Forums » Suggestions
Movement control
I think the addition of a third axis of control for the folks using slates would be a welcome addition. Out controls are already limited compared to that of a Pc. Specifically speaking the addition of roll when using the accelerometer. Thanks.
Spacewulf
Spacewulf
-1, for the time being. From what I've heard and experienced tablet controls are significantly more difficult, tweak them until they're a bit easier, then think about adding things.
Maybe we could move this to the Android forum?
I think the idea is that it would be easier with an additional axis. There technically are three axes if you include the strafe buttons. When I tried VO on a Xoom the biggest problem I ran into was the lack of an up/down strafe. As an experienced pilot I found myself starting over again, trying to take out a TyCorp assault felt like it did seven years ago. I experimented lying on my back and holding the Xoom above me at an arm's length, locking my vision to the screen and rotating my shoulders to control the pitch and yaw. This worked all right but it made me feel a little dizzy after a while.
The most difficult thing was precision. The control circles on the droid work just like the thumbsticks I am used to, but the lack of touch surfaces on the back of the tablet meant I was reduced to using only my thumbs. Accurately controlling a futuristic spaceship apparently takes at least six digits, and ideally ten (my dream control input would be a sphere with twitch surfaces for each thumb and finger as well as a sensor for wrist rotation).
I think perhaps the control input for tablets and the eventual smartphones may need to be radically different. Tap the screen to select a target. Tap again to start firing, tap again to stop. Swipe to dodge. Gesture to roll, advance, or retreat. Have the computer partially control the ship so that you remain looking at whatever target you have selected. Double tap to fire secondary.
Just a thought. I'm sure it takes a lot of experimentation, I would be happy to help Guild beta test if I lived closer to Chicago or if they wouldn't mind sending me a tablet via FedEx. As it is they probably have all the help they need, but speaking from the PCC I've learned what takes the longest is the polishing and testing phase.
I think the idea is that it would be easier with an additional axis. There technically are three axes if you include the strafe buttons. When I tried VO on a Xoom the biggest problem I ran into was the lack of an up/down strafe. As an experienced pilot I found myself starting over again, trying to take out a TyCorp assault felt like it did seven years ago. I experimented lying on my back and holding the Xoom above me at an arm's length, locking my vision to the screen and rotating my shoulders to control the pitch and yaw. This worked all right but it made me feel a little dizzy after a while.
The most difficult thing was precision. The control circles on the droid work just like the thumbsticks I am used to, but the lack of touch surfaces on the back of the tablet meant I was reduced to using only my thumbs. Accurately controlling a futuristic spaceship apparently takes at least six digits, and ideally ten (my dream control input would be a sphere with twitch surfaces for each thumb and finger as well as a sensor for wrist rotation).
I think perhaps the control input for tablets and the eventual smartphones may need to be radically different. Tap the screen to select a target. Tap again to start firing, tap again to stop. Swipe to dodge. Gesture to roll, advance, or retreat. Have the computer partially control the ship so that you remain looking at whatever target you have selected. Double tap to fire secondary.
Just a thought. I'm sure it takes a lot of experimentation, I would be happy to help Guild beta test if I lived closer to Chicago or if they wouldn't mind sending me a tablet via FedEx. As it is they probably have all the help they need, but speaking from the PCC I've learned what takes the longest is the polishing and testing phase.