RO2 has some really effective infrastructure for the squad system currently implemented. Unfortunately, the game, whether it be in normal or "realism" mode currently obscures nearly all of that from the player. Unless the squad and platoon leaders have microphones, the only players currently aware of any assigned orders are the leaders themselves. This needs to be remedied in a bad way for the game to grow and be more accessible to the public.
Firstly, and most importantly, when the platoon leader issues orders to his squad leaders, this needs to show up for everyone in the squad assigned the order. Those of us that have been around RO for a while remember from the mod and Ostfront that there were team voice commands that would say to the entire team "Attack/defend objective X." This is currently missing from the game in the form of both a textual and audio cue. When an order is issued, it must be relayed via audio to the player as well as via text in the chat window. In addition to this, some of the information from the tactical view needs to be made available at all times regardless of pressing "T." Whatever your squad's current objective should be always displayed on your screen as they are currently only when pressing "T." Note that the icon should be scaled back to not be so large but to provide the player with the proper orientation.
Next, to differentiate between the two modes and hopefully encourage teams to stick together as squads two things need to happen. One, your squad mates should always have their names hovering above their heads. While the names aren't inherently realistic, they actually add to the total realism because in combat you tend to know who your buddies are. Secondly, while your map is currently updated with all information (e.g. artillery coordinates, recon aircraft information, etc.) this should only be available to players playing on normal servers. On "realism" servers, I suggest adding this information as an extension of the morale system whereby you gain morale by being near your squad leader. While you are near your squad leader (say, within 50m or whatever number you want), information is updated on your map as the squad leader gets it. So you'd know where artillery is coming in, where the recon plane found enemies, etc. However, if you wander off outside of the range of the leader, this information is no longer displayed.
Finally, icons. With the system outlined above, you should have a small status icon (like that for cover) that displays whether or not you are within range of your leaders. This way you have a visual indication of where you are. Also, and quite importantly, both the player and the squad leader should have and icon or some sort of feedback telling the player if it is possible to spawn on the squad leader or not. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people ask in game if "TWI has fixed the squad leader spawn bug" yet.
The game has the potential for some really interesting squad play (that for once includes a platoon leader). I hope that these suggestions may spur a debate that will help push the game further and make it much more user friendly as it's currently missing some important features.
Comments?
Firstly, and most importantly, when the platoon leader issues orders to his squad leaders, this needs to show up for everyone in the squad assigned the order. Those of us that have been around RO for a while remember from the mod and Ostfront that there were team voice commands that would say to the entire team "Attack/defend objective X." This is currently missing from the game in the form of both a textual and audio cue. When an order is issued, it must be relayed via audio to the player as well as via text in the chat window. In addition to this, some of the information from the tactical view needs to be made available at all times regardless of pressing "T." Whatever your squad's current objective should be always displayed on your screen as they are currently only when pressing "T." Note that the icon should be scaled back to not be so large but to provide the player with the proper orientation.
Next, to differentiate between the two modes and hopefully encourage teams to stick together as squads two things need to happen. One, your squad mates should always have their names hovering above their heads. While the names aren't inherently realistic, they actually add to the total realism because in combat you tend to know who your buddies are. Secondly, while your map is currently updated with all information (e.g. artillery coordinates, recon aircraft information, etc.) this should only be available to players playing on normal servers. On "realism" servers, I suggest adding this information as an extension of the morale system whereby you gain morale by being near your squad leader. While you are near your squad leader (say, within 50m or whatever number you want), information is updated on your map as the squad leader gets it. So you'd know where artillery is coming in, where the recon plane found enemies, etc. However, if you wander off outside of the range of the leader, this information is no longer displayed.
Finally, icons. With the system outlined above, you should have a small status icon (like that for cover) that displays whether or not you are within range of your leaders. This way you have a visual indication of where you are. Also, and quite importantly, both the player and the squad leader should have and icon or some sort of feedback telling the player if it is possible to spawn on the squad leader or not. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people ask in game if "TWI has fixed the squad leader spawn bug" yet.
The game has the potential for some really interesting squad play (that for once includes a platoon leader). I hope that these suggestions may spur a debate that will help push the game further and make it much more user friendly as it's currently missing some important features.
Comments?