BZFlagWiki - User contributions [en]

Optimizations

2012-05-29T16:27:10Z

Sniper752: /* Size */

This article discusses how to optimize a client to get the most out of it.

==Graphics Optimizations==
Clients that run older video cards or systems may experience problems due to low frame rate. Low frame rate ( less then 40fps ) can cause "fake" lag on the client and affect network performance. This in turn can and will affect gameplay.

Many of the graphics settings do affect frame rate. Users should attempt to change these settings in order to increase the frame rate. It should note that performance may '''degrade''' if some options are turned "down". One example of this is the texture filtering method. On any system with modern hardware ( from the last 8 years ) it should be set to '''LinearMipmapLinear''' as this is what most hardware is optimized for. This is mostly apparent on Apple's OSX operating system.

Other settings such as lighting, shadows, and smoothing can assist in increasing frame-rate. As a last resort the overall resolution of the client can be lowered.

It should be noted that BZFlag may not run on all hardware configurations. Some extremely low quality levels may not offer a playable experience on all maps, most notably those that use meshes.

===Time of Day===
For instances of maps that are run at "night" it is possible to change the local time of day so that it is easier for a user to see opposing tanks. the '''-''' and '''=''' keys by default allow a user to change the local time of day. This change does not affect the server.

Some servers can enable options that override this ability and force a client to use the server's time of day.

==Radar Optimizations==
===Size===
Many players find it easier to concentrate on the radar when playing rather then the 3d view. Some users will attempt to make the radar as large as possible in order to see the most amount of detail in the game world. The overhead view of the radar affords the player a look at the entire game world in 360 degrees of detail.'''Radar Shot Length''' and '''Radar Shot Size''' may be adjusted to make bullets more visible on the radar, and therefore easier to dodge. The '''Enhanced''' radar option may be enabled to make buildings fade when on a different plane than the tank.

It should be noted that there are cases where the radar may be misleading. Instances where objects are hidden from radar by the map maker, or cases where players or shots may be above or below the player's tank. Server owners also have the option of turning off the radar for specific games.

===Zoom===
The use of the radar zoom is also advantageous with players that tend to stay in one spot, also known as "'''campers'''". By using the radar zoom keys ('''4''' and '''5''' by default) a player can quickly line up a long range shot (such as one provided by the '''Laser Flag''') and dispatch the opponent. Often these players have difficulty in reacting to such a long range shot, and fail to doge it.

===Transparency===
When using a large radar size, it is often helpful to make the radar as transparent as possible.

==Gameplay Optimizations==
Players that wish to have the maximum possible view in the 3d view often turn off the '''Display Treads''' option. Players also tend to turn the '''Track Marks''' option up as high as possible in order to better see cloaked tanks.

==In-Game Information==
===Identifying Players===
The '''Lock On''' feature is one of the most important features to use when a player has the '''Guided Missie''' Flag (GM). This alows the shot to seek out the target with out the shooter doing exact aiming.
The same can be said for the '''Look''' feature, as it will identify the closest tank to a player. This is an extreme advantage in detecting cloaked tanks as they will be identified by name even if they can not be seen.

===Audio Clues===
BZFlag uses 3D positional audio so it is also advantageous to listen for sounds around a player. All tanks, including stealth and cloaked tanks make sounds when driving and jumping. Attentive players often use the clues to assist in locating hidden enemies.

===Teamwork===
A player's teammates are also excellent sources of information about a potential enemy's position. The Team-message function (by default "m" can send a message to just your teammates, as opposed to everyone on the server. Players well versed in [[Jargon|BZFlag Jargon]] can quickly locate stealth and cloaked tanks as a team.

[[Category:Tactics]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Optimizations

2012-05-29T16:26:10Z

Sniper752: /* Radar Optimizations */

This article discusses how to optimize a client to get the most out of it.

==Graphics Optimizations==
Clients that run older video cards or systems may experience problems due to low frame rate. Low frame rate ( less then 40fps ) can cause "fake" lag on the client and affect network performance. This in turn can and will affect gameplay.

Many of the graphics settings do affect frame rate. Users should attempt to change these settings in order to increase the frame rate. It should note that performance may '''degrade''' if some options are turned "down". One example of this is the texture filtering method. On any system with modern hardware ( from the last 8 years ) it should be set to '''LinearMipmapLinear''' as this is what most hardware is optimized for. This is mostly apparent on Apple's OSX operating system.

