Hi,
I was running out of things to do in Oolite, and gave this oxp a try.
This is great.
Problems I have encountered, though...
When deciding to verify the galaxy map (F6, and sometimes F6+F6). The computer voice tells me to look at it, and press this key to return, etc. That's fine, but she tells me that every 2 seconds. I know I'm not the smartest human that applies for an I.T.H.A. license, give me a break, and let me look at the map for a couple of seconds - in peace. Feels like I'm constantly being rushed to make a decision.
Solution: Have the computer voice tell the player once, or maybe every minute at the most.
If you have ever tried the UPS oxp, it has a very similar option to look at the galaxy map, but it gives you all the time in the world to do so.
When launching from the station, the mother ship calls: "Hey man, I`m here, come to my ship and get ready to jump!" (or something like that)
That's good, I like getting directions, but as soon as I have turned, because I can't do anything for the first second or two from launch, the mother repeats the same thing. Okay, gimme a second, and turn my ship and increase power - and the mother says it again, and again, and again, etc.
I've timed it, and she repeats it every 2 seconds, after finishing the sentence, and if she has a long shipname, then it is nearly on top of the previous phrase. My message log just starts to fill 1/4 the screen, when you push the "`" key on the keyboard. I'm so happy when she goes into the process of creating the wormhole, so that she stops saying that message.
Solution: I think that setting the timer for repeating the message should be elongated, or better, said once and then maybe a second time, after 20 or 30 seconds or so, from station launch.
Next is when I'm trying to fly "top cover" on the way to the destination station nav buoy. Looks like I have to maintain from 500 to 2500 meters from the mother - and be behind her.
Behind isn't bad, but I find 2500 meters too close, I like to be able to have a little more flexibility in my position, so that I can scan contacts, intercept
ahead of the mother, and roam a bit.
Solution: I think that up to 4 km would be good, and if possible, not have to be behind her.
Edit: Thinking about it, it would be impossible to synchronize jump engines. So having to stay behind would be mandatory.
Next, is when she decides to use injectors.
Man, if I'm not escorting an Anaconda, or a Python, I'm in trouble trying to keep up (was using a Fer-de-Lance testing this oxp).
Worse still, is if she detects bandits - and she always knows about them before I have a chance to scan every contact myself - she bolts on injectors straight for them!
That leads to quite some hairy situations. (lol)
Incidentally, I have discovered that ECM has a big range, because I killed missiles targeted on her from like real far away, in an act of desperation, during one such occasion.
Solution: Not sure, here, what can be done. I'm questioning why the mothership would want to engage a mass of pirates with just me as an escort. I'd think that she should try and run, while I intercept. But I don't know what is possible with programing, and this might be a lot to ask. For "en route" injector use, as soon as she is no longer mass locked, she should stop using them, so that I can catch up to her.
Edit: Maybe you could also indicate what type of ship you are being asked to escort (Anaconda, Boa, Boa 2 Class Cruiser, Python). That would help in my decision making prior to accepting a contract.
Things I like:
- The opening screen. Very nice and picturesque. What is the centrally placed, blueish grayish ship in the picture?
- You can refuse a mission with no penalty.
- You are told the destination system and the government type, and given an estimated chance of meeting hostiles.
- You have to actually buy a license.
- Success is determined by accomplishing the mission - not how many kills you receive. This really keeps you on your toes in fights. I have let many a pirate go, having to turn back and protect the mother. I've also thrown myself in between a bunch of them and her, hoping to draw fire and ECM missiles.
Another idea: The readme says that injectors are used to keep it from being boring by being mass locked, etc. Well, one should know that you are willingly accepting to escort a trader vessel through the space lane. Some boredom should be expected, and to be frank, the better chance the mission is going to succeed if you encounter no bandits. I wouldn't mind at all if the mother did not use injectors to get out of mass locks, but used them instead to run from pirate bands.
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