...programmable dot dar refresh rate. I think the one change that would make the most difference in the success of a CT would be to make the dot dar refresh rate a programmable variable (controlled by the CM).
Here's why:
I think we NEED inflight dot dar. The complaint I hear most often about the current setup is "can't find a fight". I would really prefer "tower-only" dot dar, but I don't think we can depend on players to act as ground controllers, especially in a relatively low attendance arena.
A dot dar refresh rate of 15 to 30 seconds, would minimize the "artificial SA" effect of dot dar, while still providing a "simulated ground controller".
Having inflight dot dar would allow shorter icon ranges but minimize the "friendly dot chase" penalty.
With low refresh rate DOT dar, BAR dar could be turned off completely. This would allow missions to form up behind the lines undetected, and the alt limit that is already built into dot dar would allow NOE strikes.
Having some kind of inflight dot dar would minimize the "shock" for players migrating from the MA.
Having a "simulated ground controller" is more <cough> realistic than flying blind.
I suspect there is already a refresh rate control built into the code, and might be not to difficult to extend. (Might be dead wrong about this one...)
(An extension of this idea would be to tie the dot dar refresh rate to damage to the HQ, so the effect would be progressive, rather than all-or-nothing.)
(Also, lower dot dar refresh rate MIGHT free up some bandwidth for something else. Voice comm?)
[ 12-07-2001: Message edited by: popeye ]
[ 12-07-2001: Message edited by: popeye ]
