Proposal Discussion Training Mode

[Malactus]

So, after reading up on some peoples complaints on some of the mechanics in Elite; I've come up with a possible solution for getting new players up-to speed onto Flight Mechanics in Elite.

Maybe there should a mode on the ships, which familiarizes the players with the combat flight mechanics for their ship, in-game, without risk destroying their ships. It would work in the following manner:

Ship computer makes an augmented reality opponent (could just be classic wireframe sidewinder from elite it self!) or you challenge/get challenged to another player to a 'friendly duel', so you can get trained by other pilots) This opponent will try to constant get on your tail and aim at you. Your task is to do the same to that opponent. The longer you can keep the target at the center of your screen (where you are pointing towards) at range, you score points as ticks. So does the other player/npc. After a set amount of time, the one with the most points wins. There are no kills, and you get nothing in the stat.

This way, you do not have to lose your ship, but still practice your fight ability.

You can however get damaged by crashing into stuff, and the simulation ends if weapons fire is directed towards any of the player pilots.

The restriction to this would be, that only "Harmless" ranked pilots would be able to request a friendly duel with any other pilot. Other pilots would be restricted to an AR simulation instead or to alliance members, or have a Harmless request for duel.

*Edit* I am seeing a few responses just saying 'just use the scenarios, or watch youtube videos, or rtfm': this is a discussion not a cry of complaint. Please see my next reply on this thread http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20763&page=2

 

[Commander Dave]

I'm pretty sure something like a training mode will be implemented in the final game.
Can't remember where I read that though so don't have a reference source.

 

[Teefur]

I think something like a "training simulator" available in stations could be a good idea. It would mean there wouldn't need to be any artificial barriers in "real space" and would also mean you wouldn't have to drop out of game to get to a "tutorials" menu.

Perhaps the same simulator could also be accessed from the main menus from a "tutorials" menu.

 

[trekman]

As far as training modes in the game go isn't that kind of what the single player scenario's are for especially the first one. If you don't want to play any of the single player scenarios there are quite a few very goods 'basics' videos available to watch on youtube.

 

[Malactus]

As far as training modes in the game go isn't that kind of what the single player scenario's are for especially the first one. If you don't want to play any of the single player scenarios there are quite a few very goods 'basics' videos available to watch on youtube.

Yes, but I doubt scenarios will cover -every- ship type, or train players against player pilots (which is why it would be handy to have players to train newcomers ) which is why I want to start a discussion on this.

Feeling of how a ship pilots cant also be well conveyed through tutorial videos, and usually should be adaptable by the pilots them selves.

 

[Graill]

If you think for a second that FD and crew has not got a "training" mode planned or some type of landing mode similar to the single player combat module....ye have little faith.

I have no doubt this was a plan from the start. Just because developers will not tell you everything doesn't mean they aren't reading or have not thought of something ahead of time.

 

[breakpointUK]

How about a free stand alone downloadable 'Flight Simulator" Elite: Dangerous game:-

1. Limited to one 'Virtual Solar System'
2. Flight dynamics training module.
3. Combat mechanics module, spread across 5 missions.

The purpose of having it separate are to keep it from breaking immersion in the full game, lay the ground work for Elite cannon and to get new players on board.

-

I quite like the flight simulator idea... there was mixed feedback regarding Tutorials

 

[Suul Vellumcore]

As far as training modes in the game go isn't that kind of what the single player scenario's are for especially the first one. If you don't want to play any of the single player scenarios there are quite a few very goods 'basics' videos available to watch on youtube.

I think this basically sums it up. Perhaps the full release might enhance these missions by adding some sort of interactivity/instruction during them to offer guidence, then you'd have a proper tutorial, which would be cool. But even without interactivity/instruction, we are Humans, by God; through practice and repetition, we eventually learn for ourselves... the good old fashioned way, through trial and error; and when we learn that way, it sticks; it's what we do, it's in our nature. And through the boards, and youtube vids, like trekman points out, (and the forthcoming manual, of course) all the information is readibly available for any aspiring space pilot, as long as he's willing to avail himself with some modicum of effort.

 

[Darkrunner]

This isn't a exact answer but it's what I've done to practice my flying -

Go to the Combat Scenarios and choose the First kill.

Find the guy you're supposed to blow up and play follow the leader with him. DO NOT shoot at him. If you don't fire at him, he won't fire at you. He will try and shake you off his tail.
While he's not that good of a pilot this does give you some good piloting practice on staying at someone's back while also dodging a rare asteroid or two.

Once you're comfortable on staying on this guy's backside without being shaken off. You should have a good grasp of flying.

 

[Don_Von_Hulio]

Allow the use of personal ships in scenarios. Problem solved.

 

[Malactus]

The question is, will the scenarios be in the final product? I thought those were just for testing out different combat mechanics of the game engine.

I think something like a "training simulator" available in stations could be a good idea. It would mean there wouldn't need to be any artificial barriers in "real space" and would also mean you wouldn't have to drop out of game to get to a "tutorials" menu.

Perhaps the same simulator could also be accessed from the main menus from a "tutorials" menu.

Actually I'm also quite fond that simulator idea. Could work.

How about a free stand alone downloadable 'Flight Simulator" Elite: Dangerous game: [...]

While the free stand alone downloadable would also be a good introduction to some players (as the missions are a good way to train up piloting), one scenario thought should be demonstrating jumping. However It has to be done carefully to avoid giving the wrong impression of the main game, but on the other end could be a wonder PR stunt by FD.

Allow the use of personal ships in scenarios. Problem solved.

This addresses the one issue I had with scenarios: How would I know what ship would be right for me, before piloting it? Something might sound cool, but it could be completely off one piloting style. Allowing the use of personal ships, and custom ships would solve this.

The thing about Youtube videos is that they seriously do not convey the feeling of piloting of a different ship. They are good for basic flight, but if you are jumping from a Sidewinder to a Lakon on the first go (nah, highly doubt it, but its a possible scenario) You would be in a world of hurt.

The main point I was trying to go with my idea was to aim for something of a possibility to have another player train another, without nuking ones freshly new expensive ship if in multiplayer mode. Maybe even have it as a profession where a player can train new comers for slight amount of credit, using this stuff.

 

[Teefur]

The main point I was trying to go with my idea was to aim for something of a possibility to have another player train another, without nuking ones freshly new expensive ship if in multiplayer mode. Maybe even have it as a profession where a player can train new comers for slight amount of credit, using this stuff.

If the simulator was an option I'm sure it could be done in such a way as to allow "live" training sessions with a trainer and trainee. Different ships and load-outs could be configured for the session, etc. Good way to familiarise yourself with different equipment options before handing over substantial amounts of credits too.

Just don't ask me for any details on how it could be done