Components of a Dog-Fight:
The Dogfight is comprised of Two Parts. They are the Head-on-Pass (Further divided into the Approach and Merge.) and the Turning War (Knife fight.)
Head-On-Pass - The Approach :
When you begin the head-on-pass, you will be initially outside of laser range. It is recommended that you center your targeting reticule on the box outline of the bandit as you approach, and watch the distance closely. One you reach 1.7K (laser range is 1.5, but speed of approach makes the distance 1.5 or less by the time the lasers reach the enemy) fire a quick linked or quad shot or two then juke out of the way. Then you should make it a point to form a random maneuver pattern, insuring that you don't "over-dodge" (lose visual sight of the enemy) or become stale in your pattern. One thing you should always aim for is to develop a pattern that allows you to swing your lasers across the enemy's craft, allowing you to fire off snapshots while still being able to avoid incoming fire just as easily.
On a side note: Some pilots will sometimes cut to around 75% throttle and will fire rapid, single shots. The aim of this is to slow down enough so accuracy improves, and inadvertently draw you into the flurry of laser blasts. Most rookie pilots will usually jink hard to avoid the incoming fire, which usually gets them killed. I advise you:
• To never use this tactic. At all.
• If on the receiving end, stick with linked or quad lasers. Always.
• Keep your speed at max throttle.
• Try to stay as clear away as possible .
What's important: Precision aim and timing is crucial here, and takes some time to develop. Remember, fire at your enemy even if it's to keep his head down. And dodge. Nothing fancy, but just enough were he is still in your visual sight. AND KEEP YOUR PATTERN FRESH! You can't really develop your timing in Single Player modes. However, flying a free-for-all melee on hardest difficulty level in a minefield with unshielded craft is the best way to hone this skill outside of the MP arena. Also, with regard to the Slow and Shoot tactic mentioned, keep on truckin' forward and avoid it as much as possible if on the receiving end.
Head-on Pass -The Merge :
At this point in the fight, there is not much that can be done. All that usually happens in the merge is that the opposing fighters pass each other. However, what you do in the merge is often essential to the next part of the dog-fight should it get that far. The most you can do at this point except plan for your next moves as you head into the knife-fight. However, one thing to remember is that you still might hit your opponent with your fire at 0.2 or even 0.1 KM. Try it. Also, most pilots will actually try to ram you. This is usually unavoidable.
What's important: Not much except for the fact that you still have a small chance to put fire on your target. Remember, you basically have until 0.2 KM to try and hit the mark. Also, as you go into and out of the merge, you should be planning your next moves quickly but carefully. This takes us into the next stage. The Knife-Fight.
-= Continue to The Knife-Fight =- |
