126 replies to this topic

[Blight]

I'm a tradionalist. For me when i played I didnt mind the not having a cockpit. I used my number pad to look around and could find my cockpit, but if it is going to be right there without having to look around why bother. I prefer to have just my H.U.D what do you think

[wolf74]

WIthout the Cockpit, Your just doing a FPS agian!

Edited by wolf74, 02 December 2011 - 11:02 PM.

[Nav]

I think you need a HUD AND the Cockpit. Technology has progressed much further so that it can provide a far more realistic and immersive experience.

For example with Track IR, why would you want to use you number pad to look around, when you can just move your head slightly?

[Schnuffs]

I'm kinda on the fence, I mean I like the whole cockpit view but only if it doesn't take up too much of my view.

[Nik Van Rhijn]

Cockpit view, especially if the displays actually show usefull info.

[Joachim Viltry]

Traditionalist and HUD in the same sentence?

Time for some History, methinks. Back in the long-long-ago all sim games had their displays set up to look like instrument panels. It added a sense of immersion, of verisimilitude. I'm a REAL traditionalist, and applaud the return of such cockpits to mech games.

I have many fond memories of playing Earthsiege 2 back in 1995



and of course the SNES version of Mechwarrior had them, although they weren't as interactive as the ones in Earthsiege II (where you could access your unit commands by looking down at the screen between the pilots legs), but still...


and who can forget the abysmal game, Ultrabots? Which had really cool cockpits- despite the fact that the game sucked *****.




Other 'vintage' examples include X-wing, and Tie fighter. Which were far more immersive than the later X-wing Alliance because of the nature of the cockpit displays (and so while Alliance was a solid game, the HUD made things feel like an arcade game, rather than a sim game).

Hell, look up Mechwarrior; the clans. it was the project that eventually became Mechwarrior 2. but the early versions HAD fully immersive cockpits, which honestly looked far better than the HUD setup in the finished game ever did.

[Agasutin]

Essentially, what is in the red box, is our FOV. So it wont be that cluttered, unless they allow you (though an option) to see the rest of it.

Almost forgot, I'm pro-cockpit.

Edited by Agasutin, 03 December 2011 - 12:19 AM.

[Halfinax]

Pro-cockpit. Simulation without the slight disadvantage of having the instruments and what not in your way is just a glorified fps.

[TheUncle]

cockpit is 100 percent more immersive - and that's a big part of the whole Mechwarrior fascination.
Pro-cockpit

[Thorn Hallis]

I need a cockpit.

[Mchawkeye]

bit of both, with the majority on the cockpit side of things.

I think a HUD is important in terms of game play, and much of the information required for basic play should be represented thus. in the panels there should be more information, maybe targeting computer/c3 info, other readouts like drone telemetry and such like should be represented within the cockpit displays.

Having it interactive would be the dogs b******s...

[CaveMan]

HUD-only would be a severe disappointment.

There should be a HUD, yes, but it needs to be part of a physical cockpit with panels, dials, and at least some switches that really work.

[Skwisgaar Skwigelf]

Cockpit, definitely. Especially if it has interactive displays and isn't just some some framework to block your view.

[BerserX]

I have only played MW4: Mercs, Vengeance, and Black Knight. However, I am a huge fan of the cockpit view. It thrills me to actually feel like I am behind the controls of a 75 ton Mad Cat, rather seeing it through a 3rd person-view with a HUD surrounding it. I love the Hunchback cockpit setup: maybe it could have an interactive radar (toggle options: such as target/ally display, geographical map, drone view options, etc) between the legs (like in MW4), a targeted enemy display to one side, a 'Mech status display to the other side, and coolant and jump energy in a centralized location. Also, an advanced command/communication interface should be set up to the top somwhere (it would be nice to have a video option for players with computer cameras - or to at least see avatars next to pilot names) - one that would quickly facilitate command-giving. Two more things that were nice in MW4 are the compass and the torso-twist indicator. These enabled the pilot to quickly find his Navpoint, and also allowed him to align his 'Mech's top with its legs.

The Hunchback display seems to already have all or most of this. I do not know what the discussion is about the number pad and the cockpit (I think it allows you to view the interior of the 'Mech), but I am a hardcore joystick player. With my Logitech Extreme 3D PRO, I have a HAT analog stick that allows me to do the same thing. It also turns the arms on the 'Mech (which has saved me numerous times when in a brawling scenario).

I'm probably not the first person to think about these things, but I didn't see if anyone had mentioned them yet. Regardless of the outcome (though I hope to see the cockpit view again), the one word that describes my anticipation of MWO is "WANT!"

[Hayden]

I have to say, I'm a huge cockpit fan, and from what I've seen of the Hunchback concept these cockpits should be very functional and practical. To say that I am thrilled with what I've seen thus far is an understatement.

[Datum]

I seem to like the strange cockpits of MW2.
I think it was how every one was visibly unique and set the tone of what you're driving, yet none were obstructive of view and all the information you needed was fluidly translated to your hud.

[UncleKulikov]

Joachim Viltry, on 03 December 2011 - 12:11 AM, said:

Traditionalist and HUD in the same sentence?

Time for some History, methinks. Back in the long-long-ago all sim games had their displays set up to look like instrument panels. It added a sense of immersion, of verisimilitude. I'm a REAL traditionalist, and applaud the return of such cockpits to mech games.

I have many fond memories of playing Earthsiege 2 back in 1995



and of course the SNES version of Mechwarrior had them, although they weren't as interactive as the ones in Earthsiege II (where you could access your unit commands by looking down at the screen between the pilots legs), but still...


and who can forget the abysmal game, Ultrabots? Which had really cool cockpits- despite the fact that the game sucked *****.




Other 'vintage' examples include X-wing, and Tie fighter. Which were far more immersive than the later X-wing Alliance because of the nature of the cockpit displays (and so while Alliance was a solid game, the HUD made things feel like an arcade game, rather than a sim game).

Hell, look up Mechwarrior; the clans. it was the project that eventually became Mechwarrior 2. but the early versions HAD fully immersive cockpits, which honestly looked far better than the HUD setup in the finished game ever did.

Quoted for the Starsiege reference. Cockpits are incredible for gameplay, and I want them to be functional this time.

Like if there are camera guided missiles, you will need to look at the camera feed within your cockpit to guide them.

[Alexander Becker]

Definitly need a cockpit.

[Karyudo ds]

The Battletech art always showed interments in the cockpit yet nearly every Mechwarrior game had been incredibly disappointing, lacking any details or functionality. Without a cockpit this would be an arcade game.

[pcunite]

Cockpit for sure! A little HUD option for those that want it I guess.