Flamethrower Now A Possibility

SillyGooseSillyGoose Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14572Members, Constellation
edited September 2003 in NS General Discussion
<!--QuoteBegin--www.halflife.org+--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (www.halflife.org)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> We have an excellent update from the Battlegrounds team regarding their new particle system. Quoted from the <a href='http://www.bgmod.com' target='_blank'>Battlegrounds</a> website:

<i>With this little piece, you can do all the volumetric effects you can imagine and the best is, thats its visually up to date. This means, it has the same potential from the code side as UT2k3's or HL2's particles have. The particles are fully animateable like sprites, but they support an 8 bit alpha channel as well, which HL1 can't do by default. The method also keeps 24bits for awesome colors as well.</i>

Thats pretty amazing folks; same advancements as UT2k3! Don't fret young ones; we have pictures and even a movie, check out the picture below or click <a href='http://www.bgmod.com/team/bp/fire-ingame.avi' target='_blank'>here</a> to download the file.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

This is great news as now particles can be volumetric in the HL engine, and if you can recall this is what was really stopping Flay from putting it in. You can check out a screenie of it in action <a href='http://exclusives.halflife.org/exlpic689.jpg' target='_blank'>here</a>. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me and way to go BG guys!
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Comments

  • Cartman2beCartman2be Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21103Members
    Sounds great <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Nil_IQNil_IQ Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15520Members
    Well, the link doesn't work, but... cool.
  • SillyGooseSillyGoose Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14572Members, Constellation
    links fixed now, mai bad.
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    nice but is it really volumetric? =P
    need a vid of it putting smoke up a chimney or something ^^
  • GeronimoGeronimo Join Date: 2002-12-18 Member: 11056Members
    Gen: You dont trust people very much eh? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    I think its great...new weapons are always lol
  • Frogg2Frogg2 Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4867Members, Constellation
    No I believe what was stopping flayra from putting in a flame thrower was the huge amount of particles it would take.

    For Instance many people lag when they see a smoke nade in cs, and ns is already harder on pcs than cs is.
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    ooh sweet


    I can't wait to hear the teams reply on this...
  • homerxhomerx Join Date: 2003-04-01 Member: 15094Members
    Dreams do come true....
  • Cr-ckCr-ck Join Date: 2003-09-14 Member: 20873Members
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    I trust people, i just don't trust their use of catchy technophrases... some people don't even know what volumetric means but throw it about anyways so I usually temper excitement with caution on this kinda stuff ^~

    It's a pretty looking particle engine at least, but volumetric? I dunno =3
  • NecroNecro &lt;insert non-birthday-related title here&gt; Join Date: 2002-08-09 Member: 1118Members
    it's unlikely they'd just share the technology which would mean flayra would have 2 recode the whole particle system
  • MajinMajin Join Date: 2003-05-29 Member: 16829Members, Constellation
    Well it looks ok (about as good as you can expect from the HL engine) but how good will it work?

    I don't think any game has a better flame thrower than RtCW.
  • SillyGooseSillyGoose Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14572Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--Necro-+Sep 25 2003, 11:41 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Necro- @ Sep 25 2003, 11:41 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> it's unlikely they'd just share the technology which would mean flayra would have 2 recode the whole particle system <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Bgs going to realease teh source code soon, chec several updates back on there page <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • DreadDread Join Date: 2002-07-24 Member: 993Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Majin+Sep 25 2003, 06:51 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Majin @ Sep 25 2003, 06:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well it looks ok (about as good as you can expect from the HL engine) but how good will it work?

    I don't think any game has a better flame thrower than RtCW. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    It's good looking but not volumetric <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    Although it certainly seemed so when you spammed the trenches in the beach map(the one that was in the MP demo, which is the only I got to play.).
  • XzilenXzilen Join Date: 2002-12-30 Member: 11642Members, Constellation
    Eh, I don't really get everyones absolute obession with having a damn flamethrower in the game. I see it as just a lag machine.
  • coilcoil Amateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance. Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    Flay's balk at putting a flamer in is the combination of volumetric effects *and* keeping lag/CPU-usage low.
  • 2ed_2ebel2ed_2ebel Join Date: 2003-06-25 Member: 17697Members
    I dont see why there SHOULD be a Flamethrower. In Aliens vs Predator (AvP) the flamer was there because the Xenomorph's were insectoid and because in the second movie they couldn't fire their Rifle's due to the coolant tanks in the atmosphere processor (I know ive obviously seen the movie one too many times).