Other settings such as lighting, shadows, and smoothing can assist in increasing frame-rate. As a last resort the overall resolution of the client can be lowered.

It should be noted that BZFlag may not run on all hardware configurations. Some extremely low quality levels may not offer a playable experience on all maps, most notably those that use meshes.

===Time of Day===
For instances of maps that are run at "night" it is possible to change the local time of day so that it is easier for a user to see opposing tanks. the '''-''' and '''=''' keys by default allow a user to change the local time of day. This change does not affect the server.

Some servers can enable options that override this ability and force a client to use the server's time of day.

==Radar Optimizations==
===Size===
Many players find it easier to concentrate on the radar when playing rather then the 3d view. Some users will attempt to make the radar as large as possible in order to see the most amount of detail in the game world. The overhead view of the radar affords the player a look at the entire game world in 360 degrees of detail.'''Radar Shot Length''' and '''Radar Shot Size''' may be adjusted to make bullets more visible on the radar, and therefore easier to dodge. The '''Enhanced''' radar option may be enabled to make buildings fade when on a different plane then the tank.

It should be noted that there are cases where the radar may be misleading. Instances where objects are hidden from radar by the map maker, or cases where players or shots may be above or below the player's tank. Server owners also have the option of turning off the radar for specific games.

===Zoom===
The use of the radar zoom is also advantageous with players that tend to stay in one spot, also known as "'''campers'''". By using the radar zoom keys ('''4''' and '''5''' by default) a player can quickly line up a long range shot (such as one provided by the '''Laser Flag''') and dispatch the opponent. Often these players have difficulty in reacting to such a long range shot, and fail to doge it.

===Transparency===
When using a large radar size, it is often helpful to make the radar as transparent as possible.

==Gameplay Optimizations==
Players that wish to have the maximum possible view in the 3d view often turn off the '''Display Treads''' option. Players also tend to turn the '''Track Marks''' option up as high as possible in order to better see cloaked tanks.

==In-Game Information==
===Identifying Players===
The '''Lock On''' feature is one of the most important features to use when a player has the '''Guided Missie''' Flag (GM). This alows the shot to seek out the target with out the shooter doing exact aiming.
The same can be said for the '''Look''' feature, as it will identify the closest tank to a player. This is an extreme advantage in detecting cloaked tanks as they will be identified by name even if they can not be seen.

===Audio Clues===
BZFlag uses 3D positional audio so it is also advantageous to listen for sounds around a player. All tanks, including stealth and cloaked tanks make sounds when driving and jumping. Attentive players often use the clues to assist in locating hidden enemies.

===Teamwork===
A player's teammates are also excellent sources of information about a potential enemy's position. The Team-message function (by default "m" can send a message to just your teammates, as opposed to everyone on the server. Players well versed in [[Jargon|BZFlag Jargon]] can quickly locate stealth and cloaked tanks as a team.

[[Category:Tactics]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Optimizations

2012-05-29T16:20:24Z

Sniper752: /* Teamwork */

This article discusses how to optimize a client to get the most out of it.

==Graphics Optimizations==
Clients that run older video cards or systems may experience problems due to low frame rate. Low frame rate ( less then 40fps ) can cause "fake" lag on the client and affect network performance. This in turn can and will affect gameplay.

Many of the graphics settings do affect frame rate. Users should attempt to change these settings in order to increase the frame rate. It should note that performance may '''degrade''' if some options are turned "down". One example of this is the texture filtering method. On any system with modern hardware ( from the last 8 years ) it should be set to '''LinearMipmapLinear''' as this is what most hardware is optimized for. This is mostly apparent on Apple's OSX operating system.

Other settings such as lighting, shadows, and smoothing can assist in increasing frame-rate. As a last resort the overall resolution of the client can be lowered.

It should be noted that BZFlag may not run on all hardware configurations. Some extremely low quality levels may not offer a playable experience on all maps, most notably those that use meshes.

===Time of Day===
For instances of maps that are run at "night" it is possible to change the local time of day so that it is easier for a user to see opposing tanks. the '''-''' and '''=''' keys by default allow a user to change the local time of day. This change does not affect the server.

Some servers can enable options that override this ability and force a client to use the server's time of day.

==Radar Optimizations==
===Size===
Many players find it easier to concentrate on the radar when playing rather then the 3d view. Some users will attempt to make the radar as large as possible in order to see the most amount of detail in the game world. The overhead view of the radar affords the player a look at the entire game world in 360 degrees of detail. Many players also find the '''Enhanced''' radar option to be very useful as well as adjusting the '''Radar Shot Size''' and '''Radar Shot Length''' options to personal taste.

