I am wondering if how the companions react is based on their status with you or are they just better with certain perk and gem upgrades on items.

I have Duras and Falk and they idolize me. I have to say they are pretty decent and attack/support me fairly quickly.

I have seen streamers use U4 and Ray. They both seem borderline retarded. I saw a streamer use Ray and he didnt help during a fight with 5 mobs until the very last creature was almost dead. lol, just running with the player getting in the way.

So is this just a case of good luck on my end, ray sucking ass, or some hidden mechanics. I do have some dmg upgrade slots in place on my arm thingy and some weapons. But overall my experience has been much better. They aren't great but at least my current companions help fairly quickly.

So far, I've seen everybody complaining about Ray.

Cija is good, however, she tends to place herself where her fireballs hit obstacles between her and the mob.

U4 for me, has been pretty good, he zaps stuff with something like a Taser.
I've just gotten Falk so I haven't had a chance to use him yet.

Duras seems to react the fastest and join in the fight.

SO FAR

Fascinating!

Of all my companions, Ray likes me the least- and he's the one I've noticed is the least quick to help!

I think we're onto something here.

Yeah, companions whose motivation level in combat depends on whether they like you or not would be a nice twist. Maybe that explains why Duras is of little help to me ;-)

Sometimes Duras comments that ruins or something are not honorable. Is that supposed to be a joke / reference to Duras, the Klingon from Star Trek, who are most concerned about honor?

Also forgot to mention that Duras, U4 and Cija idolize me.

So, now I can experiment with Ray and Falk, because I think Falk is currently neutral to me, and I know I said something Ray didn't like when I first met him.