Accessable Computer Moniters

jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
<div class="IPBDescription">View a computer within your computer!</div>I took this idea from the game TimeSplitters 3 for PS2:

Throughout the entire game of TS3 there were accessable computer moniters, in which you could browse the desktop, and read things as if you were actually on a computer! This would be a very amazing and realistic addition to Natural Selection 2

Here's the idea:
You know all those computer screens and bleepy blorpy buttons that are all over the place in Natural Selection? Well I think this gives all that a purpose. The player can walk up to any computer screen and hit the USE button to acess it. Computers can be used to open doors, access security cameras, or do a number of things that alter gameplay.

The computer moniter could have several desktop icons. One idesktop con could be LOGS, where maybe there could be a description of background of the map, whether fanfict or official canon. The player probably wouldn't actually read it, but it would be interesting, nonetheless, if he found himself in a safe place killing time. Another desktop icon could be SECURITY, in which the player could access live security cameras and either see teamates, or locate the positions of aliens. The camera's should not be too revealing, as to give the marines an unfair advantage over the aliens. ELECTRICAL could be another icon, in which the player could open and close doors, turn off lights, etc.

Using Accessable Computer Monitors would really bring gameplay to a whole new level, possibly <i>too</i> much so. So maybe only certain maps could have accessable monitors.

The cool thing about the TP3 computers was that not only was it accessable, but you could browse it while your environment was still going on around you. The computer moniter resolution was good enough that the player could easily read it without having to do a close up of it, like most games do with that sort of thing. Does that make any sense?

Tell me what you think...
And please don't flame. If you are opposed to this idea, and have always been opposed to this, and hate it with all your heart, then please say so, and explain yourself reasonably.

Comments

  • N_3N_3 &#092;o/ Join Date: 2004-03-12 Member: 27291Members, Constellation
    dystopia comes to mind concerning computers and stuff in a mod, but if this was simpler with no cyberspace and it only did trivial things like turn on the lights etc it might be ok. aliens need to be able to open/close doors too
  • BuzzouBuzzou Join Date: 2006-12-14 Member: 59056Members, Constellation
    edited March 2007
    ahh, the glory days of duke nukem 3D =)

    i think this would be cool, but aliens shouldnt be able to use it as well. i dont want to see a skulk/fade typing at a keyboard.... unless there is a new unique alien with this ability?

    maybe aliens can just damage it, preventing marines from using this feature. that way marines would need to repair it using welders, before it can be used again.

    either that, or DI short circuits the computer, which in turn shorts al of the electrical equipment controlled by that computer (lights, doors, water pumps etc). the DI would need to be cleared (burned) off the computer before the computer can be accessed again.
  • Moving_Target0Moving_Target0 Join Date: 2006-12-21 Member: 59174Members
    Actually, I think it would be cool if, say, skulks could parasite the consoles or something. After doing that, aliens could gain control, perhaps marines would have to weld or something to get it back.
  • Abaddon0Abaddon0 Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16169Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1610399:date=Mar 1 2007, 03:20 PM:name=Moving_Target0)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moving_Target0 @ Mar 1 2007, 03:20 PM) [snapback]1610399[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Actually, I think it would be cool if, say, skulks could parasite the consoles or something. After doing that, aliens could gain control, perhaps marines would have to weld or something to get it back.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    that makes no sense though, how could a biological parasite take over a computer...
  • jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
    Yeah, those are all great ideas! The computers could be important for the Marines to use, and Aliens could destroy them. Then the Marines would have to weld the computers or something. And maybe aliens could have a special hive ability that allows them to access computer consoles and manipulate them. But yeah, accessable computer consoles can be used to alter vital gameplay elements like opening/closing doors, turning on/ off lights, water pumps (you could flood a room), or lockdowns (completely cut off a room for a period of time), or maybe even special functions such as letting out fatal gas, arming automatic ceiling turrets, etc.
  • JydskatomkraftJydskatomkraft Join Date: 2007-02-26 Member: 60123Members, Constellation
    Well they have already looked at this Idea before <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

    Would be cool if a pc was in a "faction area" so if there is Infestion in the room the computer would be OFF (covered with infestion) = No light

