The New Alien Flashlight

XtofXtof Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15514Members
<div class="IPBDescription">I don't like it</div> Hello everyone,

As you know, or perhaps dont know the flashlight for aliens will have a new function in the upcoming version. I saw a picture of it somewhere on the forums a week ago, but unfortunatly I can't find it back.
As we all know, the way it is now, the alien flashlight makes the alien structures and the alien 'allies' translucide so that you can recognize the chambers better when you need for instance to find a motion chamber to get you to the hive under attack.

But the new addition - the way that I saw it in the picture - makes, when you use the flashlight as alien, the rines also <u>translucide</u>!!

I don't think it's fair, because the rines have to actually ACTIVELY search for the aliens (unless they have motion tracking of course, but the counter to that is Sensory Chamber).

I, as a rine, like to rambo to a hive when I see there is an oppertunity or need to do that, to make the game turn in our favor. So on my way to the hive I hide in DARK places so that often the aliens don't see me and just pass me by in a range of one meter.
But now all the aliens have to do is PASSIVELY turn their flashlight on and you are dead meat (i have bad aim^^).

I think parasite does enough to trace the rines and when you let the rines come close or into your hive it's your own and / or the team's fault.

Perhaps consitie members (who played the beta or future 3.0) can post their thoughts on that as they have experience from the field. Perhaps post a pic too.

Greetz,
XtOf
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Comments

  • Ph0enixPh0enix Join Date: 2002-10-08 Member: 1462Members, Constellation
    Marines shouldn't be ambushing aliens from dark corners, it should be the other way round.

    Note you can still be all ninja, you've just got to hide behind stuff now. The bottom line is if your ramboing about by yourself you'd better have the skillz to back it up.
  • Marik_SteeleMarik_Steele To rule in hell... Join Date: 2002-11-20 Member: 9466Members
    edited February 2005
    Before I write most of this post, I'd like to remind you that inappropriate image posting (such as nudity) is not allowed, so your avatar has been removed. Don't put up that avatar again.

    Now, on to the reply. A prime disadvantage to scent of fear and parasite is that it allows you to see enemies through walls, but not see enemies in the same room as you. Ask yourself whether leaving this situation alone makes sense.

    Though marines are capable of sneaking around and performing ambushes, it's not something they rely on like the Kharaa. If you find you're always the lone marine in a dark corner, trying to hide so you can rambo the hive or shoot skulks who've passed by, chances are you're missing out on the whole point of being a marine: having fun grouping up with teammates.
  • SpacerSpacer Invented dogs Join Date: 2003-05-02 Member: 16008Members
    This makes much more sense to me. Perhaps it'd work better if marines were only lit up when they moved, perhaps? But I think this is a definate improvement over the old alien "flashlight".
  • Thats_EnoughThats_Enough USA Join Date: 2004-03-04 Member: 27141Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    When I first saw the screenshots regarding the new alien flashlight, I didn't like it at all, because it just seemed too weird.

    However, I now make the maps so much darker as alien... just for the effect. I turn the flashlight on, and bam, every marine shows up clear as day, regardless of where they are light wise.
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    this is actualy the old upgrade called Adv Hive sight. Also one of my favorite upgrades ever. Alot of people have been asking for this for a long time (after its removal in 2.0) as It was always sorta silly that a race of aliens that is practicaly designed to hide in dark places can't see DIDLY in the dark <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • todd1Oktodd1Ok Join Date: 2004-04-19 Member: 28018Members, Constellation, NS2 Playtester
    *points up.*

    good words. one more set of words for you. wait until you actually play something before you debunk it.
  • PRTePRTe Join Date: 2003-10-25 Member: 21919Members
    actually i kinda agree they should only show up when they move <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    the current flashlight is great nevertheless
  • digzdigz be still, maggot Join Date: 2002-05-07 Member: 588Members, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Thansal+Feb 25 2005, 08:03 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Thansal @ Feb 25 2005, 08:03 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> this is actualy the old upgrade called Adv Hive sight. Also one of my favorite upgrades ever. Alot of people have been asking for this for a long time (after its removal in 2.0) as It was always sorta silly that a race of aliens that is practicaly designed to hide in dark places can't see DIDLY in the dark <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Agreed. AHS is not overpowered.
  • calthaercalthaer Join Date: 2005-02-24 Member: 42341Members
    It should be more like infrared vision - see heat sources.
  • XenoXeno Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 2343Members
    i think it will be a good idea. finally games don't end when some marine luckily sets up a pg in your hive without being spotted because he can hide in a dark corner. thats just stupid and detracts from the game.

