Nsradio Interview With Flayra
Theiggsta
Join Date: 2002-11-05 Member: 6958Members, Constellation
Join Date: 2002-11-05 Member: 6958Members, Constellation
<div class="IPBDescription">NSRadio interviews Flayra for 3.0</div> Well as the topic says, I will be conducting another interview with Flayra on NSRadio again, this time it will be properly scheduled and we will have enough capacity to handle the listener count. Many of you who tuned in last time remember the many many snafu's and hiccups we had since it was very spontaneous and I was'nt the original guy to be interviewing Flayra. This time we will be doing things right by preparing ourselves which means I want the community to send in questions to ask Flayra.
<b>The Topic:</b>
The release of 3.0 and beyond. "Beyond" meaning versions past 3.0, questions about hl2 might be accepted, but ill let Flayra have that descision.
<b>The Time:</b>
The interview will take place just before 3.0's official release, no date is set yet. Flayra will be notifying me when 3.0 is nearing final completion and we will schedule a date then.
<b>Rules:</b>
I would like people to post just questions in here and not comments about the interview. I will be checking on this thread daily for new questions to be compiled into a list that will be asked during the interview.
<b>Update:</b> (2003-01-22)
No real updates; Flayra and the team are still working hard on NS 3.0 so there is still no official date on the interview.
-Theiggsta
<b>The Topic:</b>
The release of 3.0 and beyond. "Beyond" meaning versions past 3.0, questions about hl2 might be accepted, but ill let Flayra have that descision.
<b>The Time:</b>
The interview will take place just before 3.0's official release, no date is set yet. Flayra will be notifying me when 3.0 is nearing final completion and we will schedule a date then.
<b>Rules:</b>
I would like people to post just questions in here and not comments about the interview. I will be checking on this thread daily for new questions to be compiled into a list that will be asked during the interview.
<b>Update:</b> (2003-01-22)
No real updates; Flayra and the team are still working hard on NS 3.0 so there is still no official date on the interview.
-Theiggsta
Comments
Also, will nsradio.net be up before this interview?
*edit* Guys remember, this will be once 2.1 is going GOLD, there-for things that are still in testing (like lerk flight etc) will probably be in-valid as questions at that point in time.*/edit*
What are Flayra's future plans with the lerk flight system... is he satisfied with the current situation?
What does Flayra think about NS (on HL) being first contact, and NS2 (on HL2) Being further in the marine/kharaa engagement story time-line?
Are their future plans to add spike later in a later patch to the lerk? (to remove it was a horrible move IMO, but its your mod, and it rules so far <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> )
Focus adds a whole new viability to the sensory chamber, i love it, most of the community loves it... are the plans to add similer (IE: more offensive in nature) upgrades to the sensory chamber?
Are there plans to beef up the kharaa static defenses (Offense chambers), new attack chambers perhaps?
The fade has taken several nerfs in the last few versions (armor decrease, blink takes more energy, higher res cost planned) any plans on easing the learning curve for him for newer players? (WIDENING swipe's attack range perhaps?) And is metabolize getting a much needed boost in any future versions?
When will you start development on NS2 (sorry it had to come out), and what kind of version do you have in mind before you leave NS alone to develop NS2 further?
How will the HP and armor values for the Fade and onos be tweaked in light of the hitbox fix?
I have heard rumors of plans to eliminate Turret farming, how is this going to work?
Gorges in NS: Combat... are they here to stay?
Combat seems to have potential to be VERY fun... any possibility to add more game modes (CS's has very diverse, and numurous game modes: Bombing mode, escape mode, hostage mode, assasination mode)
There is alot of heated debate over whether NS should focus on Pubs or Clans, what is Flayra's standpoint on the issue?
Any future plans to add a training level/training mode (or support a training level) to help ease the influx of new players? How about updating the manual, any plans there as well?
Do we REALLY need a flamethrower for the marines? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo--> What role will it fill? Will it be vultrimetric (horrible SP error <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> ) so we can clear vents of lerks and the like?
If you had played Seven-Coop (great mod), contributers get special weapons like an electric crowbar or golden uzis (not extra powered, just different looks) How about adding something along those lines (cosmetic upgrades) to constellation members?
I have more i will edit l8er
If not then that already counts out 50% of the player base from being able to listen...
- Kar
What is your favorite map? Why?
What is your favorite alien class? Why?
What is your favorite marine weapon? Why?
Do you like to command, or play a marine more? Why?
Which do you prefer, bite or spikes? Why?
Which side do you prefer, aliens or marines? Why?
What is most fun about making NS as a game? Why?
Are you planning to make any other differences to Tourney and Pub play? If yes, then what, and why?
Do you enjoy your large beta testing crew (vets, PT's, const), or is it just a nessesary pain in the a$$ to balance the game? Why?
