Shark AI and Improvements

[Fjor]

Firstly, gonna say I really enjoy this game. One thing that strikes me as odd is the shark. It's too bland, only really has three actions, and could use a ton of improvement.

1. Things other than the shark. Not at the same time, but for the shark to leave and a new threat approach would be very compelling. A large squid, a school or pirannahs, just ideas.

2. On the shark leaving, it would be nice to have small, random reprieves from the threats. A school of dolphins, a whale, anything to let you know the threat is gone. But, times when the dolphins disappear, you aren't sure if there is a threat coming. It brings added suspense to diving.

3. Sharks shouldn't attack blocks inside blocks. If I have a row of blocks on the outside of my collectors, sharks SHOULD NOT be able to attack the collectors, clipping through a row of blocks. Not sure if this is a bug or intentional.

4. Players should bleed, encouraging sharks to follow them, or more sharks to show up. Low on HP? Got bit? You're now leaving a trail of blood in the water. Sharks love blood.

5. The shark bait should be a bucket of chum, adding to the bleeding effect. They would swim though it until is dissapated.

6. Sharks should probe for you. When you jump into the water, they head straight for you. They should "seek" the player for a moment, giving the player added ability to make decisions regarding hiding, fighting, or running from the shark.

7. Added underwater structures and pockets of air will allow players temporary refuge from the shark, but the air supply is limited.

8. Shark cages and under water weapons like harpoons or electric stunners to fend off threats.

9. LONGER SPAWN TIMES AFTER ENEMIES HAVE BEEN DEFEATED. This will not only help new players "dip their toes in the water" but will also prevent veteran players from abusing shark farming.

10. For God's Sake make that mother ♥♥♥♥er looks mean. I need a scar on his eye. I need my spears and harpoons to actually stick out of his body. Even multiple sharks with different models and varying difficulty.



On a side note, added weather and more birds would be nice!

[Gunthrek]

Love items #1 and #2. I used to agree with #3, but honestly the only reason we have an issue with it is because it appears that the shark is clipping through the boat to do it. In actuality, the shark could tear through the bottom of the raft in any place, they just didn't update the model to look different on different foundation pieces. Collectors should definitely be fair game, especially now that you can reinforce them like the foundation pieces. #4 is more of a graphical issue, as the shark already follows you once in range. I don't know that more sharks would be fun. Not everyone is looking for difficulty, and this game is mostly for time wasting. #5 is more of a graphics thing. #6 is already the case, but I believe you're thinking the range for this should be increased? #7 is partially implemented in some locations. #8 would be fairly useless unless you're actively hunting the enemies, and would make #9 not useful if that's the case. #10 is more of a personal preference thing, and I think the shark looks plenty mean enough already.

[Wingnut]

All these suggestions sound good. More randomness, more variety +1