A few suggestions for improving the interface in combat. Some have been suggested before, others are new as far as I can tell:
1. Current Weapon:
Something that occurred to me earlier. At present, it is quite possible to have different ammunition types for the same weapon loaded, yet not know which you are using. E.g. I have 1 large bag of bent arrows, 1 bag of barbed arrows and 1 bag of arrows. When using the bow, the missiles remaining count shows the total of all arrows. It would be nice to have some way of knowing which particular arrow I'm going to use.
2. Communicating orders:
I don't know how many people have played Operation Flashpoint, but basically this is 'inspired' by that game. Rather than have a key = an order, have a small menu open up. The menu lists the troop types, and selecting a type lists the orders which can be given. So, lets say I press the menu button and get:
1. Archers
2. Infantry
3. Cavalry
4. All
5. Exit
Selecting one takes me to an orders menu for that particular group. Orders could consist of the standard set (those we have now) plus orders only relevant to those troops (eg. Archers could have hold fire). The ability to give orders to seperate groups would allow an element of tactics, which is an added bonus (order cavalry to charge, while archers hold ground). Op Flash mapped this to the scrollwheel\3rd button too, which would be nice since its currently unused. Of course, keyboard shortcuts would also be necessary for those who don't have a scrollwheel.
3. Horse Condition
Showing the condition of your horse would be nice. As a concession to the realism buffs, it doesn't have to be a hit point format. Simply a descriptive line would do (Healthy, cuts & bruises, wounded, near death).
4. Troops remaining
It would be nice to see a tally of the remaining foe, and remaining allies. Not necessarily the ones engaged, but those still in reserve. It gets confusing in the middle of combat trying to keep track of how many times the enemy has been reinforced.
5. Not necessarily a HUD improvement, but some way of telling where units will enter the map (and where the inventory chest is). A banner pole or a flag would suffice.
1. Current Weapon:
Something that occurred to me earlier. At present, it is quite possible to have different ammunition types for the same weapon loaded, yet not know which you are using. E.g. I have 1 large bag of bent arrows, 1 bag of barbed arrows and 1 bag of arrows. When using the bow, the missiles remaining count shows the total of all arrows. It would be nice to have some way of knowing which particular arrow I'm going to use.
2. Communicating orders:
I don't know how many people have played Operation Flashpoint, but basically this is 'inspired' by that game. Rather than have a key = an order, have a small menu open up. The menu lists the troop types, and selecting a type lists the orders which can be given. So, lets say I press the menu button and get:
1. Archers
2. Infantry
3. Cavalry
4. All
5. Exit
Selecting one takes me to an orders menu for that particular group. Orders could consist of the standard set (those we have now) plus orders only relevant to those troops (eg. Archers could have hold fire). The ability to give orders to seperate groups would allow an element of tactics, which is an added bonus (order cavalry to charge, while archers hold ground). Op Flash mapped this to the scrollwheel\3rd button too, which would be nice since its currently unused. Of course, keyboard shortcuts would also be necessary for those who don't have a scrollwheel.
3. Horse Condition
Showing the condition of your horse would be nice. As a concession to the realism buffs, it doesn't have to be a hit point format. Simply a descriptive line would do (Healthy, cuts & bruises, wounded, near death).
4. Troops remaining
It would be nice to see a tally of the remaining foe, and remaining allies. Not necessarily the ones engaged, but those still in reserve. It gets confusing in the middle of combat trying to keep track of how many times the enemy has been reinforced.
5. Not necessarily a HUD improvement, but some way of telling where units will enter the map (and where the inventory chest is). A banner pole or a flag would suffice.