15 replies to this topic

[80Bit]

TL;WR: Make a control mode (on by default for new players) that makes the mechs legs slave to the torso direction.

I understand that PGI want's to make the game more accessible to new players. I understand this, and agree it is important.

The current problem is that unlike most games, it is possible for you to move "forward" while not looking forward. In fact it is essential to gameplay. But a lot of new players find this confusing. The problem stems from having to control two sections of your mech at once.

I have seen people suggest the following fixes:

3rd person mode
Training course
3d model of your mech in the hud


What none of these things does is actually take away the confusing (for some) control scheme of having to control two parts of your mech at once. Yes 3rd person will make it more clear what is going on with your mech, but people will still get confused or frustrated trying to rotate their legs while counter rotating their torso.

I suggest they add a new control scheme, turned on by default for new players. The option would slave your leg direction to your torso direction If your torso turns right, you legs will follow, lagging behind of course based on their slower rotation speed. If a player is walking into a building, and looks right, after a second they will be walking the direction their are looking. Problem solved. No advantage gained. It should be clear to these new players that there is a better control option available for them once they are ready for it.

[von Pilsner]

I would say just make a comprehensive series of tutorials instead.

[80Bit]

I am sure a tutorial is planned but this change would likely be far faster to implement.

Edited by 80Bit, 14 November 2012 - 07:06 PM.

[skullman86]

This is something I was just thinking about. I would definitely support this over a 3rd person view because it's good for new players, but it would also be useful for people who understand the controls and still have trouble moving around.

Edited by skullman86, 14 November 2012 - 04:39 PM.

[80Bit]

I don't see a downside to having the option.

[Team Leader]

I support this

[80Bit]

With everyone in an uproar about 3rd person, I am surprised this idea is not better received.

[Havyek]

I'm sorry, but is WASD and mouse so freaking hard a concept for people to grasp?

[Vassago Rain]

The trainingwheels have to come off eventually.

Then what? Give them a proper tutorial instead.

[Taryys]

Please sign here:

How To Reduce The Grind And Create A Great New User Experience

[Matte Black]

You know there is a very simple command change that would fix so many newb control problems.

Currently in game when you push C it yanks you off target and points you in the direction your legs are facing, this is so very wrong and backwards.

When you are fighting and lose track of travel direction or get over-twisted in a dance of death, you do not want to be spun off target to look the way you are traveling, you want your legs to come online with where you are aiming, at that point it is easy to get travel re-oriented and stay on target.

Pushing C should center legs to torso, not torso to legs.

No I am not a Newb, I do not have trouble piloting Mechs, I have been doing it for many years, this is an alt profile.

This one control option change would help the green mech pilots so much.

[Heeden]

I think it was in Mercs the mouse was like the free-look mode (used for moving your arm-aiming reticules) and you had to hold rmb down to move the torso, I found this a lot less confusing when starting out because the act of pushing in the mouse button somehow made the torso movement more significant whereas starting out in MWO I find my torso creeping around to follow a target and I easily lose track of where my legs are.

Your idea isn't bad but I think going from your simpler controls to the regular ones will be just as tough as starting out with regular controls and really a training level would be a better solution. Or we could have a command that centers legs on torso (mirroring pressing "C" to center torso on legs).

[Bromineberry]

Are pc gamers that stupid nowadays, that they can't manage the controls the way they are now? How did I mange to figure it out in a few minutes when I was about 12 years old? I mean seriously, it's not that hard...

[Havyek]

Bromineberry, on 15 November 2012 - 09:39 AM, said:

Are pc gamers that stupid nowadays, that they can't manage the controls the way they are now? How did I mange to figure it out in a few minutes when I was about 12 years old? I mean seriously, it's not that hard...

Werd.

I somehow managed to play MW2:Mercs in 1997 with lag shooting, typed communications with the group, and using nothing but the keyboard and was one of the better players in the game.

Now people can't use 4 keyboard buttons + mouse?
We need a temporary moratorium on breeding, and I pray to God that none of these people ever operate an automobile.
"You mean I need to look where I'm going, and look where I want to go, AND look behind me so I don't hit anyone?? INSANITY!!"

[Jordache]

I keep seeing founders talking about the controls, but not the noobs. This is a non-issue. We noobs don't need the game dumbed down, we need some matches without pug stompers. That's it.

You keep talking about controls, comms, blah, blah - everything but groups of premade founders stomping our guts out. Comms would be nice but if like the game enough to stick around, we can figure out teamspeak, or whatever the cool kids are using these days.

How many times have you seen a noob talking about control, or comms? How many times have you seen them talking about getting bashed?

Also what is this attitude were you think your game is so much more complicated than everybody elses? IT ISN'T. This is the slowest, grandpa mode game of all time. Heat management! Somebody call the professor!

[Kurayami]

oh cmon big yellow triangles on hud and minimap is not enough?