Distant dot removal experiment = Unsuccessful

[Chilli]

Please return the enemy aircraft dot distance as it was upon release.      In the interest of air combat alone, that is WAY more enticing than flashing icons or plane and dar bar.  I am certain that it was more accurate as well. 

I am not sure if ground vehicles are tied to the same mechanism, but watching a red icon moving before actually having eyes on the ground vehicle from the air is a bit off.  Also, GV hide is in full stealth mode when sitting under a tree.     Why does it have to be invisible the rest of the time also?

[Lusche]

Please return the enemy aircraft dot distance as it was upon release.      In the interest of air combat alone, that is WAY more enticing than flashing icons or plane and dar bar.  I am certain that it was more accurate as well. 

I found that early long distance dot to be very irritating.

[Wiley]

I found that early long distance dot to be very irritating.

I liked it.  Personally I'dve liked it to stay around that size as you closed on it in the distance band where it gets smaller as the plane starts to render.

Wiley.

[sanfordpaul]

-1 The big dots at distance don't really make sense, have a negative impact on the game, and should be abandoned. I'm glad they were taken out of the melee arena. Now, let's get them out of FSO as well.

<S> Sanford

[Dobs]

Big dots at distance--aid for fight finding. 

Currently, if you zoom and look hard you can see those same "dots"...they are just "right" sized.  Icons give you instant 3 mile tally ho's as it is...

No more "circle the thumb on the HAT -instant SA"..have to work to see the aircraft....sort of like real life.

With DarBar, friendlies always on, and ingame voice...plenty of aids to find the fight. 

Looking great to me....would be neat if dots could change size based on aspect, but that is a buttload of calculations probably required to properly do that.

[Bruv119]

I agree with the sentiment chilli, it did help people with bad SA see and head towards potential enemies.   

However I have to agree with it lacks immersion.   If anything a larger dot when the con is closer.   

[ImADot]

I'm glad they were taken out of the melee arena. Now, let's get them out of FSO as well.

<S> Sanford

As far as I know, the dot range and size are built into the game code and are related to your screen size, resolution and dot pitch of the monitor. The only arena setting that can change is the range where icons appear.

[LCADolby]

I found that early long distance dot to be very irritating.

it was horrific.

[popeye]

-1

I prefer the dots as they are now.  The "big-then-small-then-disappear-then-icon" dots were confusing.  You can see the "new" small dots from the same distance -- just have to look harder.

[Delirium]

I still feel my suggestion I made a few years ago would be the best.

1. Use different size dots. Use a very small dot beyond icon range with a slightly larger when they are within icon range that grows until the aircraft shape is revealed.

2. Don't use full icons at beyond 1k visual range. Instead use a red dot that gradually gives additional information as you get closer. For example, red dot at 4-6k, general info between 3-4k, aircraft type between 1-3k, and specific aircraft type model under 1k.

(I'm happy I am on a long AH vacation while the particulars are being worked out. I am still paying for my account to support the process however.)

[BuckShot]

it was horrific.

I agree. Although it was easier to see distant planes, the big dot, small dot, then icon was irritating.

Reverse the dot sizes to make it logical and I'd be fine with a change.

The way it is now is good too.

[Chilli]

What is HORRIFIC, is the ability to find a decent fight when there are only a handful of players on.  We even went to channel 201+ vox and reported our positions to each other.  I wouldn't expect many of the leet sticks to want to give up their "advantage" with anything that might tip their hat.  An old geezer like myself has tried every change possible in order to make this "realistic" SA that you all speak of.  My eyes will tell me the shape of military and commercial aircraft as they fly in the distance (several miles from my feet planted on the ground).  The contrails are sometimes an aid in locating in the vast sky, but what I see with the naked eye is NOT being accurately reflected in game.

[1stpar3]

ME TOO! I hear alot of AMENs when I comment on "bring back the big black dots"

[Chilli]

ME TOO! I hear alot of AMENs when I comment on "bring back the big black dots"

That is what I hear too.  Let's leave this fog of war mentality to those fleet / task group skippers sneaking next to undefended fields.  That is what the game has devolved into during off hours.  <steps off soapbox>   

[FESS67]

+1

I kinda liked it.