Suggestions for Zombie changes.

[nito (DayZ) 0]

First of all, I want to commend everyone involved with DayZ and of course, I absolutely love the game just as much as everyone else here. The things I point out / talk about in this thread are just my opinion, and my ideas are suggestions that I would love to hear feedback on. I would also like to disclaimer that I am a hardcore gamer, 26 years old and I love that the game is difficult. The last thing we need is another dumbed down Zombie game.

Currently, Zombies and damage are the worst parts about the game for me and the guys that I play with. I want to propose a few things that I think will identify and solve a lot of the issues that I have seen people in game, and posting here in the forums about. So without further a do, here it is:

Problem: Bones break way too easily.

Suggestion to fix: Simple really, don't make it so easily.

I've lost count of the amount of times I have fallen just a couple of feet and broken a bone, this is unrealistic and when you have to burn resources that are so freaking rare to fix it becomes really frustrating.

Problem: It's not always obvious when zombies are actually damaging you.

Suggestion to fix: Make the UI alert you more obviously.

This should really be a no brainer, we need to be able to feel impact of zombies bytes, kicks and punches. I know it's ALPHA and there are more pressing issues and bugs to fix but this really needs to be looked into! Sometimes, the sound of zombies hitting you is either too low or does not play at all.

Problem: the UI in first person is incredibly difficult to navigate, even when stationary in a safe place.

Suggestion to fix: I think a hotkey for weapons by default would be the best option. Far too many clicks just to equip an item properly. A drag and drop system like Diablo 3 may be a good option here. When things get heated, I don't want to have to open a screen filling UI to change stuff up.

Problem: Zombies. The AI pathing is improved a hell of a lot, but they still have laser-sighted response to movement. Also, they can still teleport through walls, buildings and fences.

Suggestion to fix: I really hate to say this, but I think a system like Left 4 Dead would work here (I know, I know... but hear me out.)

L4D zombies use swarming AI that surrounds the player based on movement and sight that works near perfectly. DayZ's feel overpowered and cause way too many deaths unfairly rather than by punishing you for making mistakes. The game is difficult and I love it for that, but when zombies cheat the environment and cause bone breaks every couple of hits becomes boring fast. I kind of feel like a 'door blocking' mechanic could be a good thing here... Perhaps a way to barricade doors temporarily allowing you to escape?

Feel free to add your comments, thoughts and suggestions. I love a good debate :-)

[bad_mojo (DayZ) 1204]

TL;DR

there is suggestion section for this type of stuff

[Hze 3]

you do know you dont need to open any of the UI to change your weapon right? unless its in your bag.

[lowerplains 0]

you dont need the UI to change weapons. i jus roll my mouse wheel and press L1 and it works fine.

the barricade suggestion sounds pretty cool. and i agree that the zombies themselves need to be worked on extensively.

better animations, movement and less super-speed

female zombies

the dynamic zombies are cool so far, cops, priests etc...maybe even survivor, old bandit skin zombies?

we also should be able to cap their knees to slow them or something, and the slow/fast type mix would work well also.

i think zombies dotting the woods/landscape could be a nice addition too.