On Fighters

Firemane · #1 January 25th, 2001, 06:53 PM

Here is something that I fing a bit disturbing...

When hit by point defense weapons, a group of missiles die one at a time. On the other hand, when hit by a big weapon, fighters and sat Groups seem to die by the dozen instead of one by one.

This makes fighters a relatively poor choice on the cost effectiveness side, not to mention that you can find yourself doing a lot of transporting to keep up operational loses. Also, I found myself at least once in the unenviable situation of having to stop an offensive and run because of loses inflicted on my fighter strike forces by the Cue Kappa main ship batteries (Add a stream of colorfully irreverent words at the end of that sentence, please). So far I've read some Posts where a bunch of you guys seem to dislike relying on fighters, Is that your reason?

I like fighters. They are an offensive tool. But it spoils my "suspension of disbelief" to see the way they handle damage. So, should I stick with fighters or switch to something else? Are there any successfull fighter commanders out there who can advise me?

Tampa_Gamer · #2 January 25th, 2001, 07:06 PM

Several modders (including myself) have suggested to Aaron that he include a line item in the "Settings.txt" file (TRUE/FALSE) flag on whether main weapons are limited to "one hit/one kill" against units. If you feel the same way, go ahead and e-mail him.

[This message has been edited by Tampa_Gamer (edited 25 January 2001).]

IBDoomed_Work · #3 January 25th, 2001, 07:12 PM

I've actually always thought fighters were a bit overpowered. I use fighters to protect every planet. I have used a single carrier loaded with 200+ fighters to take out fleets of dreadnoughts. I find them to be low cost and very disposable. I usually stick 7-9 engines, 1 rocket pod and fill the rest with 2-3 cannons. How are you configuring your fighters?

IBD

Mephisto · #4 January 25th, 2001, 07:17 PM

Personally, I love fighters (ahem, who would have thought that, eh?).
I don't like the way damage is applied to them but they are quite effective anyway. Make sure to install 2 shields in a large fighter and they are deadly.
When you bring some capital ships with you the enemy is faced with a though decision: Fight the capital ships and be mauled by the fighters or shoot the fighters (quite hard) and get toasted by the capital ships.
No one said it would be an easy decision.

quote:
Originally posted by Firemane:
Here is something that I fing a bit disturbing...

When hit by point defense weapons, a group of missiles die one at a time. On the other hand, when hit by a big weapon, fighters and sat Groups seem to die by the dozen instead of one by one.

This makes fighters a relatively poor choice on the cost effectiveness side, not to mention that you can find yourself doing a lot of transporting to keep up operational loses. Also, I found myself at least once in the unenviable situation of having to stop an offensive and run because of loses inflicted on my fighter strike forces by the Cue Kappa main ship batteries (Add a stream of colorfully irreverent words at the end of that sentence, please). So far I've read some Posts where a bunch of you guys seem to dislike relying on fighters, Is that your reason?

I like fighters. They are an offensive tool. But it spoils my "suspension of disbelief" to see the way they handle damage. So, should I stick with fighters or switch to something else? Are there any successfull fighter commanders out there who can advise me?

Seawolf · #5 January 25th, 2001, 07:32 PM

Hasn't anyone heard of Escorts?! I build DD hulls with Shield and PDC only. they do wonders for Missile and Fighter hordes

------------------
Seawolf on the prowl

Firemane · #6 January 25th, 2001, 08:02 PM

So far I've engaged only with medium fighters, which can only fit a relatively modest load. I have the heavies researched and I'll try them ASAP.

On the other hand, I feel a bit uncomfortable with their Kamikaze nature when compared to the bigger ships. I hate to send my troops to die. :P

I also discovered that it is a good tactic to send fast fighters tailing a missile barrage. It improves the odds a bit, though not for the fighters.

The point defense escorts sound like a great idea too. I assume that you place less PD in your "other" designs then? If so, how many? Isn't that approach more 'expensive' that building 'self-defending' ships?