Sandbox Mode

Eagle · Post by **Eagle** » 2007-02-22 08:58

Well, if it's been suggested before, then this thread will be deleted shortly. If it hasn't, then here's my idea:

Many times on a server, I've been wanting to practice a certain skill, say piloting choppers or jets, or perhaps just sniping. I always thought it would be great if PR could contain a "sandbox mode" for people to hone their skills offline. In a basic way, this would just be a normal map, where the player can shoot anything, drive anything or pilot anything.

If taken further, this could include bombing practice for jets, target practice for infantry and other training scenarios. Not only would this be brilliant fun, but would help raise the skills of new players making the transition from vanilla.

All this, and it would make PR even more unique and comprehensive.

Maxfragg · Post by **Maxfragg** » 2007-02-22 10:32

well, a kind off a training map was already suggested and if it would be combined with your idears i think it could be cool, i would like to see it as a training off the Nato forces (GB and US)

DrMcCleod · Post by **DrMcCleod** » 2007-02-22 11:04

Eagle wrote:Well, if it's been suggested before, then this thread will be deleted shortly. If it hasn't, then here's my idea:

Many times on a server, I've been wanting to practice a certain skill, say piloting choppers or jets, or perhaps just sniping. I always thought it would be great if PR could contain a "sandbox mode" for people to hone their skills offline. In a basic way, this would just be a normal map, where the player can shoot anything, drive anything or pilot anything.

If taken further, this could include bombing practice for jets, target practice for infantry and other training scenarios. Not only would this be brilliant fun, but would help raise the skills of new players making the transition from vanilla.

All this, and it would make PR even more unique and comprehensive.

You can already do this by starting a Local Server. To make sure you can request the kits you need to enter the PR directory on your disk in which you will find a couple of Python (.py) scripts. The one that is used by default is the standard server setup, with all the default rules. The second is the bug-test mode. Rename the second (sorry, cannot remember the actual names) to the the name of the first (making a copy of the first beforegand obviously) and then reload PR. You can now request any kit even if you are not in a squad etc.

gerardnm · Post by **gerardnm** » 2007-02-22 11:12

When i started playing BF2 Vanilla one of the things i found really helpful was the amount of instructional vids people had posted.

Since the changes to flying choppers I've found it really hard to find my feet. Nothing more i enjoyed in .4 was ferrying troops.

I won't do this at the mo cause i'm just killing team members.

Anyone got a vid etc they could show, or pehaps people have change their contro configs for the new choppers.

Would love any help.

Post by **BlakeJr** » 2007-02-22 11:26

DrMcCleod wrote:You can already do this by starting a Local Server. To make sure you can request the kits you need to enter the PR directory on your disk in which you will find a couple of Python (.py) scripts. The one that is used by default is the standard server setup, with all the default rules. The second is the bug-test mode. Rename the second (sorry, cannot remember the actual names) to the the name of the first (making a copy of the first beforegand obviously) and then reload PR. You can now request any kit even if you are not in a squad etc.

Yes what you say is true but it is very cumbersome method.
If at all possible a Sandbox mode would be just the ticket.
The question is, is it possible to make a separate mode and how much extra work is that going to take?

My guess is "yes" and "a tremendous s**tload of work!"

Let me point out that those are just guesses.

DrMcCleod · Post by **DrMcCleod** » 2007-02-22 11:33

BlakeJr wrote:Yes what you say is true but it is very cumbersome method.
If at all possible a Sandbox mode would be just the ticket.
The question is, is it possible to make a separate mode and how much extra work is that going to take?

My guess is "yes" and "a tremendous s**tload of work!"
Let me point out that those are just guesses.

Actually, assuming you can edit the BF2 GUI the answer is probably 'one line of code'. Just to launch the game with the bug-test script rather than the default.

Post by **BlakeJr** » 2007-02-22 11:41

DrMcCleod wrote:Actually, assuming you can edit the BF2 GUI the answer is probably 'one line of code'. Just to launch the game with the bug-test script rather than the default.

Ok, but you would still have to manually spawn whatever vehicle or kit you want to practice with. While it works, probably, haven't tried that way myself, having a sandbox mode with a special commorose to help you spawn things that would, IMO, make it easier.

I'm not dissing your way, besides the probability of a sandboxmode for PR is remote at best... Just arguing the advantages of such a system.

Eagle · Post by **Eagle** » 2007-02-22 12:41

I didn't know about this "bug-test" script, but I think that implementing this into the main game, no matter in how small a way, would be tremendously useful, especially to help people get used to this mod. I think that if we implement this in a minor way, it has potential to grow into a unique asset for the mod.

DrMcCleod · Post by **DrMcCleod** » 2007-02-22 13:08

BlakeJr wrote:Ok, but you would still have to manually spawn whatever vehicle or kit you want to practice with. While it works, probably, haven't tried that way myself, having a sandbox mode with a special commorose to help you spawn things that would, IMO, make it easier.

I'm not dissing your way, besides the probability of a sandboxmode for PR is remote at best... Just arguing the advantages of such a system.

Hmm, that would be quite cool. But TBH, I just load up 64 player Basra and have a blast. Plenty of vehicles there, and I am now so 1337 I can fly a cobra for nearly 30 seconds before whacking it into a tree.

Post by **BlakeJr** » 2007-02-22 15:04

DrMcCleod wrote:Hmm, that would be quite cool. But TBH, I just load up 64 player Basra and have a blast. Plenty of vehicles there, and I am now so 1337 I can fly a cobra for nearly 30 seconds before whacking it into a tree.

I know that feeling!

Clypp · Post by **Clypp** » 2007-02-22 15:29

Don't bother with Python code. There is a very simple way to get limited kits in local servers. Copied from the guide:

In order to fly a chopper or a plane you need a pilot kit. Follow these directions to be able to get this kit on a local server.

1. Start your local server and open the console (~).
2. Enter the following: sv.numPlayersNeededToStart 1
3. Hit "Enter". Game should now start with a 90 second wait time.
4. Create a squad.
5. Request the pilot kit near your main flag.

http://guide.realitymod.com/index.php?t ... ilot_Guide

I have tested this before adding it to the guide and it works great. There are also some helicopter hints on that guide page.

zeidmaan · Post by **zeidmaan** » 2007-02-22 15:31

gerardnm wrote:When i started playing BF2 Vanilla one of the things i found really helpful was the amount of instructional vids people had posted.

Since the changes to flying choppers I've found it really hard to find my feet. Nothing more i enjoyed in .4 was ferrying troops.

I won't do this at the mo cause i'm just killing team members.

Anyone got a vid etc they could show, or pehaps people have change their contro configs for the new choppers.

Would love any help.

Thre are 2 guide videos that showed me everything I needed when I first joined:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT0Remyuhag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3iOOFFZUK0
And than just practise flying. I started Muttrah City and practised landing the little bird on rooftops. After about 30 minutes I could land on almost any roof.

For just flying practise its eaven easyer that chaning python files. Start a local server, open the console and type:
sv.NumPlayersNeededToJoin 1
This will start the game with only you in it. Create a squad, request the pilot kit and practise.

Tralle · Post by **Tralle** » 2007-02-22 15:43

sv.startdelay 1
sv.spawntime 1 is also two good commands for practice