Newb observations
kingmob
Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 3650Members, Constellation
Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 3650Members, Constellation
So this is basically because I finally got my friend to play NS2...
even though I convinced him to pick up the ALPHA way back in time.
We joined an empty server and were fooling around with the tech trees.
It took forever to get him started because of this quote...
Quote:
"I didn't know there was an alien commander."
Explanation:
He had turned into a gorge and was running around pressing every button imaginable wondering when he could create something besides a hydra. I convinced him to walk up to the hive (thank god he was familiar with this word) and press e.
This got me to start a server all by myself and really look at the hive.
Although I really love how the new command chair screams step here and press this button... the hive does not give any hint of entry.
This bugged me because it seemed very basic.
The simplest mechanism I could think of was a text blurb in the HUD either
a) Identifying your commander.
b) Saying you need a commander...at the command chair/hive.
I could not come up with a good physical design change that would convey this without destroying the beautiful hivieness (yes i know that's not a word) of the hive.
Discuss or add your newb quotes.
The format of the quote in quotes followed by explanation will make the thread easier to skim and stay on track.
even though I convinced him to pick up the ALPHA way back in time.
We joined an empty server and were fooling around with the tech trees.
It took forever to get him started because of this quote...
Quote:
"I didn't know there was an alien commander."
Explanation:
He had turned into a gorge and was running around pressing every button imaginable wondering when he could create something besides a hydra. I convinced him to walk up to the hive (thank god he was familiar with this word) and press e.
This got me to start a server all by myself and really look at the hive.
Although I really love how the new command chair screams step here and press this button... the hive does not give any hint of entry.
This bugged me because it seemed very basic.
The simplest mechanism I could think of was a text blurb in the HUD either
a) Identifying your commander.
b) Saying you need a commander...at the command chair/hive.
I could not come up with a good physical design change that would convey this without destroying the beautiful hivieness (yes i know that's not a word) of the hive.
Discuss or add your newb quotes.
The format of the quote in quotes followed by explanation will make the thread easier to skim and stay on track.
Comments
Pretty much the same situation as you and your friend, my friend was an avid NS1 player but not as informed about NS2. There definitely should be Comm absence warning, similar to "We need Builders!"
As for the execution of Hive/player interaction, maybe raise the Hive a tad bit above the broken tech point, where the player can stand directly below and the tentacles (made more visually wrapped around the tech point) will retract as the player become Alien Comm.
More or less the same as the Comm Station, but made more organically appealing with a nest-like appearance.
As the current Hive style/design stands, the only component of it that I see could be played with is the tentacles. I'll admit this isn't as obvious, but the tentacles could be in a more "step here and I'll absorb you" position when the Hive is empty versus the tentacles "wrapping" around the Tech Point. I'm just thinking out loud.