Commander/Marine Control Vs Alien Movement
Wyattx3
Join Date: 2003-07-23 Member: 18386Members
Join Date: 2003-07-23 Member: 18386Members
This idea is almost totally map dependant, but I believe it would be a nice way to improve atmosphere/gameplay in NS2
First of all addressing the realism with alien movement: Should Aliens be able to climb up ladders? Should they be able to open Doors?
Well, personally, It is very strange to see an Onos or Gorge kinda strafe up a ladder and not even move their legs, although I'm sure its allowed for a reason, It just doesn't feel right. And the only way to really 'fix' it is to create multiple or easy ways for them to get around the same areas.
Now for the doors part. This idea has gone through my head several times, and the way it would play out is like this. Marines can move through areas and sort of 'Block" movement ( Ill get back to this in a sec) through those doors by closing them or, The commander can have the option of Opening/Closing and Locking the Doors at any given time. Now I do think it is unbalanced to have marines with complete control over movement in certain areas. The way aliens can circumvent this could be to either have ventilation systems that are complex and effective throughout the maps, and sewer systems that the aliens can take advantage of to have quick and unimpaired mobility throughout the map. In addition the ventilation and sewer systems, Dynamic infestation could also play a role in control, For example, Aliens can take control of access ways by simply covering them in infestation, when a door is covered the aliens now have the ability to use the infestation to open the doors, and marines would no longer be able to go through those points without first eliminating the Infestation.
This idea could involve the commander more in the front line battle more than just simply spamming med packs and ammo, now the Commander would need to give specific commands and try to direct the marines through a safe path by opening/locking and closing the doors behind the marines, but the marines will still be forced to watch their backs and vents for any ambushes that make use of the ventilation and sewer systems throughout the map.
And Finally the Aliens would need to fight to spread their infestation to take control of passage ways and protect them from utter annihalation from the arsenal of weapons the Marines will have to take it back.
First of all addressing the realism with alien movement: Should Aliens be able to climb up ladders? Should they be able to open Doors?
Well, personally, It is very strange to see an Onos or Gorge kinda strafe up a ladder and not even move their legs, although I'm sure its allowed for a reason, It just doesn't feel right. And the only way to really 'fix' it is to create multiple or easy ways for them to get around the same areas.
Now for the doors part. This idea has gone through my head several times, and the way it would play out is like this. Marines can move through areas and sort of 'Block" movement ( Ill get back to this in a sec) through those doors by closing them or, The commander can have the option of Opening/Closing and Locking the Doors at any given time. Now I do think it is unbalanced to have marines with complete control over movement in certain areas. The way aliens can circumvent this could be to either have ventilation systems that are complex and effective throughout the maps, and sewer systems that the aliens can take advantage of to have quick and unimpaired mobility throughout the map. In addition the ventilation and sewer systems, Dynamic infestation could also play a role in control, For example, Aliens can take control of access ways by simply covering them in infestation, when a door is covered the aliens now have the ability to use the infestation to open the doors, and marines would no longer be able to go through those points without first eliminating the Infestation.
This idea could involve the commander more in the front line battle more than just simply spamming med packs and ammo, now the Commander would need to give specific commands and try to direct the marines through a safe path by opening/locking and closing the doors behind the marines, but the marines will still be forced to watch their backs and vents for any ambushes that make use of the ventilation and sewer systems throughout the map.
And Finally the Aliens would need to fight to spread their infestation to take control of passage ways and protect them from utter annihalation from the arsenal of weapons the Marines will have to take it back.
Comments
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/jozsa/onos2-1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Or this:
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/jozsa/onos1-1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<!--coloro:#FF0000--><span style="color:#FF0000"><!--/coloro--><b><!--sizeo:5--><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->YOU <!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->decide.
But in all seriousness, yeah, this has to change.
Not any of the aliens should be able to climb a ladder,
Including skulk, unless the ladder is wall mounted.
VOTE <!--coloro:#2E8B57--><span style="color:#2E8B57"><!--/coloro-->YES <!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->TO NO ALIENS ON LADDERS
Now to door locking,
this is all i have to say:
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/jozsa/fade1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/jozsa/fade2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/jozsa/fade3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
And guess what happened to that fade.
Yeah. It wasnt pretty.
SUPPORT THE FADES, VOTE <!--coloro:#FF0000--><span style="color:#FF0000"><!--/coloro-->NO <!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->TO DOOR LOCKING
Also the marines are also unable to get by without first clearing the DI.
I really like the idea of aliens not being able to use doors/lifts/buttons/switches etc, marines can close a blast door if they want do and lock the aliens out - BUT when the dynamic infestation reaches a door or a switch it will automatically open that door, perhaps only 3/4 of the way and the lights chance to red / orange to show a broken state. Lifts would have to work as normal when touched by the DI.
The idea would be that marines can buy themselves a bit of time if they close the doors, but then it gives the alien team free reign over the rest of the map - which would mean that eventually the DI would reach the doors and open them.
I really hope that mappers will use no onos and gorges on ladders to make some really interesting maps with different natural choke points - it will add to strategic depth, some choke points will be better suited for dealing with an onos, while others will be more beneficial to the onos.
