PPB -vs- Standard Shield (question)

Slynky · #1 July 31st, 2003, 06:28 PM

Noticed that lots of times, after a ship with regular shields has taken a few hits by my PPBs, the combat "hit" shows the shield picture around the ship as if the shields absorbed a PPB hit. That can't be, can it? If not, then does anyone know what's going on?

Suicide Junkie · #2 July 31st, 2003, 06:33 PM

IIRC, the shields should still flare up, but the PP beam will ignore them and cause an explosion on the hull.

It may also be that your opponent has mixed phased and regular shields. Once the normal shield generators are destroyed, then the Phased shields will start blocking your beams.

Slynky · #3 July 31st, 2003, 06:39 PM

IIRC, it never happens more than once per ship. No matter how many shields it has. And since I can see what is on the enemy ship, I've been careful to note that there are no phased shields. And, IIRC, doesn't matter what size the shields are or if there is more than one. It just seems to do it ONCE per ship during combat replay.

Maybe I should make notes the next time...

Captain Kwok · #4 July 31st, 2003, 06:44 PM

The PPB may trigger the shields, but that doesn't mean it is being blocked by them. Plus, aren't there explosions when components are destroyed even when the shields are shown?

Slynky · #5 July 31st, 2003, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
The PPB may trigger the shields, but that doesn't mean it is being blocked by them. Plus, aren't there explosions when components are destroyed even when the shields are shown?

For one, why does it only show the shield flare picture only once (though the shield may be, say, 225 strength)? Does the flare just mean that I killed the shield generator component?

As to explosions, I don't remember offhand. Seems like there is the usual sound of a hit but not the picture of a hit.

Again, I'll have to take notes next time.

Suicide Junkie · #6 July 31st, 2003, 07:34 PM

Replays are quite inaccurate on the graphics side.

It may be that you see the shield effect only when the shields get weakened. (This would be the shot after a generator is destroyed)

Slynky · #7 July 31st, 2003, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
Replays are quite inaccurate on the graphics side.

It may be that you see the shield effect only when the shields get weakened. (This would be the shot after a generator is destroyed)

Replays inaccurate? That's certainly nice to know...

)

Suicide Junkie · #8 July 31st, 2003, 08:43 PM

The only things that are guaranteed in replays are the movements of objects, and the death of objects.

Fyron · #9 July 31st, 2003, 08:44 PM

No, the replay is accurate. It is just the graphical displays of weapons hitting the ships that is innacurate (the shield effects, explosions, etc.; actual beams and such hitting and missing are IIRC accurate).

Arkcon · #10 July 31st, 2003, 08:53 PM

Yeah, I noticed in the latest patch, when Capital Ship Missiles hit a shielded ship, there is no shield animation, and the small exoplosion animation is drawn on the ship. Review of the ship intactical combat confirms that everything is working correctly -- sheilds have lost points, no damage to the hull -- it is just drawn wrong.

Oh well, the current patch fixes more things wrong with the game than these little animation bugs, so I guess it's OK.