I’d like to suggest a new Quality of Life (QoL) feature for MissionChief that could significantly streamline the patrol management aspect of the game: an "Automated Patrol" option in the Patrol section.
Currently, players need to manually create detailed, turn-by-turn patrol routes for their units, which can be time-consuming, especially for those managing large networks of emergency services. This manual process may deter some players who prefer a simpler or less time-intensive method for managing patrols. Introducing an automated system would help alleviate that burden while keeping patrols efficient.
How It Would Work:
Since MissionChief already utilizes real-world maps to register roads and locations, the proposed Automated Patrol feature would allow vehicles to be assigned a specific patrol area, rather than creating intricate, manual routes. Here’s a breakdown of how it could function:
- Patrol Area Button: A new "Patrol Area" button could be added next to the current Waypoint button. This would allow players to quickly set up automated patrols.
- Preset Patrol Areas: Players could choose from predefined patrol area sizes—such as 5km, 10km, 20km, 50km, or 100km. These areas could be either circular or rectangular, much like how players set the "alliance storm" area in-game.
- Randomized Movement Within the Patrol Area: Once a patrol area is set, the selected vehicle(s) would randomly navigate within the boundary, allowing for a dynamic and hands-off approach to patrols. This would make the feature ideal for players who want to ensure their vehicles are patrolling effectively without needing to micromanage each turn.
Benefits to Players:
- Time Savings: For players managing large operations with multiple units, setting automated patrol routes would significantly reduce the time spent on managing patrols.
- Increased Flexibility: Players can still maintain control over which units patrol specific areas, but without the hassle of designing turn-by-turn routes.
- More Engaging Gameplay: By automating patrols, players can focus more on other aspects of gameplay, such as responding to missions, expanding their infrastructure, and coordinating large-scale operations within alliances.
- Realistic Coverage: Randomized patrols within a set area would add a level of realism, simulating how real emergency service vehicles patrol regions without rigid, predefined routes.
Application to Different Services:
This feature could be especially useful for police patrols, where continuous area coverage is essential, but could also be applied to other units, such as ambulances and fire trucks, for situations where proactive patrols can help reduce response times in critical areas.
Overall, I believe an Automated Patrol feature would enhance the game's user experience by offering a more accessible and efficient method for managing patrols, without sacrificing strategic depth.
