The video discusses the current limitations of radars and scanning in Star Citizen, highlighting issues such as short scanning ranges and the lack of effective stealth implementation. It explores potential solutions, including quantum boosted scanning, different radar properties for ships, and the need for environmental factors to affect scanning, while also mentioning Cloud Imperium Games’ efforts to improve radar mechanics for a more complex and balanced system in the future.
The video discusses the current state of radars and scanning in Star Citizen, highlighting the need for improvements in the system. Currently, ships in the game have placeholder radar components that serve as all sensors on the ship. This simplifies the scanning process by having one component and one scanning interface instead of separate radars, thermal sensors, and electromagnetic sensors. However, there are limitations to the current system, such as short scanning ranges and the inability to implement stealth effectively.
One major issue discussed is the short scanning range, which limits the player’s ability to make informed decisions based on scanner results. The video mentions a potential solution showcased at CitizenCon, where quantum boosted scanning could allow players to detect points of interest hundreds or thousands of kilometers away. The idea of different radar properties for different ships is also explored, suggesting that ships should be able to swap out radars with varying attributes to suit their needs.
The video also addresses the lack of stealth implementation in the current radar system. It explains that all ships, regardless of stealth capabilities, are detected at similar distances due to the reliance on cross-section values. The suggestion is made that stealth ships should have a significantly lower cross-section value to differentiate them from other ships. Additionally, the video mentions the need for environmental factors to affect scanning, such as hiding a ship behind an asteroid for ambush tactics.
In terms of future development, the video discusses steps taken by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) to improve radar and scanning mechanics. A recent refactor allowing radar data sharing between seats on a ship is seen as a positive step towards expanding the radar operator role. The video also proposes a split in scanning modes, with the pilot having a quick scanning mode and dedicated scanning stations providing more detailed information over longer ranges.
The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of scanning in Star Citizen and the need for a more complex and balanced system in the future. It envisions a system where solo pilots can still navigate effectively with pilot scanning modes, while dedicated scanning stations offer strategic advantages. The video suggests potential features like tracing ship trails for bounties and linking radars of ships in one party. Overall, the video anticipates a future where scanning in Star Citizen will be a crucial and intricate aspect of gameplay.