Does not motivate teamplay as well as a squad system should.
Other things that I’m sure are obvious, like little information about your squadmates’ status, etc.
Proposed idea:
Have pilots create squads in the “Pre-game” screen, which can be password-protected. These squads are available for anyone to join, and anyone can become a squad leader, but the game will automatically kick a pilot out of his squad if he does not have another squad member when the game begins (or maybe assigned to the bot squad xD). Perhaps there might be an upper bound to the size of the squad, but it should (in my opinion) not be greater than half of the number of players per team, unless player provides the correct password to the squad in question.
Squad leaders would be distinct rally points for teams, as they reduce the chaos of the battle. This is because it is easier to see the tactical progression of the battle when squad leaders (which likely have numerous ships surrounding them) are visible. I was playing with the idea of squad leader buffs, perhaps just innate perks, like low amounts of healing to nearby squadmates (maybe not even themselves, as this would definitely be game-breaking). I definitely wouldn’t want squad leaders to be THAT much better than the average ship, but encouraging some more dynamic gameplay by encouraging the players to create squads and fly _ together _ .
I put emphasis on that for a reason. This game is great, but what it lacks is a feeling of “flying with the fleet.” Good players do it. “Bad” players are still learning, and this might be a good way to start teaching the larger picture and tactical options.
I’m really hoping that this system would help reduce the matchmaking times, as I am convinced that this game is failing because new players hate the long wait when they want to fly in squads.
I should note, that this would prevent groups from flying together in the first place, so maybe that could be a separate system from this. There might not be changes to that system, but this would be a faster and more fun alternative imo. Maybe the whole matchmaker just needs to be reworked, like actually having a server list of lobbies available for players to join. I’m really not sure why that hasn’t happened, as the current system is just so painful.
Well, wait time is still ridiculous, even you can’t say no to that. Especially when at low player base. A better system needs to be implemented to keep new players interested.
Well, wait time is still ridiculous, even you can’t say no to that. Especially when at low player base. A better system needs to be implemented to keep new players interested.
Indeed, it is. That’s why I am busy flying in Invasion mode. Having so much fun, if you know where to look.
Still, it’s unbelievable, that we are getting no feedback from actual developers themselves.
I hope that some of them will reply and coment on current situation at least during working days.
I hope that some of them will reply and comment on current situations at least during working days.
I think some of your idea exists with custom battle, however there are key things missing. I agree and you have pointed them out by suggesting this mode of play. I also feel that some of the squad and wing play is on the pilots. The queue times for squads is so long because there are too many pilots flying solo, fair to say?
Just make 2 men squads count as single players again. Problem solved.
Or better yet, just count all squads as single players. It would essentially randomize the distribution, and if it’s “unfair” that squad stacking happens against you, then squad up, eh?
Or better yet, just count all squads as single players. It would essentially randomize the distribution, and if it’s “unfair” that squad stacking happens against you, then squad up, eh?
Not all. Just 2 player squads. That is because if people sees that playing in 2 player squads is fun, they will try 3 and 4 ones, and more people will fly in squad.
So far it is useless to play squads in tier 4 and tier 5, because most people know they will have to wait for more than 5 minutes to find a game in a 2 player squad.
I feel like the squad system needs to be changed in a way that it doesn’t take into account the size of the squad. Most of the times I play, the player base is low, so flying in a squad is just about impossible (2-man squads occasionally get a battle), even when there are more than enough players online to get a battle. I know that most 4-man squads usually use TS or some other form of verbal communication, which gives them an advantage that players flying solo don’t have, but that could be compensated for using the Player Rating system. A 4-man squad could be put against players of higher ratings in order to give the other team an individual skill advantage. The only flaw with this is that good teamwork usually trumps individual skill, but it could be a learning experience for players, teaching them that flying in a squad and using teamwork results in more wins, more fun, and a better game experience. Coming from personal experience, I have a lot more fun flying in a squad and communicating via TS than I do flying solo. You not only get to work on your teamwork, but you also get to share laughs and good experiences with other players, whether you win or lose.
I strongly agree that the squad system needs an overhaul and needs to motivate teamwork much more than it does now.