Mouse movement

fungusface · #1 05-08-2010, 12:13 AM

I'd like to know what the general opinion is of the new mouse movement feature. I know it's early to be asking, but I know it doesn't take long to form opinions.

I've been playing the game a long time, so I've gotten very accustomed to using the keyboard. Still, after trying mouse movement for a few games, it looks like it could seriously improve my ability, especially in planes that shoot straight forward like the Miranda and Biplane. It'll take a little getting used to, but I think my aiming will improve drastically now that I've got a sort of "laser sight" on my plane.

That brings me to another question: could mouse-movement be considered "cheating" since it makes aiming much easier? Personally I would say no since there are distinct advantages and disadvantages when comparing keyboard to mouse. For example, I've found it significantly easier to maneuver using the keyboard. Then again, with practice that could change. I can already imagine the derogatory remarks people will make when they consistently get owned by an incredibly precise laser shot... Among the classics that contain some variation of the word "noob," one might expect some new ones like "mouse turner" or some such.

To sum up: What do you think are the implications of the new mouse movement system?

Ajuk999 · #2 05-08-2010, 12:50 AM

I think it is pretty advanced for a game like Altitude.

gameguard · #3 05-08-2010, 02:11 AM

u rarely aim directly at the planes anyways exept with laser randa. You still have to predict their movement

andy · #4 05-08-2010, 02:17 AM

yeah but you cant fly randa with mouse so its still ok..

wolf'j'max · #5 05-08-2010, 02:58 AM

Yeah +1 to andy i just ruined a few games by using mouse/randa.

Pyrosity · #6 05-20-2010, 01:06 AM

I was super excited to see mouse movement added to the game, but then very disappointed for one big reason....far as I can tell, you're forced to use your mouse to control throttle.

This really throws me off. I'd love to be able to whip my mouse around simply for aiming and worry about throttle control with my other hand. Instinctively I'm going to be putting the cursor on my enemy... which is pretty much always going to have me boosting unnecessarily or slowing down to the point of stall.

Please consider the option to turn off mouse controlled throttle, but keep aiming! It shouldn't be an issue of mastering the ability to wrestle the controls... but to be able to fly well.

Ajuk999 · #7 05-20-2010, 01:07 AM

Can't you go to Account--->Controls and change steering to mouse, and leave everything in default order?

Pyrosity · #8 05-20-2010, 11:54 PM

It seems whenever you try to take control with the keyboard (other than firing weapons) the mouse control is locked out; ie you can't use both simultaniously.

Mhuahahaha · #9 05-22-2010, 10:49 AM

Not much exited about it.
Doesnt bring much to the game.

Blue · #10 05-22-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajuk999

Can't you go to Account--->Controls and change steering to mouse, and leave everything in default order?

or you can press F10, and type in /mousecontrol true (or false to shut off)

Boko · #11 05-22-2010, 05:48 PM

I find mouse control to be redundant. It will limit the players who get used to it. You can be much more precise with your keyboard.

Lord General · #12 05-22-2010, 07:41 PM

I really like the 'target' finder type thing which extends out from the plane in mouse move mode, however I found that controlling speed with the mouse was counter-intuitive. I'd love a keyboard/mouse combo!! Failing that, how about the 'target' thing for keyboard mode as well as mouse?

SPeciaL · #13 05-23-2010, 03:02 AM

don't agree with it. I'm using mouse and i can control the throttle pretty well. so you guys just needs more practice...or stay with keyboard

Mjaffk · #14 05-23-2010, 10:57 PM

And you can't properly use reverse thrust with mouse

.

Tadayosi · #15 05-24-2010, 08:19 AM

I'm guessing most people posting here are veterans, probably pre-Steam. I got the game when it was first released on Steam, so - make of that what you will.

I find the addition of mouse control to be the best thing that happened in this game to me.

Altitude was fun, but rather tough - I found myself clumsily struggling with the controls more than anything else. Using a mouse, after about an hour of learning how not to stall or thrust when not necessary, I feel like my aiming is improved ten-fold, and I'm zipping around and between asteroids like a breeze. Personally, it feels like I'm actually playing Altitude now.

This relates to a similar experience I had in Sony Station's Infantry, which similarly had a hardcore base that started with keyboard, and later added in mouse control -- leading to a lot of people calling them "mousers".

Even if the pros feel like this adds nothing to the game, please leave it in - it's a lot more fun to me, and I feel like I can recommend this game to people in good conscience.

Pyrosity · #16 05-25-2010, 01:22 AM

Mouse control is a huge leap forward for altitude. I don't know how people can't see this. All it needs is the option to control throttle independently of mouse, or even just the booster. And yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing keyboard control getting it's own "sighting line"

andy · #17 05-25-2010, 01:45 AM

again... how do you play randa with mouse?

[Y] · #18 05-25-2010, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrosity

And yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing keyboard control getting it's own "sighting line"

Aiming is a major part of a player's skill. Add a sighting line, and the skill ceiling would drop significantly for perks like trickster and HC.

GI_Josh · #19 05-25-2010, 01:55 AM

I'll stick to my gamepad....

WarHoover · #20 05-25-2010, 02:40 AM

I'm pretty new to the game, but I like the feel of keyboard better. It's more airplane like. Yeah, I know, you don't fly with arrow keys, but pitch control is relative to the bird, not absolute to the world.

*shrug* Well, ain't like control preferences will keep you leet aces from shooting my keister down, anyway

ogreinside · #21 05-26-2010, 10:07 PM

I agree with Tadayosi. I'm also new to the game since it hit Steam. I must say I really love the mouse controls. Oddly enough, I'm a CLI and keyboard guy for most other things, but using just the arrow keys didn't feel smooth. I "accidentally" discovered the mouse controls, and it has greatly boosted my interest in this game.

Not only can I play one-handed (so I can hold my infant daughter, get your mind out of the gutter), but turning is so much quicker and easier. I actually love the way the truster is implemented. It took a few tries to get used to it, but it makes sense.

Those that are having trouble, think of it as sort of a "string attached that is pulling your plane along". The harder to pull, the faster it goes. As for aiming, you don't have to hover over your enemy, just angle the plane towards them - just as you would with the keyboard. Using Loopy, the targeting crosshair appears when they are in sight, even if my mouse is nowhere near them.

I'd imagine using a real control pad would be best, though I haven't tried.

Great job on such an awesome game guys. I look forward to playing this on Linux when Steam releases something. Right now this is my #1 game, and I can easily switch from Mac to Windows! I hope you guys make more 2D games like this, I can't wait. iPad version?