Phase Gates

LV426-Colonist

Phase gates win games. Using them though can be a pain in the you know what. The problem is after you enter a phase you are right inside the next "phase entrance" and this can be a huge issue; especially when multiple marines are grouping up into one phase. It becomes one big cluster f### real fast.

Here's my solution:

Enhance phase gates by making the individual marine who enters the gate show up outside the phase by adding momentum into the mix; instead of exiting on top of the next phase which in turns leads you to a new undesirable location (often a grinder) if careful movement is not used. This would cause less of an issue when phasing and would release some stress on marines who are trying to rush that alien hive.

Phasing through to a unwanted location can often result in a variety of consequences; i.e losing the game.

It would work like this:

-Enter Phase Gate #1 (gain momentum)

<img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj631/LV426-Colonist/pg-02.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

-Exit Through Phase Gate #2 (pushed out into new area)

<img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj631/LV426-Colonist/pg-01.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

This is how it currently works (fails):

-Enter Phase Gate #1

<img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj631/LV426-Colonist/pg-02.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

-Exit Through Phase Gate #2 (on top of next phase)

<img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj631/LV426-Colonist/pg-04.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

When you enter the phase you shouldn't come out right onto of the other pg's phase...this only sends you off into a new area if you accidentally move the wrong direction or don't move quickly enough. The only way to avoid this at the moment is to be extremely careful and precise with your movement keys. This can be a problem with players new to the game and even people who have been playing for awhile now. If you add momentum to the player as he enters a phase gate he could be spit out the other side rather then stuck right on top of the next phase.

A typical way of trying to avoid the current issue with phase is having the commander place the pg up against a wall or structure; which more than often they do not. This doesn't necessary guarantee you an ideal phase either - because you are still ending up right on top of the next "phase".

I decided to write this up after getting tired of using phase gates and ending up places where I didn't want to be (too lazy to walk/run). If you guys don't like this idea...well whatever. My other opinion would be to bring back the use button "E".

Edit: If this has already been suggested please accept my apologies for neglection. Also, I'm not sure if the current phase gate is just a "place holder" - if so, mmmkay. I also really like the momentum idea and I decided to include it in this post. Think of it as a speed booster on one of those whacky racing games...as you pass over it you pick up speed for a second or two and are pushed through to the other side.

Floodinator

I understand the problem and it really anoying sometimes, but it is a phase <b>gate</b> so the marines should come out of it.
A solution could be that the marines don't lose momentum trough the PG, instead of standing still at the next PG.

The other problem of the marines not spawning out of the gate is that aliens have no chance to block it from each side,trapping the rines. Imagine 3 Skulks are biting the PG and suddenly get surounded by spawning marines. It would be OP.

Racer1

I'd also like to see phase gates have "direction". That is, one side is the "entrance", the other is the "exit". If you add momentum to the mix, then this means marines would go in one side (to another phase gate) and be spit out the <b>other</b> side (coming back from another phase gate).

Doing this might require that phase gates be made "thicker" so that a marine going out doesn't overlap a marine coming in.

_Necro_

This momentum idea is actually really good for the cheap kill you receive when crossing a pg while an alien is chewing the arrival side. But more important, there has to be a delay before the marine arrives. Because the graphic card needs time to render the new surroundings, results in 0.5 seconds for every marine crossing while he can't move because of reloading map geometry. If the player model would be teleported 0.5 seconds after the camera, you would have more time to react. Together with the momentum idea this could fix those cheap kills while not make it unfair for aliens.

Aemrod

<!--quoteo(post=1905877:date=Feb 22 2012, 09:29 AM:name=Floodinator)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Floodinator @ Feb 22 2012, 09:29 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1905877"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Imagine 3 Skulks are biting the PG and suddenly get surounded by spawning marines. It would be OP.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

OK so you imagine or can join to a server and see 3 Skulks are biting the PG and suddenly get surrounded by dead marine body pile. Isn't this OP now.

Edit1: Word correction.

Mkk_Bitestuff

I dont think something like this is really needed, as FPS/Optimization improves issues like this will be reduced/eliminated. Marines face a similar issue when spawning at IPs, by the time you can move or shoot the skulk you are almost or already dead. 3 aliens should really be able to grind a phase gate NS1 style anyways, its really only when you have one or two that you should be able to possibly save it.

Floodinator

<!--quoteo(post=1906049:date=Feb 23 2012, 01:14 AM:name=Aemrod)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Aemrod @ Feb 23 2012, 01:14 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1906049"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->OK so you imagine or can join to a server and see 3 Skulks are biting the PG and suddenly get surrounded by dead marine body pile. Isn't this OP now.

Edit1: Word correction.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Sorry I don't really know what you mean. I understand it so that you think if the marines come out of the PG they get killed in the 0.5s delay.

That's correct now, you just stand still when coming trough the 2. PG.
And that is actually a problem with 2 Skulks biting a PG.
But if you would keep momentum you could just jump trough the PG and so also jump over the skulk.

Kalabalana

I think the 2 directional exit entrance of the phase gate causes too many issues as it is, the one you brought up about clogging the way, issues with pgs near walls/railings or structures/props, and that aliens may block a pg exit, creating a kill buffet.

I think we need to revisit the pg structure design. Maybe some sort of umbrella device which when you go beneath it, it spawns you beneath it in another location? 360 degrees of phasing area to prevent traffic jams, and pg kill camping.

Also, on a side but related note, we need to be able to set default phase gate locations in real time for commanders to direct marine flow.

JuCCi

"Also, on a side but related note, we need to be able to set default phase gate locations in real time for commanders to direct marine flow. " - kala
^This big time.

LV426-Colonist

I wouldn't mind seeing the E key brought back into use.

Or the ground phase gate that was in NS1.