Target attacker of target

Wasp89 · Post by **Wasp89** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:16 pm

In the old x-wing/tie fighter series, one was able to target the attacker of a target; it was useful (indeed, vital in some missions). It was used, for instance, if you were trying to protect a cap ship from bombers. Target the cap ship, and then press the key bound to the "target attacker of target" function.

Such a function is not as important in Legends, but would nonetheless be useful. I'm envisioning concerted military contracts, where each player involved has certain responsibilities. Two players are responsible for taking out ("bombing") the cap ship, and the remaining players are responsible for covering the "bombers." It would be easier to provide cover if you could target ships that are targeting your friends.

Just a thought, I don't know how possible this would be.

[Edited on 9-17-2009 by Wasp89]

warsign · Post by **warsign** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:38 pm

Originally posted by Wasp89
In the old x-wing/tie fighter series, one was able to target the attacker of a target; it was useful (indeed, vital in some missions). It was used, for instance, if you were trying to protect a cap ship from bombers. Target the cap ship, and then press the key bound to the "target attacker of target" function.

Such a function is not as important in Legends, but would nonetheless be useful. I'm envisioning concerted military contracts, where each player involved has certain responsibilities. Two players are responsible for taking out ("bombing") the cap ship, and the remaining players are responsible for covering the "bombers." It would be easier to provide cover if you could target ships that are targeting your friends.

Just a thought, I don't know how possible this would be.

Another useful command was "save target". You could save important targets with shift+f5-f6-f7 and reselect them with f5-f6-f7. Was really useful too(Tie Fighter Collectors Edition).

Post by **Vice** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:56 pm

It's possible, perhaps as an 'ALT' option for one of the secondary target functions. The targeting system could sort through all targets in range and find one that is attacking your target. One potential issue with this targeting method is that there could be several ships attacking your target. Should priority be given to range (to you or the target?), threat level based on frame class/weapons/etc, or current action (after a flyby, AI ships will try to put some distance between themself and the target before resuming an attack).

That also raises a question, how many players use the visual HUD targeting system? Do most of you stick to just button and key functions?

[Edited on 9-17-2009 by Vice]

Post by **Marvin** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:13 am

Originally posted by Vice

That also raises a question, how many players use the visual HUD targeting system? Do most of you stick to just button and key functions?

If there are a lot of targets, using the cursor can be quicker ... assuming I have a particular target in mind.

Wasp89 · Post by **Wasp89** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:18 am

Rather than reach for the mouse, I nose my craft over so that my crosshairs are over the intended target and then press a button on my joystick bound to the "target ship in gunsight" function. I do this frequently.

Wasp89 · Post by **Wasp89** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:19 am

Originally posted by Vice

Should priority be given to range (to you or the target?), threat level based on frame class/weapons/etc, or current action (after a flyby, AI ships will try to put some distance between themself and the target before resuming an attack).

[Edited on 9-17-2009 by Vice]

I would think that if priority were given to range, it would be range of the attacker to the target. I think that it wouldn't matter how much armor your attacker has (as on higher frames with 8 hardpoints), it's the ability to deliver a payload to the target the fastest that is the largest concern...though this could mean that payload would be of greater import.

I would recommend assigning target priority to weapon loadout. Maybe coming up with some kind of threat score based on primary and secondary weaponry if that is possible (e.g. total payload yield for missiles + a predetermined score for cannons and lasers based on class)

This is getting a little out there, but If a routine could be created that adds weight to that threat score by considering the range of the weaponry (some kind of multiplier of the "threat score," perhaps--is the attacker in missile range of the target with the loadout he is using?), that just might be able to more frequently identify the greatest threat.

Moving towards or away from a target for AI determines whether or not the AI has a firing solution. In a Clan V Clan teamplay scenario, this is not the case. A player moving away from his target but is flying backwards may still have a firing solution.

Warsign is right, being able to save target presets is a great idea. It goes hand in hand with the target attacker of target function, too. Just target and save the cap ship as a preset, then later press the button for that preset to bring up your target (the cap ship), and then press the "target attacker of target" button. Nice, clean, simple (theoretically).

[Edited on 9-18-2009 by Wasp89]

BraveHart · Post by **BraveHart** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 4:18 am

"I use the Hud...but not exclusively it depends on the situation that I am in at the moment"....when I see my wingmen taking on the Vonari or other Hostiles (Clan Fights included) I target using preset buttons on my joy stick to get a fix on those not engaged. However if I am in the middle of a Hornets nest the Hud comes in handy.

DennyMala · Post by **DennyMala** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:59 am

I usually target the closest "red" from me apart when I have to protect something or someone. In that case I have to rely on my situational awareness to discern.