It should be noted that there are cases where the radar may be misleading. Instances where objects are hidden from radar by the map maker, or cases where players or shots may be above or below the player's tank. Server owners also have the option of turning off the radar for specific games.

===Zoom===
The use of the radar zoom is also advantageous with players that tend to stay in one spot, also known as "'''campers'''". By using the radar zoom keys ('''4''' and '''5''' by default) a player can quickly line up a long range shot (such as one provided by the '''Laser Flag''') and dispatch the opponent. Often these players have difficulty in reacting to such a long range shot, and fail to doge it.

==Gameplay Optimizations==
Players that wish to have the maximum possible view in the 3d view often turn off the '''Display Treads''' option. Players also tend to turn the '''Track Marks''' option up as high as possible in order to better see cloaked tanks.

==In-Game Information==
===Identifying Players===
The '''Lock On''' feature is one of the most important features to use when a player has the '''Guided Missie''' Flag (GM). This alows the shot to seek out the target with out the shooter doing exact aiming.
The same can be said for the '''Look''' feature, as it will identify the closest tank to a player. This is an extreme advantage in detecting cloaked tanks as they will be identified by name even if they can not be seen.

===Audio Clues===
BZFlag uses 3D positional audio so it is also advantageous to listen for sounds around a player. All tanks, including stealth and cloaked tanks make sounds when driving and jumping. Attentive players often use the clues to assist in locating hidden enemies.

===Teamwork===
A player's teammates are also excellent sources of information about a potential enemy's position. The Team-message function (by default "m" can send a message to just your teammates, as opposed to everyone on the server. Players well versed in [[Jargon|BZFlag Jargon]] can quickly locate stealth and cloaked tanks as a team.

[[Category:Tactics]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Different Mouse Settings

2012-05-29T16:15:18Z

Sniper752: /* Overview */

{{inaccurate}}
The cursor movement controls the [[Tank]]. The drivers are given different set-up possibilities. This article covers some of these.

== Overview ==
The acceleration of your tank can be controlled by moving the cursor in the little box on the [[HUD]]. This determines how fast the cursor is moving on the screen. Maximum velocity is attained by putting the cursor outside the box, and zero velocity is attained by putting it inside the smaller box.

Administrators and mapmakers may set the following variables to determine the maximum velocity and angular velocity: _tankSpeed and _tankAngVel.

== Different Mousebox Sizes==

{|{{Prettytable}}
|-
| {{Hl3}} |'''Mousebox size'''
| {{Hl3}} |'''Pros'''
| {{Hl3}} |'''Cons'''
|-

|Big Mousebox
|Gives more precise control over the tank. Good for climbing on buildings and avoiding falling from buildings.
|The cursor takes longer to travel around the whole box. This leads to the tank accelerating slower into the next direction => you can dodge bullets, but with |greater difficulty and effort
|-
|Little Mousebox
| It enables you to dodge bullets with much less movement, therefore faster dodging is possible.
|It is also much easier to accidentally fall down from buildings.
|-
|Middle Mousebox Size
|A happy medium of precision and reaction speed. Can be used to dodge bullets relatively well. Falling down from buildings is much rarer than when using a miniscule mousebox
|You end up getting neither the absolute control nor the best reaction time.
|}

== Different Cursor Settings ==
{|{{Prettytable}}
|-
| {{Hl3}} |'''Cursor movement'''
| {{Hl3}} |'''Pros'''
| {{Hl3}} |'''Cons'''
| {{Hl3}} |'''Good Mousebox in combination'''
|-
|Fast Cursor
|Very good to dodge bullets.
|Risky to drive around on buildings.
|Big or middle mousebox. Only use a small mousebox if you don't jump often.
|-
|Slow Cursor
|Good for doing complicated jumps.
|Hard to dodge incoming bullets.
|Small or middle mousebox. A big mousebox is suicide!
|-
|Middle Cursor Speed
|Can be used to dodge much incoming bullets. Driving on buildings is not dangerous.
|Occasionally you can't dodge or fall down from a building.
|Big, middle and small mouseboxes can be used.
|}

== Platform differences ==

=== Cursor Speed ===
Speed is a linear factor added to your cursor movement. The cursor is constantly faster/slower.