Maybe you should make it so fades/onos can claw or smash their way through doors, breaking them for the rest of the game. >.>
As for the ladder.. just make the animation slightly more realistic. They're kharaa, they always find a way.
Edit: Don't take this suggestion seriously.
Maybe you should make it so fades/onos can claw or smash their way through doors, breaking them for the rest of the game. >.><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Good, you suggested it. IMHO, doors should be able to be smashed apart by the Onos. In fact, I would love it if the Onos smashed alot of stuff, flinging it all over the map, maybe into even into a few marine's surprised faces.
This idea also goes well with the idea of Marine's trying to construct barriers out of desks or whatever, to defend and hamper movement. Did you see that thread?
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=102107" target="_blank">Makeshift Barricades</a>
This thread is good one too, also related to map control differences between TSA and Kharaa:
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=102315" target="_blank">Breakable Glasses into Space</a>
Very cool idea, the Commander opening, closing, and locking parts of the map but being denied that ability seems to go right along with this idea I posted:
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=102464" target="_blank">Commander and The Nano Grid Matrix</a>
Welding doors shut would be cool but aliens should be able to break them open again. This would lead to setting traps for an onos etc but herding them towards a dead end.
Maybe you should make it so fades/onos can claw or smash their way through doors, breaking them for the rest of the game. >.>
As for the ladder.. just make the animation slightly more realistic. They're kharaa, they always find a way.
Edit: Don't take this suggestion seriously.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well look. Im thinking with NS1 maps.
on Hera for example, lockable doors just wouldnt be fair.
If doors were lockable, itd have to be annonced by UW asap so mappers could work with the idea.
As for ladders, aliens cant climb ladders.
Maybe gorges could spit goo onto walls that allowed them to climb up :] goo stylz
Also the marines are also unable to get by without first clearing the DI.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I just think it limits aliens movement a LOT. and allows marines to cover their backs too well.
and i think having to come in, AND out through vents, wouldnt be cool.
What i suppose would be cool though, is if there was a locked door, and a few skulks hid on one side, then marines open it
and WHAM.
What if... doors have 3 status'
- Locked
- Free
- Broken
Every door would have a control panel.
To lock the door, the marines need to weld it. Then only they can open it.
Marines need to push the control panel to open/close a locked door.
A free door opens and closes to anyone.
Free doors open automatically to nearby people.
Close when noone is around anymore.
To break a door, you bite the control panel, much like welding.
Broken doors are ALWAYS open.
I think this would work nicely.
What do you all think?
1) Add a "hack" to the door as well as any needed welding of connections, like it needs to be re-programed by either an engineer or the commander.
2) Change it from biting to "smashing" and "rending". I would really love to see an Onos, break apart a a door, maybe even send them flying into the enemy, for some serious shock and awe.
The reason i suggested the parts about the doors is because in most scifi movies, when the humans are running away from the aliens, alot of them run into a room and then quickly shut the door trapping the alien on the other side, imagine what would happen if that alien sudenly pulled a "lol i know hows to use buttons". So im going to try to clarify the original idea as some of it might not have come through.
<u>Control of Areas through Control of Doors.</u>
<b>Kharaa</b>- Aliens will be able to control, and restrict movement through doors with the aid of dynamic Infestation.
<b>Frontiersmen</b>- Individual Marines, and the commander, can restrict movement through doors that are not yet infected.
However, something else needs to be taken into consideration, Aliens could effectively be shut out of certain areas if there are not other ways to get around. Which is why I suggested having <i>Effective</i>, yet <i>complex</i> Ventilation and sewer systems for the aliens to have quick, uninhibited travel throughout the whole map, ( Some rooms could be excluded like Marine start ).
These Ventilation/Sewer Systems would add multiple, and swift linear travel from room to room, or over great distances, rather than moving slowly between the rooms themselves.
<u>Examples of Gameplay</u>
<b>Frontiersmen</b>- Marines will now move through areas room by room closing the doors behind them and mindful of vents that aliens could be hiding. Commander now can be more involved by opening paths for the marines/closing off areas to the aliens. In order to enter heavily infested areas, marines need to come prepared.
<b>Kharaa</b>- Aliens will still be able to move throughout the entire map. In order to take control of doors from the marines, Aliens can coat doors in infestation and will be able to Open/close them as they please. Onos will still be able to Defend all parts of Alien Territory, and be able to move to the front lines. Skulks and other life forms can use the vents as places to attack from or simply quickly move to an area in order to set up an ambush.
Overall gameplay: Marines and Aliens will have to fight for control over the maps more so than just dropping a resource node and moving on, Marines will need to move in groups if they wish to destroy the aliens where the live ( promotes teamwork ), Aliens will want to start ambushing more than rushing in, but still have the option to do as they please as no room will be completely closed off to the aliens. Adds to the overall atmosphere: Aliens now move about the map in a more alien way, Bunnyhopping through rooms makes the aliens look... like bunnies or weird crickets.
Now, almost all of this idea has to do with mapping, but good maps are essetial to NS