    And if the room was Marine controlled the computer would be free = Light ON


    I dont like the browsing Idea... I think it will remove to many marines from the gameplay since all the newbs will browse computers instead of getting RT's / killing aliens
  • MisereMisere Join Date: 2004-03-28 Member: 27568Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1610418:date=Mar 1 2007, 05:23 PM:name=Jydskatomkraft)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jydskatomkraft @ Mar 1 2007, 05:23 PM) [snapback]1610418[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Well they have already looked at this Idea before <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

    Would be cool if a pc was in a "faction area" so if there is Infestion in the room the computer would be OFF (covered with infestion) = No light

    And if the room was Marine controlled the computer would be free = Light ON
    I dont like the browsing Idea... I think it will remove to many marines from the gameplay since all the newbs will browse computers instead of getting RT's / killing aliens
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Aggreed, if it was too distracting it would provide yet another way for noob players to screw up the game. A quick look through camara's etc would add to the game. If it was simple stuff then the aliens could access it. After all they can currenly open doors so why not hit a button?
  • jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
    edited March 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1610418:date=Mar 1 2007, 10:23 PM:name=Jydskatomkraft)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jydskatomkraft @ Mar 1 2007, 10:23 PM) [snapback]1610418[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Well they have already looked at this Idea before <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

    Would be cool if a pc was in a "faction area" so if there is Infestion in the room the computer would be OFF (covered with infestion) = No light

    And if the room was Marine controlled the computer would be free = Light ON
    I dont like the browsing Idea... I think it will remove to many marines from the gameplay since all the newbs will browse computers instead of getting RT's / killing aliens
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    That would be really cool, to have dynamic infestation change the lighting. Many other outcomes could happen by the same means, like maybe if infestation consumes a security console, and then the room is locked down and alarms go off.

    But yeah, it is possible that newbs would waste valuable time browsing on the computer w/o knowing what they're doing, but what use are newbs anyway? let 'em browse!

    EDIT
    Oh, and if this topic was already discussed, can someone post a link?
  • Moving_Target0Moving_Target0 Join Date: 2006-12-21 Member: 59174Members
    also, the newbs will have to learn to not browse long or else they get munched.
  • Axel_StoneAxel_Stone Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18993Members, Constellation
    Doesnt a few maps already have camera view monitors with a few of the capabilities mentioned?
  • BuzzouBuzzou Join Date: 2006-12-14 Member: 59056Members, Constellation
    not at the moment. the only things built into the map that the marines can currently interact with are weld points.
  • Abaddon0Abaddon0 Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16169Members, Constellation
    maybe there can be a security room in some of the levels (map maker, not dev) that have cameras all over the map displayed. maybe the computers can be used (dev not map maker) so that the marines upload a program that will alert them when an alien is spotted. then again, the aliens can just smash them.
  • NSSlayerNSSlayer Join Date: 2006-11-12 Member: 58554Members
    Flayra said taht there wouldn't be so huge maps <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":angry:" border="0" alt="mad-fix.gif" />, it was going to be more like co_ maps, and gameplay. But with dynamic ifnestation, and with infestation controlled lights, it could make it much more interesting. You have to capture the map, step by step, and there wont be jp rushes, like some co maps.... If they can make these features balanced, it would be great!
  • jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
    Wow! I'm glad that so many people like this idea!
    Accessable Computer Moniters would not only be a new and intriging feature, but it would also balance the gameplay in unique ways that have never been done before in Natural Selection. Maybe Accessable Computer Moniters can benefit the Marines in the same way that Dynamic Infestation benefits the aliens. Both of those features seem to be equal in power, and both of them are supported by the map, and not the players directly. Therefore, I think accessable moniters would be an acceptable counter-balance to DI.
  • scaryfacescaryface Join Date: 2002-11-25 Member: 9918Members
    edited March 2007
    Doom 3 had some pretty cool interactive monitors, but they were just a pretty (and useless) gimmick. I can see it working well in NS though. The way i see it used is that marines would weld (repair) a computer terminal that can then be used by individual marines or the commander (somehow; maybe he can pull up the screen remotely). Infestation could then disable and damage the computer, and marines would have to clear infestation and re-weld it to get it working again.

