More obvious mini-map/locations?

Balmark

<div class="IPBDescription">Help learning maps</div>I'm kind of concious of the fact that maps are pretty large and starting positions are random ..

Could there be some option introduced .. to make a 'map learning mode' that might involve a larger than normal mini map or having the map continously visible (transparent .. same one when dead you can see with 'C' ) and possibly flashing up a large enough 'area description' popup when you change areas .. (ie. when you enter 'CrossRoads' then flash up an obvious 'Crossroads' (I mean big...)

Might not make any sense to those who can put alot of time into it.. but for casual gamers.. as I've said :P maps are big and starting positions are random :P

As I get older, my learning ability is drastically declining :P

spellman23

I think it would be helpful for new players if on the HUD their current room was a bit more visible and noticable.

I understand the difficultly of learning maps for new players, but it's part of the curve. I sure run around a lot with the map open, even on maps I know well.

Having the map up all the time would be a bad idea, obscuring vision. Larger minimaps give Marines a decisive advantage in knowing when the enemy is ambushing them.

I do like the idea that when you change rooms your current location readout could pulse a bit. The motion might help new players realize how to idenify thsie locations by name in conjunction with learning the maps.

Laosh'Ra

<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I do like the idea that when you change rooms your current location readout could pulse a bit. The motion might help new players realize how to idenify thsie locations by name in conjunction with learning the maps.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
sounds like a good idea.

another thing i'd like to see is a visible seperation of power-zones on the map, so people know which power node they'll have to build for a phasegate etc.

Balmark

Yeah, since NS1, have got married n moved countries once or twice n have 2 lil kids .. so turned into a v casual gamer :P

tbh having a pulsing 'Zone Name' with an option to make it v large (I mean BIG) and pulse obviously on zone changes would probably do nicely

I also managed to get 4 of my friends to pre-order too, they're all excellent gamers (one is a serious RTS master)
I just don't want it to be a reason they might just 'not give it a proper go' .. well .. that's not quite what I mean, but if someone shouts they need help in 'crossroads' .. I don't want them to have to end up popping up the map like I have to .. it's the biggest pain in the ass imho :P

Knowing a map and the names of the zones makes the game so much more enjoyable and less frustrating for other players

'NEED HELP AT CROSSROADS!'
and entire team (possibly minus 1 or 2 :P ) has to pop up the map, find where they are, find crossroads, point themselves in the direction of the exit that'll take them there, then close the map :P ..

I know, most people just know the zone names .. but I think it's probably one of the biggest reasons people might get frustrated with the game when it goes live.. there's already going to be a bit of a learning curve .. I just don't think this idea should be underestimated on how important it could potentially be :P I'm assuming it would be easy enough to implement ..

Balmark

Went back ingame and thought to myself 'ok, time to learn this map' ... with the room/area name up in the top right, you're stuck with only a couple of options

1. Keep an eye on the top right on the offchance it changes.. at the same time you're missing all the landmarks of the area
2. Keep the map open most of the time, again, you miss most of the landmarks and don't get the memory imprint of trails/paths
3. Just run around mindlessly and pull up the map when someone needs help, stop for a cpl of seconds, turn around and use the map to point you in the general direction, close map and run.. you'll get there eventually ;)