Cedrik (DayZ)

Well, they already make you start with nothing... if you reduce the chance of better weapons... then you may as well remove them form the game entirely. You can one shot people with a weak makarov... if you aim for the head. The problem is not the weapons or their frequency, just the total restart with nothing to show for your effort imo. I know... i know.. some people live it. But not meh... : P

Heres my over all review of the mod, just FYI. I'm just offering my thoughts on the game for the Devs, take it or leave it. As for trolls, I know any post ever made is kibble for them... but oh well. HOW I STARTED: I played OFP years ago and loved the MFCTI mod. Had some really fantastic times on that. So, when I a friend told me of a persistent mod for Arma 2 (even though it's a zombie mod and I don't care much for zombies) I bought Arma 2 etc expressly for this mod. The first week, theres lots to learn about how the game works. Lots of trial and errors and deaths. HIGH INTEREST AT FIRST As I got better and gained better gear, it was cool. Often found that right after I gained better gear I died... which was really disappointing. And, I've found out that the game doesn't change much as you progress. The better guns still aggro zombies like mad which discourages me from firing a weapon at all... which is disappointing. Whats the point of a game with guns where firing it once gets you instantly swarmed so that you have to burn up all your ammo, spend 10 minutes killing zombies only to have them instantly respawn, knowing all the while 5 guys will be hearing your shots and closing in on you to finish you? Ido the same thing... it a free kill. Running from zombies is your (sadly) better option though that is tedious too. I've gotten pretty good at ditching them, but it often can take 10 or more minutes in some cases. Gets old. Zombies should shamble, not run a light speed. Saw them keeping up with a jeep before. Every zombie is evidently a bionic track star. As for stealth, it often results in getting sniped OR simply getting popped by some guy running by. I've been on both ends, just trying out all aspects of the game. The easiest guys to kill are the ones trying to sneak thru town... they are sitting ducks. I even tried the crossbow. Make the bolts stackable. That one per slot business is just... not even worth it. Sniping rules the game, as far as easiest way to kill people. I'll ditch whatever gun I have for sniper every time... whether you fight zombies or people - a sniper back in the hills covering your team or popping that random looter is so easy. I don't worry about any others like I do snipers. I've used them to great effect and know just how simple it is to take people out who never knew you were there. EXPLOITS REAL AND IMAGINED There are some real exploits and some things people complain about which I don't really fuss about. The logging of, relocating and then logging back in one is by far the worst. I'd suggest that there be an individual server (for lack of a better word) "temporary ban" that affects individuals for 5 or 10 minutes when they log out under fire. IMO thats the best option. The 5 min fall down timer is glitchy and pointless. I've had it hit me even tho I logged off hours before not under gunfire or anything. Sitting there watching a 5 minute hour glass while anyone can walk by and kill you... makes me fume at the Devs and want to uninstall. Instead, just prevent them from that one server for a temp time, this prevents the whole relocate issue and "punishes" people who log off in battle in order to relocate, without killing interest in the game over all. Also, logging in where players are already present is irritating. Two guys and myself were at green mountain the other day. Just checked the area and secured it. Only one way in and out after all... when I saw zombies vanish. Two of my guys go down suddenly inside the compound... then two german guys start talking about it on comms. Then the german guys logged off before I could sneak past the remaining zombies at the gate to get a shot off. Could there be some way to... well I hesitate to say relocate... maybe delay logging in if a player is within a certain distance? Whats the point of securing an area if people can materialize out of thin air behind you? Sneak if you can, fine. Be hidden and not seen, fine. But... it was pretty aggravating to all of us, but especially the two who got taken out in this way. But dunno what can be done about it. Those two people haven't played the game since tho... and my interst has lessened due to this and other events. Even my stint trying the server changing to find a target while I was hidden, resulted in boredom for me. Whats the point in doing that? Guess some people find it fun. Yes, I admit I tried it with a sniper to test how people did it... and it turned out to be incredibly easy to get player kills that way. Just camp an important spot... change servers till you see people... and then pop them. A 15 sec log off (as suggested elsewhere many times) where if you move the timer stops would help discourage hit and runs & lessen the constant flow of forum complaints about people logging off to avoid battle; but not prevent server jumping to find targets. I've played other games online for years. It just can't be avoided that people will log even WITH a timer, and realistically you can't forbid people from logging off whenever they want to unless you just want to lose regular players to the game because its normal for people to want to survive, get bored waiting for targets and change servers, etc. As for banning them for logging off even during a