    Anyways a Flamethrower would be out of place in a game like this. Personally i think the only weapon the marines need now is hand held grenades.

    Reasons i think its out of place: Skulks are more dog like than anything. Same with gorges. An Onos is too much like a Rhino or Elephant and a Fade is more man like. Lerks are more like Bats. They are not insectoid and it just seems wierd to me to use a flamethrower against them.

    Not to mention that "nubs" will probably end up nailing their allies just as much and if FF is off and they dont take damage from a flamer then its just a little overpowering as they could hide in a group of marines and flame around their allies and kill all the aliens a lot more easily.

    SO unless you nerf it to heck and back it might be a mistake to put in. Granted it will be fun (i mean we're all pyros at heart right?) but its...just not right for NS IMO.

    -Red
  • AlienCowAlienCow Join Date: 2003-09-20 Member: 21040Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Reasons i think its out of place: Skulks are more dog like than anything. Same with gorges. An Onos is too much like a Rhino or Elephant and a Fade is more man like. Lerks are more like Bats. They are not insectoid and it just seems wierd to me to use a flamethrower against them.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    You know, thats true. As soon as I saw this game I thought : "OMG it just needs a flamethrower to kick ****!"

    Now that I've read that.....its kinda off-putting. True, you dont use a flamethrower against an elephant....bah. <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->

    I still think its worthy of a test anyway - just try it out and see what happens. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
    Maybe you could have a Flamethrower Suit <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> slightly increased armour, but a large explosion when you die <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> Gas tanks going up would be sweet.
  • homerxhomerx Join Date: 2003-04-01 Member: 15094Members
    What the heck are you talking about?

    The flamethrower totally fits the NS atmosphere.


    And you think it shouldn't go in because there are no "insectoids" in the game?

    Would you please care to explain what is wrong with torching dog-like, rhino-like, bat-like, and human-like creatures?

    Regarding the FF, any gun, when in the hands of a nub, can be disastrous.
  • coilcoil Amateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance. Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    Not insectoid?

    Hate to break it to you, but flamethrowers weren't invented to kill bugs. They were invented to kill people in incredibly painful ways. They're also excellent for flushing foxholes or (hmm!) vents.
  • TalesinTalesin Our own little well of hate Join Date: 2002-11-08 Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
    edited September 2003
    As well, a workable volumetric physics system was already devised in the S&I Forum, in a flamethrower post over a half-year ago, which would be approximately as laggy as someone firing a shotgun over and over. The problem is, the sprites *still* look pretty junky, and there was concern about pyro teams outfitting absolutely *everyone* on Marines with them, and the possible lag that could induce on a 32-player server, with everyone firing at once, non-stop. The logistics are there, it's the implementation that needs thought and finesse. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • ForlornForlorn Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 2634Banned
    <!--QuoteBegin--Dread+Sep 25 2003, 12:58 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Dread @ Sep 25 2003, 12:58 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--Majin+Sep 25 2003, 06:51 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Majin @ Sep 25 2003, 06:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well it looks ok (about as good as you can expect from the HL engine) but how good will it work?

    I don't think any game has a better flame thrower than RtCW. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    It's good looking but not volumetric <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    That pic is most certainly volumetric.

    Notice the smoke expands as it rises out of the rubble.
  • 2ed_2ebel2ed_2ebel Join Date: 2003-06-25 Member: 17697Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Coil:

    Not insectoid?

    Hate to break it to you, but flamethrowers weren't invented to kill bugs. They were invented to kill people in incredibly painful ways. They're also excellent for flushing foxholes or (hmm!) vents.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yes thats why they were invented. But im seeing some arguments around that we should have one cause of AvP. Also Grenades from a GL would be a lil better for the "flushing" of vents or a shotgun JPer. We've had no problems keeping vents clear and what not using the tools given, there is no need to bring in a gun that is somewhat a pain to get to look right when its fired just because some people MUST play with fire. Its ridiculous.

    As i said before the marine only needed gun IMO is hand held grenades, and even that is unneccessary. Marines need VERY little work done, but there are several things aliens "should" have.

    Things i think marines need work on:

    1a) Turret farms. how bout a cap on the number of TFs in a room? Ive seen some nasty tactics in Power Silo on (cant beleive i keep forgetting its name) involving 5 TFs adn about 30 turrets, 12 of which are up above. Takes 45 minutes to just get that hive at best with that tactic, and thanks to cheaper sentries and stuff its pretty easy for them to do it.

