My idea is that once nps are added when fighting a faction the player should be able to dictate how their allied npcs deal with the faction threat. I personally dont want to have them all bumb rush with guns and then get killed or have to manually tell them each and every step and have to babysit them to make sure they all proceed with your plan that has been given.
The way i think this could be implemented is if the player could assign certain npcs to bassicly units. Then on a paper map the player can draw a "battle plan" like a football play. The player will draw lines where unit A will circle around clear out a nearby building then take up sniper positions from the windows facing towards the enemy factions base. And begin to fire at the enemy factions NPCs by using the height advantage.
Then while unit A is causing a distraction Unit B is to go and detonate an exploasive at the far wall of the enemy factions base then storm inside and kill the enemy factions NPCs.
The player can cordinate these actions by giving watches to unit leaders that tell them at a specific time to do a specific action. IE: take the route to point B, clear a building with melee weapons, switch to firearms, shoot at any enemies that are seen in a certain area, ect ect.
The player can make modifications to the battle map and then radio to unit leaders the new orders. Other units can talk with each other over the radio to see if they are at correct positions before moving onto the next objective. Unit leaders can radio back to the player on things the player asked for them too look for. Like amount of NPCs living in a certain area if they are sent on a recon mission, the amount of zombies in an area, loot locations, signs of people, ect ect.
This can also be used not just for engaging enemy NPCs but can also be used for setting gaurd patrol routes, loot runs, scouting missions, or hunting trips. Can have them check in over the radio every 5 minuates to 6 hours to the player or a radio operator at the base of their well being, general position, and a few other odds an ends.
I personally think that this would be great for mid to late game and give the player more of a controll on the world. Later in the game once batteries are gone and the player is in midevil tech units could talk to each other over long distances using fires or leaving notes.