=== Cursor Acceleration ===
Acceleration is a multiplier to your cursor movement. Has a high impact to cursor movement when moving the mouse fast, slower impact when moving the mouse slower.

=== I'm on Mac OS X - Others seem to have an advantage ===

The only real advantage they have is the agility flag. Other platforms use different acceleration parameters; thus, they may find it easier to drive a straight line and then jump with the agility flag so that they can escape easier. With the Mac's mouse acceleration you gain some other advantages against the other player, like you will always be able to react quicker than them and can move more precisely when you move your cursor slower.

Both Macs and PCs use mouse acceleration; they simply use different functions to calculate the mouse position. In addition, different versions of the same platform can also have different acceleration. There are tools available for both platforms for configuring the acceleration, if you don't like the defaults.

All that talk about acceleration and speed may sound strange to you - with drivers like [http://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/ SteerMouse] and [http://www.usboverdrive.com/ USBOverdrive] you can quickly get a feeling for the difference. If you are using Windows®, you can tweak the parameters by editing the registry keys in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse.

A good mouse and mousepad might also make a difference; a wired optical mouse will usually perform better than a ball mouse or a wireless mouse. A quality gaming mouse might be helpful, but in general, you need to consider whether the additional cost (often hundreds of dollars) is really worth it.

=== I'm on Linux - How to tweak that beast ===

For USB mice you could use a small progamm called lomoco (search it for your distribution) and thereafter xset.

"xset m 22 && bzflag-e && xset m 5 " from a comandline, give a nice fast mouse.

In case your mouse is an old style PS/2, use "xset 7 1" or instead of 7, use 6, 9, 5, whatever suits you most. Just try what is best for you.

==External Links==
[http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/input/pointer-bal.mspx Windows® Pointer Ballistics]

[[Category:Tactics]]
[[Category:Client]]

Game Modes

2012-05-29T16:09:59Z

Sniper752: /* Capture The Flag */

BZFlag has several game modes in which a player can take part in.
The three most common modes are FFA, or Free For All, CTF, or Capture the Flag, and RH, or Rabbit Hunt.
Free For All comes in two variants: TFFA, or Team Free For All, and OFFA, or Open Free For All.

Other game modes that are not directly built into BZFlag can be instead created using [[plug-ins]].

==Free For All==
The object of a '''Free For All''' is to gain the most points for yourself. '''Free For All''' is often abbreviated to '''FFA'''.

===Team Free For All===
In this version of '''FFA''', players can join one of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. Players on the same color team can work together, [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. Rogues are by themselves, and have no teammates. A team scoreboard shows up showing the collective [[score]] of all the teams. (Rogue does not count as a team.)

===Open Free For All===
In this version of '''FFA''', players can join as one of the four team colors, or as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. However, unlike '''TFFA''', in '''OFFA''' it is truly a free-for-all: there are no teams.

==Capture The Flag==
The main objective of a '''Capture the Flag''' game is to steal an opposing team's flag and bring it back to your [[base]], while protecting your own flag at the same time.

Players can join any of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. Often, '''CTF''' is played between 2 or 4 teams, although the occasional 3 team '''CTF''' does arise. Players usually spawn on their [[base|bases]] upon joining, and after their flag is captured. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. ''Flag-running,'' or capturing your own flag by bringing it to another team's [[base]], is also generally frowned upon.

==Rabbit Hunt==
The main objective of a '''Rabbit Hunt''' is to kill the white tank, or the ''rabbit''. Once a player kills the ''rabbit'', they themselves become a ''rabbit'', and now try to kill the ''hunters'' without themselves being killed.

Players join as ''hunters'', a special team that exists only in '''Rabbit Hunt'''. These hunters try to kill a ''rabbit''. How the ''rabbit'' is chosen depends on server settings, but it can either be random, by score, or by killer. ''Hunters'' are not generally not allowed to [[Team Kill|teamkill]], and [[Team Kill|team killing]] always results in losing a point.

==Other Modes==
Other game types can be created by using [[plug-ins]].

===King of the Hill===

The objective of '''King of the Hill''' is to be the only tank or team in a defined ''Hill'' for a predefined time-limit.

When a player enters the ''hill'', and is the only player or team in the ''hill'', a counter starts. Once the counter reaches the time-limit, the player or team wins, and all other teams die and hear the flag-capture sound. Often, the ''hill'' is raised, and marked in one way or another. Players can join any of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. If someone enters the ''hill'' while another team occupies it the counter is paused. If one team is forced out of the hill, either by explosion or by simply exiting, the counter is reset.