    Doom 3's monitors were applauded by all the reviews i saw since they added to the immersion; a player could work an ingame computer without changing perspective (then reviewers bashed them for being completely useless)

    I can see accessible computers as useful and immersive feature in NS2.
    I give this idea my 4 seiges of approval <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" /> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" /> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" /> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" />
  • Cosmic_FlareCosmic_Flare Join Date: 2007-03-07 Member: 60276Members
    This is kinda' already in the game... welders?
  • Moving_Target0Moving_Target0 Join Date: 2006-12-21 Member: 59174Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1614210:date=Mar 14 2007, 10:51 AM:name=Cosmic_Flare)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cosmic_Flare @ Mar 14 2007, 10:51 AM) [snapback]1614210[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    This is kinda' already in the game... welders?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    umm....welders aren't accessable CPU points.
  • jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
    Yes, welders are in the game, but Accessable Computer Moniters are not. However, if you look carefully, you may notice how many <i>un</i>accessable moniters there are. They abound in pretty much every official map, and you notice their blue glow and flashing buttons everytime you round a corner into a large area. Now, if only those moniters were <i>accessable</i>...
  • James1986James1986 Join Date: 2007-03-15 Member: 60366Members
    edited March 2007
    Ok seeing as nobody has replied in my topic ill post it here.

    Accesable computer moniters is a good idea, however we want MORE than just this....

    Looking at cameras is a bit pointless in the end because by the time you get to where the camera looks at the aliens will most likely be gone. I prefer the idea that the computers can be used to control systems, such as lockdown a section, or rebuilt to control a siege tower, or do a whole map radar scan once every 5 minutes!

    As well as this we need more intereactivity, not just with computers. Doors that need opening via damaged control consoles somewhere else on the map, must be hacked constantly for 2 minutes, so that the marines must defend the hacker, and the aliens have chance to stop him. Thus opening up a WHOLE NEW SECTION of the map, and bringing the marines that little bit closer to the hive. This works both ways with the aliens being able to infest certain areas that bring their spawn closer to the marines commander, and knock them back; basically, a virtual tug of war.

    I think Jim is on to a winner with this being the way to control and balance DI, as it also gives each team their own unique playing style.

    How about DI being used to enable the fades to climb up walls? Gorges can spray the wall with sticky stuff, and climb their way across maps! They can use it to seal of areas around the hive, to which the marines must either override the doors, or fix the damages console, or even find a new way around.

    I think maps with objectives would be a really good idea; for example, the marines have just retaken the dock on an abandonded space station, and need to activate life support or key systems to progress further into the map. Why not have a team of marines cut their way through the infestation and build some control device that bridges the severed connections in the control room? This then allows the commander to open and close doors to different areas, thus allowing him to control the flow of aliens able to get to the marines? He can tactically see when his marines are in trouble, and can save them by opening access shafts, security doors, even possibly airlocks?!?
    The possibilites for different scenarios that can be designed by the map makes once this game type is introduced, are endless!

    And the best thing is that it is perfectly reversible. The aliens have managed to go undetected on the same ship for a couple of years, and now have managed to get a hive! They slowly start to sever important systems which keep them undetected and allow them to roam more freely on the ship. Slowly but surely they infest more and more of the ship, destroying the phase gate system that allows the marines to reach the far corners of the ship, and give backup. Thus they complete objectives that allows them to gain ground, and hence have a larger infestation, and more abilities! Can the marines defend themselves? or will the aliens take the ship back?!?

    These maps can be played back and forth before a new map is loaded. Thus increasing playability, and extending game length. It would help to create a sense of meaning to your playing for the team, and give urgency to the phrase "GET THE GOD DAMN POWER BACK ONLINE!!! THEYRE COMING OUT OF THE WALLS!!!"
  • jimbotogo422jimbotogo422 Join Date: 2006-12-11 Member: 59014Members
    edited March 2007
    James, I <i>love it</i>. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" /> Those ideas are great! Accessible Computer Monitors can be a whole new game mode with the plethora of possibilities you have mentioned! I hope the devs seriously look into this idea, because it really unlocks new things that NS has never seen before. So many things can be done. I mean, NS has always featured an industrial/scientific ambiance to it's official maps, and this idea can finally bring all that to life. Immersion would be increased enormously, if not strategy as well.

    And yes. They're coming out of the goddamn walls indeed.
  • James1986James1986 Join Date: 2007-03-15 Member: 60366Members
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