fight... eh. Thats very controlling. Never seen any game I've played (free to play or pay to play) that ever banned anyone for that; and it takes away from the voluntary & fun atmosphere of the game just as much as the log and relocate people do. If I miss my shot on a guy and he logs... I just tell myself to aim better next time and imagine "he ran off" - not like its actually hard to one shot people if you aim well. I don't rage that "he got away by logging". In fact, I missed a snipe the other day on a guy and I saw him vanish (log) right after... I just chuckled thinking he was probably filled with adrenaline at the moment and shouting in his house "I LIVED WHEW!!! THAT WAS CLOSE!!!" And I missed 2 shots (was a LONG distance shot lol) on a guy and he beat feet out of there. After 2 missed shots, I figured he deserved to live to tell the story. heh Doubt the Devs will be minded to change this, but... the only option I see to prevent server hopping is to make each server an independent world. You get gear on that server, it stays on that server. As it is, someone compared the current state of things to the Sliders series. Yet here, you can go back and forth with everything at will... and quite intentionally for the purpose of jumping people, getting past defenses, or... as the case often is: people block off whole areas, and the only way they access them is by logging off and relogging via another server. Defenses are one thing but normally there would be at least ONE entrance... but with server hopping that just doesn't seem to matter. ZOMBIES Most of them just need to be slowed down. They simply sprint too fast... endlessly. I'd suggest making most of them an average, shambling speed. This way when you enter a building, you better have an exit strategy / be quick or get trapped. They won;t be there instantly, so you have a short time (unlike the current way of them always getting there). And they don't all chase you across half the map of Chenarus. You can actually out run them. I like that some go really slow (crawlers) and you sometimes miss them as they are kind of sneaky. And then leave just a few faster... maybe the priest clothed ones. That way everyone dreads the priest ones because they are the quickest. I'd even say that the priest ones could take 2-3 shots to kill. Some variety in zombies, in other words, would be interesting and it would make those cathedral loot spawns more... intimidating since priests spawn there more. Respawn rate is too high. I was in a building killing more zombies at the door than were in the entire city as I passed thru. And saw the same from the outside once. Guy endlessly killing zombies in a building, and I saw them spawn over and over and over and run in. That occurs all too often. Slower zombies and even harder to kill zombies (some of them) would be fine. But super fast running and instant respawn... eh. A PERSISTENT MOD, WITH NO PERSISTENT VALUE As far as the mod specifically goes, it is different. And it held my interest highly for about two weeks. But, I've already started sensing disinterest. Not burn out really, though I have played it maniacally for this period of time. Just disinterest. Theres no lasting investment in the game to hold you when you die. No cache of goods, no gear you keep, no scoreboard even of past feats or records. There is *nothing* persistent really about this game. It certainly has some intense moments, but what I'm trying to say is there needs to be *some* aspect that is persistent beyond dying and losing everything (gear and score). I'd love to at least keep my backpack (an empty copy of it) once I restart. I mean, you need to feel like you've earned *something* out of that previous life. And a score board for your character would be a great step in the right direction. So. I've gone lives helping people (always ends in me being killed by people), and even went one life being a full blown bandit. Got 10 kills, but the last attempt turned fatal for me. I attacked a squad of guys - I took out 4 pretty quickly but a 5th guy popped me. Not bad imo. Yet, theres no record of it for me to see or to show anyone... So when you start over... with nothing... theres no attachment/investment in the game. I've already seen several people I know who play, die and stop playing at that moment. When you lose even your score, theres nothing to hold on to. Nothing to look at and say "I did that, see!" I know there will be plenty who can only shout praises for the game. Thats fine. Some will love it. I'm just giving my perspective on how you can add to the mod's durability and longevity, without changing it significantly (well, except the independent server suggestion, thats a pretty significant change). NEED MORE VEHICLES I've run so much in this game, and rarely ever gain access to vehicles. Yes, I know where spawn points are. But my point is they are not available enough. Thats half the fun of the Arma environment. More vehicles would be enjoyable. They are so rare, I don't even worry about seeing one when I run down the road. When I first started I wondered if running down the road was a bad idea... someone might drive by and all... But it never has happened yet. Had to go to the single player mode just to play with a bike... heh. I may add more later. But, been at this for a while. Hope the Devs consider my points. Its definitely a lot of work to accomplish what you have; I just think you need to not forget that without some record or something carried over from life to life - a lot of people will find it easy to stop playing after that 50th or 100th new life with nothing... not even a kudo for killing 2k zombies.