How often can you play NS?
What is your favorite HL mod? <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
Jay Lo or Britney Spears? Why?
Voting Bush or someone else? Why?
What is your favorite emoticon on the NS.org forums?
other things: Guys questions only please, not comments >.< Read his post. And no time was posted yet, who knows weather or not it will be euro-friendly >.<.
<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
"When will you start development on NS2 (sorry it had to come out), and what kind of version do you have in mind before you leave NS alone to develop NS2 further?"
I asked that already.
I hear that motion tracking will no longer work for marines in 2.1. I was wondering how you can possibly imagine this to be balanced considering that you have:
a) Given aliens the ability to walk around the map invisibly (even when there arent sensory chambers nearby!)
b) Given aliens the ability to do double damage with sensory chambers
c) Kept the ridiculous observatory enegry system which makes them practically worthless in clan play (In clan play resources are tight, you can't be affording to drop 4 or more observatories, and the idea that the commander should be able to keep up constant scanning throughout the game isnt realistic)
The bottom line is it leaves the marines with <b>no</b> counter to the aliens already overpowered cloaking abilitys. I know you'll say "the commander can see MT now!!1", but do you really expect a commander to be able to follow every marine on his team around telling them prescisely where aliens are hiding? Its a huge strain to put on a commander and none of the other chambers require anywhere near as much effort from the commander to counter them. MT in 2.01 isn't even a worthwhile counter to sensory, taking it out is just going to plunge NS into new realms of unbalance imo.
I hear that motion tracking will no longer work for marines in 2.1. I was wondering how you can possibly imagine this to be balanced considering that you have:
a) Given aliens the ability to walk around the map invisibly (even when there arent sensory chambers nearby!)
b) Given aliens the ability to do double damage with sensory chambers
c) Kept the ridiculous observatory enegry system which makes them practically worthless in clan play (In clan play resources are tight, you can't be affording to drop 4 or more observatories, and the idea that the commander should be able to keep up constant scanning throughout the game isnt realistic)
The bottom line is it leaves the marines with <b>no</b> counter to the aliens already overpowered cloaking abilitys. I know you'll say "the commander can see MT now!!1", but do you really expect a commander to be able to follow every marine on his team around telling them prescisely where aliens are hiding? Its a huge strain to put on a commander and none of the other chambers require anywhere near as much effort from the commander to counter them. MT in 2.01 isn't even a worthwhile counter to sensory, taking it out is just going to plunge NS into new realms of unbalance imo. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Remind me to slap you for believing rumors.
MT is just the same, plus MT on the minimap in 2.1
2. What do you feel is the next major step towards your goals with NS, Flayra?
3. What efforts has valve contributed to the project?
4. What efforts has the community contributed to the project? How does it feel to be a star <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->?
5. How did you start out programming? How did you break out and get a job with the Empire Earth team?
* are you happy with how the community is turning out?
Do YOU believe any side is more powerful or has a bigger/more advantages?
NS:Combat has recived alot of critisism, alot of people saying it will turn NS into CS. Do you think NS:C will cause players to leave the NS community?
Have the majority of the community helped NS devlop, or hinder it?
What made you decide to start programming/designing/etc Computer Games/Programs?
My question would be, are you still pursuing the volumetric flamethrower? If so, how would it fit in with the current tech tree? If not, is it purely because of technical limitations? or does it totally wreck the alien/marine dynamics?
and
Have you done anything special on NS's first anniversary?
Do you plan on getting a regular job soon? (Flayra talked about this at the 2.0 release party)
I have two questions, one is general, about MODing skills, the other deals with your relations with Valve.
Your work on NS has shown both the benefits of using an established engine (ex. Networking, Graphics engine), and the difficulties inherit in working with an inflexible design (ex. Hardcoded Hitbox limits, Entity limitations). You have shown that a well-rounded programmer can deal with many situations, by working within an engine and programming outside of it.
With the knowledge that a large amount of new games work off of licenced or pre-existing engines:
Do you believe that MODing skills (Content Creation, General Design) are becoming more important than traditional games programming skills (Technical design and Implementation ) as the industry expands?
As an outsider to Valve's MOD community I find their actions towards MOD-makers somewhat uneven. After benefiting from the success of 'Counter-Strike' the company seems to have the attitude that, "We'll let them make our game stay popular, and if their MOD gets popular, we can absorb them, and start charging money for their "<i>MOD</i>" content."
Since taking an absorbtion policy towards popular MOD developers, Valve seems to be disregarding new MOD makers. The company's dedication towards the MOD community, <u>now</u>, seems limited to creating an SDK and waiting for someone to make a new Hit; not providing information on Steam compatibility, or HL2 SDKs to anyone other than the in-house "<i>MODs</i>".
