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Retribution NPC AI
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Ai'tanis Aideron
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#1 - 2012-12-05 21:27:54 UTC
Wasn't sure where to leave this feedback but since retribution launched I've had issues with NPC AI. It was outlined in the patch notes that AI would not be extremely aggressive towards drones however even with continued turret fire for aggro as soon as drones launch all ships are re-targeting essentially making drones useless... it is not possible to rep all 5 drones fast enough. This is not realistic for newer pilots using drone boats.

Forman Keeper
Aliastra
Gallente Federation
#2 - 2012-12-07 13:37:35 UTC
Same deal. at 600,000 isk per t2 hammerhead. having one drone in a set of 5 get destroyed in about 45 seconds, I that feel my almost 4,000,000 sp in drone skills is now completely useless.
Rakshasa Taisab
Sane Industries Inc.
#3 - 2012-12-07 14:12:00 UTC
Let me guess, the drones are your main damage dealers and you guys are surprised that the NPC AI decides to prioritise them?

Nyan
Shalua Rui
Rui Freelance Mining
#4 - 2012-12-07 14:56:10 UTC  |  Edited by: Shalua Rui
Hm, I had the same experience at first. Beeing a miner, I need drones for protection, and I used to have a full wing of medium scouts with me at all times. First rat pack after retribution, and 2 frigs almost ate up my 5 medium drones...

The I switched to light drones (who should be the logical pick vs. frigate classed drones) and the rats coudn't even fire a single shot.

Dunno what that says about your problems, but it told me much about the new drone mechanics.

"ginger forum goddess, space gypsy and stone nibbler extraordinaire!" Shalua Rui - CEO and founder of Rui Freelance Mining (RFLM)
Rengerel en Distel
#5 - 2012-12-10 20:15:22 UTC
Ai'tanis Aideron wrote:
Wasn't sure where to leave this feedback but since retribution launched I've had issues with NPC AI. It was outlined in the patch notes that AI would not be extremely aggressive towards drones however even with continued turret fire for aggro as soon as drones launch all ships are re-targeting essentially making drones useless... it is not possible to rep all 5 drones fast enough. This is not realistic for newer pilots using drone boats.


I guess the sticky that says Changes to NPC AI didn't strike you as a good spot?
On Topic: we know, they know.

With the increase in shiptoasting, the Report timer needs to be shortened.
Elder Ozzian
Perkone
Caldari State
#6 - 2012-12-11 13:01:02 UTC
I did some missions with my raven. Noticed that i had to pay only little, or none attention to my hobgoblins as they chew the frigates away. Once the frigates were gone, i sent out a hammerhead to test if it gets primaried. Nope - no problems here.

1. Get rid of the frigates with small drones.
2. Pull the drones back in when they draw agro. Small drones can easily evade incoming fire as they are so small.
3. Start using bigger drones after small & webbing rats are done.

btw: Awesome job with the new AI - no more afk Garde II:s !

I disagree!
Lonig
Destruction Unlimited
#7 - 2012-12-19 17:07:50 UTC
Rakshasa Taisab wrote:
Let me guess, the drones are your main damage dealers and you guys are surprised that the NPC AI decides to prioritise them?


And your point is what? Can a NPC target your cruise missile launcher and destroy it? No. Why the hell should they insta-gib a drone then, or even target it all?

I swap between drones and missiles, depending on my mood. However, drones are pointless in drone boats right now. They work fine with my missile boats though.

If a ship is a drone ship, with bonuses to drones... it's meant to be drone based damage.
If a ship is a missile ship, with bonuses to missiles... It's meant to be missile based damage. Same for guns of any type.

So no crap that missile/gun boats aren't seeing the same issues as true drone boats? You can't lose your guns to NPC fire, unless of course you lose your whole ship. So anyone who has a non-drone boat that is saying the AI isn't acting 'wonky' is not really using drones the same, now are they?

Drone Boat != Gun/Missile Boat

Easiest way to fix AFK drone users? Make drones be... Drones? They have no aggressive setting, and we have to target/attack with them. It would be nice to not have to lock a target to send the drones after them, otherwise that change would royally suck. But even then, treat a drone like a weapon, and require us to activate it on a target. You'd fix the AFK issue, and only have bots left to deal with.