    HOWEVER, i believe there should be a range on how far aliens can see their glow. i don't want to be shining like a beacon across a huge room. should be relatively average range. about 8 onos height by 8 onos width.
  • DC_DarklingDC_Darkling Join Date: 2003-07-10 Member: 18068Members, Constellation, Squad Five Blue, Squad Five Silver
    Its fine, I missed it, good its back
  • SandstormSandstorm Join Date: 2003-09-25 Member: 21205Members
    The old flashlight was useful in Alien vs Alien...but I doubt the dev team cares about that. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • Fro5tyFro5ty Join Date: 2003-09-26 Member: 21238Members, Constellation
    The rambo marine putting a lone PG up in the hive is usually the marine's last resort. They've treid everything else and it's failed. Now, you're still going to have those marines because really, how many of you truely keep your AF on all the time? It'll have it's few dedicated players (ones that can't see in the game because it's too dark) and then ones that flip it on quickly when they're searching a room. A marine can still rambo, he'll just have to use more stealth and know about alien movements. Such as on nothing (has powersilo and great via duct, one of the original maps.) If you're looking at the minimap of great viaduct, the right side the aliens hardly ever travel down usually. They go left or only go right for the vent ot powersilo. If you're ramboing, the best way is to go through that vent in MS (few aliens use it,) jump down the elevator shaft then take a right. Plenty of stuff to hide behind. But this'll help those that can't see in the game because of crappy monitors. Though I think they should allow some brightness control so they don't have to resort to such things.
  • KwilKwil Join Date: 2003-07-06 Member: 17963Members
    edited February 2005
    I was around briefly while this was in as Advanced Hive Sight. Everything you say about it is true... and you know what.. the game was better for it.

    I know as a marine I was worried about the dark areas, because I knew I'd be at a disadvantage. So I stuck to the light. Which made me stick with my team. Which made me a better team player. Which made the game a helluva lot more fun.

    Rambo off by yourself and you get into a fight and die.. oh well, respawn brings you back. No big loss. Go with your team and suddenly there are other people relying on you. Suddenly living or dying actually means something, because if you die, your team-mates are more likely to as well.

    Advanced Hive Sight means that being the ninja marine is a highly developed skill. It means you know where the aliens tend to come from and where they tend to look. It also means that when you get pegged, you don't get left with a sour taste in your mouth because you know the only way the alien spotted you is if his gamma was at eye-bleeding levels. (In other words, it lowers the suspicion that other people are playing 'unfairly', which makes the feel of the game so much better)

    The new flashlight is good for both sides. Trust me.

    If what you really like is playing sneaky, play aliens, or give Thievery a try. (http://www.thieveryut.com/)
  • im_lostim_lost TWG Rule Guru Join Date: 2003-04-26 Member: 15861Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->how many of you truely keep your AF on all the time?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I don't right now, but when I get to play b6, I'm planning on playing with it on all the time. I have normal brightness settings, but I'd prefer to not miss the marine in the corner of the room, which should be pretty hard to do when he is glowing.
  • DragonMechDragonMech Join Date: 2003-09-19 Member: 21023Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    I'm with todd1Ok on this one - play it before you bash it.

    Also, I hate to nitpick (no, really - I do) but the term is <i>translucent</i> not translucide.
  • Swift_IdiotSwift_Idiot Join Date: 2003-01-05 Member: 11883Members
    Advanced hivesight is free?

    Cool. Thanks for listening dev team.

