Fixed and Freemode Camera

[Zwiebelchen]

So ... we all knew this day would eventually come... but we've reached a point in mapmaking, where for the sake of graphics and perfectionism we have to discuss wether to get rid of the free camera control...

The problem is, that the upcoming D4 causes a lot of trouble graphics wise, if we can not disable the fog of war completely. You all also know the problem that when viewing dungeon terrain from outside of the dungeon, it looks totally weird as the whole light environment is different.

In order to solve this, however, we require limitations of camera movement.
It also adds a little bit to the rpg-feel of the game.

So I'd like to know: what are your experiences with the custom camera system? Do you like it? Could you play with it? Do you have some suggestions to make it better?
Remember that there are two camera modes existing: an auto-rotation mode and a fixed mode. In both modes you can use left and right arrow keys to change the view of the camera and up and down arrow keys to change the viewing angle of the camera.

 

[LanderZ]

Personally, I only use the default camera mode; the WC3-overhead style one.

I couldn't imagine doing the first-person view for this game...

 

[texugo1337]

Personally, I only use the default camera mode; the WC3-overhead style one.

I couldn't imagine doing the first-person view for this game...

Same here, is there any possibility to lock the gamera just inside the dungeon?

 

[_lycan]

sure cool but how will we do d3 ? we got to move camera fast to heal / damage stuff and i'm ranger i got to use net on starting zombies i couldn't do this, this would limite very much the game so i'm not sure it's your choice though..
positive points:
noobs wouldn't see last parts of the game/ d4 stuff, negative : really lot of stuff..

 

[Zwiebelchen]

Well if you use the first 3d cam mode (without auto rotation) and press arrow down 4 times, you get somewhat of the usual birdseye perspective. Just not free to move... how is that?

 

[LanderZ]

Well if you use the first 3d cam mode (without auto rotation) and press arrow down 4 times, you get somewhat of the usual birdseye perspective. Just not free to move... how is that?

Meh, I wouldn't care for it, tbh.

Easier to lock the camera over the user (no scrolling) when in a dungeon, IMO.

 

[Vestra]

I make solid use of scrolling, following the terrain, keeping an eye on your allies and upcoming encounters. I think it's extremely useful. I can't stand locked camera control. Only game I find that works with it is diablo 2

 

[texugo1337]

yeah locked camera isn't cool.

 

[_lycan]

i know zwielb ik what you mean you want a camera like warchasers that is locked but has birdseye camera , it has alot of problems..

 

[lNVlNClBLE]

I make solid use of scrolling, following the terrain, keeping an eye on your allies and upcoming encounters. I think it's extremely useful. I can't stand locked camera control. Only game I find that works with it is diablo 2

This.

I play on a laptop using my mousepad to scroll, with my hands crossed (aka, left hand on arrow keys, right hand on mousepad), which means I certainly value the ability to scroll around the map moreso than being able to hit hotkeys more precisely.

 

[Zwiebelchen]

We came up with a better solution than a locked cam.
I coded a new environment system, replacing the old one. Now the light, fog and sky settings change depending on where your camera is, not where your hero is.
About the ground tile issue, I think we will find a solution for this too.

 

[_lycan]

nice zwieb

 

[yuvixadun]

Sweet : )

Locked cam feels like a limitation.