For info on how to run the plugin, see [[Koth]].

===Hold the Flag===
One objective of '''Hold the Flag''' is to be the first to reach a destination, usually a [[base]], and capture a flag. Often this game type is used for ''races'' or obstacle courses. On other maps (Such as LouMan's Home Sweet Home), the goal is to find a predefined flag and hold it for a preset amount of time. If the player is successful, the other teams die, and hear the captured flag sound.

All players join a single team and race to capture their flag. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] rules generally do '''not''' apply. Still, [[Team Kill|teamkilling]] always results in losing a point. On obstacle courses and ''races'' shooting is usually disabled. Points do not affect your [[score]] in anyway and are shown via the [[chat]].

[[Category:Gameplay]]

Game Modes

2012-05-29T16:07:15Z

Sniper752: /* Hold the Flag */

BZFlag has several game modes in which a player can take part in.
The three most common modes are FFA, or Free For All, CTF, or Capture the Flag, and RH, or Rabbit Hunt.
Free For All comes in two variants: TFFA, or Team Free For All, and OFFA, or Open Free For All.

Other game modes that are not directly built into BZFlag can be instead created using [[plug-ins]].

==Free For All==
The object of a '''Free For All''' is to gain the most points for yourself. '''Free For All''' is often abbreviated to '''FFA'''.

===Team Free For All===
In this version of '''FFA''', players can join one of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. Players on the same color team can work together, [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. Rogues are by themselves, and have no teammates. A team scoreboard shows up showing the collective [[score]] of all the teams. (Rogue does not count as a team.)

===Open Free For All===
In this version of '''FFA''', players can join as one of the four team colors, or as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. However, unlike '''TFFA''', in '''OFFA''' it is truly a free-for-all: there are no teams.

==Capture The Flag==
The main objective of a '''Capture the Flag''' game is to steal an opposing team's flag and bring it back to your [[base]], while protecting your own flag at the same time.

Players can join any of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. Often, '''CTF''' is played between 2 or 4 teams, although the occasional 3 team '''CTF''' does arise. Players usually spawn on their [[base|bases]] upon joining, and after their flag is captured. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. Capturing your own flag by bringing it to another team's [[base]] is also generally frowned upon.

==Rabbit Hunt==
The main objective of a '''Rabbit Hunt''' is to kill the white tank, or the ''rabbit''. Once a player kills the ''rabbit'', they themselves become a ''rabbit'', and now try to kill the ''hunters'' without themselves being killed.

Players join as ''hunters'', a special team that exists only in '''Rabbit Hunt'''. These hunters try to kill a ''rabbit''. How the ''rabbit'' is chosen depends on server settings, but it can either be random, by score, or by killer. ''Hunters'' are not generally not allowed to [[Team Kill|teamkill]], and [[Team Kill|team killing]] always results in losing a point.

==Other Modes==
Other game types can be created by using [[plug-ins]].

===King of the Hill===

The objective of '''King of the Hill''' is to be the only tank or team in a defined ''Hill'' for a predefined time-limit.

When a player enters the ''hill'', and is the only player or team in the ''hill'', a counter starts. Once the counter reaches the time-limit, the player or team wins, and all other teams die and hear the flag-capture sound. Often, the ''hill'' is raised, and marked in one way or another. Players can join any of the four teams, or play as a rogue. The teams available to play on depend on server settings. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] is generally not allowed, and always results in losing a point. If someone enters the ''hill'' while another team occupies it the counter is paused. If one team is forced out of the hill, either by explosion or by simply exiting, the counter is reset.

For info on how to run the plugin, see [[Koth]].

===Hold the Flag===
One objective of '''Hold the Flag''' is to be the first to reach a destination, usually a [[base]], and capture a flag. Often this game type is used for ''races'' or obstacle courses. On other maps (Such as LouMan's Home Sweet Home), the goal is to find a predefined flag and hold it for a preset amount of time. If the player is successful, the other teams die, and hear the captured flag sound.

All players join a single team and race to capture their flag. [[Team Kill|Team Killing]] rules generally do '''not''' apply. Still, [[Team Kill|teamkilling]] always results in losing a point. On obstacle courses and ''races'' shooting is usually disabled. Points do not affect your [[score]] in anyway and are shown via the [[chat]].

[[Category:Gameplay]]