New Players' First Impressions
MetalAngel
Join Date: 2003-02-22 Member: 13833Members
Join Date: 2003-02-22 Member: 13833Members
<div class="IPBDescription">"WTF just happened!?"</div> Mmmm, games with a twist. I've played TFC, CS, OFP, UT, Tribes2... all have eaten hours of my time and this looks to be the next daddy.
First thing I thought was: The skulks are TOO FAST and bite TOO HARD! It doesn't help that they seem to need an entire clip of LMG emptied into them before they die. <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--emo&::skulk::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/skulk.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='skulk.gif'><!--endemo-->
Second one was - how do you build??? Oh yeah, hold down use. Duh <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Once I understood how to play I noticed some commanders fall into the trap of expecting people to read their mind or go purely by verbal instructions and not mark where they want you do go as a waypoint (one commander chastised us because we spent more time being eaten as soon as we spawned back in, but didn't build a turret either)
Anyway, just a few things:
- is it true the skulk's hitbox is the size of a marine?
- any good tips on shooting the damn things?
First thing I thought was: The skulks are TOO FAST and bite TOO HARD! It doesn't help that they seem to need an entire clip of LMG emptied into them before they die. <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--emo&::skulk::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/skulk.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='skulk.gif'><!--endemo-->
Second one was - how do you build??? Oh yeah, hold down use. Duh <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Once I understood how to play I noticed some commanders fall into the trap of expecting people to read their mind or go purely by verbal instructions and not mark where they want you do go as a waypoint (one commander chastised us because we spent more time being eaten as soon as we spawned back in, but didn't build a turret either)
Anyway, just a few things:
- is it true the skulk's hitbox is the size of a marine?
- any good tips on shooting the damn things?
Comments
IMO skulks arent that bad to kill, if you spend a whole clip to kill one, I suggest to follow these tricks :
- Stay in a corner of a room or long hallways : That way your back is covered and you can aim well to incoming aliens. Staying in long hallways is great because these skulks have to make their way to you, and you'll have plenty of time to shoot them.
- Burst fire : Shoot 4-5 bullets then stop to aim again. I also suggest that you aim a bit «in front of» the skulk so he'll run into the bullet stream. That way you dont waste as many bullets as if you keep the finger on the trigger.
- Pistol : In some occasion, its bet to use your pistol ( like if theres a sklulk in the vents or if he doesnt move ). Practice to click very fast so you can unload your pistol in 1-2 seconds. The pistol is very accurate and powerful all at once. Use it well !
Hope that helps !
Burst fire is all well and good but if you're caught in a big open room with the damn thing jumping all over the place, it's not easy.
And I have tried to use the pistol for long range fighting... I guess I just need practice but I'm reading all the tips on here
Thanks for the advice!
But the most important rule of this game is, especially with marines, STICK TOGETHER....if you go solo, you will die very quickly.
Commander can upgrade your weapons power from arms lab:
Level 1 = 10% more damage
Level 2 = 20%
Level 3 = 30%
(There appears that small icon to the right of your screen)
And if your weapons are at level 2 or three those skulks aren't a big problem anymore <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
The best tip i can give you is to stay in groups <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
In this case though, I don't see how I can make any changes. Skulk speed is crucial to the game, and it's too late to change this now (and it's a big appeal to alien players).
Keep with it and hopefully you'll find it rewarding in the long run.
A skulk will die in 9 bullets provided neither of you have any upgrades. Once he gets level 3 carapace (an armor upgrade for aliens), it takes 19 shots. Yep, thats a lot of bullets.
Practice like hell, and i can guarantee that you will be splattering the buggers all over the walls <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
BTW - what tribe(s) did you play for in T2?
Practice is the key, Tribes 2 is baffling at first but now I'm a devastatingly good bomber pilot <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
I was thrown in the deep end by my first game being missilecommand - eep!
Thanks for the support all, see you out there!
If marines get motion tracking, it will help them out a lot. If you're a skulk and you suspect this, try to wait in a good spot and not move, to ambush anyone coming to your hive (though don't sit the whole game, just if you anticipate an attack).
One thing to remember is that if some one whit a special weapon dies get over there and pick up his weapon. You save the com a couple of res if you do. The weapons stay on the ground for around 30 sec so you can even pick up your own dropped weapons.
Good luck <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
As for killing skulks... skulks are supposed to eat you for breakfast unless you travel in packs. Find a buddy to act as bait, er, I mean cover you.
The other thing is to spread out. It's easy to go after one person, or a cluster of people, since you only have to dodge in one direction. It's much harder if there are two people firing from totally different angles.
Oh, and don't forget to use your pistol once your LMG clip is depleted <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
There was everyone sitting around, saying... ok now how do you play exactly? who wants to try comming? (seemed impossible)
oh yeah there were these too: wow... (it looked impossible on HL engine)
and wtf are those maps?? (lol I remember on nancy, the one with nn sai and port (god I'm not even sure about the hive names) I was so lost that to go to SAI from port, I went thru that little vent, passed near mess hall, went down towards noname, then went in that tunnel back up right in front of port to go run towards SAI <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> god and I had no idea that I was passing right in front of my start <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
I guess I was really lost in those complicated maps.
Sure, having story in the manual is fine, but it would be nice to include some other information that will help a newb in the game. The layout is beautiful though :-)
Now I know them all by heart (except Hera, which I hate and rarely play).
