On-screen indications

[ladlon 10]

Could someone go over the various on-screen indications in the 3D view?

Specifically the various 'arrow' symbols (well, like V shapes).

I generally know what they are (offscreen squadmates, etc), but could really use a good complete rundown of what is indicated by them and other symbols.

For example, just now I had a line going out from my crosshair which I'm not familiar with.

Also, if a squad leader orders you to target something, or go somewhere, is a temporary marker placed in the 3D view? I was never sure about that. Often I would also have a 'Target' circle out there, but it would just be sitting on some empty area (...I'm assuming something USED to be there, but isn't anymore?).

The Campaign missions DO teach you a few things as you go along... but the text windows (top right corner) disappear too quick (especially when you are focused on not getting shot!). Even so, one of the items it talked about ('Yellow arrow always points North') didn't seem to be correct, while the 'Yellow LINE points to objective' doesn't even seem to exist! I wish I could review those notes, but they don't store them, nor are they available for reading anywhere other than briefly while you do the mission.

[LATE ADDITION]: Ah, I think the line from the crosshair thing I was seeing was pointing to the middle of the house my crosshair was near... maybe indicating specifically where ('on the house') the guy was to go??

Edited December 28, 2009 by ladlon

[jakerod 248]

Your late addition thing is accurate. It will select different building positions. I don't tend to have any of the HUD stuff up so I am not sure about most of it. The target thing appears over the guy's last position. If he is running when you are given the target and you can no longer see him the target box keeps moving to where the computer thinks he will be (aka where he would be if he kept running at the same angle and speed). If you can still see him it tends to stay on him. Other than that I don't really know what else there is. I don't use the compass that much with regards to objectives.

[randir14 10]

If you see a diamond with a rank inside it that's your team leader. If you double-tap escape his icon will show up so you know where he is. That's mostly helpful online though, not single player.

[ladlon 10]

Thanks guys. Ya, I'm playing on total Recruit mode for now, as I'm learning things and getting used to the 'non-standard' controls (which still trip me up a bit). So, I do get a lot of on-screen indicators (which is good, otherwise I'd get my butt shot off right away... Amazing that people can play this without any indicators and stuff! Hard enough to do it even WITH the enemy with big neon lights pointing at his position! heheh...)

I still have to figure out some of the indicators that pop up from time to time... I have to sort out this thing it SEEMS to have stated where a yellow marker always points North, among other things.

[CarlGustaffa 3]

Play with the difficulty controls in recruit mode and figure out what you don't need. In single player, you're basically forced to use one or some of them, since you can't really communicate with them, ask them about stuff etc like you can with human players. It depends a little on your playstyle. I.e. if you're commanding via the map, extended map info is kindof a must. If you're commanding via 3rd person or tactical view, you obviously need to have 3rd person activated, but you might consider turning off extended map info.

All kinds of "permanent info" I've turned off, as they're mostly in the way. A quick doubletab on esc will get you this information on demand.

For multiplayer, I like the idea of being forced to play tactically with my team mates. So here, I typically only allow one "magic aid" instead of several, depending on mission we play and gamestyle we choose.