[Hiatus] Cold Hard Cash 2

[SamuraiSTALIN]

aaaaaaah this looks dope. I like the vending machine idea better than pulling up a menu just wherever (doesn't really make sense to have magically teleporting transactions in the middle of battle) although I wonder how replacing the weapons with vending machines would affect certain maps.

[wildweasel]

aaaaaaah this looks dope. I like the vending machine idea better than pulling up a menu just wherever (doesn't really make sense to have magically teleporting transactions in the middle of battle) although I wonder how replacing the weapons with vending machines would affect certain maps.

Oh, make no mistake, the fact that weapons aren't just lying around can and will ruin a good number of existing maps. I've toyed with the idea of also replacing powerups, and rarely medkits, with vending machines, but that'd knock the mod's playability ratio too far down to be worthwhile.

[Slax]

So if I do that with 10HP remaining, will it cost me 8HP?

[SamuraiSTALIN]

aaaaaaah this looks dope. I like the vending machine idea better than pulling up a menu just wherever (doesn't really make sense to have magically teleporting transactions in the middle of battle) although I wonder how replacing the weapons with vending machines would affect certain maps.

Oh, make no mistake, the fact that weapons aren't just lying around can and will ruin a good number of existing maps. I've toyed with the idea of also replacing powerups, and rarely medkits, with vending machines, but that'd knock the mod's playability ratio too far down to be worthwhile.

You could mess with how the currency system works so waits between vending machines aren't so awful, or maybe do something like GunCaster where you can (kinda not really) adjust how much cash the enemies drop. I don't know how easy doing that is, of course. I can't code.

[wildweasel]

So if I do that with 10HP remaining, will it cost me 8HP?

Maybe I ought to reword that one then, if it's that unclear. That option will sap 80 health, and will refuse to work if you aren't healthy enough to do that.

You could mess with how the currency system works so waits between vending machines aren't so awful, or maybe do something like GunCaster where you can (kinda not really) adjust how much cash the enemies drop. I don't know how easy doing that is, of course. I can't code.

It's not so much that the player might not have enough money for something, as that there are plenty of maps where it's vital that health and powerup items take effect as soon as possible. For example, a map that teleports you into a room full of Arch-Viles, dropping you right on top of an Invulnerability sphere. The player will almost certainly die if they have to mess around with the shop menu to get the effect that would otherwise have been free.

[SamuraiSTALIN]

It's not so much that the player might not have enough money for something, as that there are plenty of maps where it's vital that health and powerup items take effect as soon as possible. For example, a map that teleports you into a room full of Arch-Viles, dropping you right on top of an Invulnerability sphere. The player will almost certainly die if they have to mess around with the shop menu to get the effect that would otherwise have been free.

Oh! I was referring to weapon drops being spaced too far apart, or a vending machine blocking access to a certain part of the map.

[wildweasel]

I find, for the most part, well designed maps have no problem offering weapons frequently enough that it isn't difficult to find a vending machine when it's needed. It does help, though, that monsters still drop (mild amounts of) ammo, and vending machines can also be destroyed if needed (though you can walk through them, too).

[StatisticalHourglass]

Maybe you could have a difficulty mode for maps with few weapons/ weird balance.
also i really like the creepy style, looking forward to this.

[SamuraiSTALIN]

I find, for the most part, well designed maps have no problem offering weapons frequently enough that it isn't difficult to find a vending machine when it's needed. It does help, though, that monsters still drop (mild amounts of) ammo, and vending machines can also be destroyed if needed (though you can walk through them, too).

Ok, cool! That makes enough sense. Can't wait to see this! Your mods are always awesome.

[wildweasel]

I find, for the most part, well designed maps have no problem offering weapons frequently enough that it isn't difficult to find a vending machine when it's needed. It does help, though, that monsters still drop (mild amounts of) ammo, and vending machines can also be destroyed if needed (though you can walk through them, too).

Ok, cool! That makes enough sense. Can't wait to see this! Your mods are always awesome.

Actually, one thing I did forget to mention is that when you start the game, you have a PDA in your inventory. Using this brings up a special shop menu where you can purchase "care packages" containing health or ammo. The caveat there is that buying ammo or health through care packages is far more expensive than buying it through vending machines, as well as the fact that you need to wait several seconds for your teleport beacon to receive your package.

[SamuraiSTALIN]

I find, for the most part, well designed maps have no problem offering weapons frequently enough that it isn't difficult to find a vending machine when it's needed. It does help, though, that monsters still drop (mild amounts of) ammo, and vending machines can also be destroyed if needed (though you can walk through them, too).

Ok, cool! That makes enough sense. Can't wait to see this! Your mods are always awesome.

Actually, one thing I did forget to mention is that when you start the game, you have a PDA in your inventory. Using this brings up a special shop menu where you can purchase "care packages" containing health or ammo. The caveat there is that buying ammo or health through care packages is far more expensive than buying it through vending machines, as well as the fact that you need to wait several seconds for your teleport beacon to receive your package.

Can't wait to check it out, man. Thanks again!

[-Ghost-]

I like what I've played so far. The weapons feel good; I played a bit of Doom 2 and by the 3rd level I was able to get some decent guns and not do too badly on ammo. Would it mess with the balance too much to add rare ammo/armor/weapon spawns? It'd be nice to have a really low chance of just finding the stuff itself, but find money most of the time. That way you'd be encouraged to really search out secret weapons and such beyond finding 3 of the same vending machine.

[doony]

you said alpha-quality material, but this is very great ! looking forward to see the next update, very very good, you are awesome Wild Weasel

[wildweasel]

you said alpha-quality material, but this is very great ! looking forward to see the next update, very very good, you are awesome Wild Weasel

I would not call this anything more than Alpha until such time as I actually have everything implemented. As it stands, at least three of the vending machines have placeholder or non-working items, and only half the weapons even exist (let alone are even balanced).

[Valherran]

This looks fun, i'll be watching this one.