Ability availability indicator

(preciseBanana) #1

As per the title, I’ve been thinking for a while now that mercs need an ability availability indicator. Friendly mercs only (initially, perhaps) having, for example, a black belt buckle for an unavailable ability that shades up to white and then changes to green to indicate a ready ability.

Initially the driver for this came from friendly rage on medics - DRAHP HALTH STAAYSHON! (and variants) - when it was on cool down, but how were they to know. Why should it stop there though? Stoker molotov - check, Kira laser - check, Phoenix pulse - check, Vas heartbeat - check … GO!

Primaries and secondaries? Dunno. Does everyone really want to know when Proxy can drop a mine, when Nader can nade? Shrug. I just think the idea could reduce some levels of team rage whilst also providing opportunities for some real at-a-glance team synergies. Maybe even some enemy counter synergies should the indicator go global.

Is it even possible? I hope so. Thoughts?

(ps Wasn’t sure whether to post here or Merc board. Do move if appropriate)

(Amerika) #2

Yeah, I run into this all the time with Stoker and his ammo station and Sawbonez with medpacks. I usually just say it’s on CD over voicecoms if somebody is obviously waiting for either. But I definitely wouldn’t mind some kind of a symbol that your teammates can see if they put their crosshair on you.

(Mr-Penguin) #3

+1

Getting tired of people hopping around me while my healing pulse is on CD. Then we all die to a grenade.

:’(

(Sinee) #4

[quote=“derpypenguinz19;149783”]+1

Getting tired of people hopping around me while my healing pulse is on CD. Then we all die to a grenade.

:’([/quote]

Thissssss omg. #Phoenixwoes

(doxjq) #5

I think it should show a timer tbh, like a circle above their head with a number in it showing the countdown. There’s nothing more annoying than throwing out 4 ammo packs then having some dude run up to you and stand there tapping his crouch button while you’re waiting XD Especially when they get on voice comms and say “GIVE ME AMMO RETARD” or something.

Surely that can’t be too hard to implement? I think it should only be shown on mercs who have an ability that can help you though (medic, ammo). I don’t really see it as necessary for fletcher stickies, proxy mines, nader nades etc.

(XavienX) #6

Yep, luv dis idea. Many times as a medic or a fires support, I end up standing there with another player(s) like stupid mannequins.

(KattiValk) #7

This would definitely be really nice to see for support abilities. It should probably be limited to just ammo and health to prevent overly clunky HUD.

(preciseBanana) #8

Glad there’s general support. I started thinking circle indicators but thought UI might get messy, though on mouse focus as per Amerika sounds nice.

(FalC_16) #9

and this indicator would show right next to the name of the player on the left hand side (like in Diablo 3) or directly above his head?

Love the idea !

(tominatorx) #10

This is a really good idea. How many times teammates were waiting for a heal while I’m playing Sawbonez. Some even start complaining even though I tell them my medpacks are on CD.

This idea would be an easy way to tell them without having to type it into chat. :slight_smile:

(Chris Mullins) #11

Nice post. I’ll pass it on :slight_smile:

(Szakalot) #12

def pnly on mouse focus, we dont want too mich ui clutter

(Lemøn) #13

Brilliant idea ! I say +1 !
And I also do agree with Szakalot. But we could maybe also see it by pressing tab… no ?