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[Cruacious]

So, I was thinking about how we have ship systems that allow for a rapid acceleration forward, but nothing that explicitly throws you backwards. So, I'd like to suggest a ship system (or a ship designed around this) where when the system is activated the ship flies in reverse at 1.0 to 1.25x its top zero-flux speed for a few seconds, preferably while still under control and without disabling shields. This would allow the ship to fly in under normal power, unload a ton of flux worth of ordinance, and then scuttle back to cool off. It would open some very interesting tactical options in my opinion.

[TheLaughingDead]

That sounds a lot like Maneuvering Jets! "1-1.25 times zero-flux top speed" isn't actually that fast compared to the speed that Burn Drive or Plasma Burn get you, but I see the idea you are proposing.

[Cruacious]

Yeah, probably should up it to 1.5x to 2x or higher depending. It's just a spitball idea to create a new tactical niche for a skirmisher style of ship heavier than a frigate that is designed to get in, unload flux-heavy weapons, and get out. However, since it strictly increases only reverse speed it would be more restrictive than maneuvering thrusters. Hmmm, should have looked at the math behind those first.

 

[Princess of Evil]

Manjets is +50 speed, and it's the worst mobility system. With 1.25-1.5x speed on top, it could be viable, though.

[TheLaughingDead]

@Princess of Evil
I dunno if I'd call it the worst, assuming you are including forward-only ship systems. It is incredibly safe for AI to use, and it comes on some slower ships (Eagle, Conquest) that allows them to punch down without getting surrounded. I'd say it is pretty well balanced!

[Princess of Evil]

It's the slowest of them, it takes the space for an actual good system (and midline has awesome weapons systems) and, if you didn't know, it comes with a secret nerf to maneuverability, which is just extra funny (it's not anywhere in the code - but most combat ships reach max rotation speed in 1 second, and manjet ships all reach it in 1.5).
The only reason plasma is even remotely a contender is because it's on a lot of ships that hate going forward.

[Bungee_man]

I like this idea. It's unique, it'd look cool in action, and I was just thinking about the fact that there are surprisingly few different kinds of ship systems when you look closely. A skirmisher destroyer with a heavy front shield and reverse thrusters to take it out of combat when it gets too dangerous would be fun to use and to play against.

[kaoseth]

Well, maneuvering Jets, as others have said. 
 
Or really, add the AI behavior for non player controlled ships to use forward acceleration systems to both escape or flank.  Turn and thrust away is what players do.