Definitely go for the Yomi complexity! Marine counter to this could be the electrical weapon. Gorge counter-counter? Perhaps increase the motion hampering effects of the spit when applied up close (it loses the sticky as it dries, which is why it's not so bad at a distance).
I like the effects of belly-slide, but I worry that going that route takes us over the line of 'kinda cute' to immersion breaking. Might I suggest a tuck and roll animation instead? This has the added benefit of making the similarity between gorge and hive even more pronounced, as when in the tucked position, I could see the gorge looking very much like a small hive. Especially with the tail tentacles.
I'm also a little concerned about the lack of strategic options for the gorge with the removal of the strategic chambers, but I suppose this is moving us more in the intended direction of both teams being somewhat similar, with the strategic role primarily being exercised by the hiver.
My hope was that the Gorge kept its cuteness and I feel you guys have totally done that. Along with this cuteness, you've created a new breed of Combat Gorge! Step 1: Plant a few chambers. Step 2: Plant your butt facing the entrance the marines are likely to come in at. Step 3: Wait for the Marines to die OR start to ignore you (at which point you spit them to death!).
I do have a few concerns though... does heal spray do damage? Sometimes, Gorges just want to have fun, and heal spraying an enemy to death is the only way to have it! Now, while writing the prevcious sentence, I forgot my other concern...
You guys are really outdoing yourselves, all the reveals have been exceptional thus far!
Definitely +1 to Belly Slide, that would be a great defensive mechanic for the Gorge, to help him shuffle around where he's needed by whipping through the already-infested areas.
<!--quoteo(post=1723984:date=Aug 20 2009, 03:55 PM:name=JAmazon)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JAmazon @ Aug 20 2009, 03:55 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1723984"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Oh dear god, I can already see the gorge luge min-map.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I was thinking water slides with a little elevator back up to the top... could be a lot of fun like the skulk skeet shot map... or you could make a map like SS Tricky with ramps and tons of air... but I'm guessing the gorge will take fall damage while going for an uber trick... unless we can use that new damage soak move for that too... hmmm...
I love the slide idea, but that means level designers will have to make sure to include an area where it can be used. It also has to be faster than his normal walk or the marine walk for it to be anything besides a "oh no, our gorge is sliding around the base again" button... I really want to see this where the gorge keeps gaining acceleration as it goes down a slope... I'm pretty sure the engine makes it a pretty simple change too...
Gorge looks great.
One question though... what's with all the back-side tentacles on the aliens now? Seems like a weird fetish or something. Please elaborate on that one as it was the first thing my wife brought up when she saw the onos and skulk.
<!--quoteo(post=1723980:date=Aug 20 2009, 09:51 PM:name=Triggerman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Triggerman @ Aug 20 2009, 09:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1723980"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Okay I really want to see belly-slide in some form, even if it only will be in alpha and then excluded from the official version later on, PLEASE make the animation for it! I can see whole maps dedicated to Gorge-Downhill Racing!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
One more thing, the cowering ability should drain energy when being hit. Otherwise, you'll just end up with marines staring at the cowering gorge waiting for him to give up.
<!--quoteo(post=1724004:date=Aug 20 2009, 10:19 PM:name=phoenixbbs)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phoenixbbs @ Aug 20 2009, 10:19 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1724004"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I'd be interested in seeing a belly-slide too, even if it doesn't feature in the full release...
I've got visions of a 3D "Sonic the Gorge-Hog" map too - perhaps that could be a little fun extra for Special Edition purchasers ? ;-)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I dunno about that Yami thing, reducing energy while not getting hit means the marines will just stand there and watch his energy drain after the first few reflexive shots. Which is going to be extremely unnerving for either the marines or the gorge, depending on how long it takes to drain the entire bar..
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
Guys, seriously, that was definately the best reveal to date. The animations are so slick.
I'm very intrigued by the idea of the gorge as a secondary builder with more of a focus on tactical combat deployments. I hope 'Spike Plants' do not play a major role in territory control ( no to oc walls ), but if they can be used in combination with dcs to provide remote strongholds to attack or defend from, then the gorge could be a superb support class that other lifeforms can use to keep pressure up . This was the best aspect of gorge play in NS.
I'm not so sure about belly sliding as a major component of gorge movement. Tuxracer anyone?