Hey Fish, it was Starys Sober. I had a DMR btw, and the guy was running in the open on the South East side, circling the city. He actually ran right in front of my hiding spot and didn't see me then went through bushes and such till he was farther away. I could have tied his shoelaces together, but he ran by too fast. : ) I know its still alpha. But still, they need to hear genuine reviews even at this point. This is the time major development is still ongoing after all. I know theres arguments for every which way, hence, I prefaced it as my review, not everyone elses. : P But, I've been gaming for years and a lot of games today do not have longevity imo. Doesn't mean no one will play them and enjoy them. Just some are successful, some are not to varying degrees. I bought Arma 2 Combined Ops specifically for this mod, and am already losing interest. In a few weeks... doubt I'll care enough to post a review. Heh. Just offering possible ways that would help the development towards maintaining people's interest. And you have to admit, that even just having a score board of your accomplishments would be a plus. At the very least: Most zombies killed in one life Total zombies killed Most zombies killed in less than 5 minutes Most players killed in one life Total players killed Most players killed in less than 5 minutes Most player helped in one life Total players helped Most players helped in less than 5 minutes For players helped, that would include any bandages, blood, morphine etc applied to wounded players. I know all of this could easily be spoofed. Just farm zombies in barns... or wound people and heal them. Etc. But for genuine players, it will be something to add interest and spark memories of game moments.

Yeah, jog vs sprint ^^ And fatique vs non-tired guy. There are times when I have out run others and times when I am way slower (i'm a pack-rat). And am a black character.

I think bodies disappear in 5-10 min. Dunno about dropped loot.

Dunno if this is related... but the other day I was ona server, crossed town (picked up food cans etc). After about 10 minutes I was suddentl back on the starting point of town... So I crossed again... and it did it again. Seemed like it was not able to store info on my progress and was "resetting me". No idea for sure, but maybe something like that is occuring to people even when they are logged off?

Cattle don't run a lot. Boars might actually attack you. Rabbits already run a good ways before stopping, i don't both with these unless I really am desperate. Chickens... depending on the breed actually act realistic. Meandering doing their own thing. Some run, some are docile. Hunting is ALREADY a challenge. Why? 1. Shooting animals for food... makes noise. Players come looking for you... I know I do! 2. Often, cattle and others are often near town! Players and zombies can come for you when you are already low on health/food! 3. Gutting and looting take time. Even if its not *much* time, its more than time enough to get wasted by someone. Those precious few seconds standing still... make you an easy target. 4. Cooking is enough too. Again takes time, but also makes light and smoke. If you are not careful you are again an easy target. Ever play at nite, get hurt and have to cook something? THATS creepy... because you KNOW people can see that light for a long way off... Realism is one thing, but don't forget this is a game. The point is to survive, not die. Its bad enough you have to eat so often and so much, and there is enough risk as is. IMO I think there needs to be more rewards to playing to keep me interested, not less. And make foods stackable!

