So, talking very lightly about the Rangefinder and the mostly unexplained and distracting way that it attempts to ‘assist targeting’. The glowing, tightening, target obscuring dots that only succeeds in confusing most and annoying the rest. This isn’t a discussion of how to fix the Rangefinder, but an alternative to the targeting reticule, shown here.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/23-34/fig6-8.gifInstead of the tightening reticle that goes inside the reticule, the above axes (Ak-seas, plural of axis, to avoid any axe jokes) would sit outside the targeting reticule and would be a soft white, similar to the color of the reticule itself. On both of these Axes would be the arc in 10 degree intervals, so as to assist in teaching weapon arcs and elevations, and would have an indicator on both, showing where along the arc the weapon is currently at. The actual telling of range would be relocated to the top left rather than the top right, avoiding clutter along the right.
While moving the weapon while another player is using this Rangefinder, the indicators on both the X and Y axes will move in accordance with the turning speed and available arc of the weapon. When in the ideal firing position, the indicators will change to a soft golden color, making it a little more obvious as to when the arc is correct without being overly obnoxious. Only the indicator that is in a proper firing arc will flash, so that finding the X or Y axis would be somewhat independent.
Say, for example, you are manning a Lumberjack, and someone with this modified rangefinder would acquire a ship in the distance. The Lumber’s gunner would slowly increase elevation, watching the Y axis guide on the right to see how elevated his weapon is. When he sees the flash, he would switch to moving along the X axis guide on the bottom to see if he is appropriately aimed. Quickly glancing at the range in order to determine if they are within or outside of arming time, the gunner could fire with relative certainty that the round would hit the target.
Just a thought on a possible fix on how obnoxious the regular rangefinder tends to be. Instead of obscuring the target by closing in and going inside the aiming reticule, the aim assist stays outside and could possibly assist in teaching the arcs of whatever weapon a gunner, or engineer, is using. Any suggestion on it? It’s better than what we’ve got right now, and seems almost a little more period correct or immersive.
