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Optimizations

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Revision as of 20:37, 6 February 2010 by JeffM2501 (Talk | contribs) (Time of Day: Mention server overide.)

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

Graphics Optimizations

Clients that run older video cards or system may experience problems due to low frame rate. Low Frame rate ( less then 40fps ) can cause a sort of "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. Players well versed in BZFlag Jargon can quickly locate stealth and cloaked tanks as a team.