Oh, and COM's will ALWAYS yell at you for dying with HA, I know because I'm one of the worst (best?) at yelling about it. The thing new players (and some not-so-new, unfortunately) don't realise is that you can WELD the HA. HA will absorb 95% of the damage you take, so as long as you have some armor you are basically immortal, but as soon as it is gone you will drop as the poor naked human you are. NEVER go off alone with HA and ALWAYS weld other HA*s (and have them weld you) any chance you get. When I have HA I ask for welding if I go under 200 armor and start screaming like a girl if it comes close to 100. Really, weld, weld, weld, that's the key.
Taking out 100 skulks or 3 fades doesn't necessarily mean the HA "paid off" since the aliens may afford to re-fade while you can't get a new suit.
Oh, and find a friendly server and stick to it, that's my #1 tip.
The small hitbox, which is used for the crouching marine, and fade, and for the skulk, gorge, and lerk.
The medium hitbox, which is used for the standing marine and fade, as well as a crouching Onos.
The large hitbox, used by the standing onos.
The Ono's hitbox is alarmingly small compared to the model size and is a cilinder hanging from the spine around the stomach area or just infront of the rear legs. Basically aim to shoot the tip of his todger and you'll do the most damage.
The fades hitbox is a little short and it's best to aim for the gut.
None of the aliens are invincible, just hard. Rememeber you have and lmg a pistol and a knife and with all of those you can take down about anything, some of the time.
A good comm will give you lvl 1 weapon upgrades asap, when you see a skulk as the other guy said DON'T PANIC. He knows you can take him down in a short burst so he is as scared as you are. If he is at a distance STOP. AIM. KILL. Dont shoot until he is too close for you to empty your lmg before he gets to you. He will be dead in less than 25 hits and the further away you are the more spread your fire will be.
If you do run out of ammo, don't reload change to pistol. If you have a welder, reload. If you are with a team (and you should be), stop and duck. Your team will get a clearer shot of the skulk and this often confuses them <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> . As your going to die anyway this is no great loss but it does mean you don't block your teams LOS!
Pistols, practice. They rule. Lerks in vents, distance shots, etc.
At the moment dont take ha/hmg, shotgun, mines or jp unless everyone else has one and the comm insists. Dont forget the welder! When you get better you'll be able to put them to better use and know what the comm expects. When you get better still you wont bother with them unless your on a hive killing assignment or res are pouring in so fast the comm doesn't know what to do with them.
Skulks - wait for them to come to you and drop with short-ish burst. Sidestep at the last moment.
Gorge - chase, get close and empty you entire clip into the fat sucker. Ifg that does do it, empty your pistol clip too. Watch out for webs.
Lerk - watch for umbra, in umbra use knife, or chase out of umbra and fire short controlled bursts. At a distance use pistol (ie. refinary hive)
Fade - Keep middle distance and emtpy lmg into stomach, then empty pistol into stomach. Then knife it a few times.
Onos - strafe, shoot, pistol, reload, continue, knife, pray.
and, yes all of these coments are great ones <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Not all the time but it happens, and rocks <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Use your hunting instincts if in dangerous situation e.g. you're alone or otherwise your survival chance is slim and you're in a high traffic area.
And never, ever blindly wander in a group, feeling secure. It is when newbies think they are ultra safe and just concentrate on following because, well, maybe they're not sure what to do.. well it is times like those that the entire group gets ambushed and chewed up.
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I'd like some clarification on this. HL (and NS) hitboxes aren't supposed to be that simplistic, are they? As I understand it, the 3 fixed size "boxes" are what are used for constraining the players' movement, as defined by the "nshulls.txt" file passed to the CSG compiler. But actual hit-detection is (or is supposed to be) a lot more sophisticated than just a "cube", isn't it?
Does the hull affect the hitbox at all? The only way I can see is the problem of a skulk not being able to get close enough because of the hulls, to get its bitebox to intersect the marine's hitbox. (Is this why you can't bite a marine above you on a ladder?) But I can't see why that would cause problems shooting a skulk.
Please explain this to me. Why the oft-reported hitbox problems?
Um, dont know how you labelled that as a bad thing. Most people that play are experienced enough to know exactly what to do with verbal instructions only, because they know the names of all the rooms. If a commander tells you to go somewhere or do something over voicecom, most players know exactly what they are expected to do.
As for burst fire: I really see no reason to use it as long as there isn't any recoil. The reason you see soldiers use that is because the automatic shooting makes the rifle trail upwards, messing up your aim. Now that doesn't mean I always let my little LMG fire untill clip runs out. If skulk is far away I make sure to have him in my crosshairs and train him as he moves. I stop firing when I am not on him, and continue to fire again when he's on the crosshairs again.
If a skulk gets close I have tried to teach myself not just to fire while pointing. I firewhen I see him. It helps a lot when you start playing with Friendly Fire on. Since panicking bunny hopping marines who fire like mad men means team kills.
Same goes for skulk btw. You will learn to love it's speed sooner or later, flayra is right. But dont just punch the chomp button and keep munching. Try to "attack" when you are close to the marine.
what still gives me and gave me the most headache though are the maps. they are huge and everyone's always talking about place xxx (over voice comm of course, which can be quite the problem itself when you're not english native and struggle with the comms scottish accent and he talks to you without saying your name <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> ) and either I have no clue where that is or how ot get there or both together. unfortunately the mini-map doesn't help much either as it's hard to see where one is and pointing at on it, a direction arrow and maybe names would do wonders IMO.
learning the maps probably helps every new player the most. I do it by simply opening LAN-servers and running around, building res-towers.
But I saw some guy had a collection of maps for NS. Cant remember the link and the board wont let me post them here.
Re: learning the maps, theres no shortcuts, no easy way, youve just gotta keep playing and plugging away. 7 really large maps is a lot to take in, but eventually you'll learn them all.
When you know nancy's vent system like the back of your hand you've achieved something, believe me <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->