Same issue. Chenogorsk. Logged off fine an hour or so before, hadnt been in a fight for at least 5-10 minutes before I logged.... so I was full health and all. Log in now and every time i immediately pass out for 5 min.... VERY annoying. No one wants to stare at a screen for 5 minutes with no control.

Yeah respawn is too high (not to mention they run too fast). One time I had a LOT of clips of einfield and 1911 pistol. Stood in a building and just let them walk in the door. My zombie count literally rose 100+ kills due to spawning and running back to me. Bit much don't ya think? Just a day or 2 ago, I saw a similar even from the outside. Some poor sap was in a big building blasting away at zombies from a higher position. No sooner were they shot than I literally saw them respawn and run in - over and over. Its way overkill. Makes you not want to bother dealing with zombies. I think players would be more minded to risk cities and zombies if they didnt have to use up all there ammo fighting for the next 10 minutes. Gun fights are gonna be shorter... but its kinda... meh to deal with zombies like this.

YES. Just give a pistol to start with. Or if not that, then make it where when you respawn you have some of your old gear (at the least the backpack and one of your weapons) in a random location on the map (tho you lose everything else, non-civie clothes, backpack contents, hunting knives, compass, etc). That would be much more fun in my opinion than refarming every last thing... everything all over again without a weapon and re-run-run-running. Thats just getting old fast. Respawning with certain items would be good imo, because first time its really hard, but thereafter its eases up on the tedius repitition of starting over. Lets you get back to playing with more fun stuff instead of doing being bored for hours after death. Also remove the zombies at the deer stands. It gives thir locations away too easily. I like the challenge of trying to find things, but with zombie spawns located at every thing... its rather easy to find them. It'd add some variety to the hunting for gear if you actually had to check your map more.

Agreed. Server hopping to relocate and kill is much more serious than loot farming. In fact, its hard enough to find the loot you want as is. Just in one nite I've faced 5 snipers as I tried to go to different places to get a decent rifle... which makes it a mess when all I have is a peashooter and a few rounds, not even enough to finish one horde of zombies called by the first shot in self-defense. Loot farming... isn't that important in my opinion. One shot and you lose everything anyway. Usually takes me half a day to get half geared again running full speed thru one server, using warehouses to collect zombies and leave them behind when im low on ammo or out. Just deal with the disappearing reappearing assassins and thats the main thing. As for ones that hop from server to server looking for a kill... dunno. Maybe some mechanism so that if u spawn in an area with others there... you get relocated? Spawned in a cathedral today... in the middle of a gun fight.... and didnt have a chance to recover from log in lag before I got wasted. Was pretty lame. I'd like to have at least been able to defend myself.

Just make it where if u are in combat and log off, then you can't relog onto that same server for 5 min or 10. Combat including firing your weapon or taking a hit. This would be enough to curb server hopping in order to relocate and reambush people while not affect people who just check a server for day/nite time, lagginess, or to change servers to catch a friend on.... etc. And it would not penalize people who just want to survive and not endure endless deaths and restarts. I think is hard enough to survive already. Starting over with nothing is gettn old already.

There are already hordes that go from town to town... Dunno about you but they follow me from town to town for hours on end. Kinda getting dull that way tho. Its very repetative. Try to sneak... one sees you... you either start runing and every last one runs at you then or you shoot the stupid one that saw you and again they all run at you again. So you get hordes no matter what. Zombies run so fast its... just lame. And you want hordes?

I actually love the pvp aspect. No other game is like this. I'd play it without any zombies at all, just for the realistic pvp and looting ability. It makes it so YOU DONT WANT TO GET SHOT! lol You really just have to play tactically verus players. Gather your bandaids, your necessities. And be careful, watchful and listen. No one likes dying. I'd love to be able to start over with at least 1-2 of my gained items... don't like starting without even a gun (really lame). But don't change the game damages. Maybe reduce zombie hit damage. Since they run so insanely fast and hit so hard (break bones etc) thats a bit boring to endure over and over. I look for the pvp, not the endless running from zombies.

