The NPCs are getting so good!

[Vurt]

So I had dropped down to mine a pristine metallic ring in my fully-loaded out python, away from the RES sites because I just wasn't in the mood, and noticed an NPC Asp had spawned in the instance along with me. I turned to scan him, and found out he was wanted. Not surprisingly, he headed my way and scanned me as well. I hadn't done any mining yet so my hold was empty, but instead of the "Pffft, how do you make a living!" message I got something more along the lines of "I can see you can handle yourself. I don't want any trouble." And he moved off. I guess he really didn't want trouble because he never came back around and not long after he jumped out.

NPCs that are smart enough to know when NOT to fight? Awesome! This is the first time I've seen anything like this. Thank you Ms. Avory!

 

[CMDR UBERPEITSCHE]

I made 2 major mistakes in that engagement: Arrogance and arrogance.
[...]

Oh yeah, totally know that feeling.

And that is a valid reason to get cooked, if you attack the big guys in the CZ in say an Eagle or Viper they should kick you out.
Even in bigger ships if they outfight you. It would be just a nice touch if they wouldn't decide to do that without any incentive.

Just so you can still use smaller ships.

 

[ROLX]

Hey guys and gals just a recap and new information. Went back to the same HICZ spot. Tanked around 430k CR (bout half my usual) . Ran into the same spot positon as in previous post. Spun and hit fully loaded ASP (was trying to keep me from loading shields). Whacked him and was coasting (bad I know). Ran into the 12% Powerplant Anaconda I had been chasing ! Too freaking cool ! Less yield, more fun ! Would be 900 k min at this point. Love the Chase.

 

[Ism]

Pythons and Vultures that actually shoot back in RES, how cool is that?
IMHO, without Ani's in the RES sites the Clippers are the most challenging. They attempt to maneuver and really fight back with some firepower.
NPC wings with a Clipper or two are quite the challenge I hate using SCB and generally have to use one or two when taking them on by myself (not to mention the chaff).
I can't imagine how hard they will be to take on with improved AI.