Garrett Blacknova
Codex Troopers
1849
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Posted - 2012.11.20 20:35:00 -
[1] - Quote
Problem with having markers to show what a player's carrying is that the game ISN'T class-based.
A Logistics suit can be loaded down with REs and other combat-oriented gear in their equipment slot.
An Assault can carry a Nanohive, Injector, or Repair Tool just as easily as the Logi guy. Some can carry 2 of these items.
Scouts can be loaded with any of the typical Logi gear too.
The right Heavy suit also has an equipment slot.
Seeing a guy flagged as "Assault" you might assume he's a run-and-gun player, and not go to help him if there are only a couple of enemies in the area. What happens when he only has a Swarm Launcher? You might see that a teammate is flagged as anti-vehicle, but you rush over to "save" him and it turns out he brought Locus Grenades and a good SMG and could take care of himself.
If you see someone marked as "Heavy" you might assume he's the one to go up against a tank, then rage when he runs away. Because his HMG is useless. You might think that a Forge Gun is going to be a bad weapon to try and use against a large group of infantry, so when you see a Heavy getting surrounded, you'll rush to help - again, HMG guys are optimised for that fight. The reverse could also happen, assume "Heavy = HMG" and don't bother to rescue a Forge Gunner who's just over the hill from you because you think he'll be fine to take those few guys attacking him at close range.
Only real option is a context-sensitive system. We already get to see teammates' health pretty easily within reasonable range, or anywhere in LoS if you line up on them accurately. And Injectors let you see a teammate who's downed, so that also works. Add in a context-sensitive ammo counter for players with Nanohives to judge when they need to use it and when to save their hives for later.
The other side could be that, when you're running short on ammo - either 25% left in one weapon or below 50% ammo on both, friendlies with Nanohives get marked for you to aim towards. Same thing could work for Armour and Repair Tools. Drop below 50%, and you can see where to go for help. |