PAST v1.0-pre6 Released: Full Crimson Fleet Quest Support
With this version of PAST, the full Crimson Fleet quest line is tested and supported for all potential combat resolutions.
You can find the latest package in the PAST #releases-latest channel of the GreslinGames Discord, available to Citizen role users. (If you don't currently have Citizen, please read the #read-this-first channel for instructions.) I've also released it here as a convenience for my Patreon subscribers.
You can see the full changelog here.
Features of this version include:
Crimson Fleet quest support. This version of PAST now supports all combat scenarios for the Crimson Fleet quest, up to and including both alternatives of "Legacy's End".
This brings PAST support current for all of the major Starfield side quest lines (UC Vanguard, Freestar, Crimson Fleet) and the main quest up to the end of "In Their Footsteps". The next PAST update should bring support current to the game's conclusion.
Cover detection. The PAST AI can now detect if it is in cover, and will factor that into its maneuver choices. Is this situation worth breaking cover over? Should it find a different place to take cover? Is it out in the open and in a direct line of sight of the enemy?
Out of ammo detection. The PAST AI can now detect if it needs to reload its weapon. This is a serious issue in Starfield, because the reload step is relatively slow and very easy to interrupt, and so it represents a significant vulnerability. The AI will now at least attempt to get somewhere safe if and when it needs to reload its weapon.
Improved retreat maneuvers. In this version I spent considerable time analyzing specific maneuver behaviors, and retreats in particular. The AI should be much more responsive to being hit or detecting the player in close proximity, and if it determines that a strategic retreat is necessary, should do so much more quickly and effectively. (This includes the increased likelihood of AI enemies boosting away from dangerous situations.)
General AI improvements. Now that the logging system has been overhauled into something much more coherent, I have a lot more visibility into the workings of the AI. That's given me the ability to more easily track down problems and inefficiencies. This version contains a long list of specific detail improvements to the main decision bus and AI state handlers.
Thanks as always to TheRoyalRabite for the excellent test footage.
Have fun,
G.
Starfield: Pack Attack Starfield Troopers v1.0pre6 dev (YouTube)