General questions for whoever can answer.

[Osseon]

I'm a big fan of the Jack Aubrey books and how intense the chase "scenes" are.  So I was wondering a few things such as, will the game automatically tell what faction a target vessel is a part of?

It would be really neat if you had a variety of flags and signals to use to indicate what nation you belong to and not just have the UI say "Spainish Xebac"  Being able to confuse a vessel by hauling up a french flag when you are English would be a fun thing to do (even though most players will probably fire on you regardless.)

 

Will ship spotting be a thing or will the game automatically pull you from the overworld map into the in game world as soon as you are within range of spotting a target vessel?  Will you be able to engage enemies while they are miles away, only seeing the tops of their sails over the curve of the earth?

I'm just wondering how much Naval this game will be and how much action.  I know being 100% realism would be hilariously boring, but I do like a good chase and intense worry as you don't know if that frigate that just appeared hull up over the horizon is friend or foe.  The horror of realizing its a foe and shooting your stern chasers praying you can knock out a yard or hole his sails enough to get that extra knot to slip away.

 

Will there be boarding beyond your Nepoleon total war sit back and watch?  Maybe Sid Miers pirates!/Age of pirates 2 style deck fights?

 

I'm one of the few people who thought the Legend of Zelda wind waker long sailing period's was immensely relaxing and satisfying to explore and fight new places, how much time will you actually spend sailing your ship outside of combat?  I know the game seems to revolve around ship combat, but it will be nice to be able to just sail around (and there be a point to it.)

 

If anyone can answer these questions I'd appreciate it greatly.  If just one or two of these things were in the game I'd buy it in a heartbeat.  I can't wait to get a little Brig or Merchantman and get up to no good.  Keep up the good work!

[Thomas Blackwell]

Well firstly, if you are a fan of Patrick O'Brian, you're a friend of ours! The development team working on Naval Action is at the moment focusing on ship combat as you yourself pointed out. There are many threads on the forums here where we have been discussing with each other and the development team the possibilities of making Naval Action open world. The Dev's have expressed that they would very much like to make Naval Action more than just a combat simulator, although combat will still have a massive part to play in Naval Action's future. The Development team has also put a lot of thought and time into flags, banners and ensigns. I will link the thread about them all below. We have also been talking about things like boarding during combat, however the Dev's have told us that they will be focusing on getting the ship combat mechanics sorted first.

 

As an afterthought, you may want to check out the "Questions to Developers" thread if you haven't already. It may be able to answer your questions better than I. If you don't see your questions being asked, you're welcome to ask them yourself. Also, don't be afraid to get stuck in elsewhere on the forums. These forums are full of threads for you to share your opinions, questions, concerns and desires with the rest of the community!

 

Flags, Ensigns, Banners: http://forum.game-labs.net/index.php?/topic/21-flags-ensigns-banners/

Questions to Developers: http://forum.game-labs.net/index.php?/topic/558-questions-to-developers/

 

As for getting up to no good in a small vessel, you and me both! 

 

Theo

[maturin]

Here's a suggestion thread I made about this topic (which as Theo says, is far ahead in the development cycle, so we don't know much). But feel free to share your ideas there.

 

http://forum.game-labs.net/index.php?/topic/571-mr-pullings-hoist-the-private-signal-fog-of-war-in-the-game/

[admin]

Welcome to the forums mate.

we are preparing a FAQ update after the next round of testing (currently going) after that many questions will be answered

but feel free to share your thoughts. 

[Osseon]

What a warm reception!  I'll definitely keep my eyes open for the FAQs.  I completely understand getting the combat right before dwelling on these other features.  Surely all these other things would be boring if hulling a ship with carronade wasn't satisfying.