Attack In Formation command - Buggie?

[FAD]

The attack in formation command appears to have some serious issues or I'm not understanding its functional purpose. When I give my wingmen that order, they'll immediately start firing their cannons even if there's no enemy around. They'll continue to do so until I order them to stop or target an enemy.
Is this intentional or is it a bug?
I had assumed that the Attack In Formation command meant for the wingmen to automatically fire upon a visual enemy whenever one is spotted, not just start firing off for no reason.

While on the formation thing, I think the formation is too tight. The wingmen should be a little further apart and away from the playership. As it is now, being so close, they'll sometimes accidentally hit the playership when they first encounter an enemy (while using the "Break and Attack" command).

[(name here)]

the fire in formation is supposed to be fire away even without a target.

[george moromisato]

It's deliberate (though maybe not useful).

The command is used by the Ares formations in the Point Juno missions to attack another massed formation. I sometimes use it when attacking a large target.

[goat not sheep]

I use it to attack neutral things...like transports.

[(name here)]

I use it to attack neutral things...like transports.

you can use attack target for that. its really usefull for only about 4 volleys other than any you may fire attacking the communes. it might be more usefull if you have wingmen more often. you cant use it escorting the convoys because the sandstorms will break past and you must change the order to break and attack.

[F50]

base siege.

[(name here)]

thats the commune attacks and you with namless woman and Rama.

[FAD]

Ahh! OK, kewl! So all this time, I could have been using my wingmen as a long-range standoff. Gonna now!

[F50]

its really nice for Rama to help you with that Sung fortress (Those are and will be a nasty pain with Rama around until something like "loose formation" is implemented).

[goat not sheep]

My most annoying thing: I used rama to attack a slave camp. He kills everything including the slave buildings. No slave coffins.

[FAD]

My most annoying thing: I used rama to attack a slave camp. He kills everything including the slave buildings. No slave coffins.

Well, there is a nasty trick to getting those coffins IF there is at least 1 or 2 slave dwellings remaining...(and I've got the feeling that after George reads this, it will be changed in an upcoming version) ...Have Fusionfire will get you coffins, simply target all the destroyed slave dwellings and blast 'em away-then dock with a live dwelling and get your coffins.
In the current code, it's written so that you get (or don't get) coffins on a percentage basis, live-VS-destroyed dwellings. So, by blasting all the destroyed ones, the code will read 100% live dwellings regardless of the initial starting amount.

[goat not sheep]

pity... I've never had a hotzir in my life...

[FAD]

I can't do without one. I'll buy the first Mark V I find if I haven't found one in loot until I can find the Fusionfire to replace it. I don't mess with the Mark 1 or Mark III since they're blast and usually have to take several hits before blowing up the wreck. The Mark V is what I call the smaller brother to the Fusionfire - both are thermo with the Fusionfire having a little over double the fire power. Along with it being the best wreck remover in the game, it also makes an excellent base buster as well.
You should give the howitzer a try sometime.

[goat not sheep]

where do you find a fusionfire?

[FAD]

Usually a system or two before and after Point Juno, they'll be found. Check all the friendly bases, including CW Fortresses and BM Shipyards. But you'll have a better chance finding one at the Ringers, Taraton's or Taiken Venturer's. You may even get lucky and find one in loot.
The Fusionfire is 100 MW, but as powerful as it is (16-104), you won't have to fire it repeatedly to destroy wrecks and the average base will take anywhere from 5 to 10 shots to bust it. The heavier, stronger bases will take more.
I've taken Sung Cititals out in 2 shots many times and with that cyber lower shields it has, they hardly get to use it when facing a couple long-range incoming from the Fusionfire.