Can't for the life of me intercept anti-ship missiles!

[Mazryonh]

Okay, having gone far enough in this nice game to get to Lieutenant Commander, I was excited to be commanding a frigate-class ship, only to discover to my horror at just how fragile they are when pelted with anti-ship missiles, whatever the source.

I've tried everything I can to get my PDB to intercept them before they bypass my shields. Here's a list:

-Turning and rolling so their firing arcs will meet the missiles
-Setting all the PDBs to defense mode (this doesn't work; they only fire at the fighters that are firing the missiles, never the missiles or torpedoes themselves).
-Setting the PDBs to auto mode and targetting the missiles using the "target closest threat" button, but they STILL don't fire.
-About the only thing I haven't tried is setting the PDBs to manual and targetting the missiles before shooting them down manually, but I doubt this will work either.

Am I doing something wrong here? I KNOW that Berents class frigates can fire their fore PDBs right in front, so I just don't get what I'm messing up.

By the way, I don't like seeing the Archon getting pounded by missiles (she has less than 25% health remaining now), so is there any way I can intercept those ASMs as a fighter pilot? In one of my other favourite space sims, X3: Reunion, you usually have to shoot down inbound missiles as a fighter instead of using countermeasures, so is that possible here instead of, say, wasting all your decoys just because you strayed a little too close to a frigate-class ship?

[wdboyd]

Salutations,

The games weapons, designated as "missiles", CANNOT be targeted by the AI.

The simulations missile weapons designated as topedoes or "drones" can be targeted.

A "player" in a fighter type craft can possibly destroy a enroute "missile(s)".

Normally the only craft that have "missile" weapons are fighter/attack types.

The stock capital ships have torpedoes but they are actually designated drones that can be intercepted. So if you are engaging the games stock capital ships, they will be using "drones" which can be targeted with the proper defensive weapons.

The AI controlled weapon systems will only target those weapon systems designated in its .def file, (programming). A weapon designated to target only starships will not target any other type of target. etc.

Most PDB type weapons should be defined to target fighter/attack and drones. But remember, the AI controlled weapon will target the first(closest) threat it is defined to engage. It will target it until destroyed and then target another defined target.

"By the way, I don't like seeing the Archon getting pounded by missiles (she has less than 25% health remaining now), so is there any way I can intercept those ASMs as a fighter pilot?"

Possible, but if you take out the incoming fighter/attack craft, you destroy their payload. Destroy the enemies delivery platform(s) and you destroy their missile payloads. Missiles in Starshatter are definately a serious threat.

Good luck Commander. [;)]

[Mazryonh]

Thanks for your prompt reply, but I guess I should have been more specific.  So I can't intercept the missiles fired by fighter-type craft? That sucks.

Still, can you help me with getting my PDBs to target the drones fired by Broadsword-class destroyers and the like? I've done everything I've laid out in my list already and can't seem to intercept the torpedoes at all!

[wdboyd]

Broadsword class destroyer- These are tricky. While I have been able to make good core hits (and disable the ship) from about 95'-100' angle from the nose, this kind of success is rare. Generally it’s best to start hammering away at its forward beam weapons and torpedoes.

If you have a side shot at the ship, hit its torpedoes first. If you have a forward view, go for the beam weapons. Once these are down, you can take off the rail and pdb batteries on the top and tail. Finish with torpedoes. Rinse and repeat. These craft usually come in packs, so be sure and bring a friend to get their attention first.

Note: There may be even more involved in engaging incoming torpedos. The PDB firing arc will come into play. This is designated in the PDB .def file(programming).

Try turning you ship over the executive officer and see how it responds. Then later take command again.

I suggest you create a custom mission with the games mission editor with the exact two contending ships involved.  Try attacking the Broadsword from, as indicate above, in varying and differnt angles and elevations.

Then designate yourself as the Broadswords captain(player), in your custom mission, then take on your ship. See how it responds under AI control versus you in the Broadsword. 

Put your ship in different types of misssions types versus the Broadsword. ie... sweep, intercept, assault, patrol. See how it performs or acts under AI control.

I think you will gain some insights. [;)][align=right]
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[Mazryonh]

I might try your editor suggestion, if I weren't so allergic to programming in general.

But what's real funny is that I've had PDBs fire on nearby fighters who are attacking somebody else, while completely ignoring a Broadside's torpedoes heading right my way!  I'm getting very frustrated here, and I would like to master using a Berents-class frigate--whose FWD PDB I know can fire directly in front.

[wdboyd]

But what's real funny is that I've had PDBs fire on nearby fighters who are attacking somebody else, while completely ignoring a Broadside's torpedoes heading right my way!

Frigates are primarily anti-fighter/attack screening platforms. The AI will not normally attack a more powerful capital ship unless designated to ASSAULT or INTERCEPT that specific ship. Build a custom mission to prove my point.

I have a frigate in my SolCom mod. It will engage several Marauder class frigates until fighters come into range. It will destroy its currently engaged target and then turn to engage the fighters, even though the remaining Marauders continue to close in on the frigate. A AI controlled frigate is a AI controlled frigate.

A Berents Frigate has three Phalanx Cannon PDBs. Two FORWARD and one AFT firing.

The Phalanx has a minimum range of 10 Km and a MAX range of 35 Km. That is a rather short ranged weapon. The Phalanx is programmed to engage Ships/fighters/attack and drones. Remember, a AI controlled weapon will target the first(closest) threat it is defined to engage. It will target it until destroyed and then target another closest defined target.

Oh, using the games editor is VERY easy and requires no programming.

[Mazryonh]

So I have to keep further away than 10 KM from a Broadsword to intercept its torpedoes?  That's one tip.

Has anyone made a vid showing how to maneuver a destroyer/frigate best to intercept fighters and torpedoes?  Youtube doesn't like this game, apparently.

[wdboyd]

"Has anyone made a vid showing how to maneuver a destroyer/frigate best to intercept fighters and torpedoes?" 
 
Not that I am aware of. 
 
"Youtube doesn't like this game, apparently. "

Starshatter is not an easy simulation of space combat. It is very challenging and there are NO CHEAT CODES available to beat it or make it easier. A commander must earn advancement and success.
 
Wimps need not apply. [:D]
 
Hint: Other Fighters are best at taking out enemy fighters and attack craft.
 
Consider transferring to a fighter squadron in your current sector(s) of operation and set forth to destroy those pesky fighter/attack craft. Once destroyed, they are gone for good.
 
Good luck.