<!--quoteo(post=1723999:date=Aug 20 2009, 09:13 PM:name=Kiopaen)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kiopaen @ Aug 20 2009, 09:13 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1723999"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->One question though... what's with all the back-side tentacles on the aliens now? Seems like a weird fetish or something. Please elaborate on that one as it was the first thing my wife brought up when she saw the onos and skulk.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Have you gone back and looked at the NS1 aliens recently? They all had back side tentacles as well, and the gorge, specifically had a big clump of them. They just weren't as articulated and individually animated as they are now.
grepdashvLord of the BugsJoin Date: 2002-11-13Member: 8487Members, Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester
* like the armored look -- crunchy on the outside with a chewy center * boosting energy for damage soaked makes no sense, since it would create a positive feedback loop * could the secondary spit also be used against players? (more intuitive; damage/effects could be scaled as needed) * health spray as an area effect -- much better; this shouldn't have to be aimed * extra spit effects -- will be interesting to try, but don't be surprised if they're too annoying to keep; visual obstructions (e.g., flashbang, L4D boomer puke) and movement restrictions (onos paralyze & stomp, L4D smoker tongue, TF2 scout Sandman bonk) tend to annoy a lot of players; continued damage (e.g., TF2 pyro setting people on fire) also has the potential to be very annoying and can be problematic for game logic (e.g., what should happen when a player is slimed by spit but picks up a medkit?) * please include a visual "preview" of where a structure will be placed (e.g., TF2 engy)
tankefuglOne Script To Rule Them All...Trondheim, NorwayJoin Date: 2002-11-14Member: 8641Members, Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
I absolutely love it! =D
(Love the bolded words in the text as well. But he's never fat!)
<!--quoteo(post=1724019:date=Aug 20 2009, 04:36 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Aug 20 2009, 04:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1724019"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Have you gone back and looked at the NS1 aliens recently? They all had back side tentacles as well, and the gorge, specifically had a big clump of them. They just weren't as articulated and individually animated as they are now.
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
huh... always struck me as more of a triangular tail stub... I'll have to take a closer look at that one. I noticed the double tail on the ns1 skulk, but I'd never thought of them as prehensile... any intended biological functionality there?
<!--quoteo(post=1724019:date=Aug 20 2009, 10:36 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Aug 20 2009, 10:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1724019"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Have you gone back and looked at the NS1 aliens recently? They all had back side tentacles as well, and the gorge, specifically had a big clump of them. They just weren't as articulated and individually animated as they are now.
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Will there be two different sorts of Onos? The NS2 Onos we all know and the NS1 based model Onos?
Since there is one NS1 based Onos at the background of NS2 website and one picture of one NS1 based Onos.
One concern I have actually with the NS2 Gorge is, what will the first person cam position be like. Will it be inside the mouth again. Because he no longer has those tiny arms on his tongue anymore. Will Gorges still build using 'E' or will the structures auto build themselves?
Again, wanted to say great job. I really want to see that Fade. Thank you for sharing him last!
<!--quoteo(post=1724024:date=Aug 20 2009, 05:52 PM:name=Tekoppen)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tekoppen @ Aug 20 2009, 05:52 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1724024"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Will there be two different sorts of Onos? The NS2 Onos we all know and the NS1 based model Onos?
Since there is one NS1 based Onos at the background of NS2 website and one picture of one NS1 based Onos.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Most definitely not. I am pretty sure the early concept art was designed before the new appearance of the Onos was finalized.
<!--quoteo(post=1724026:date=Aug 20 2009, 10:56 PM:name=Sirot)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sirot @ Aug 20 2009, 10:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1724026"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Most definitely not. I am pretty sure the early concept art was designed before the new appearance of the Onos was finalized.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Absolutely perfect, I have no complaints at all. If you did want to consider the waddle with left and right pairs of feet moving together, I may be even happier, but either way, I'm about as happy as can be about this reveal.
Comments
Or can we unlock them with other hives aswell ?
I like the effects of belly-slide, but I worry that going that route takes us over the line of 'kinda cute' to immersion breaking. Might I suggest a tuck and roll animation instead? This has the added benefit of making the similarity between gorge and hive even more pronounced, as when in the tucked position, I could see the gorge looking very much like a small hive. Especially with the tail tentacles.
I'm also a little concerned about the lack of strategic options for the gorge with the removal of the strategic chambers, but I suppose this is moving us more in the intended direction of both teams being somewhat similar, with the strategic role primarily being exercised by the hiver.
edit: bloody typos.
edit2: no strike tags?
I LOVE IT.
My hope was that the Gorge kept its cuteness and I feel you guys have totally done that. Along with this cuteness, you've created a new breed of Combat Gorge!
Step 1: Plant a few chambers. Step 2: Plant your butt facing the entrance the marines are likely to come in at. Step 3: Wait for the Marines to die OR start to ignore you (at which point you spit them to death!).
