Apologies if this discussion exists somewhere else, but the search feature didn't turn anything up.
CS:Source certainly is looking groovy, but I don't think it's going to be so much a revolutionary step so much as a cosmetic one. Now, I know there's sure to be like a bazillion people itching to jump in and DEMAND that the core gameplay change as little as possible, but just for a second consider how CS might benefit from some additions. Here's a few things that just jumped into my head:
1). Leaning/peeking around corners. Pros - more diversity in gameplay and player strategies. Cons - "it wouldn't feel like CS", it could possibly slow the flow of the game down. Personally, I feel this would only make CS a better game, and it's downright backward-thinking to not include this feature in a tactical shooter, IMO. One Life to Live, y'know?
2). Going prone. Pros and Cons are pretty much the same as above. It's worth noting that when CS was fairly new, it was considered one of the more realistic shooters around. I remember when they added things like the recoil-expanding reticule, gamers groaned that CS was "turning into Rainbow 6." I think they eventually got over it, although some people are still bitter over the limited jumping.
3). Iron Sights(see a pattern yet?). This is probably the most effective method of immersing the player in the vitrual battlefield that I've yet seen. Yeah, yeah, I know, I know - "Dude, iron sights is SO not CS!", but I'm gonna suggest it anyway! I think it should at least be optional; don't like it, don't turn it on! Handle it like left-handed models for all I care. And for those of you who haven't tried iron sights in-game yet: before someone diametrically opposed to the idea cites a crappy game from Novalogic, may I suggest you try either the excellent Call of Duty or the underrated Vietcong.
4). Some different objectives/gameplay modes. King of the hill, assault, capture the flag? In the wake of the totally rad Unreal 2k4 Onslaught mode, I'd love to see a wide-open CS-styled battlefield with vehicles. How about a comeback for Assassination mode? Oilrig alone just doesn't cut it anymore. Helicopter-bourne asaults, complete with rope rappelling. What about a demolition mode where the T's have to car-bomb a building?
5).New weapons and equipment. I like most of the guns in CS. In fact, the CS AK-47 is the definitve video game incarnation as far as I'm concerned. I just want more! Where's the love for the M-14, possibly the baddest-assed semi-auto rifle ever? Or a friggin' Colt .45? Hell, I wouldn't mind seeing a revolver, I can already see my dude flipping out the chamber, dumping his spent rounds, slapping in a speed loader and flipping the chamber back into place. *SNAP* IT'S GO TIME!
I'd also dig it immensely if there were additions to the Buy Menu. Like submenus to trick out your weapons a bit. Give you the option to buy things like silencers(that WORK), scopes(regular, night vision, IR/thermal, laser sights), hell, even a flashlight.
For equipment: maybe add the option for full body armor. It could cost like twice as much as the helmet+vest combo, and make the player significantly slower, but give him more protection. Maybe replace the shield with that.
C4 and/or claymore mines - I just love these things. I could just see the front door in CS_Militia, barricaded with tables and chairs with six or so terrorists just licking their chops for the moment some CT breaks through. Then, on the other side, you have a strike force of CTs at the ready, and the door man runs up the middle and slaps some C4 on the door. Hondo gives the command and BOOM shit flies everywhere - the room is wrecked. Then, though all the smoke, dust and debris comes the mother of all firefights. Oh yeah - teargas!
6). More communication options. What I had in mind was like a bullhorn that the lead CT or T could pick up and use to demoralize the other team. "By order of U.N. Article 1429 I hereby order you to lay down your arms..." Well, I dunno, I think it'd be cool, at least until they squeaky 10-year old gets it and starts giggling and making fart noises. You could always mute him...just a suggestion. Seriously, some kind of hand signals maybe? Games have been flirting with this idea for a long time. Imagine your voice com could be heard by nearby enemies, so you had to rely on visual cues. Samples here: http://www.clanccc.net/spanked/Handandarm.JPG
Well, those are just a few of the ideas I had rolling around, let's hear yours!
