Let's bitch about drifting...

...because you can't add anything to a game without rabid gamers screaming at you.


I understand that drifting is supposed to be a subtle effect, and it's partly there to make the game easier on new players, I'm guessing. I'm wondering how useful it is.

I'm concerned because it's tought to hit a target you can't predict. When I'm doing my bunny-hopping duels, I use my jets to sway side to side in mid-air, making it harder to lead me. I also use this when capping against a massive turret farm (I play T2 Classic), because it throws off the aim of both large and small turrets.

The thing is, it costs me jet juice for this agility. I think that's a well-balanced system. The obvious worry of drifting is that it upsets that balance; the devs have to downplay it as "subtle."

So, again, exactly how useful is it?

Wait - they said it didn't use energy?

Drifting, as described by Irrational, sounded cool to me..

They never said it wouldn't take energy to drift. And by subtle, they mean the act of drifting, not the effect on gameplay. As in, it's minor.

And, can't you drift as it is now?? I mean, I can move side to side without jets. (good for not getting sniped while running away with flag!) :)

I'm pretty sure it doesn't use energy. Lemme double-check. If it does, then it's not anything new, and I don't see the point of talking about it.


EDIT: Here...

Players of the previous game remember the intricacies of aerial control. Since the jetpack blows out from behind, you have to twist your body in order to change direction in flight. Now, even without using your jets, you can use the WASD keys to move around in the air. This new technique is called drifting.

Well, Thrax has already bitched at IGN's reporting, and it sounds even more retarded because you could hold A, S, or D and jet in a direction besides forward in T2.

But still, that's what it says :shrug:

It sounds like something that we will have to play the game to determine its usefulness. I personally like the sound of it

With something like this... we'll have to wait to see how it is in the OB. (if it's really that "minor")

*Edit* I should've read the post above mine :p

It uses energy. It's like firing you jets without having to hit your jet key. It's more intuitive to new players.

It uses energy. It's like firing you jets without having to hit your jet key. It's more intuitive to new players.

Can I turn it off? I'm not sure it's intuitive to old players...

I don't think I ever had a problem moving from side to side in the air when I was a newbie, using your jets is kind of a duh thing. :shrug:

It uses energy. It's like firing you jets without having to hit your jet key. It's more intuitive to new players.

so will holding down the forward key affect your momentum at all?

Like you'll lean forward and jet faster but fall faster too?

so what happens when you're on the ground and you want to sidestep.. without using jets

does this become impossible with the new system?

so what happens when you're on the ground and you want to sidestep.. without using jets

does this become impossible with the new system?
Not at all.

It uses energy. It's like firing you jets without having to hit your jet key. It's more intuitive to new players.
You positive it does? They didn't really mention that in the video. Being able to turn it off would be nice too if it does, or even if not. I tend to start hitting the buttons of where I need to go before I land. Ehh, I suppose I could just pick it up though, it's not the same game.

And does it use a lot less jet than normal?

From what I recall there's still the "normal" powered strafe in air, but you can also drift, which is more subtle than powered drift. Basically its easier to control a route without sacrificing jet power to do so.

Basically easier to ski a certian route. Or the ability to create even more radical ones.

If it uses jets then it's no different so all it means is 2 mins of adjustment time for old players so who cares. If it's free energy wise... well, we'll have to wait and see, won't we?

I don't think I ever had a problem moving from side to side in the air when I was a newbie, using your jets is kind of a duh thing. :shrug:


Back in the day (about 5ish years ago) It took a BIT of getting used to, but not enough to throw me off of the game. It almost seems like they are paying too much attention to the people who cant actually sit down and learn a game. But still, it looks great

I thought it was just like how in other games when u jump you can control ur movement a lil by arrow keys. They would still have normal jetpack movement but this will allow newer players to play better.

Back in the day (about 5ish years ago) It took a BIT of getting used to, but not enough to throw me off of the game. It almost seems like they are paying too much attention to the people who cant actually sit down and learn a game. But still, it looks great


I tried to get my roommate to play. He's on the ground, and there's a platform above him.

He runs away and tries to get on it by holding jump, forward, and jet, and not letting up until he's practically past it.

Remember, the people you talk about Tribes with are the ones that stuck with it. Some people just don't get it.

Actually, automatic jetting when in the air makes almost no sense. A player gets disced slightly into the air while strafing, and suddenly he is jetting!

I think this air control is a subtle air control that doesn't require energy. Anything else doesn't make sense.

Let's talk about the fact that they said each armor gets it's own specific weapon

Then let's remember that we saw a heavy armor use a rocket launcher.

That means the medium specific weapon must be a new weapon