Apache - gun, hud and optics
Posted: 2007-09-22 00:31
I have three suggestions for improving the Apache:
First, allow cannon targeting from within the gunner's cockpit without having to use the optics. In a real Apache, both pilot and the copilot/gunner have helmet mounted designation systems - their head movements are tracked, and the chain gun can be slaved to them. They can aim the chain gun with a crosshair displayed on a helmet mounted display. This can be easily reproduced by simply giving the gunner a crosshair and letting him shoot the cannon while in the cockpit view. I don't think it would upset the game balance THAT much, as the gunner would still need to use optics for zooming.
Second, a minor detail: The ORT, which displays TADS (optics) feed in CPG's seat in the Apache is green-black and not white-black monochrome, as in the game. The feed from the optics is actually recorded in black and white to tape, and that's why all those videos on liveleak and youtube are in black and white. I know this might seem like a trivial thing, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
Finally (and I think I suggested this before), could the vertical velocity indicator have its scale increased? I know that HUDs can be manipulated, so I was thinking it'd be useful if the VVI had greater sensitivity. As it is now, it barely moves most of the time. It'd be nice if it actually registered even the smallest change in altitude. This would, for example, make it easier to maintain constant altitude when slowing down, or flying backwards, when you do not see the ground. As it is now, you can drive backwards into the ground, and the caret on the VVI tape will stay one pixel below center.
That's it. Thoughts? Opinions?
First, allow cannon targeting from within the gunner's cockpit without having to use the optics. In a real Apache, both pilot and the copilot/gunner have helmet mounted designation systems - their head movements are tracked, and the chain gun can be slaved to them. They can aim the chain gun with a crosshair displayed on a helmet mounted display. This can be easily reproduced by simply giving the gunner a crosshair and letting him shoot the cannon while in the cockpit view. I don't think it would upset the game balance THAT much, as the gunner would still need to use optics for zooming.
Second, a minor detail: The ORT, which displays TADS (optics) feed in CPG's seat in the Apache is green-black and not white-black monochrome, as in the game. The feed from the optics is actually recorded in black and white to tape, and that's why all those videos on liveleak and youtube are in black and white. I know this might seem like a trivial thing, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
Finally (and I think I suggested this before), could the vertical velocity indicator have its scale increased? I know that HUDs can be manipulated, so I was thinking it'd be useful if the VVI had greater sensitivity. As it is now, it barely moves most of the time. It'd be nice if it actually registered even the smallest change in altitude. This would, for example, make it easier to maintain constant altitude when slowing down, or flying backwards, when you do not see the ground. As it is now, you can drive backwards into the ground, and the caret on the VVI tape will stay one pixel below center.
That's it. Thoughts? Opinions?
