So before reading all of this, please note that I know this is still alpha. I know that some of these features could be planned to be developed before release. However, I do not know which are and which aren't, as I do not work at Uber. I am simply trying to contribute. So please refrain from the "it's just alpha, duh!" comments that I so often see when suggesting directions for the game. So first of all, some features I would like to see: * Factory queue repeat / pause buttons - I can't stress enough how useful these are in an RTS that is focused on being large-scale * Selected unit icons & count on UI - So you can tell which units are thrown in to your army and how many of each * Keyboard shortcut to set current camera position and orientation for callback - The 3D nature of the game makes it easy to turn your camera, which can be disorienting. It throws off your perception of your base. The N key helps, but I often have to find a good spot on the planet to get it where I want it. This could be solved by a shift / ctrl / alt - F# keyboard combo to set camera position, and a related keystroke to recall that position. * Double-tap control groups to move focus onto them - Easily find control groups. Maybe have an option in the game menu to have it either move to them or move to them AND enable unit camera tracking. * An optional form of mini-map - I know Mavor isn't too fond of the idea of a mini-map in this game, but it doesn't have to even be a flat map. You could just have the 3D readout of the planet in a small pane on the top-right of the screen that would let you hover over and scroll the mouse wheel to change zoom-level. The map would rotate to keep center with where your screen is. Basically, it would just give you a zoomed-out view of the planet at all times. Now some observations, based upon what is already in the game: * T1 doesn't become obsolete! - One of my biggest concerns with the tier system is unit obsolescence. This seems to have been avoided by the sheer utility of units. For example, T1 vehicle scouts have such a large vision range that they are viable as spotters for artillery units late-game. Also, anti-air units are always useful. I really like how this is being handled. * The re-joining feature is amazing - I have only had one crash since the alpha was released, and it was from trying to track a control group that had, unbeknownst to me, been blown up. I was able to quickly rejoin the game, and besides the annoying error sounds that played every time I clicked, nothing was lost. On that note... * The game is REALLY stable for an alpha - We were told to expect lots of crashing. I'm having better stability with this game than I have with some "finished" AAA products. You guys have earned a banana sticker. * T2 factories are still a little big - They are massive and don't fit into a base well. Maybe once pathing is optimized, it won't be such a big deal. * Bot & Vehicle factories look too similar - Arguably. You can obviously tell them apart if you remember what they look like, but it would be nice if they had more distinct appearances. * Weapon effects could be more unique - I know this stuff is still under construction. It might be nice to see a bit more color or something to make weapons more distinct. I'm also curious as to whether bombers will be reworked to TA-style carpet-bombing for air-to-land attacks, since bomber sniping is currently the #1 way to kill a commander (in my experiences). * Text is a little small - It would be nice to have a UI and/or text scale slider bar or something in the options menu. I play at 1920x1080 on a 21.5" monitor at a standard distance from my monitor and the text looks a bit small to me. It is readable, but might be more difficult for some people. One thing I would like to stress about all of the UI features and such that I mentioned is that they should be optional. Players should have a little control over their UI setup without giving them anything that gives an unfair advantage. If there's one thing I will never understand about game developers, it is their unwillingness to give players simple options to customize their experience. Those who want a bare-bones UI should be able to do it. Those who want more utility should have that option. If it doesn't affect game balance, I simply find myself asking "why not?"
Stickies. There are usually lots of great info to read in the Sticky Threads. Confirmed Features List 2.0 viewtopic.php?f=61&t=44950 Not sure if all your answers are there but there is the list of things Confirmed, Suggested, and such. Also I am sure this type of thread would get a better response if it was posted in the Alpha forum section.
Some of it is generally hinted at in that thread but the details are scattered across the forum. I think some of my ideas are more specific and together, warrant a separate thread. I also had some feedback regarding things already in the game, which is less important, but fits nicely with my suggestions. Also, the description of the alpha forum doesn't include my thread. "If it is not alpha specific, please continue to keep it in General or Backer's. This is not a suggestion forum."
No problem. In fact, I hadn't actually read the description until you mentioned it. I just assumed general was a solid fit. /shrug :?
I cant even start a game.... i can go into matchmaking, but once its "starting game" a little after it will close down. anyone know how to fix it?
try the bug tracker Plus, this wasn't the best place to ask that. Try searching, if you don't find anything, open a thread in the alpha forum and explain the problem in detail.
Ground units shouldnt be able to go to sea because there would be not much advantage to sea units. right now nukes aren't usefull at all. what is this like some cold war stand off? obviously work on different projectiles and more planets(planetary anhilation) meaning multiple destruction of planets!!!! cant wait to see those. another point, I want to know which direction the units will come out of the factories and the ability to rotate world all directions. And HOTKEYS! Loving the game so far however it may not be worth $90. I do understand why it was $90 on the other hand.
After playing my first Alpha game I have to say I am still very hopeful for what PA could become. There obviously lots of issues which will be fixed along the way even though I cant find anywhere they have been confirmed as an objective (such as being able to place buildings inside one another and subs not moving). Also, I know shields and commander upgrades have been confirmed as 'not in' but with how the tech two bombers are currently, there is no protection from spamming them. But anyway, a suggestion from me: An idle engineer UI system like in Supreme Commander Forged Alliance. I'm constantly loosing my engineers damn it!
In response to the last two posts... - Land units going into water is not intended and will be worked out before release. They should be able to go into shallow water, but not enough to do much of anything. - Nukes are also still in the works. It is still early alpha, so you're seeing what is essentially a wire frame of what the game is to become. - I very much agree that it would be nice to know where the units will come out, and what is the "front" of certain buildings in general. - I also would like to be able to rotate my camera orientation freely, which I'm sure will be an option before release. That is unless it is already in the game and I'm just clueless :lol: - Idle engineer icons. YES. I love those. I also want to see a better way to distinguish between combat units and engineers via the strategic icons. This is all possibly still in the works, so hopefully we will be able to see those before too long. - I expect bomber sniping to be much easier to counter later on in the development of the game. Right now, bombers pretty much don't miss and anti-air missiles sometimes take a detour. Your best bet for now is to keep your commander closer to the center of a base with plenty of turrets between him and any possible base entry point. I learned this the hard way...