CS:Source certainly is looking groovy, but I don't think it's going to be so much a revolutionary step so much as a cosmetic one. Now, I know there's sure to be like a bazillion people itching to jump in and DEMAND that the core gameplay change as little as possible, but just for a second consider how CS might benefit from some additions. Here's a few things that just jumped into my head:
1). Leaning/peeking around corners. Pros - more diversity in gameplay and player strategies. Cons - "it wouldn't feel like CS", it could possibly slow the flow of the game down. Personally, I feel this would only make CS a better game, and it's downright backward-thinking to not include this feature in a tactical shooter, IMO. One Life to Live, y'know?
2). Going prone. Pros and Cons are pretty much the same as above. It's worth noting that when CS was fairly new, it was considered one of the more realistic shooters around. I remember when they added things like the recoil-expanding reticule, gamers groaned that CS was "turning into Rainbow 6." I think they eventually got over it, although some people are still bitter over the limited jumping.
3). Iron Sights(see a pattern yet?). This is probably the most effective method of immersing the player in the vitrual battlefield that I've yet seen. Yeah, yeah, I know, I know - "Dude, iron sights is SO not CS!", but I'm gonna suggest it anyway! I think it should at least be optional; don't like it, don't turn it on! Handle it like left-handed models for all I care. And for those of you who haven't tried iron sights in-game yet: before someone diametrically opposed to the idea cites a crappy game from Novalogic, may I suggest you try either the excellent Call of Duty or the underrated Vietcong.
4). Some different objectives/gameplay modes. King of the hill, assault, capture the flag? In the wake of the totally rad Unreal 2k4 Onslaught mode, I'd love to see a wide-open CS-styled battlefield with vehicles. How about a comeback for Assassination mode? Oilrig alone just doesn't cut it anymore. Helicopter-bourne asaults, complete with rope rappelling. What about a demolition mode where the T's have to car-bomb a building?
5).New weapons and equipment. I like most of the guns in CS. In fact, the CS AK-47 is the definitve video game incarnation as far as I'm concerned. I just want more! Where's the love for the M-14, possibly the baddest-assed semi-auto rifle ever? Or a friggin' Colt .45? Hell, I wouldn't mind seeing a revolver, I can already see my dude flipping out the chamber, dumping his spent rounds, slapping in a speed loader and flipping the chamber back into place. *SNAP* IT'S GO TIME!
I'd also dig it immensely if there were additions to the Buy Menu. Like submenus to trick out your weapons a bit. Give you the option to buy things like silencers(that WORK), scopes(regular, night vision, IR/thermal, laser sights), hell, even a flashlight.
For equipment: maybe add the option for full body armor. It could cost like twice as much as the helmet+vest combo, and make the player significantly slower, but give him more protection. Maybe replace the shield with that.
C4 and/or claymore mines - I just love these things. I could just see the front door in CS_Militia, barricaded with tables and chairs with six or so terrorists just licking their chops for the moment some CT breaks through. Then, on the other side, you have a strike force of CTs at the ready, and the door man runs up the middle and slaps some C4 on the door. Hondo gives the command and BOOM shit flies everywhere - the room is wrecked. Then, though all the smoke, dust and debris comes the mother of all firefights. Oh yeah - teargas!
6). More communication options. What I had in mind was like a bullhorn that the lead CT or T could pick up and use to demoralize the other team. "By order of U.N. Article 1429 I hereby order you to lay down your arms..." Well, I dunno, I think it'd be cool, at least until they squeaky 10-year old gets it and starts giggling and making fart noises. You could always mute him...just a suggestion. Seriously, some kind of hand signals maybe? Games have been flirting with this idea for a long time. Imagine your voice com could be heard by nearby enemies, so you had to rely on visual cues. Samples here: http://www.clanccc.net/spanked/Handandarm.JPG
Well, those are just a few of the ideas I had rolling around, let's hear yours!