10 replies to this topic

[Donas]

With the fix to Thermals bringing them back to a range that is indicative of a secondary optics system, the public outcry from folks that snipe has been deafening.

Why?

Because the Zoom Module, which is supposed to be an ENHANCED optical system is generally ineffective (at best) or outright BROKEN.

Its poor, grainy resolution makes target recognition and targeting difficult. This is supposed to be an enhanced mode, and it looks like nothing more than an unenhanced digital zoom.

Additionally, the reticule is only accurate if your aim point is within the top and bottom limits of the torso vertical travel. between the upper and lower torso travel limits, the shots from arm mounted weapons go right where the arm reticule is. The INSTANT you have reached maximum torso travel, the shots from arm mounted weapons deviate exponentially (or at least multiplicatively) from the aim point. This is extremely poor for a module. especially since there is no indicator for when you are at max travel so that you can compensate for it. (not that it would do much good, the deviation is SO far off vertically, that while your reticule may be inside the advanced zoom window, your shots are landing very far outside it. Its completely untargetable at this point. It might not seem like such a big deal, accept that this is essentially a sniping scope (since it doesn't not seem to offer any enhanced spotting range for the purpose of scouting or relaying enemy mech info) and often snipers are in high or low vantage points, shooting at extreme distances.

This needs to be fixed. The sooner the better if the powers that be ever want an end to the current outcry from old-style thermo users.

Edited by Donas, 06 April 2013 - 02:48 PM.

[th3 fr4gil3]

i bought used a few times and have shelved it since.
dug it out other day and its even worse now, hud IFF elements don't apply themselves to mechs in zoom window.
got shelved again, call me when it works.

[Noth]

I wouldn't say it is bugged nor broken. I'd simply say that they gave the beta testers what they wanted (picture in picture zoom) within the constraints of the game engine. With the cryengine 3 rendering two scenes on the same screen (what high quality PiP would need) causes massive performance loss. Simple fix is to just remove the PiP of it and make it like the other zooms.

[Dragorath]

Just add it as another zoom stage for the normal zoom. No fancy additional button or so.

[Silpher K]

exactly, make it so ppl with the module has normal 1x 1.5x 3x and 4x, and people without module, 1x 1.5x and 3x

i dont see how hard this can be. no PiP pull crap, no ui issue, no performance hit, no pixelation.

[Rubidiy]

Donas, have you ever heard about shaders and DirectX render?
Generally agree with you. Zoom optics should give us ability to interpolate the image inside it's rectangle in thermal channel to make objects inside visor distinctly seen. Thus advanced zoom will become a real long range engagement module.

Edited by Rubidiy, 07 April 2013 - 02:43 AM.

[Donas]

Rubidiy, on 07 April 2013 - 02:41 AM, said:

Donas, have you ever heard about shaders and DirectX render? .

I have heard these words before... yes.... Im certain of it....

lol

However, I'm totally drawing a blank as to what you were getting at... is there some setting I have FUBAR'd that this is indicative of? or is there some basic mechanic that makes this a no-brainer issue? I've had a long weekend under the hood of an uncooperative and very boneheadedly designed Chevy Impala, so forgive me missing the reference.

[Donas]

Noth, on 06 April 2013 - 03:11 PM, said:

I'd simply say that they gave the beta testers what they wanted (picture in picture zoom) within the constraints of the game engine. With the cryengine 3 rendering two scenes on the same screen (what high quality PiP would need) causes massive performance loss. Simple fix is to just remove the PiP of it and make it like the other zooms.

So they're leaving this module uncorrected as something they can point to when they seemingly ignore Beta feedback since? "Look at the zoom!!! its just like you asked for and its terrible!!! why would we listen to you people again?"

::disclaimer - kidding::

[Oppresor]

Another big problem with the zoom module is that it seems to make target lock for missiles almost impossible. The red target lock indicator seems to travel with the zoom window away from the target.

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

This is a known issue, and the problem lies in the picture-in-picture format. Apparently it has to do with needing to render everything twice, which is system-intensive. If PGI can find a solution or a work-around for this problem then you can expect the module to be fixed.

Some have suggested that enhanced zoom allow for a 4x or 6x or something extra stage of zoom in the same format as what we have now (2x and 3x). This is an interesting idea, but the PIP version has so much promise that I'd far prefer it be fixed than have it replaced with something less interesting.

[Hexenhammer]

I was going to buy Zoom first. Then I saw it in action. I/ve bought seismic since then and never regreted it.

Easiest way to make Zoom better? make it stack on to regular zoom so its what 1.5x, 3x, 4 or 4.5 and its as clear as the previous ones.

Zoom module could also be modified. Have a Zoom Window module like advance zoom is now. And have another one that just extends the zoom range. There are any number of ways to make the zoom module more effective.