The minimap as it is now I feel is probably no where NEAR final guys. That being said, I would like to see the minimap AND the auspex. The mini map as it functions now is fine, for the most part, needs polish™, but so does everything else at this early early stage. The auspex could unlock extra features for the minimap, or in the idea of how the minimap functions, such as being like a combat radar over a short distance. But I would really find it odd that a marines helmet, one of the most sophisticated pieces of armor in t he 40k universe, would not have something as basic as a directional minimap.
I don't mind the Auspex idea but all in all I don't see an issue with the tiny map in the corner as it is now. I seriously don't understand why this is an issue. Frankly, with how chaotic the battles are supposed to be I doubt that it'll be used anyhow as more often than not you should be focused on the constantly shifting fight at hand. It has other uses too like coordination. what if I pulp my target then my squad is left standing around waiting for orders? I can follow it to the combat around me to assist without having to be told " Hey stupid, were getting killed two buildings up you're going the wrong way!" I understand that's what our commanders are for but will they always be right on your squad every waking second? The answer is no. Secondly, when suddenly engaged you can actually send useful info to reinforcements like for example how many enemies are in your limited scope. All in all what I saw was in no way taking anything from the need for players to be aware of what's happening or exclude the opportunity for ambush and hit-and-run tactics.
Dude I just had a hype idea. Dig this. So the auspex takes weight or a belt spot or whatever. People have a minimap like we have now that functions the way it does. It works in PS2 guys, it is not game breaking. But, by equipping the auspex that player can "ready" it, which limits them to one handing the pistol or secondary or whatever. But, they now get a 150 degree motion tracker on their minimap. However it doesn't identify friend from foe so they have to identify movement occurring to their squad. And only the auspex user gets the motion dot. Video games teach us to move constantly. Which is silly. This encourages squad communications but isn't a see everything instantly radared.
I believe it would be a good option if a guy wearing a auspex, could relay the information of other squad mates. Allies should always be shown on the map, maybe flashing red or with another shape if they are firing or in combat (a bit like they are telling they are in combat, which I assume is a common thing to do). If we could visually target enemies, then I would be happy, but this is by no means a requirement (a bit like in the Battlefield genre/series).
Definately in favor of the auspex over the current system. But really, I have eyeballs, I don't like minimaps or getting fed information about where people are. I can see where they are, and if I lose sight of my friendly players and get lost, then I guess I'm screwed, as I should be. Minimaps and locators in general are a crutch for battlefield awareness, and they completely remove the ability to slowly kill people off silently or unexpectedly, since you'll notice the green dots vanishing. (this is actually a concern since Orks have the Kommando Nob as a hero). But, as an equip-able item, it makes a lot more sense, since you're trading some offensive power for supplemented battlefield awareness.
That'd be so cool in the Nidholes if they work like a traditional dungeon. " I got movement, I got readings! 40 meters! They're in the walls, man!" I would not be upset if the Aliens game I was always promised came as a 40k mmo. Also, didn't a dev say Eldar would have Stealth units? So we better have a counter!
I got the inspiration from the recent Alien: Isolation game. It's a really cool concept I think they could do something with, to striek a balance between the gameplay necessary minimap situation and a cool item every race has access to. Every single race in 40k has access to some sort of auspex equiv. And I am always trying to think up ways to encourage team play.
Isn't this the 41st millennium? I'd imagine the Spacemarine helmet display would be able to spot xenos and relay that info to atleast his squad? I'd prefer this to maybe be a command like 'enemy spotted here' which would ping others maps with the info. If enemy goes from Los then also goes from map unless a auspex is equipped to a member of the squad which could give a radar type bleep periodically and would be a necessary item for atleast one member of the squad for support costing resources. Expanding on this it could be a continuous radar or only working when equipped in hand. Expanding again when equipped in hand could slow the unit down as he's trying to use his equipment which could be represented by slower movement. Ie better defence against ambush trades off with agility ands speed.
I also like the idea of having the current mini map, as well as an equip-able Auspex with more Information. and as for it being a Crutch I think that while it may be somewhat of a crutch that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Fighter pilots and others use radar tech to monitor the battlefield. Ships monitor for enemies with sonar and thermal imaging. Even front line troops are having their battlefield awareness augmented by Predator drones and that's all in our current military. I think that having the mini map hud, as well as squad mates calling spotted enemies is just the next logical step that our military would take if they could.
What would perhaps be the most immersive, and would also gel with no minimap, is an attachment on your helmet/head that you can flip down. Then it switches to a very limited binocular vision which show heat signs through walls and such. If there is a marking system then you can also mark them, but it would probably be better if you only marked their position, not their actual character. It would have a 1-2 sec "warm up" before kicking in and would slow your movement down while in use. I think that would balance it but you never know before testing.
