Ships equipped with rangefinders and gun directors should feature three distinct types of sights:
Binoculars
Gun Director
Rangefinder
Targeting sequence could work as follows:
- Initial spotting – You use binoculars to locate targets. When you press the “Lock on Target” key, the rangefinders and main guns will start tracking the selected target. You can still freely use your binoculars to observe the battlefield.
The selected target would not be highlighted in any artificial way — the only indicator would be the rangefinder’s focus on it.
- Rangefinding – Switching to the rangefinder view allows you to see your target (unless it’s obscured by a smokescreen, an island, or other ships).
Example view: https://images.app.goo.gl/iNZti
Use the mouse scroll to adjust and determine the target’s range.
- Firing solution – Once you believe the range is correct, press the “Lock on Target” key again. At this point, the ballistic computer begins calculating the firing solution.
The goal is to keep range readings accurate.
The player would need to make constant range adjustments, with the ability to move guns horizontally if the target’s course changes unpredictably.
This system would still feel somewhat “arcade” in accessibility but would require more attention and situational awareness. It would also prevent unrealistic “snapshots,” giving the impression of operating a complex warship rather than simply steering a floating platform with guns.
AI gunners spotting – AI gunners should not automatically fire upon sighting a target. Instead, they should only report when a target enters their engagement range. The player would then decide whether to engage by pressing a bound key — similar to the mechanic used for “thanking for help with repairs.”
- Yes
- No