How, as one of the few prominent MOD developers not already part of Valve, do you feel the company is dealing with 'outside' MOD developers?
Malachi
My questions...
1.) Are you planning to improve lerk flight/abilities further from 2.1o (Right now, I do believe the lerk flight is a bit..."off")
2.) Are there plans for another alien evolution?
<b>If so...</b>
2a.) What are its abilities?
<b>And...</b>
2b.) What will it look like/whats its name?
3.) Are there any current plans for HL2, and porting NS to it?
4.) Are you going to try to make the game constant clashes between the marines and aliens, not just HA train rushing into the hives, one by one, destroying them, and blandly ending the game (Same goes for aliens).
<b>If so...</b>
4a.) What do you plan on doing to achieve this?
5.) Will there ever be a commander zoom option!? <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Hope you can answer these Flayra.
"The Specialists" HL mod has shown it can be done while simultaneously making it impossible to use it to look round corners etc. Is it being excluded for technical reasons, or balance (since it would make melee attacks much easier to use)?
<!--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--><b>The Time:</b>
The interview will take place just before 2.1's official release, no date is set yet. Flayra will be notifying me when 2.1 is nearing final completion and we will schedule a date then.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If he is, then it'll be already done by the time this interview gets on.
In what ways has NS differed from how you originally envisioned it?
Are you soley dedicated to NS, or do you have other MOD ideas that you may eventually create?
Do you forsee NS as a mod that will eventually be done, or is it a project that doesn't end, like NETHACK?
If so, how long do you think it would take to get it to its final version?
Looking back, do you feel that the choice to use the HL engine to be a good one or bad one? Are there other engines that you feel may have satisfied NS's needs better?
As a programmer, I feel that any project I work on teaches me something new... What has making NS taught you?
To the Interviewer: Is it possible for a transcript of the meeting to be posted on the forums incase some of us miss it? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->
Comment: Enjoy your R&R NS team, this had been a huge accomplishment. Don't forget to stop by on some NS servers so I can say hello <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Do you think that this new version will balance the game or just make one team more powerfull than the other?
also
Are you planing to improve some of the marine abilities so they can combat the aliens better?
also
What team do you prefer aliens or marines?
Do you think that this new version will balance the game or just make one team more powerfull than the other?
also
Are you planing to improve some of the marine abilities so they can combat the aliens better? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
These are both rediculous questions!
Of course he thinks the new version will balance it out (regardless of the outcome), else he wouldn't release it!
And the marines already can combat the aliens! With frighting efficiency, I might add!
O Locked cl_rate to 9999 to prevent exploits.
----------------------------------------------------------
that seriously scares the **** out of me bc if my cl_rate isnt 3500 i lag out everytime i encounter another lifeform.
i talking huge spikes to 4095 ping. let it be stated i am on 56k(dialup) but i tested cl_rate 9999 and it lags me like crazy.
But my question is : How will this affect those with dialup connetion?
Couldnt you just nerf it so it cant be changed more than once in a game or something. i mean ppl bind a toggle key of a low rate and a high rate so they can warp around the map making them hard to hit.
THANKS to myg0t who released a hack for this sometime back now newbs are doing it yay. <!--emo&:angry:--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/mad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='mad.gif'><!--endemo-->
Do you think that this new version will balance the game or just make one team more powerfull than the other?
also
Are you planing to improve some of the marine abilities so they can combat the aliens better? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
These are both rediculous questions!
Of course he thinks the new version will balance it out (regardless of the outcome), else he wouldn't release it!
And the marines already can combat the aliens! With frighting efficiency, I might add! <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I guess we should ask question to Forlorni then <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
O Locked cl_rate to 9999 to prevent exploits.
----------------------------------------------------------
that seriously scares the **** out of me bc if my cl_rate isnt 3500 i lag out everytime i encounter another lifeform.
i talking huge spikes to 4095 ping. let it be stated i am on 56k(dialup) but i tested cl_rate 9999 and it lags me like crazy.
But my question is : How will this affect those with dialup connetion?
Couldnt you just nerf it so it cant be changed more than once in a game or something. i mean ppl bind a toggle key of a low rate and a high rate so they can warp around the map making them hard to hit.
THANKS to myg0t who released a hack for this sometime back now newbs are doing it yay. <!--emo&:angry:--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/mad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='mad.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Dude, a cl_rate 9999 means HL auto determines your cl_rate through a mathetmatical forumla!
Come on people, ask some <b>legitimate</b> questions regarding NS, ones that can't be answered by ANYONE else aside from Flayra! <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Do you feel that your work on NS has been as rewarding as you hoped it to be?
This has been bothering me for quite a while, because for some odd reason, my right eye goes nuts when it sees a very bright, white screen (especially with my contacts on).