I do have a few concerns though... does heal spray do damage? Sometimes, Gorges just want to have fun, and heal spraying an enemy to death is the only way to have it! Now, while writing the prevcious sentence, I forgot my other concern...
So I can't wait for NS2.
You guys are really outdoing yourselves, all the reveals have been exceptional thus far!
Definitely +1 to Belly Slide, that would be a great defensive mechanic for the Gorge, to help him shuffle around where he's needed by whipping through the already-infested areas.
I was thinking water slides with a little elevator back up to the top... could be a lot of fun like the skulk skeet shot map... or you could make a map like SS Tricky with ramps and tons of air... but I'm guessing the gorge will take fall damage while going for an uber trick... unless we can use that new damage soak move for that too... hmmm...
I love the slide idea, but that means level designers will have to make sure to include an area where it can be used. It also has to be faster than his normal walk or the marine walk for it to be anything besides a "oh no, our gorge is sliding around the base again" button... I really want to see this where the gorge keeps gaining acceleration as it goes down a slope... I'm pretty sure the engine makes it a pretty simple change too...
Gorge looks great.
One question though... what's with all the back-side tentacles on the aliens now? Seems like a weird fetish or something. Please elaborate on that one as it was the first thing my wife brought up when she saw the onos and skulk.
Slime pig ftw!
Hive0: Spite
Hive1: Healing Spray
Hive2: Offense Chamber?
Hive3: Defense Chamber?
Other:
Crouch: Cower
Shift/Sprint: Belly Slide
I can see whole maps dedicated to Gorge-Downhill Racing!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Gorge-Downhill Racing xD
That has to be default =)
I've got visions of a 3D "Sonic the Gorge-Hog" map too - perhaps that could be a little fun extra for Special Edition purchasers ? ;-)
Instead of heal spray spit combo plus OC's.... Gorges are going to become living bowling balls...
I've got visions of a 3D "Sonic the Gorge-Hog" map too - perhaps that could be a little fun extra for Special Edition purchasers ? ;-)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
= extra money =)
Which is going to be extremely unnerving for either the marines or the gorge, depending on how long it takes to drain the entire bar..
This way when a marine shoots him he'll slide with the momentum from the shot...
Slide Mode + Shields Up + 3 marines shooting with shotguns = wheeeeeeeeeeeee
this is just WOW... can't imagine a better model for my little friendly gorge !! :D amazing !!!!
I'm very intrigued by the idea of the gorge as a secondary builder with more of a focus on tactical combat deployments. I hope 'Spike Plants' do not play a major role in territory control ( no to oc walls ), but if they can be used in combination with dcs to provide remote strongholds to attack or defend from, then the gorge could be a superb support class that other lifeforms can use to keep pressure up . This was the best aspect of gorge play in NS.
I'm not so sure about belly sliding as a major component of gorge movement. Tuxracer anyone?
Have you gone back and looked at the NS1 aliens recently? They all had back side tentacles as well, and the gorge, specifically had a big clump of them. They just weren't as articulated and individually animated as they are now.
--Cory
Gorge Racing! :D
* boosting energy for damage soaked makes no sense, since it would create a positive feedback loop
* could the secondary spit also be used against players? (more intuitive; damage/effects could be scaled as needed)
* health spray as an area effect -- much better; this shouldn't have to be aimed
* extra spit effects -- will be interesting to try, but don't be surprised if they're too annoying to keep; visual obstructions (e.g., flashbang, L4D boomer puke) and movement restrictions (onos paralyze & stomp, L4D smoker tongue, TF2 scout Sandman bonk) tend to annoy a lot of players; continued damage (e.g., TF2 pyro setting people on fire) also has the potential to be very annoying and can be problematic for game logic (e.g., what should happen when a player is slimed by spit but picks up a medkit?)
* please include a visual "preview" of where a structure will be placed (e.g., TF2 engy)
(Love the bolded words in the text as well. But he's never fat!)
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
huh... always struck me as more of a triangular tail stub... I'll have to take a closer look at that one. I noticed the double tail on the ns1 skulk, but I'd never thought of them as prehensile... any intended biological functionality there?
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Will there be two different sorts of Onos?
The NS2 Onos we all know and the NS1 based model Onos?
Since there is one NS1 based Onos at the background of NS2 website and one picture of one NS1 based Onos.
Again, wanted to say great job. I really want to see that Fade. Thank you for sharing him last!
The NS2 Onos we all know and the NS1 based model Onos?
Since there is one NS1 based Onos at the background of NS2 website and one picture of one NS1 based Onos.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Most definitely not. I am pretty sure the early concept art was designed before the new appearance of the Onos was finalized.
Allright, thank you for the information.
My favorite alien.
Keep up the good work.