Red Alert and Scanning

[commandlock]

I have 2 suggests.

1.) A Red Alert feature
Inspired by Star Trek, the thinking here is that any time the BC is attacked, the BC will automatically go into Red Alert. Sirens will sound, and anyone inside the BC or outside (i.e. a miner) would hear it. In my mind this is useful for a number of reason, the primary reason being that miners far from their home BC would know if their ship is being attacked. Sometimes when I am out mining, I am not aware that the BC is being attacked (the enemy BC may be firing outside of viewable range and therefore doesn't show up on the mini-map).

The Red Alert siren could be turned off by typing "-red alert off" (as it could get annoying after a while). Alternatively, if the captain wants the crew to prepare for battle it could also be turned on by typing "-red alert on".

2.) Scanning enemy ship
Also inspired by Star Trek, there would be a new station created on the BC. The person standing on it would be able to see all the stats of the enemy BC. This includes their shield power, energy levels, what their core looks like, how strong their engines and weapons are, etc... This would provide valuable tactical information. My suggestion would be that this new station only works when the enemy BC is in visual range. The scan itself would cost energy, and you would only be able to view the stats of the enemy BC for... maybe 10 seconds. After which there would be a cooldown.

Or better yet, just add this feature to the Science station. There isn't much going on there anyways.

[Red-Rocket]

Add the second one to the science console as an expensive upgrade and the first one as to activate on its own ability (getting attacked) at a small cost and as a beginning feature (without needing to upgrade or buy it) that players can use
That's my input on it

Beam me up, scotti!

[WhyteDragon]

To suggestion number one:

I've seen a bunch of games that have done something like that. I have yet to seen one of them that have not done it obnoxiously yet. The actual utility of the idea is great, and it does help, but the constant sound of a siren screaming in your ears is painfully obnoxious. A mildly flashing screen? Maybe. But please don't introduce a blaring siren.

To suggestion number two:

I think this has potential as an idea, so long as you put on the appropriate limitations. At a long range, it becomes far too easy to simply constantly check up on the enemy BC and decide, 'Okay, they have no shields. I see 3 people out of ship on radar. Surprise buttsex kill time!'

In the midst of battle? Yes, I think it's a wonderful idea. Forcing people to relay information regarding the enemy BC, passing it around the ship and reacting accordingly only further promotes strong game play and communication which fits the game's MO rather clearly. So in short, perhaps if you put a limitation on range, you have a very good idea here.

[DumbMarine]

On number 1, I think this would be abused more than it would be genuinely used.

On number 2, a sensor console is already planned and on the way. It'll have all the bells and whistles, including Terran sensor tower-like functionality, provided you have the power.

I believe it will have what you're talking about, except you have to shoot a special projectile at the BC to 'scan' it. Or I could be misremembering that, or it could be something else.

[Red-Rocket]

I believe it will have what you're talking about, except you have to shoot a special projectile at the BC to 'scan' it. Or I could be misremembering that, or it could be something else.

Arm it on a long range missile?

[commandlock]

In regards to the red alert feature and the annoying siren... maybe only have the siren sound for 3 seconds? After which the sound would shut off and all that would be left are flashing red lights inside the BC. I thinking having a siren sound can be useful (especially for miners off in deep space) as long as the sound is limited. Also, please do not forget the cool factor associated with a red alert siren.

With the scanner, yes the range would have to be limited. My suggestion is for it to only work when the BC is in close visual range. This would be a useful strategic feature, and let's not forget the cool factor --> "Captain... enemy ship is powering up weapons!"