Starbases attack

If DEF value exceeds ATT value, then 0.5xDEF is added to ATT. In other words, your 0/62 starbase is effectively 31/62. Good enough?

It does have an attack rating. To calculate it, divide the defence by two, and add zero.

This attack value cannot be used to harm nearby starships, as these starbases are incapable of moving. However, it is possible to add modules that give friendly ships a significant bonus to attack. (They are also cumulative, but don't apply to other starbases.)

There is also a specialized form of starbase known as a Terror Star. The Terror Star is capable of destroying star systems as its attack, including all ships within the star system.

I think Brian is talking about the ability for starbases to attack by themselves.
The problem is (as Alf mentionned) that the GC comabt system ask you to "move to your target" in order to attack it. Therefore it is not possible for a "non terror star" starbase.
So, your suggestion, Brian, implies to create "Range Weapon". Something completly new and very unlikely to appear before a new major version is released.

Herve

~SDC~

Range weapons would be nice on a starbase so you can select which ships it can defend itself. Be a nice add on feature.

Brian has a good point. As a commander of a starbase with defense capabilities and a knowledge of undesirable ships within my venue, I would certainly designate an attack stance (and execution) as opposed to maintaining a passive - don't shoot until attacked -position. Sort of along the lines of the current ship Sentry, Guard, etc. capability. Starbases should not just be targets.

AA

There's been mention elsewhere here by some GalCiv team members that they are considering adding in some more tactical matters, such as 'ranged attack'. I would guess that if that is added, SB's will then be able to ATTACK, as logically, people would just strap in the a bunch of the range weapons into a new module on the starbases. Maybe this is why Brad and team are looking to cut back the number of starbases? So that you don't build a unending wall of death dealing starbases?

What about a 'ranged weapon tactic' thing along the lines of invasion tactics? Causes alot of damage but costs alot of money. Stuff like missile salvos, ion cannons, etc. Better military modules could make the weaker ones cost less, and open up newer more powerful ranged weapons.

~SDC~

From a "realism" point of view - a starbase can't move so no hostile ship is going to be stupid enough to move within range of its defensive weaponry unless that ship is deliberately trying to take out the starbase. Hence starbases should not be able to initiate an attack.
It's the eternal tradeoff in strategic warfare - fixed defenses can be so much more powerful than mobile ones but the drawback is the Germans can just drive around the Maginot line, as it were.

~SDC~

One of the problems with Starbases and combat though seems to be that combat is simultaneous. Damage is traded and you either take eachother out or the tougher lives. Starbases should have some ability to soften up enemies before they engage. Those are some expensive babies to lose.

There are a couple of problems though, as mentioned, "a unending wall of death dealing starbases" is one. The other is the fact that though there are plenty of sectors to get around a Starbase, an enemies disappears from the map. It would suck getting ships killed because of a ranged attacking Starbase and a bad memory.