Jathniel wrote:Well, I like the idea, but I doubt we can get AI sharp enough for what you describe, Vel.
I could go for a simple test range.
But for any real training, I'd simply like for us to deploy into our own districts. If we have to have training AI, simply put fast-moving floating targets that would shoot a scrambler pistol round at you every so often, just to keep you on your toes (Star Wars Jedi training orb-style).
Thanks for the reply. I think I may not have been clear enough. The intention of the AI is for testing different fits and weapons, not for the PC strategies idea mentioned.
In other words, if I'm a new player and I want to see what it's like to try to snipe using a maxed-out sniper spec against a target that's dancing around, I can make that happen. Maybe I learn that I hate it and decide to make a shotgun scout instead. Or if I want to see how well a fully shield tanked Proto Caldari Assault suit can absorb damage when going against a MLT fit AI using a SMG. I can repeat it with an armor tanked Gallente Assault. I can test that out by having the AI shoot me. This may guide the direction of my training. Or if I want to see how well my tank fit can handle incoming fire from a rail tank, then I can set that up too. Or if i want to try out the upcoming ion pistol, and CCP has made it available in the testing mode, then I can play around with it there. Maybe i decide I love it and so I start saving up SP for it to use when it becomes available in real matches, or maybe I was saving up for it, but hated it and so it frees me up to spend those points in something else. Or maybe I test it out and find a hit-detection bug, so I make a video and post a thread in the feedback section which helps CCP correct the problem before it goes live.
The point of the AI is so you can test, not for training. If the test range is simply static characters, that would be a major missed opportunity IMO. A lot of bugs and a lot of tests can only really be found/done if something is shooting back at you, or moving around. Allowing squad mates into your test with friendly fire on (remember suits won't cost anything here) could alleviate some of this, but I still think it would be really nice to be able to quietly test out things on your own. A buggy/rudimentary AI would be perfectly sufficient for this purpose.
The training aspect would be like you suggest where teams can deploy to their districts and practice strategies/tactics together. It would focus on which squads go where, which guy in the squad calls in what vehicle, how do we counter when the enemy pushes to x objective from y etc.? It's not about shooting AI bots, because you're right, that would be so far away from how a real PC match would play out as to be completely and utterly pointless.