Better Formations

Psieye · Space Emperor Joined: Dec 03, 2006

I've talked a bit on this subject and uploaded my Formations_TaskForces.txt here, but I think this deserves its own topic for proper discussion. At some point I want to also make compact "horizontal file" and "vertical file" task force formations (maybe even diagonal versions of them). This would allow Fleet Formations to have 'building blocks' of Task forces in useful shapes.

As I mentioned in the linked post, formations aren't as useful given that we can fly through ships and everything is ranged to a certain degree. However, the basic technique of keeping long-range, weakly-defended 'artillery' ships behind a line of 'meat wall' close-quarter ships is still applicable. Hence Fleet Formations with useful Task Force formations becomes relevant for Tactical combat when you want to try and flank ships.

Furthermore, I now realise I need to come up with 'strafing' task force formations to satisfy my desire for a rich Tactical combat - a vertical file that's asymmetric in Escort and Picket positions. The concept here is to avoid meeting enemy ships headon, but with your ships flying at 90 degrees to their approach - all your ships are firing as you fly sideways. Ideal for 'interception' task forces whose job is to suddenly fly in the path of ships.

Hmmm... once the stock patches have dealt with bugs, I'd better make the suggestion of letting task forces change formation in-combat. THAT would really enhance 'Tactical' combat ^^