    Where the hell is the thumbs-up emoticon. You deserve one guys.
  • KenichiKenichi This is not a pie. Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 2941Members, NS1 Playtester
    best not to nitpick changes before you really try them. -_-
  • MavericMaveric Join Date: 2002-08-07 Member: 1101Members
    And for anyone who think's it's unballanced, consider the fact that since marines are now full-bright AND translucent, they will be much harder to spot in areas with a great deal of light. So a marine's advantage is no longer the dark outter edges and corners, but the well-lit interior.
  • dhakbardhakbar Join Date: 2004-08-01 Member: 30305Members
    I just have to say that this sounds entirely appropriate for the Kharaa. I didn't play when AHS was around, but I've long thought that the flashlight should work on the marines as well.

    Beta 6 sounds fantastic.
  • TrakenTraken Join Date: 2004-11-14 Member: 32797Members
    Just never make it so you can see through marine buildings. That would be way too much (seeing through 3ft. of metal? No way)
  • SwiftspearSwiftspear Custim tital Join Date: 2003-10-29 Member: 22097Members
    The thing I hate most about the new alium flashlight is purely that it ruins hide and seek games... Hide and seek is still doable, but its impossible to moderate properly now, between the rine flashlight and the alien flashlight.
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Traken+Feb 26 2005, 12:50 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Traken @ Feb 26 2005, 12:50 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Just never make it so you can see through marine buildings. That would be way too much (seeing through 3ft. of metal? No way) <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    only works on rines not structs <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • Garet_JaxGaret_Jax Join Date: 2003-02-23 Member: 13870Members, Constellation
    I like the alien flashlight, but I should point out that it's a frame-rate killer.

    I'm resisting the urge to nail the caps lock key and spam a nonsensical sentance about how I get 25fps in a built-up marine spawn with a radeon 9800pro.
  • SwiftspearSwiftspear Custim tital Join Date: 2003-10-29 Member: 22097Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Garet Jax+Feb 26 2005, 10:58 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Garet Jax @ Feb 26 2005, 10:58 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I like the alien flashlight, but I should point out that it's a frame-rate killer.

    I'm resisting the urge to nail the caps lock key and spam a nonsensical sentance about how I get 25fps in a built-up marine spawn with a radeon 9800pro. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    CPU upgrade kthnxbai
  • Garet_JaxGaret_Jax Join Date: 2003-02-23 Member: 13870Members, Constellation
    For the sake of my bank account, I'm putting it down to the small amount of RAM I have (256Mb).

    I only have a 1.8xp+ processor, I think I can get it up to 2.4, but I'd need a new motherboard to get anything faster = £££
  • Nemesis_ZeroNemesis_Zero Old European Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 75Members, Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    Yeah, it definetly sounds like a RAM issue to me. My CPU isn't much faster, but I don't get slowdowns from it, and I use the same card.
  • FCCFCC Join Date: 2003-07-16 Member: 18218Members
    edited February 2005
    <!--QuoteBegin-Maveric+Feb 25 2005, 05:51 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Maveric @ Feb 25 2005, 05:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> And for anyone who think's it's unballanced, consider the fact that since marines are now full-bright AND translucent, they will be much harder to spot in areas with a great deal of light. So a marine's advantage is no longer the dark outter edges and corners, but the well-lit interior. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Well then turn off your alien flashlight then. Then the marines will appear normal in light.
  • ZtLZtL Join Date: 2003-06-26 Member: 17705Members
    I think it might be better if only parasited and sof'd marines worked under the alien flashlight.

    Random Seige <!--emo&::siege::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/siege.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='siege.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • FCCFCC Join Date: 2003-07-16 Member: 18218Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-ZtL+Feb 26 2005, 04:52 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (ZtL @ Feb 26 2005, 04:52 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I think it might be better if only parasited and sof'd marines worked under the alien flashlight.

    Random Seige <!--emo&::siege::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/siege.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='siege.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    The whole point of having the alien flashlight is allow aliens more ease for seeing hidden marines. Hidden marines are NOT hidden with parasite and scent of fire.
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