Prototype 2.1

I finished with the controls for the next prototype.  I'll post both prototypes here for user comparison.  The AI input routines are not finised on the new version; however, I will hold off on designing them until I get some feed back.  I just don't see the use in creating them if nobody likes the new controls.

Here's the previous version:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/43398523/WebPlayer/WebPlayer.html

These are the controls:

W and space - Accelerates and decelerates the ship

A and D - Rolls the ship

Q and E - Apply side thrusters

S and X - Apply up/down thrusters

Mouse Move - Turns the ship

Left Mouse Button - Fires primary (bullet) weapons

Right Mouse Button - Fires secondary (bullets) weapons

R - Releases countermeasure

V and B - Zooms and unzooms the dradis picture

 

Here's the new version:

 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/43398523/WebPlayer%20%232/WebPlayer.html

 

Here are the new controls:

W and  X- Adds or subtracts thrust (1% of maximum thrust)

S - Sets thrust to zero (but retains forward momentum

A and D - Rolls the ship

<Space> - Activates inertial controls which stops the ship and reduces thrust to zero (over time)

Left Mouse Button - Fires primary (bullet) weapons

Right Mouse Button - Fires secondary (bullets) weapons

Mouse Move - Turns the ship

R - Releases countermeasure

V and B - Zooms and unzooms the dradis picture

 

These controls are either disabled or an extra option:

 

`, 1-9 and 0 - sets thrust to 0%, 10% - 90% or 100%

J  and L - Apply side thrusters (disabled on a viper - available on a Raptor)

I  and K - Apply up/down thrusters (disabled on a viper - available on a Raptor)

 

I tried to simplify things with mixed results.  W, S, X and <Space> (with A and D) are primarily things that are going to be used in combat.  The mouse buttons and R activate various weapon systems.  I left the zoom option in the game.  The directional thrusters are listed; however, they are disabled to the player.  I didn't take them out due to the possibility of including Raptor like craft into the game.  I added the ability to go directly to a thrust setting (`, 1-9, 0); however, the W, S and X setup are just as effective. 

 

So, play both prototypes and let me know which one works better.

 

As a side note, I included the Battlestar Minoa, a Hermes Class Destroyer, to the new prototype.  Its a model that I created from scratch.  It's untextured and does not have any script attached to it.  Also, I did not include any gun emplacements.  I'm holding off on that until I hash out my plans on capital ships. 

 

But, I made it myself...  What do you think?