lock-on/precision computer and modules

[spaceEngineer]

So currently the only way to get lock on missiles is through either pulse or beam slave. Here is the problem I see one module from either of these creates a fully lock on missile with the same turn radius/lock time (I think). As well as plain missiles and missile + cannon can't be locked on.

So here is what I propose the precision effect computer, so when given to missiles it would make the missile lock on. based on the number of precision modules compared to the main system the missile might take longer to lock on, maybe a faster or slower turning radius as well. I think the maximum effect would be at 25% of the main system (a targeting system the same size as the main weapon seem rediculous to me). When applied to a cannon or beam weapon the effect it would act as a aim assist with a larger effect cone the higher the effect %.

As far as game balance and numbers and percentages go I don't have much knowledge on so I kept away from raw numbers so It will of coarse need balancing. I did consider that if it is to op there may be a small damage cost in the same way cannons bring down damage per shot. Let me emphasise small damage cost missiles have already been nuked.

And lastly as a defensive system I think it could act as a zoom in or scope feature possibly from the current cameras position or the activated module in the largest precision group.

Go easy on me if this is a horrible idea, its my first post on the forums

 

[Crimson-Artist]

welcome to the forums!

while the idea of adding smart projectiles sounds pretty awesome it need some heavy balancing as I can see this making certain weapon combos even more OP then they are now. the lock on effect does need to be looked at again since adding more modules right now only increases the damage slightly while increasing the power usage astronomically. theres no difference in lock on time whether you have 1% slave or a 100% slave.

also you can get a lock effect from a damage beam/damage pulse slave without connecting any modules. just connect the computer to the missile computer and the missiles will have a lock on effect while still retaining the damage and reload time of a unslaved missile. its good for creating smart missiles.

 

[spaceEngineer]

certain weapon combos even more OP then they are now

Which combos are you thinking about? I could see missile + cannon could be spammed pretty bad with lock. What if the turning radius was partially dependant on firing rate so they could be fairly easily dodged still.

also you can get a lock effect from a damage beam/damage pulse slave without connecting any modules. just connect the computer to the missile computer and the missiles will have a lock on effect while still retaining the damage and reload time of a unslaved missile. its good for creating smart missiles.

Yea and that seems so strange to me that one block added to any size weapon has the exact same effect regardless. what if the current system stays however full lock is acheved at 25% missile + beam/pulse?

 

[Groovrider]

Increasing the beam slave will increase damage, speed and power consumption. Adding pulse slave will do the same but the speed gets a bit slower toward 100%. Thats the trade off between adding one block and taking it to the full 100%. With one beam/pulse computer added to a missile, that missile will be pretty slow and weak so it will need more beef with missile modules. Conversely the power drain for full slave support balances it nicely.

 

[Crimson-Artist]

Which combos are you thinking about? I could see missile + cannon could be spammed pretty bad with lock. What if the turning radius was partially dependant on firing rate so they could be fairly easily dodged still

i wasnt talking exclusively about missile combos, you have to remember that effect systems are a tertiary effect meaning that you can slave them to any weapon even weapons with slaves of their own. Cannon combos are very powerful right now cuz of their reliability and DPS. Giving a homing effect to cannon rounds could make really powerful combos like cannon/beam down right broken. not to mention big cannon/cannon systems will be able to lay down crazy amounts of damage.