 on:** January 02, 2003, 08:18:32 pm

I think there should be eight segments, octants, t'd be more realistic
but it would be a ***** to manage.

Solatar · **Reply #16 on:** January 02, 2003, 08:53:32 pm

This might piss off num-pad players, but we could have the num-pad work the octants. 1,2,3,6,7,8, and 9 change their respective areas.

ZylonBane · **Reply #17 on:** January 02, 2003, 11:29:41 pm

Hades, I think I can confidently say that that would piss everyone off.

Sesquipedalian · **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2003, 02:09:34 am

Quote

Originally posted by diamondgeezer
Dunno how good a Herc driver you are, Seqs, but I've never used the shield management system - there's no way I could fight and screw around adjusting the strength of my shields at the same time...

Mapped onto the hat switch. Easy as pie. And the Herc II is possibly my favorite ship to fly.

Solatar · **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2003, 02:34:30 pm

I never really liked the Herc II. Always preferred the original.

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Author Topic: Auto-Equalize? (Read 4058 times)

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