An old topic revisited
No_6
Join Date: 2003-11-14 Member: 22841Members, Constellation
Join Date: 2003-11-14 Member: 22841Members, Constellation
It seems that Natural Selection was originally created as a mixture between a FPS and RTS game, and NS succeeded in achieving this hefty goal. By making the combat and strategy parts both fun but intuitive NS has been able to grab and hold the attention of many gamers tired of the standard CS or WWII clones. By offering gameplay that is easy enough for newer players, wielding an SMG as a marine, yet rewarding for veterans, learning new strategies and mastering abilities, this ensures a long player lifespan. The original NS is a good mix of these qualities.
Offering challenging gameplay on both ends of the video gaming spectrum is a problem for any game designer. Since NS offered some rather unique and innovative touches, such as a marine commander, many potential players stayed on board. The well mixed RTS and FPS elements proved a success and without this mix the game would be dead, the number of failed Counter Strike or “realistic” FPS clones. By offering something different NS appeals to a much broader audience. I know this is the reason many people including myself have become involved.
Of course with all these good traits, there are a few items that need work. Any great videogame has its shortcomings. With NS2 in development now is the time to consider what is in store for the future. How can NS2 improve upon the current generation of gameplay, how can NS2 prune the bad parts, how can NS2 be a bigger hit than its predecessor? Simple, by focusing on what made it great and removing what detracts from those qualities.
One example that has been a hot topic many times is the matter of “bunny hopping.” It seems the pendulum swings wide on this subject. The general consensus is usually you love it or you hate it; either way nobody is happy. I seem to be on of the few exceptions that fall in the neutral ground on this subject; that isn’t to say that I don’t think it needs to be removed from polluting the currently near blank canvas of NS2. When was the last time you played a game and thought to yourself “Well, the graphics are good, gameplay is excellent, but what this game is lacking is jumping around at seemingly random intervals?”
The supporters of “bunny hopping” seem in agreement that it gives the veterans a way to develop their skills even further; yet this isn’t what makes NS stand out, this isn’t what makes the NS gameplay leagues above the vanilla FPS games. Forcing players to focus more about their movement, rather than strategy and combat, to stay competitive only detracts from these elements. There are many titles readily available for those wanting to play fast-twitch action games, UT2004 (2007 soon), Counter Strike, Quake, etc. It seems that Natural Selection was created not to compliment these games but to stand out from them with its unique blend of action plus strategy.
It seems that most people will not be swayed either way no matter what evidence is presented to them; however this is not for those people. This message is for anyone who is interested in making games appealing to the larger audience. Please don’t rely on simple jumping puzzles or techniques, instead continue to use innovation to make games fun and challenging. Most importantly, stay true to your original intentions.
Offering challenging gameplay on both ends of the video gaming spectrum is a problem for any game designer. Since NS offered some rather unique and innovative touches, such as a marine commander, many potential players stayed on board. The well mixed RTS and FPS elements proved a success and without this mix the game would be dead, the number of failed Counter Strike or “realistic” FPS clones. By offering something different NS appeals to a much broader audience. I know this is the reason many people including myself have become involved.
Of course with all these good traits, there are a few items that need work. Any great videogame has its shortcomings. With NS2 in development now is the time to consider what is in store for the future. How can NS2 improve upon the current generation of gameplay, how can NS2 prune the bad parts, how can NS2 be a bigger hit than its predecessor? Simple, by focusing on what made it great and removing what detracts from those qualities.
One example that has been a hot topic many times is the matter of “bunny hopping.” It seems the pendulum swings wide on this subject. The general consensus is usually you love it or you hate it; either way nobody is happy. I seem to be on of the few exceptions that fall in the neutral ground on this subject; that isn’t to say that I don’t think it needs to be removed from polluting the currently near blank canvas of NS2. When was the last time you played a game and thought to yourself “Well, the graphics are good, gameplay is excellent, but what this game is lacking is jumping around at seemingly random intervals?”
The supporters of “bunny hopping” seem in agreement that it gives the veterans a way to develop their skills even further; yet this isn’t what makes NS stand out, this isn’t what makes the NS gameplay leagues above the vanilla FPS games. Forcing players to focus more about their movement, rather than strategy and combat, to stay competitive only detracts from these elements. There are many titles readily available for those wanting to play fast-twitch action games, UT2004 (2007 soon), Counter Strike, Quake, etc. It seems that Natural Selection was created not to compliment these games but to stand out from them with its unique blend of action plus strategy.
It seems that most people will not be swayed either way no matter what evidence is presented to them; however this is not for those people. This message is for anyone who is interested in making games appealing to the larger audience. Please don’t rely on simple jumping puzzles or techniques, instead continue to use innovation to make games fun and challenging. Most importantly, stay true to your original intentions.
Comments
However, unlike other opportunities that are inherent to the game's structure, bunny hopping has no alternative. To elaborate: Let's hypothesize that I understand the fundamentals of Fade movement, but cannot gracefully implement them. I can therefore choose another life form better suited to my personal needs and tastes as well as my team's. With bunny hopping, there is no other option. This I view as an inborn flaw.
Naturally, being a FPS, it is expected that a player excels under quick reactions, but the focus, I believe, should be on the reaction to the enemy and the environment and not on their capacity for jumping in a particular way.
Very constructive post, I must say. I tip my hat to thee, sir.