Player Features and Ideas Discussion

This set me to thinking about missiles in general.

If a laser-cluster point defense for missiles were to happen, then missiles would need some sort of EW* defense, how about instead of using modules, like you would for turrets, EW missiles would be used instead. The idea is that when firing a salvo of missiles, the pilot could choose to replace damage causing missiles with missiles designed to spoof the laser clusters... or other forms of missile defense. The choice to the pilot, is that she must sacrifice damage in order to ensure that the missiles make it to the target.

One EW missile might not be enough to fend off a vigilant defender, so the pilot wold need to decide the proper ratio of defense vs. offense. A salvo with no EW is open to destruction and does zero damage, while a salvo with all EW missiles also does no damage should it hit the target.

Also, there would be different types of EW missiles. I can see three right off the bat.

Shielding Missiles would increase the EHP of the missiles in the salvo by either increasing the true hp to the missiles, or providing some resistance. If the resistence route is chosen, then either specific resists could be chosen, or an omni-resist. Personally, I would be in favor of an omni-resist. The pilot is already trying to guess what type of EW to use in the first place, specific resists might get way too messy; however, specific resists might make it so that this type of EW doesn't become the only type of EW

Decoy Missiles would be defense against defender missiles. The defender missile would automatically go towards the decoy, but on a one for one basis. The decoy would have very low hp, so the decoy would be killed on a hit, regardless of defender size.

Spoofing Missiles would decrease the signature of the missiles in the salvo by some percentage, making it hard
for Point defense to lock on.


Now to... shoot down... my own ideas.

The Salvo...
I keep referring to a salvo. By this, as the current mechanics go, would be all missiles withing range of the EW missile. However, I'm not sure of the full mechanics of how missiles work. There was a time when missiles were 'physical' things in game that were fired and came across space to another ship. I have heard that this was changed somewhat, but I'm not sure how. However, since a smartbomb screen can work, then it probably hasn't changed enough to matter.

Use with 'hyper' missiles:
Mainly looking at Mordu's Legion ships here. Replacing a damage missile with an EW one, might not be worth it for these ships. Then again, maybe their decreased attack time IS a form of EW. /shrug

Use:
Overcoming the average pilot's aversion to using ammunition that does no damage might be problematic. Though, I can see it being thrown into doctrine quickly once the concept is proven valid. The big problem is missile use in general. As has been mentioned, in most engagements, the turret outclasses the missile, and the best defense against the missile... is don't be in range.

Anyway, these were just some thoughts on missiles and defense that I thought that I'd share. I'm pretty sure missiles need something, and I think that an active EW conflict (attacker vs. defender) would make missiles definitely have a non-turret feel, and still make them fun.

--Gadget


* I'm avoiding using the term ECM, because it means a specific game mechanic in EvE rather than general Electronic Counter Measures. I'll use Electronic Warfare (EW) instead.

Ya know...... I find it funny that the ships and weapons suggested to counter missiles are all weapon systems, except missiles..

Really shows the current state of missiles, considering missiles aren't even good enough to be used to counter missiles...


That said, I really don't think dedicating a ship class, or even a weapon class, to countering missiles is needed..
Fix missiles to be competent in PVP combat, and then we'll talk about countering them..