Pretty straightforward 'camera' suggestion. I like multi-crew capable ships though I have yet to actually use multi-crew thanks to a never-ending line of videos and forum posts explaining why I shouldn't. That's neither here nor there. I'm sure it'll be awesome someday. Until then, the suggestion is as follows:
How It Works
Why?
Again, I have high hopes for multi-crew in the future. I'm mostly a solo pilot (in open play typically) and really wish I could take more advantage of these ships. It won't be surprising that I advocate for NPC crews, too, but like multi-crew such a feature needs some strong work before it could be usable. Until then, let me use the cameras and at least get more views in this beautiful game!
How It Works
- Open Role Panel
- All roles (Gunner (Co-Pilot 1) and SLF Pilot (Co-Pilot 2) are available as seats when not currently occupied by multi-crew
- Selecting these 'seats' does not change Pilot's (Owner's) Role
- Pilot's perspective (seat) changes to the selected co-pilot seat. New Views, same capabiltiies.
Why?
- Since all of the co-pilot seats are outfitted identically (throttle, stick, pedals, and all panels) it is not surprising each 'seat' is capable of managing the ship, simply from a different and possible less ideal point of view. As an example, piloting from the SLF Pilot seat in a Corvette requires almost exclusive piloting by sensors and external cameras because you'd be so far back from the bridge window.
- By allowing the pilot to use other seats, they can gain new perspectives in their ship. For some ships, this is just a fun aesthetic exercise (Corvette or Anaconda as examples). Other ships have truly spectacular views for other seats - the Asp Explorer allows you to see further down, and the Krait Mk. II has lovely views to the side the pilot can't currently see.
- In the future, ships can be designed with 'separated' seats - co-pilots located elsewhere from the bridge - that a pilot could use for an even more radical viewpoint than the norm. Ships like the Type-10, for example, seem in need of gunner seat sat more atop or below the ship than its very front. Ships like the Anaconda, with an obvious viewing deck at the bow, could place an SLF seat there. Or ships like the Beluga Liner, where there appears to be a bridge above and at the fore of the ship. By allowing the pilot (owner) to swap seats, they can more fully enjoy these perspectives at will. In specific instances, such as combat with turret boats or exploration, these seats can also serve as better vantage points not currently usable.
Again, I have high hopes for multi-crew in the future. I'm mostly a solo pilot (in open play typically) and really wish I could take more advantage of these ships. It won't be surprising that I advocate for NPC crews, too, but like multi-crew such a feature needs some strong work before it could be usable. Until then, let me use the cameras and at least get more views in this beautiful game!