Game mode: Flagship VIP

[Renaulde]

I'm considering a possible match type that follows a VIP sort of match rule.
I've been doing some browsing around to see who else has come up with a similar idea, and lo and behold I have:

https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,2365.msg40891.html#msg40891
https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,3787.msg66264.html#msg66264

These are two topics suggesting a formal VIP mode that I can mostly agree with, linked for convenience and seeing what people have posted for comments.

Generally put, VIP mode is a game type that forces one ship to act as a VIP and not die for the duration of a timed match. The other ships can die, though of course they will have to deal with a respawn timer. What I'm suggesting here is a branch of this VIP mode where both teams have a VIP they have to protect, but each VIP is a "Boss" class ship found in Co-Op mode.

I was considering this working in a few different ways, though here are the basics for all of them:

• Matches are limited to 3v3 and 4v4 match types.
• There are a limited number of respawns per team before it is considered a loss.

Here's where a couple ideas will differ, broken down into different elements in regards to the flagships:

• The flagships are set on a navmesh that force them to follow a set path, manned entirely by an AI crew (or autocannons). (The flagships will not be able to be manned in crew form)
• The flagships are set on a navmesh, but manned by four players that can repair armor and guns (and shoot, of course). (The flagships will take the top ship slots in crew form)
• The flagships are able to be piloted and act as a normal ship, but cannot be customized. (The flagships will take the top ship slots in crew form)
• The flagships are fully able to be customized and can be piloted by players. (Still locked to the top slots in crew form)

I'd consider each of these an option, first probably being the easiest to balance and handle. The un-piloted versions would probably have to not have an exposed balloon since it would mess with the pathing. It'd be tough to say exactly 'what' the flagships would look like at the moment and what would be considered fair, but I don't think basing them off of the boss ships from co-op would be too far of a stretch. This is what I have so far for this idea, what do you all think?

[RedRoach]

I see it being possible, considering how the community ran around with VIP matches in the Aerodome. I dislike the concept of giving an AI full control of how a ship is piloted. Maybe shot, but piloted? that would be some intense coding for damage, fear, sandstorm, and number factors, not to mention telling an AI captain "Wait, they've set up an ambush, stay back and snipe while we charge forward to get the focus on us and then rush past when they're distracted" would be an issue.

I feel that a CP style VIP would be cool. As in, the VIP is the only one capable of capping set points that need to get a filled amount (point A requires 20 points, but each point is only gained one per second of a VIP ship being there, with 5 points in a map). That would make my wish of a piloted VIP and a VIP mode in general come true.

The final problem with that is who will volunteer to be a VIP ship, or should it be picked randomly by a computerized roll of the dice?

[Bronzium]

I agree with this idea. I'd love to try a VIP mode for GoIO.

I'd love for the VIP ship to be based off co-op mode, and I'd think a piloted VIP craft would be easier to manage from the developer side, rather than an AI planned variant.

Then of course you would need to consider how the ship would be? Would you want it to have a ton of hull armor and very few weapons, or an armed-to-the-teeth VIP with almost no hull armor? Though I guess a balanced ship could work too.

In any case, I like the idea, would totally play it if Muse decides to implement it.

[Ultimate Pheer]

I'd imagine the best way to do it is crew it like a normal ship.

Although I imagine, if at all possible, it might work well with a slightly expanded crew size, and maybe heavier armor and guns than most ships because it will be taking that much more fire from enemies. Just an idle thought, though. If it's too big it's too difficult for 4 people to effectively crew and difficult to defend, if it's too small it's too difficult a target.

Yeah, I'm in favor of a preset ship with a preset loadout which can be crewed as normal though.

[Admiral Ackbar RTDT]

I think Muse should totally add this as a game mode.

[SirNotlag]

who knows maybe they might after they come out with co-op mode.
There is supposed to be big AI controlled Boss airships that the players will be fighting in co-op, maybe they can work those into the common multiplayer.