Quasar (DayZ)

Additional thought: What if you coupled this with an increased randomisation of the spawn points? So that players are spawning inside buildings, in towns etc... (obviously within a certain zombie-free radius) That way, you spawn without a weapon, but it's also much easier to find one.

Hesitant YES, but only if melee/some other kind of self defence is also possible. Could also work if the spawn rate on basic pistols was increased, so you're almost guaranteed to find a Makarov fairly quickly. Basically, added challenge, without added frustration.

I'm with the majority on this one, the ability to transfuse yourself takes a major element of social interaction out of the game - having to find somebody to transfuse you, and trust them to do it while your back is turned, when they could just as easily take your life.

The knife has a chance of... creating a sharp object? It's a sodding KNIFE. Seriously, though, I think it's possible to take realism a bit too far. Imagine a pull-tab, if it helps. If we start having to scavenge for can openers, then the 'realism' crowd will say "Why can't I just shoot the can" or whatever.

I'm pretty sure this can't happen, due to the way that Arma 2 works :/ However, I'm told that Arma 3 (which DayZ is reportedly being updated for) has fully enterable buildings.

Suggestion.

Definitely agree with TKJ's last post. Realism is the thing - if I want to be a 'bandit', that should be a personal choice, not one forced on me by a game mechanic. I do agree that you should have to pay the consequences for your actions - and you do. If you kill everyone you meet, then you're going to be alone when the zombies come.

What if the 'bandit' status was still visible, but hidden somehow? Like, once your humanity drops below a certain level, your eyes will start to glow? This would gradually fade over time, but could also be completely hidden by acquiring some kind of goggles/mask. This would lead to all kinds of fun situations... Players forcing someone to take off their helmet (making them more vulnerable to headshots) before giving them any assistance... bandits putting on a mask in order to infiltrate a group, hoping that the glow will wear off before they get suspicious... Obviously this would reset on death.