    1b) Turret farms. A cap for the number of turrets per TF? Kinda annoying when you walk into a room with 50+ turrets (it has been done). We were thinking that maybe like 10 Turrets per TF with sieges equaling 2 turrets (so 5 sieges per tf) and maybe 1-2 TFs per room (oh and btw due to the size of some rooms you should change the caps on like chambers and for example the TF cap i propose to fit a grid size or soemthing isntead. On the same map as the massive turret farm in 1b on the map i cant remember the name to (feels ashamed), defending Viaduct with OCs is pointless almost. Also farming it with only 10 turrets could prove disaterous for numerous reasons i wont bother going into).
    ANYWAYS this would still allow marines to farm well enough to defend key places without making it take an hour just to get through. Skulks wouldnt be able to take it out if the marines repair the TF and stuff, fades will still have some problems, gorges would have the most usually as it is now, and Lerks would take forever. The only thing that wouldnt have a problem is an onos. and i must tell you a regen onos can clear otu ANY farm if there isnt an actual marine players shooting it.

    2) Possible Infravision/Ultravision? It would be an upgrade like armor but the flashlight is hidieous. Id rather not use it and jsut be in the dark as it would just make me a target. But being able to upgrade to soemthign that allows you to see in the dark when turned on and canonly work for a short while would be a help and not over power the mariens. i think Ultravisionwould be better as Infra would make Cloakign usless.

    I should post this stuff in the Ideas and suggestions....so i end it here though i got a lot more to say.

    -Red
  • MajinMajin Join Date: 2003-05-29 Member: 16829Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--|2ed |2ebel+Sep 25 2003, 12:20 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (|2ed |2ebel @ Sep 25 2003, 12:20 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Anyways a Flamethrower would be out of place in a game like this.
    Reasons i think its out of place: Skulks are more dog like than anything. Same with gorges. An Onos is too much like a Rhino or Elephant and a Fade is more man like. Lerks are more like Bats. They are not insectoid and it just seems wierd to me to use a flamethrower against them. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    What happens to bacteria when you expose it to intense heat?

    If you know the answer, you will know why the flame thrower needs to be put into this game!
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    I have to jump on majin's bandwagon here... the aliens are bacteria based and flames are the most common tool in fighting this kinda stuff (watch the thing for example ^~ )

    Flamethrowers were brought in during WW1 and even vietnam to clear out foxholes and trenches; the volumetric qualities of real-life flames made sure that it licked every nook and cranny leaving nothing unscorched... shame the guns were highly unstable and as likely to kill the soldier weilding them as the people getting smoked =s

    The smoke's expanding, that's for sure but it's easy enough to do that without it being volumetric =/
    the best way to prove it's volumetric is to funnel it down a tunnel ^^
  • AlcapwnAlcapwn &quot;War is the science of destruction&quot; - John Abbot Join Date: 2003-06-21 Member: 17590Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Geminosity+Sep 25 2003, 01:39 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Geminosity @ Sep 25 2003, 01:39 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I have to jump on majin's bandwagon here... the aliens are bacteria based and flames are the most common tool in fighting this kinda stuff (watch the thing for example ^~ )

    Flamethrowers were brought in during WW1 and even vietnam to clear out foxholes and trenches; the volumetric qualities of real-life flames made sure that it licked every nook and cranny leaving nothing unscorched... shame the guns were highly unstable and as likely to kill the soldier weilding them as the people getting smoked =s

    The smoke's expanding, that's for sure but it's easy enough to do that without it being volumetric =/
    the best way to prove it's volumetric is to funnel it down a tunnel ^^ <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Very deadly against the VC becuase they were in forest areas.

    So this meens we can finally have a flame-thrower in NS?

    YAY! <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    Flayra?
  • HazeHaze O RLY? Join Date: 2003-07-07 Member: 18018Members, Constellation
    I'd rather not have a flame thrower and wait until we know that no one is going to add another alien in. "We" still have four weapon slots left to use.
  • EclipseEclipse Join Date: 2003-01-18 Member: 12444Members
    Okay the best arguement I can come up with is that burning sh*t is just plain cool, and thats why a flamethrower would be good. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Onkel_DittmeyerOnkel_Dittmeyer Join Date: 2003-07-05 Member: 17951Members
    Quite nice but the BG folks niftily skipped the real difficult part of a particle system (cute wordplay eh? =)):
    The collision detection of particles. Drawing them is one part, but getting physics on them is another...
    Sure, you could use server-side dummies that take over the collision for them as it's currently implemented (I think so, at least) but that would cause incredible network traffic when spawning that many particles as you do in a flamethrower.
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