Am I the only idiot... - by DarkElf_Mairead
DarkElf_Mairead on 25/5/2008 at 02:28
...who keeps getting lost? Usually in Fan Missions, but always in another large map that doesn't have nice little tunnels to follow. I've done it so many time, I keep going in circles and it drives me crazy, especially in FMs with no maps. I'm playing the first L'Arsene FM right now and I have all these keys and I can't find anywhere to put them >< Please tell me this happens to others too?
Arod Nine on 25/5/2008 at 03:30
That happened to me all the time in the Burrick tunnels in Bonehoard.
Dia on 25/5/2008 at 04:45
And here I thought I was direction-dyslexic. I can't tell you how many times I've wandered around a large city/tunnels/crypts, etc. accomplishing nothing more than bumping into walls. But that's part of the charm of Thief (including FMs); it's not linear and you can wander and explore all you want.
Sometimes whether you want to or not.
;)
Burgundy on 25/5/2008 at 09:58
Even with the compass and the map I get totally baffled. I prefer the 'city' type missions like 'Life of the Party' because nobody's going to smack you over the head for getting too lost :D
I actually got horribly and continuously lost in DS, especially when trying to backtrack to the Keeper Library, because the maps don't have the little blue glow that tells you what area you're in even though the levels are much smaller.
The Magpie on 25/5/2008 at 10:52
It has to do with so-called spatial awareness. We are born with those abilities in differing amounts, but they are trainable.
Interestingly, research shows a distinct gender variation in this matter. See Pease&Pease: Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps.
--
Larris
KMiTA on 28/5/2008 at 18:40
One thing that I found helps when playing thief is to 1) try to have an idea which direction you are heading (N,S,E and W). Sometimes this is as simple as just checking your compass at the beginning of a mission, or upon entering a building. 2) Take notice of things as you travel. Especially which rooms are on what floor is helpful to me (saves alot of time!). Another trick, which works in alot of games if you are having a hard time figuring out which way to go, is to always make the right hand turn (or the left, if you prefer) when you are exploring. This ensures that you don't miss anything on one side. If you don't find what you wanted than try the other way around. This way you aren't just following your nose, but you are methodically searching the place.
van HellSing on 28/5/2008 at 19:12
The Thief games, SS2 and the Silent Hill series are games where I look at the map every 10 seconds :sweat:.
I actually have good spatial awareness irl, rarely get lost even in unfamiliar places, but in games I can wander around for ages if I don't have a map.
Beleg Cúthalion on 28/5/2008 at 19:44
I usually have a blurry feeling of where I chose one of two or more ways the last time and where I thus have to return to in case I cannot find anything new.
Dia on 28/5/2008 at 20:35
Quote Posted by KMiTA
One thing that I found helps when playing thief is to 1) try to have an idea which direction you are heading (N,S,E and W). Sometimes this is as simple as just checking your compass at the beginning of a mission, or upon entering a building.
That only works when the map is in synch with your compass. I've played a few FMs wherein the map was turned round so that my compass' North was actually something like the map's West (or East or somesuch). That's when things
really start getting interesting.
;)
theBlackman on 28/5/2008 at 21:55
Cheat!
If there is anything you can pickup that is not "Inventory", put it in the doorway of a room, if there are rooms, if in a hall or cave, move a crate or boulder to mark "I was here".
And remember that old woodslore: "always look behind you to see what the area you are passing through looks like from that direction."
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Where I am vs where I want to go, and where I have been are clear to me nearly all the time. The compass, as stated, does not always agree with the map. So the only time I use it is when I am drawing my own maps of the levels.
