Poll about NPC rights

[the source 0179]

I swear i still occasionally come across npcs that snuck through the fixing in 2.1.
For instance never ending chaff and scb. And out maneuver ships that are supposed to be more maneuverable. Or the other day got interdicted in my python by a fdl i think it was. I've got 6a shields and 2x shield boosters. I think i got hit 3x my shields were gone and another 3 or 4 hits a rebuy screen. Not sure what he was packing because didn't have time to look but it annihilated me super quick and without even breaking a sweat. But i haven't had that in quite awhile. But i do think occasionally npcs still have a glitch which allows them to be super strong. Not sure anyone else sees this occasionally.

 

[Notwyn]

[haha] Bad Jay! (But have a ton of virtual rep anyway).

On topic. The question is framed from a combat orientated mindset. Not everyone plays this game for the combat. Those that do tend to gravitate towards meta, regardless of their vigorous (self?)denial. This discussion of NPC ability is purely a matter of their challenge or lack thereof in pew pew. In a game that has several other ways to play, looking at the AI challenge to opposing warships is only one part of the overall balance of the game. The impact of giving the AI facing your fellow players in non combat builds engineered weapons would be devastating!

The game, in my opinion, is too combat focused already. I'm looking forward to the coming season for the promised adjustments to trade, exploration and mining. I couldn't give a monkeys about a new crop of bfgs! I sure as heck don't want the AI, already hounding me in bigger and better armed ships, to come after me with death rays and doomsday devices when my focus is on trucking, or surveying, or alleviating/profiteering from outbreaks and famines. There are quite enough murder hobos in uber engineered battleships to contend with already, I don't need random NPCs joining the party!

Look at it this way. I like combat flight sims- who doesn't?- but I'm not keen on towing gliders in a transport plane when there are squadrons of late war fighters buzzing around. There aren't demands from Il-2 players for massive buffs to defending AI fighters from the bomber simmers. Why should we, flying the ED equivalent of Dakotas and Ju-52s, suddenly insist that the already powerful AI get access to better weapons and even aircraft, just because we, as players, can choose to fly P-51Ks and Ta-152s?

If the un-engineered AI isn't providing you with enough of a challenge, can I suggest you try white knighting at a CG? Salt miners are rarely even halfway decent stick jockeys, but they always seem to have the very best toys to play with. Knock yourself out!

Can't rep you again so have so virtual Rep, +1 CMDR.