still can't capture ion frigates in bridge of sighs

[jamesk447]

I have read through the messages here and can't find a solution yet. On mission 14, the one with the big sphere of ion cannon frigates, when I attempt to capture some ion frigates, the salvage 'vettes bring them to the mothership but then just line up in front of Her while other enemy cannons come in and free them by destroying my scarce salvagers. I have applied the 105 patch. Is this the most recent?
Thanks!

[ÜberJumper]

Try releasing the salvagers then re-salvaging the ion frigates.

[jamesk447]

okay, I tried that but nothing changed. They just line up the frigates by the mothership. The same thing happens when I attempt to capture a support frigate. Thanks for any ideas.
I don't know if I can finish it without capturing some ion cannons.

[ÜberJumper]

The build bug still happens occasionally... looks like you have one of those rare, buggy moments :-/

Try going back to earlier in the level and making sure that no salvage corvettes get blown up when you're salvaging massive amounts of Ion Frigates... when that happens the system gets 'confused' (best way to describe it) and seems to forget who gets to salvage first.

[jamesk447]

I tried everything, it just didn't work. I reinstalled and started from the beginning. I tried to restore the SavedGames folder to a fresh installation but I guess the bug is related to the saved games themselves somehow. Anyhow, it took many hours but I'm back to that mission again and am salvaging ion cannons left and right. Also, I'm in much better shape than the last time ( more heavy cruisers and stuff ). This game is awesome. Yes rules!

[Mac_Bug]

Some of these level designs always struck me as ....

dumb

Not specificly the Bridge of Sighs mission or HW missions, but most single player games. To make up for the lack of intelligence on the computers part they are given absolute crushing force. Sure it makes good story of how one hero went through the Pentagon or something and cleaned it all out, all this courage in face of grave danger and against overwhelming forces gives us armchair quarterbacks something to dream about... but...

I mean, if Bridge of Sighs had a brain on the other end, you are walking in dead :/

On the other hand, if Bridge of Sighs had a brain, there won't be a sphere of ion frigates because it won't be needed.

In any case unless someone invent some other way other than capturing ion frigates by giving them some diversion to follow lest the captains are smart enough to shoot salvage corvettes, it is in my opinion that taking advantage of a 'deliberate' programmed flaw detracts from the game experience :/ I mean, if I had to sit in one corner and wait for every bot on a level to walk pass me and chop their head off to beat one level...

[jamesk447]

The strategy guide I read suggests cloaking some cruisers, destroyers and bombers and going blitzkreig on the inhibitor. So there is certainly more than one way to go here. (It's not too bad)
As far as other single-player games go, I think the AI is getting much better. It's LOTS better than say 10 years ago. Take UT for example. I can't even play it above the 4th skill level. ( I'm sure many can ). SC seems to be getting a little smarter on the multiplayer servers and can give you a run for your money on an open map if you're not very vigilant and efficient.
Of course, most computerized competitors still seem to fall into very unintelligent patterns that allow you to take advantage of them and feel like you're cheating.
Electronic gaming is still very much in its infancy, I'd say. How long ago was Pong? Less than 30 years, I think. If, in 30 years from now, games are anywhere near this much better than then... they will be a lot of fun.
I think the programmers have given us a nice start. With future processing technology, the limits of AI will be removed. ( hopefully not all of them ). Hopefully Virtual Reality will become more mainstream too. Although I don't know if I could deal with Xan really chasing me with an invisible flak cannon. Bring on Unreal2!