There are lots of reasons I change servers. I don't play nite time. There is no "fav list" of servers to save them with, so I have to join, check if its day AND if its laggy. If it isn't suitable, I go elsewhere. I paly with friends. They may not be able to get a good ping on the same server as I do. And more. Please do not punish innocent players because of others abuse. I've dealt with server hopping assasins before. I'd RATHER be wary of that than having the ability to loot taken away from me for doing my normal thing. Instead, I'd suggest a 5 or 10 min individual server temp "ban" if you log off during combat. This will help prevent combat logging and relogging. They can go to a different server, just not IMMEDIATELY back to the same one they were in combat on in order to ambush, log off to another server to relocate, then relog on the first server and ambush etc. Defining combat, firing a gun, melee or takeing a wound. Firing a gun even if its a miss, because thats when those kind do that. I saw one kill my friend and immediately log. Then he came back trying to snipe me. So, a temp ban with no other consequences would be automatic, not burden admins, and significantly hinder server hopping attacks.

Never seen a bike in game. And cars are awefully rare sites. More transportation would be awesome. I'm all survival/combat oriented. But is the game about running for our health? Keep the game fun! And its realistic too to have bikes and cars around.

I do not have any NVG. I don't play nite time servers. Its all black screen for me even with my settings adjusted. Its just no fun playing (for me) watching a black screen... might as well turn my monitor off and play. Would make no difference... But NVG are cool and fun. I hope they do not get removed. Fewer options is not good. I've played other games where it started out with loads fo variety and options, only to get "nerfed" or removed patch after patch. In time fewer and fewer people play. Do not start removing things like this. IF I had NVG I'd sure be more minded to go to nite servers. If someone doesn't like it, switch servers... Dunno why there needs to be suggestions to remove things that aren't broken.

I'm norotiously space careful. Wirecutters would be awesome. How many times do you get to a place you walked miles to get to, only to find it entirely fenced off and inaccessible with no one even there anymore. Either wirecutters or make such barriers have a timer or disappear when the person who dropped them logs.

The zombies are rediculously fast. Late last nite is a prime example. Dealing with some zombies I went into a warehouse. Obviously the alternative is to run for 30 min with slobbering sounds behind you. Which is scary all of one time. Then every single time thereafter is just horribly borning because you can't get loot and u burn all your play time just running trying to ditch them (because stopping and shooting this superfast zig zaggy things just doesnt work). So I was in the warehouse... emptying all 5 rifle mags and all 5 pistol mags... which takes you hours to find for the good rifles and 30 seconds to use all up (because again all zombies in chenarus instantly come when you shoot once shot)... ...And then I hear a jeep. Suddenly all zombies start hauling off toward the jeep. I figure its worth a peek. SO I walk out and see... the usual zombie pursuit x25. As fast as you can run on land and the zombies can all get to you instantly... now imagine how many zombies were instantly at the jeep as it traveled swiftly down the road. AND THEY WERE KEEPING UP. Zombies have no speed limit... On top of that Zombies zig zag so much you can't stop and shoot them without getting mauled. I don't mind dying if I get a chance to battle it out. A chance to survive. If I was dumb and messed up... fine maul me. But every single time. All the time. Instantly there. Instant hits if you stop. I'm all for the suspense of one life and even restarting. But it's a bit far out there to have zombies run so fast. They do more than just sprint. The travel warp speed. Slow them down please. I'm not a huge zombie game fan, I'm more into the persistent world military game aspect. BUT I'd gladly take more zombies in the game over zombies that move so fast even jeeps can't get away. While I was jealous of his jeep, at the same time... dunno if I ever want to use one if thats just gonna draw hordes of zombies just as fast as the vehicle.