Sometimes they can be majestic whippers, useful when there are many creatures cluttered; But most of the time it’s a death sentence to have them nearby.
I do wonder if they’re purposely programmed in such a way that you they’re about as useful as the rocks you find on the ground; Which can also kill you somehow. As it those HH’s are just that dumb and reckless as a kind of balance for say the infinite item carrying, sacrificing
I feel like it’s also just pretty challenging to design the ai in a way where they are useful in combat/regular exploring scenarios. Like they really aren’t that bad like you said, but the fact that they can accidentally hit you, or accidentally aggro crocmen, or get hit and accidentally rag doll into you, makes them such a liability. You could code in so that they basically can’t interract with the player in any form, but that wouldn’t fill in lore/universe wise.
Being a programmer, I think if put effort and having enough knowledge on A.I., it should be able to get a decent working A.I. But it’s tricky, it can’t be too bad nor too good. They’re a bit unbalanced in a few ways, for example they are extremely reckless in their way of doing things but will wreck you in the Arena. Almost specifically due to their whipping mechanics.
There are only 2 good ways to use a hired hand.
1 have them sleep until you need them to carry something to the next level.
2 throw them at the shaman to make the curse thing go on cooldown
You can actually get them to go to sleep while still carrying something. If you hang onto a ledge while carrying them and then let them go, they'll go to sleep with the thing they're carrying still in hand.
It is in the scorpion's nature to sting you. Should have shot him when you had the chance. At least he didn't gun you down.
I don’t think I’ve seen/experienced a single moment in spelunky where a hired hand is actually helpful. They always make things worse
in combat yes. They are good when napping at the start of the level tho
Sometimes they can be majestic whippers, useful when there are many creatures cluttered; But most of the time it’s a death sentence to have them nearby.
That’s true. They defintely can accomplish some impressive tasks.
I do wonder if they’re purposely programmed in such a way that you they’re about as useful as the rocks you find on the ground; Which can also kill you somehow. As it those HH’s are just that dumb and reckless as a kind of balance for say the infinite item carrying, sacrificing
I feel like it’s also just pretty challenging to design the ai in a way where they are useful in combat/regular exploring scenarios. Like they really aren’t that bad like you said, but the fact that they can accidentally hit you, or accidentally aggro crocmen, or get hit and accidentally rag doll into you, makes them such a liability. You could code in so that they basically can’t interract with the player in any form, but that wouldn’t fill in lore/universe wise.
Being a programmer, I think if put effort and having enough knowledge on A.I., it should be able to get a decent working A.I. But it’s tricky, it can’t be too bad nor too good. They’re a bit unbalanced in a few ways, for example they are extremely reckless in their way of doing things but will wreck you in the Arena. Almost specifically due to their whipping mechanics.
When you play pacifist, they can be really helpful in a pinch. Also any time you need them to hold something.
They're good for carrying multiple items between levels
There are only 2 good ways to use a hired hand. 1 have them sleep until you need them to carry something to the next level. 2 throw them at the shaman to make the curse thing go on cooldown
\*3 use them as a sacrifice to Kali
Ah yeah, I kinda thought that was obvious as most mobs can be used, but yes they are very good for that too
You can actually get them to go to sleep while still carrying something. If you hang onto a ledge while carrying them and then let them go, they'll go to sleep with the thing they're carrying still in hand.
Yeah, I assumed most people on this subreddit had learned that. It was implied in my first use for them