Reduce duration for multiple downloads.

[Screemonster]

Currently I'm AFK for 340 seconds while I download data from a security data port.
The longest individual item in the list is 90 seconds.
I can understand how, for balance reasons, you might want to make someone stick around in a dangerous area to swipe a mission objective - sure, I can see that, but multiplying that by 4 or 5 is just AFKing for no good reason.
Seriously, I'm standing in a restricted area typing a forum post because I'm that confident that I won't be found.

What I suggest is that for multiple simultaneous downloads, they should take as long as the longest duration individual item, with the duration of any subsequent items cut in half each time, rather than being purely additive.

 

[metatheurgist]

I dunno, I don't think the problem is the times, I think the problem is the range. If there are other things to loot within range I don't notice the time at all. Also a bit silly that whatever protocol they are using in 3300 has less range than Bluetooth. I'd say you still need to access the port but massively increase the dl range. Keep ul range small because personal devices don't have the range (and the risk is part of the game there).

 

[Galactic Fork]

I dunno, I don't think the problem is the times, I think the problem is the range. If there are other things to loot within range I don't notice the time at all. Also a bit silly that whatever protocol they are using in 3300 has less range than Bluetooth. I'd say you still need to access the port but massively increase the dl range. Keep ul range small because personal devices don't have the range (and the risk is part of the game there).

My imaginary rationalization is that it's some kind of maintenance protocol not actually meant for file transfer we exploit to steal proprietary data. Which is why there's no login. So we get direct access to info, but slow transfer speed.

Anyway, I do wish the dl range was longer, but I don't want to destroy the tension of sometimes needing to remain in a restricted area while downloading.

 

[Martind Forlon]

Some of download times are really too long, imo there shouldn’t be longer download as 60 sec … that time usually can be meaningfully filled with action close to download port. Longer times are boring and it’s lost playtime.

 

[Jmanis]

I think the whole problem is FD's head they envisaged downloading to be one of those scenarios where you're needing to actively avoid threats in the time it takes to download (ergo; trying to download a large volume of data should take longer, to expose you to the risk longer).

Thing is, most people won't even try to download the data until they've rendered the area entirely safe (or it's not illegal to download in the first place). A first pass would be:

• Legal Downloads/Uploads of data in Unrestricted areas should be instantaneous
• Illegal Downloads/Uploads of data in Unrestricted areas should be instantaneous, when alarms are disabled
• Illegal Downloads/Uploads of data in Unrestricted areas should take time, when alarms are enabled
• All Downloads/Uploads of data in Restricted areas should function as it currently does

The latter point is fine, until you factor in my first statement, then you're idling risk-free in a restricted area while waiting for the data. A secondary pass would be to adjust times based on range to the data point.

• (4 bars of reception) Increase download speed by a factor of 10
• (3 bars of reception) Increase download speed by a factor of 4
• (2 bars of reception) Increase download speed by a factor of 2
• (1 bar of reception) Standard download speed

Lastly, remember that minigame they disabled for doing research biopsies? Yeah, they should've just removed it and added it to data downloads/uploads. You might still want to apply the rules above and not have the minigame in safe/lawful scenarios, but it's the perfect scenario for that sort of minigame.

• The risk is being somewhere you shouldn't, with a need to remain in the area.
• The minigame is a natural distraction, adding a level of "fear of the unknown". Corollary: One of the things I actually enjoy is using computer terminals in known guard patrol paths when I'm wanted, since it's hard to concentrate on navigating menus and keep an eye on the radar at the same time... as mundane as it is it feels risky, dangerous, exciting.
• It becomes a skill based activity (albiet just twitch reflex; a logic puzzle would be better), with delays if you fail, causing longer exposure to the risk. Tackling it in a known dangerous scenario increases pressure and the risk of making mistakes, while a relatively safer environment (such as the 4th point in the rules mentioned before) lets you focus your attention, making it easier and quicker.

Hate minigames/twitch reflexes, and otherwise can't/won't do them? E-Breach got you covered fam. Give it a timer to apply, one where you have to be physically close, and then allow instantaneous download of the data.

 

[Screemonster]

A buff to download speeds in nonrestricted areas would be nice. Having the base speed be faster but get increased if the alarm is currently going off would be neat too - if you haven't disabled the alarms but someone spots you and raises them, suddenly that timer rockets upwards and you've got to decide whether to stick it out or abandon the download to deal with the alarms.

The main thing is that alarms and restricted areas don't apply to the data points on PoIs, and there's nothing quite like having 30 seconds still on the clock when you hear an engine and look up to see a viper descending towards you with the telltale blue flicker of personal shields visible in its cargo hatch...