Subject: Feedback & Suggestions for AI Balance and Hardcore Mode (NGL Biathlon 2026)
1. AI Trajectories and Downhill Physics
The Issue: Currently, AI athletes follow fixed waypoints (AIW) in the middle of the track, while the player can "cut corners" using optimal racing lines. On long descents (e.g., Sochi, Lenzerheide), the player gains an unrealistic advantage (sometimes 10+ seconds per lap) simply by using the downhill pose and better trajectories.
The Solution: Improve AI logic to allow bots to use the full width of the track and "cut" corners. Also, adjust the AI's efficiency in the downhill pose to match the player’s speed on steep sections.
2. Shooting Balance and Wind
The Issue: Once shooting skills are maxed out (which happens too quickly after the Junior Cup), the player becomes a "shooting machine." Without significant wind, there is zero challenge, as the reticle stays perfectly still.
The Solution:
Implement a "Hardcore Mode" where wind is never zero and its impact is more unpredictable.
Introduce "random error" factors (misfires or rifle jams) that can occur even with 100% skill.
Increase the impact of high heart rate (fatigue) on aim stability for experienced players.
3. Career Progression and Athlete Health
The Issue: The player progresses too linearly and never faces setbacks like illness or exhaustion. A 5-10 point difference in stats currently feels meaningless.
The Solution:
Health System: Introduce random illnesses (Flu/Cold) and injury risks.
Fatigue Management: Overusing "Max Pace" should increase the risk of injury or force the player to skip World Cup stages to recover.
Meaningful Stats: Make the gap between 85 and 95 skill points significant. High-tier skills should unlock specific elite animations or better recovery rates, not just minor percentage boosts.
4. Proposed "Hardcore Mode" Features
Significantly slowed down XP gain (progression).
Dynamic "Hardcore" AI that uses aggressive lines and faster shooting.
Equipment durability (risk of breaking a pole during a fall or collision).
Mandatory dynamic wind on all shooting ranges.
Strategic "Season Planning" where you must balance training, racing, and rest to avoid burnout.