Goonhub
06-17-2020, 08:35 AM
This is more an idea I'd like to spitball and see what you guys think.
So, 2 maps have nuclear charges: Manta and Horizon. I should also note that they are rarely ever detonated due to how isolated they are and how well protected they are. Both charges are disconnected from the main grid and require some time and effort in a high-security, well-protected area to wire up. Manta's is buried deep in the armory, whereas Horizon's is right next to the AI in its satellite, with the satellite having multiple grids that require connection and the charge requiring a connection to the subgrid.
As an AI main, I say this with full bias: I would LOVE to have nuclear charges on more maps, either in the Armory, AI chamber, Computer core, or even it's own dedicated room. I think that, for a charge to be added to a map, a few prerequisites must be met:
1) It must be difficult for your average traitor to access. The AI Core and Armory are excellent examples, with the former being much harder as the AI is typically very aware of their surroundings.
2) It must be difficult to wire to the main grid. Preferably, the nearest wire should be on a subgrid that is isolated from the Computer Core, much like on Horizon.
3) It should not be close to the Computer Core. Nukes require a constant connection to the computer core to continue their timer, but this also means they can be disarmed at any time. It should not be practically feasible to cut off access from the rest of the grid but maintain the connection between the Mainframe and Nuclear charge. Cogmap1 is a great example of how abusable this. If the charge were in the Computer Core or connected to the wire in the AI core, you could easily cut the cables in space just South of the Core to isolate the Core and Nuke together, making it impossible to defuse without entering the Computer Core, as every DWAINE terminal on the station would be entirely disconnected from the Mainframe.
4) The Nuclear Charge needs to be changed mechanically. It should very much so be easier to defuse, either without needing SU to disable it, and/or being able to just beat the shit out of it to destroy it, or just extending the minimum timer to a few minutes. Additionally, detonation should automatically call the shuttle, for hopefully obvious reasons.
Here's a breakdown of the current in-rotation maps and how I think a charge would work out in them:
Kondaru - The AI core is well isolated with low foot traffic due to the upload being entirely separate from it. The AI chamber is rather large, and subsequently has lots of room to put a charge into. The Armory is also another excellent candidate, as it has both interior and exterior turrets to defend itself, and requires a HoS ID to disable.
Cogmap2 - The AI core is similarly well isolated, though it is more frequently traveled to as the Upload is adjacent to it. However, as it is in a separate chamber blocked by R-Walls and an airlock with a bunch of turrets, this should be just fine. The Armory is another potential location as it is similarly well reinforced, though it is easier to break in undetected.
Cogmap1 - There isn't as much room for a charge. Additionally, this map may not be as great of a candidate, as the Computer Core is dangerously close to the AI Core (it is far easier to make it nearly impossible to disarm the nuke). The Armory isn't as great of a spot either owing to how notoriously easy it is to break into, and the presence of an existing PNET connection.
Oshan - Honestly, this isn't a great map either, but definitely more viable than Cog1. The AI chamber is probably the best place to put it, though the high foot traffic the surrounding area is a downside. The Armory isn't as great as it's notoriously small and easy to bust into from maintenance, considering how it's just 1 R-Wall away.
Atlas - No. Just... no. A nuclear charge would literally wipe out the entire station and is far too dangerous. Though, the fact that it's rarely used might be a good off-set, and is typically only used on GoonRP, so it might not be a bad idea.
Overall, I think that it's 100% worth considering adding nuclear charges to more maps.
and thus concludes my essay on why I should be able to bomb the station more often as a rogue nerdAI
So, 2 maps have nuclear charges: Manta and Horizon. I should also note that they are rarely ever detonated due to how isolated they are and how well protected they are. Both charges are disconnected from the main grid and require some time and effort in a high-security, well-protected area to wire up. Manta's is buried deep in the armory, whereas Horizon's is right next to the AI in its satellite, with the satellite having multiple grids that require connection and the charge requiring a connection to the subgrid.
As an AI main, I say this with full bias: I would LOVE to have nuclear charges on more maps, either in the Armory, AI chamber, Computer core, or even it's own dedicated room. I think that, for a charge to be added to a map, a few prerequisites must be met:
1) It must be difficult for your average traitor to access. The AI Core and Armory are excellent examples, with the former being much harder as the AI is typically very aware of their surroundings.
2) It must be difficult to wire to the main grid. Preferably, the nearest wire should be on a subgrid that is isolated from the Computer Core, much like on Horizon.
3) It should not be close to the Computer Core. Nukes require a constant connection to the computer core to continue their timer, but this also means they can be disarmed at any time. It should not be practically feasible to cut off access from the rest of the grid but maintain the connection between the Mainframe and Nuclear charge. Cogmap1 is a great example of how abusable this. If the charge were in the Computer Core or connected to the wire in the AI core, you could easily cut the cables in space just South of the Core to isolate the Core and Nuke together, making it impossible to defuse without entering the Computer Core, as every DWAINE terminal on the station would be entirely disconnected from the Mainframe.
4) The Nuclear Charge needs to be changed mechanically. It should very much so be easier to defuse, either without needing SU to disable it, and/or being able to just beat the shit out of it to destroy it, or just extending the minimum timer to a few minutes. Additionally, detonation should automatically call the shuttle, for hopefully obvious reasons.
Here's a breakdown of the current in-rotation maps and how I think a charge would work out in them:
Kondaru - The AI core is well isolated with low foot traffic due to the upload being entirely separate from it. The AI chamber is rather large, and subsequently has lots of room to put a charge into. The Armory is also another excellent candidate, as it has both interior and exterior turrets to defend itself, and requires a HoS ID to disable.
Cogmap2 - The AI core is similarly well isolated, though it is more frequently traveled to as the Upload is adjacent to it. However, as it is in a separate chamber blocked by R-Walls and an airlock with a bunch of turrets, this should be just fine. The Armory is another potential location as it is similarly well reinforced, though it is easier to break in undetected.
Cogmap1 - There isn't as much room for a charge. Additionally, this map may not be as great of a candidate, as the Computer Core is dangerously close to the AI Core (it is far easier to make it nearly impossible to disarm the nuke). The Armory isn't as great of a spot either owing to how notoriously easy it is to break into, and the presence of an existing PNET connection.
Oshan - Honestly, this isn't a great map either, but definitely more viable than Cog1. The AI chamber is probably the best place to put it, though the high foot traffic the surrounding area is a downside. The Armory isn't as great as it's notoriously small and easy to bust into from maintenance, considering how it's just 1 R-Wall away.
Atlas - No. Just... no. A nuclear charge would literally wipe out the entire station and is far too dangerous. Though, the fact that it's rarely used might be a good off-set, and is typically only used on GoonRP, so it might not be a bad idea.
Overall, I think that it's 100% worth considering adding nuclear charges to more maps.
and thus concludes my essay on why I should be able to bomb the station more often as a rogue nerdAI