Player Features and Ideas Discussion

I have had this idea running through my head for a while now - how about the ability to target subsystems on enemy ships? By this I mean that all ships have the following subsystems: (Example list not necessarily finalized)

Propulsion
Defensive
Offensive
Electronics
Power Systems
Drones

Currently a module will work at 100% efficiency until the ship is destroyed, I like the idea that it would be possible when fighting to target a subsystem that you want to damage, and as that system takes damage it becomes less efficient.

For example, you could target propulsion and if you hit the subsystem (determined by some chance based calc) you can cause damage to any module that affects propulsion - for example, making afterburners or MWD's give a reduced speed boost. By targeting the electronics of a ship you could damage the lock range, or scan resolution of a ship - or by targeting drones you could reduce the drone control range etc...

To balance this out and to make it worthwhile doing I would suggest a slight buff to the EHP of all ships.

The chance to be able to hit and damage a subsystem would be something like 50% chance to hit + 5% per level of a new skill called 'Precision weapon guidance' or something like that. When you hit and damage the subsystem some calculation is done to determine which (if any) modules are affected, and to what extent.

I think it would introduce a lot more dynamics to combat, especially solo / small fleet PVP.

I realize that this is quite a big change to the combat mechanic - what do other people think? Would this just add too much complexity to an existing system? Is it just a redundant idea because combat is too quick in most cases?

what if I just want to melt them asap because they're a ret stuck at a belt, and I'm scramming them - I don't give a flying F*ck about subsystems, I just want to see the ship pop before his pals show up.

Those come under 'Defensive' - Damaging them would reduce shield recharge rate - or increase armor repairer time needed, or make the mods that affect shields or armor less effective - e.g. invul fields take more cap to use, or loose some resistance, same for armor based mods.

Edit:


I forgot to mention that you can choose not o target a subsystem - and the damage is randomly applied to any subsystem - If its just a gank then you should be fine :)

I wouldn't mind seeing this on supers. Might actually give you a way to chip away at some of the rediculous super blobs flying around these days. However, the processing involved with tracking an additional 5-6 entities per ship would probably melt the server.

What you are talking about is already existing and it is named e-war.

Propulsion: Web + Scram
Defensive: Neutralizer, Target Painter
Offensive: Tracking Disruptor, Neutralizer, (Defense Missiles)
Electronics: ECM, Sensor Dampeners
Power Systems: Neutralizers
Drones: okay... you simply shoot them down.

How do you hit my subsystems through shields, armour and hull that will tank a doomsday?

Could use the star wars exhaust tube method. I here that did wonders against the deathstar.