Re: csisland improvement

Hello Christian,

I've put some thought into what you've said.

> Although this is supposed to happen only once per shader, this might be
> more user friendly to find a way for activating and compiling them at
> launch time rather than during the use of the application, and you can
> clearly add that functionality to your task list.

Apparently the same problem occurs with csbias too. I experience sudden
drop in frame rates at times. And I guess activating the shaders and
compiling them at launch time would fix this issue with csbias as well.

>And since we are a priori more interested
>here in showcasing the features that are already in CS rather than
>developing new ones, then you may consider lowering your needs around
>that.


sure. I guess I was too ambitious with the volcano thing ;).

>IMO, csbias has currently more opportunities for
>improvements because there are a lot of things that can be made on the
>technical part, while csisland would now mainly need artistic work and
>more advanced terrain/physics/water functionalities.

I have come up with a few improvements that might make csbias more
interesting :

1.I'd like to start by making a crosshair. Although a crosshair is
something strictly artistic, I don't think making a small cross or a circle
would be too out of the way.

2. The arrows go in a straight path.But since its a crossbow it is expected
that the arrows are shot with considerable velocity and thus follows a
linear path within a certain range. I believe it'd be more realistic if
they follow a slightly more parabolic trajectory thus making it harder to
hit the target at a longer range.

3. I have also found an issue with the monsters responding to attacks.
After the monster freezes, the next arrow is supposed to shatter it to
pieces. But the monster explodes as soon as the arrow is launched (ie,
before the arrow hits its mark). It was unnoticeable the first time i
played csbias but it becomes pretty obvious after some time.

4. Snappier bows. I think the bow string moves all too slowly. And the
arrow gives me the illusion that the arrow 'takes off' rather than 'shoots
off'. If the bow string could move a little bit faster and if the arrows go
off faster I think it would make shooting more 'snappy'. Also, I think the
bow string is sort of too thick. But again, that's the artist's job.

5. Patrolling monsters. The monsters are looking at my way but they respond
only when i move within a certain range. I think it'd be better if the
monsters start patrolling with their back towards the hero and attacks him
if the hero is in their field of view. When an arrow falls within a certain
radius of the monster, the monster goes into 'alert mode' and moves around
to find the hero.  But I guess this would mean implementing paths for
monsters and would be complicated enough to be considered as a project by
itself.

6.Monster flashes red when its hit. Alternatively, a monster can have a
health bar. Either way, the user will know when an arrow hits its mark.


7. Health bar for player - the player can die. The screen edges flash red
when the monster attacks the hero. The hero takes damage when the monster
is facing the hero and is within a certain radius AND moves its hands.


8. Pick up-able arrows. The arrows do not mysteriously dissappear once
shot. They lie around. The user is supplied with a limited number of arrows
and can pick up arrows he has already shot from the ground. Also, arrows
striking the wall can stick to the wall. When the user moves his crosshair
towards the arrow, the arrow highlights indicating that it is an item that
can be picked up.

I would like to concentrate on points 2,3 and 4. I'd like to improve the
shooting mechanism.And the crosshair shouldn't be too difficult to
implement. And I'd like to know what's your take on point 8. Also, this
would mean there should be a minimal HUD as well.

Regards.

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