Damage Effects (Visual)

[AcId]

   I know when someone sees this type of topic theres always a few who want the visuals that the Game Engine may not be designed for. That being said I don't know the design of the Engine either, I didn't write it. However, based upon what I see currently I would tend to think that there is one thing that may be coded that would be nice to see. When our rounds make contact with an object be it a Ground Vehicle, PT boat, Aircraft, or Field Objects we are rewarded with a "Hit Sprite". It's nice to know we are hitting our target but, did we do damage? When we see parts fall off and smoke billowing yes we did damage but there can be damage done with no visual indications, Such is the case with ground targets, and some parts of the AC. My point is that a "Ricochet Sprite" would be nice, this sprite would be displayed when we hit our target but inflict no damage.

I'm not suggesting an elaborate "eye-candy" system that would stretch the limits of the game or the Mental Faculties of the staff to a point of delirium. Rather a small visual (may not be a small coding feat) addition to better allow us to more effectivly judge our situation in combat.

What do you think? I'm not asking for the moon am I?

[Mickey1992]

From recent news regarding ground vehicles:
"...Things like calculating the striking angle and its effect on penetration and the ability to see ricochets on non-penetrating rounds are some of the changes we're making here. It should be a much better representation."

I think that this is what you are talking about regarding ground vehicles.  I am really excited to see this too.

AcId said:
"My point is that a "Ricochet Sprite" would be nice, this sprite would be displayed when we hit our target but inflict no damage."

But your round IS doing damage, just not enough to destroy that part of the target.  Do we want a sprite showing a round bouncing off a target when it is actually hitting it?

[AcId]

Aaahh but not every round on target will do damage(I admit, I'm assuming this), besides muckin' with the paintjob     Think of it from the targets perspective......how many times have you been pinged but 'Ctrl-d' shows no damage received? Or how bout this, a newbie is firing, he/she see's a few 'Hit Sprites', he/she keeps firing, run's outta ammo but did not do enough damage to destroy the target all the while a few 'Ricochet Sprites' would help tell the pilot/gunner "get closer or Manuever for a better shot" Instead of wasting ammo.

Edit: I must've missed that bit about ricochets you quoted, I hope that applies to AC as well.

Edit again: After re-re-reading Mickey's post, does the code calculate partial damage to 'parts' before they are actually destroyed and displayed in 'Ctrl-d'?

[This message has been edited by AcId (edited 04-26-2001).]

[Mickey1992]

"After re-re-reading Mickey's post, does the code calculate partial damage to 'parts' before they are actually destroyed and displayed in 'Ctrl-d'?"

That is what I have always assumed.  I have always been lead to believe that aircraft/GV parts have "hit points" similar to ground targets like hangars.

Of course you know what they say about people like me that assume.  

------------------
Mickey
3./JG2 "BigJoe's Bastards"

[AcId]

If that's the case maybe the ricochets can be show below a certain threshold of inflicted damge, to represent 'Minor to zero damge'

[Mickey1992]

That would be a good idea.  A round that hit with such low velocity that it did basically no damage would get the "ricochet sprite".

A related idea:  The damage list currently only shows parts as undamaged, or dead (correct?).  Many times I have taken lots of hits, but none of my aircraft parts have been knocked out.  I have often wondered where the hits have landed and how close that part is to failing.  For instance, is my left wing one MG round from being destroyed?  If it is, I sure wouldn't refuel that AC, I would grab a new one.

Since pilots don't see visual damage to the AC (unless it's total), how about different colors being used in the damage list?  Yellow, orange, then red, something like that?

Mickey "boss is out and I have lots of freetime to post today".

[AcId]

Different colors on the 'Damage list' would be a good idea. Just like you suggested running from green=good to red=inoperable

Hrmmm, but then again, did a pilot really know to what extent something was damaged if he couldn't make a visual in-flight inspection?

[This message has been edited by AcId (edited 04-26-2001).]

[Mickey1992]

If my rudder had holes in it, I would think that I would feel that and the aircraft would behave differently.  

You are right though.  Being able to see my torn up but not destroyed wing in-flight would be really cool.  Isn't there a sim that shows holes in the canopy if the pilot is wounded?  Something visual like that would be even better.

[AcId]

Yeah, I dont know which one that is but I think CFS2 shows skin holes but that may be a bit much for this game engine, I was talking more along the lines of equipment you cant visualy inspect while in-flight like radiator and engine damage, I would rather have to watch the gauges then see "Radiator" turn from green,yellow,orange,red.

Brings up an interesting argument.

[flakbait]

Hmm, one needle, one balloon.....BANG! Vehicle damage code isn't based off the Super Boss code from Mortal Kombat. Either the thing is being damaged by something, or you're scratching my paint job to hell. In which case, you'll get a call from my detailer. The new damage code will take into account things the current set-up doesn't. Penetration and impact angles, armor thickness and angle, velocity, energy, etc... What doesn't punch a hole in a tank will bounce off, and thus not damage the tank. The current system says "Bullet A hit object M at 90º" no matter what the angle was.

As for damage colors, that I like. Right now it's either "working perfectly" or "hunk of scrap". No in between. Besides, I'd like to fight a jamed aileron for roll control or face a fluttering rudder. And you thought Funked actually flew drunk....Muhahahahh  

-----------------------
Flakbait [Delta6]
Delta Six's Flight School
Put the P-61B in Aces High
"For yay did the sky darken, and split open and spew forth fire, and
through the smoke rode the Four Wurgers of the Apocalypse.
And on their canopies was tattooed the number of the Beast, and the
number was 190." Jedi, Verse Five, Capter Two, The Book of Dweeb