Dan on 5/12/2009 at 13:57
After having a brief discussion with Jason (jtr7) over the email, about the usage of fast one button macros or key combos (call them however you wish) I've decided to make a short video on the topic.
(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLDp811-D0) Thief Macros Video
The discussion was brought up in the first place, by my experiments with a Razer Lachesis mouse and a Razer Lycosa keyboard. I haven't used macro key before, but since I recently bought one of each I decided to try it out. After testing some new games titles, I really wanted to try some macros out on Thief. It took some tweaking as the custom macros don't always trigger as they are supposed to, but in the end the results were interesting.
Watch the video to check out what I am talking about. Pay attention to the Annotations for more info. Have fun:)
john9818a on 5/12/2009 at 18:40
While I have nothing against macros, better methods of playing would work better than using macros IMO. When using the flashbomb, you don't have to keep looking in its direction - look away or down until after it flashes. When flashbombing a human AI, simply toss it at a wall behind you and turn back to the AI to KO. Again, turn away before the flashbomb hits the wall. If you are really good, you can run and BJ the AI even if you flashed bombed yourself. :)
R Soul on 5/12/2009 at 19:02
Instead of throwing the flashbomb, try dropping it. All you have to do is ensure you're not looking down, and you can do it while running away.
Namdrol on 5/12/2009 at 19:21
Very timely Dan, I ordered a Saitek cyborg v3 mouse yesterday, (the one without the little motor that changes its length:rolleyes:)
I think the Dark Mod is where it will be most useful, In Thief I'm so accustomed to my keybinds, it would be hard to break the habits but the manipulate, use, drop and run functions in TDM are crying out for a programmable mouse.
jtr7 on 6/12/2009 at 00:14
Just one of many taffer experiments, fellas. Not a proposal on how anyone should play, just amusing possibilities.:thumb: It's so fast in execution that one has to retrain him/herself for doing it. Think "experimentation" not serious gameplay. We know how to properly flashbomb, how not to get caught, how to sneak, and how to climb without falling. This is about screwing around for giggles. Obviously it consumes resources rapidly, but so does experimentation with game physics without quicksaves/loads. I hope this helps taffers understand the spirit of the experiment.:angel:
Dan on 6/12/2009 at 01:43
First, thanks for all the responses!
@ john9818a: You have a point. When I play regularly I use the normal key combos instead of macros as I am used to doing it in my own fashion and timing, plus thief is not an extremely fast response requiring game. Still, I like to experiment new dimensions of the game and like I explained in the first post I was driven by my successful macro usage in newer games. The video was done rather fast and if you add the delay option between button executions you can get better timed macros.
@ R Soul: A very interesting method! Would work very well if the targets are close enough.
@ Namdrol: The price on that mouse is very good for what it claims to do, but I am not familiar with this brand. Send feedback later if you get around to it. As for the Dark Mod, the macros would execute much more smoothly and there are some interesting possibilities to try out later.
Like jtr7 said, it is a "field test" of new ideas. I knew that most people would not need macros much, but since I promised jtr to try a video when I get to it I decided to share with the taffers around. If anyone has any interesting suggestions I can test them and make another video, provided with enough interest.
jtr7 on 6/12/2009 at 02:06
Two tricky ones:
Speed+Breath potions into the Lost City. Open the secret passage, dive in, speed+breath, and can you make it all the way in without pausing (getting caught on the tunnel walls will be the biggest problem)?
Flashbomb+drop Mine at chasing guards, to stop them from pursuing to regain their sight, and when they start moving again...BLAM! Very tricky.
Albert on 6/12/2009 at 02:58
This is just another reminder for me that I've yet to experience thief in it's full quality.
And by that I mean the gameplay video. Damn, he's got EAX and fog, and a good graphics card to boot.
The macro part: Eh, whatever...
Namdrol on 6/12/2009 at 10:29
Dan, I just bought the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard.
I was looking for a backlit keyboard that was also a decent typing board and this came top in lots of reviews.
It's heavy with near silent, smooth key action and dimmable backlighting.
I didn't bother going for a gaming board with all the extra buttons (this only has a few media buttons discretely placed on the top corner) as I want that on my mouse.
In short I am very impressed with Saitek so far and at £30 it was reasonable for the great build quality.
So I've high hopes for the mouse.
And I'll let you know how I get on with setting it up for TDM
Dan on 6/12/2009 at 11:43
I really like the flash + mine combo idea, jtr! BTW R Soul's idea of dropping the flash instead of throwing it works to some extend as it still blinds you if you look straight, but its easily avoided if you look slightly upwards.
Albert, you know form the " So, fog is broken again" thread that I don't have full-time fog:) Still if you wish to see some gameplay video done demonstrating something I can try making it. I was supposed to make a video demonstrating the microphone EAX effect sometime ago.
Namdrol, that's a very interesting model and the average price is reasonable for such a keyboard. And given the fact that you get all three LED colors with one purchase unlike most keyboards where you choose!!! It looks bulky, but are they keys as silent as they claim to be? Anyway congrats on the purchase:thumb:
