Title: How do shields work in the game I-War?
Tags: independence-war
Question: In this comment, @GrimmTheOpiner claims

```
  ...shields are a universal Sci-Fi trope and Star Trek is no more guilty than any/many others! The only "shields" I can bring to mind that were explained differently were in the computer game "iWar" [sic].
```

Can someone explain what is unique about the shield mechanics in I-War?

(I'm assuming this is a reference to I-War (1997 video game) and not I-War (1995 video game).

Comment: according to these guides - looks like there is nothing specifically different about these shields than Star Wars / Star Trek shielding https://www.giantbomb.com/independence-war-the-starship-simulator/3030-8415/ |  https://www.i-war2.com/documents/help/tactics/combat-guide - hardly definitive, thus just a comment  -

Comment: both links work for me: https://www.giantbomb.com/independence-war-the-starship-simulator/3030-8415/

Comment: https://www.i-war2.com/documents/help/tactics/combat-guide


Here is another answer: The manual for Independence War describes the function and operation of shields in this fictional universe. 

```
  SHIELDS
  The NSO 929 is also fitted as standard with two Displacement array shields fitted on wide swivel mountings. Although provided as a defensive mechanism, they may be used offensively, albeit at close range.
  
  The principle of linear displacement has been used as a method of propulsion for over 200 years. Its potential as a defensive device is a more recent innovation. The shield array projects a steerable region of disrupted space. Radiation or material passing through that space is displaced in random directions by amounts of up to 100meters.
  
  The shields region of disruption can be between 100m to 200m from the array itself. The region can vary in radius between 2 and 10 meters. The newest shield arrays can easily block the blast from a particle beam cannon.
  
  An important point to remember is that the shielding zone must be kept between the ship and any hostile adversary. For this reason, the LDA is mounted on a fast linkage mechanism which can automatically track hostile vessels and keep the ship protected. The NSO-929 is fitted with two such LDAs mounted at complementary positions - each capable of covering one hemisphere.
  
  The LDA has also been used with some success as a hostile weapon at low range, by being able to displace elements of the enemy ship's hull.
```

The manual for Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos gives some additional info about their tactical uses and weaknesses.

```
  LDA shields
  
  Combat ships are usually protected by one or more Linear
  Displacement Array (LDA) shield systems. LDAs are an offshoot of LDS
  technology that uses local spatial distortions to disrupt a small area of
  space in front of the shield projector. This disperses the energy of an
  incoming weapon, preventing it from damaging the hull. Or that’s what
  the technical manual says. All you need to know is that if you see a
  purple flash when you shoot a ship, you didn’t do it any damage.
  
  “Shield coverage varies from ship to ship. However, the drives
  are always vulnerable, so cover your ass while shooting
  theirs.”
  
  Another important point to remember about shields is that each LDA
  decides which is the most likely enemy to fire at you and tracks that
  vessel with the shield projector. You can use this to your advantage by
  getting your wingmen to attack your target. The target’s LDA will not be
  able to deflect the weapons from both attackers if they attack from a
  different angle.
```

Comment for this answer: ...so pretty much the same as Star Trek imo
Comment for this answer: @NKCampbell - Very much not so. In Star Trek the shields are a projected force-field. In I-War, the shields are a projected region of disrupted space-time.
Comment for this answer: @Valorum - Because that's so much more scientific. :)
Comment for this answer: @NKCampbell : The *TNG Technical Manual* describes shields in very similar terms: *"the deflector system creates a localized zone of highly focused spatial distortion"* (Section 11.8, pg. 138).

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