MAX Voices & Map Icons

Gatekeeper · 2013-05-09, 05:21 AM

So recently I've been MAXing, and finding it pretty enjoyable. Putting aside discussions about balance, etc. I like the feel of the VS MAX, the way it moves, the way charge works and, especially, all the little servo noises and random clanks it makes as it moves about.

But there is one serious flaw with MAX aesthetics - and that's their voice. When I see a MAX, I see a stalwart ally or a deadly threat - but when I hear them I hear the same whiny voice as the flesh-bags milling pointlessly around me (Engineer flesh-bags excepted, for you are worthy).

So what I propose is applying some kind of filter to the default voices when a MAX is talking - not whole new voices, but just increase the volume a bit and add some distortion and echo to make it sound like the voice is being projected by a powerful loud-speaker. This would have tactical as well as aesthetic value - helping players to tell when there are friendly or enemy MAXs nearby.

Which brings me to my second point - the mini-map icons. Showing the same little arrows for both MAXs and flesh-bags is foolish. If someone has spotted an enemy MAX then I want to know that it's a MAX, not go round a corner expecting something squishy - only to get my armour chewed off by a pair of hacksaws instead. Likewise, I'd like loyal Vanu engineers to know where I am right away.

All we need for this is a slightly different arrow icon for MAXs on the mini-map, just make it a little bigger and a slightly different shape.

tl;dr - make MAXs stand out from infantry on the battlefield by adding a distortion/echo filter to their voice and giving them a distinctive mini-map icon.

Rasui · 2013-05-09, 05:44 AM

Agreed, especially on the mini-map icon. If for no other reason than to let engies and medics find you more easily.

EvilNinjadude · 2013-05-09, 06:15 AM

Fukken agreed. Having a MAX squeal at you feels kinda off. And while I tend to stay away from any fight a MAX could be in, I feel that this would help infantry fighting MAXes.
Engineers looking for MAXes to help will not notice a difference, because most of the time there's wrench and ammo signs floating above your head. Yes, your head.

Also, Medics are worthy too! I've rez'd 15 MAX suits in my day... more if they'd wait for me to arrive.

Gatekeeper · 2013-05-09, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by EvilNinjadude

Also, Medics are worthy too! I've rez'd 15 MAX suits in my day... more if they'd wait for me to arrive.

Very well, I acknowledge the worth of flesh-bags who revive MAXs as well as those that repair and rearm them. Those flesh-bags with the rocket launchers though, they're right out...

CraazyCanuck · 2013-05-09, 09:00 AM

A different icon variation would be welcome indeed. I just wish they would improve the hud information for allies pertinent to your class. If your an engineer and a max calls out for repairs, or another ally for ammo, they could put a wrench or ammo icon on your compass or HUD that helps point you in the direction of the closest call for support. Or just have the icon float with arrows guiding you to the closest call. Arrows may be better given a possible difference in elevation between yourself and the person calling for aid.

Same idea works for medics. I also wish they had a call for recon support. To get your allied infiltrators putting out darts when called for or when an infiltrator has been spotted. Sometimes it feels those playing infiltrator just forget about those darts. And they're not just for helping flush out infiltrators but for information gathering in general. The incoming xp for them will improve things but a little friendly reminder never hurts.

I also wish they added more voice calls for broader output. Multiple squads incomnig...Incoming Gal drop!..Armor convoy spotted...etc

Canaris · 2013-05-09, 09:07 AM

something like this maybe?
more robotic synthesised

Snipefrag · 2013-05-09, 09:13 AM

Awesome idea, shouldn't be that hard to do and adds depth and immersion to the game.

Nur · 2013-05-09, 09:20 AM

Yes I like the idea of all the MAXes to talk metallized.

almalino · 2013-05-09, 09:22 AM

Comon, keep the voice like it is now. Enemy thinks there is a normal soldier around the corner, attack and bam, MAX exosuit

Instant death. Profit.

Gatekeeper · 2013-05-09, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by almalino

Comon, keep the voice like it is now. Enemy thinks there is a normal soldier around the corner, attack and bam, MAX exosuit

Instant death. Profit.

What you say holds a certain appeal, but you should remember: hiding is for squishies. When an enemy meat-bag hears my voice around a corner I want them to feel fear, knowing that their death is approaching.

Kail · 2013-05-09, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Canaris

something like this maybe?
more robotic synthesised

Maybe for the TR or NC. VS should totally get Immortals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=3EU0mi8eoEI

Canaris · 2013-05-09, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Kail

Maybe for the TR or NC. VS should totally get Immortals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=3EU0mi8eoEI

heh that's Vanu style alright

EvilNinjadude · 2013-05-09, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Kail

Maybe for the TR or NC. VS should totally get Immortals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=3EU0mi8eoEI

Oh heck yes.
"I serve the will of Vanu."

NewSith · 2013-05-09, 11:55 AM

Well, you guys shouldn't forget that voicepacks are otw, and I'm well damn sure that MAXes are going to get their voices tuned. On a sidenote, if you tear apart the game files, the actual voices are there and they are several hours long, meaning that the voicepacks are in already, they are just being fine tuned. At least that's what I heard from a reliable source.

RANDOMpercent · 2013-05-09, 02:25 PM

I agree wholeheartedly