X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

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Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Poll ended at Wed, 4. Dec 24, 22:57

Yes, and I actively use it.
17
20%
I've tried the feature, but didn't find it practical.
33
40%
I've never heard of this feature.
33
40%
 
Total votes: 83

Tomonor
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X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by Tomonor »

Greetings, Members of the X-Community!

The last poll which was much broader in scope than an X-Tra Poll, just concluded today: X4: Foundations Official Poll - Which Boost mechanic do you prefer?
In light of this, we are starting a new X-Tra Poll!

The next poll is: “Do you use the different radar modes in X4: Foundations?”
Notes: We're interested to know if you've ever used the different radar modes during gameplay in X4: Foundations. By default, you can toggle radar modes by pressing the [CTRL+M] key combination.
RadarModes.jpg

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How does the Poll work?
Every two weeks, we’ll be rolling out polls in the forum where you can weigh in on crucial aspects of our games. Your votes will play a key role in helping us gather valuable insights to shape the future of our games!

But hold on, there’s more! Beyond just data collection, we’re keen on fostering discussions and hearing your thoughts. Alongside each poll, there’s a dedicated discussion thread going on where you can share your insights, ideas, and feedback related to the poll topic. It’s not only a great way to engage with fellow gamers but also an opportunity for us to gather additional valuable input.

However, it’s important to note that while we value your input, the results of the polls won’t necessarily guarantee implementation or consideration.
These polls are primarily for fun and data gathering.

So, get ready to have your voice heard in The X-tra Polls! Let’s shape our beloved X-Universe together!

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Previous Polls:
Poll #15: Which is your favourite gamestart?
Poll #14: Which controllers do you use to play X4: Foundations?
Poll #13: Which game started your journey into the X-Universe?
Poll #12: What are your LEAST FAVOURITE activities in the game?
Poll #11: Which main weapons do you prefer to use on your player ship(s)?
Poll #10: What are your favourite methods for gaining quick money?
Poll #9: In what way do you modify X4: Foundations?
Poll #8: Which factions do you usually consider your adversary?
Poll #7: Do you leave your game running when you're Away From Keyboard?
Poll #6: Have you played multiple gamestarts?
Poll #5: What type of ship do you primarily use?
Poll #4: Which is your favourite race of the playable races?
Poll #3: How long have you been playing your current savegame?
Poll #2: Which phase do you enjoy the most in X4: Foundations?
Poll #1: In your opinion, which X4: Foundations expansion was the most worthwhile?
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by chew-ie »

Yes - I'm using the "gravidar mode" in smaller ships (~10% of me playing X4) and the "longrange mode" when commandeering capital ships (=most of the time).
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by LameFox »

Tried it but could not see the point of it. Seemed like it had longer range but was also 2D? I want the 3D situational awareness of the standard mode, but that's so bad at providing it that I often toggle into the map instead. Even during dogfights. I had a whole thread about how much I hate this radar.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by Nanook »

I use it for locating and selecting objects such as dropped crates. Flat 2D works best for that. The regular 3D mode is often too cluttered and tends to hide objects behind ships, stations, etc.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by EGO_Aut »

Its not practical - too much micro

Instead for me, its enough to use "nearest target( :gruebel: ) in dogfights.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by GCU Grey Area »

I use both. Found the feature sufficiently useful that I rebound it to a single key so wouldn't have to use the CTRL-M combination. Mostly use the 3D mode with the blue radial lines, because I find it easier to orientate my ship in that mode. Found the 2D map mode took a bit of getting used to but it does have advantages in some situations, e.g. to gain a different perspective on the formation of an enemy fleet, or to check on what's going on behind me.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by alt3rn1ty »

chew-ie wrote: Wed, 20. Nov 24, 23:41 Yes - I'm using the "gravidar mode" in smaller ships (~10% of me playing X4) and the "longrange mode" when commandeering capital ships (=most of the time).
Same, but I'm more like 70% smaller ships, 30% capital ships. So tend to use Gravidar mode more, love this radar.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by S!rAssassin »

Both modes are useful in my opinion. It's like tactical and strategic modes :thumb_up:

But, IMO, 3D close-range gravidar mode doesn't so intuitively understandable as X-Tension variant. Player ship must be used as reference point, not sector ecliptic.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by Duncaroos »

LameFox wrote: Thu, 21. Nov 24, 02:49 Tried it but could not see the point of it. Seemed like it had longer range but was also 2D? I want the 3D situational awareness of the standard mode, but that's so bad at providing it that I often toggle into the map instead. Even during dogfights. I had a whole thread about how much I hate this radar.
I agree with this. Myself I never understand where something is in the 3D radar, and just pause and look at the map
S!rAssassin wrote: Thu, 21. Nov 24, 11:37 Player ship must be used as reference point, not sector ecliptic.
Very likely why it's so confusing to me
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by mr.WHO »

I tried it, but I never felt a need to use is as default radar mode seem good enough for me.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by NilusBavarius »

Tomonor wrote: Wed, 20. Nov 24, 22:57
Notes: We're interested to know if you've ever used the different radar modes during gameplay in X4: Foundations. By default, you can toggle radar modes by pressing the [CTRL+M] key combination.
Greetings,

My personal 2 Cent:

:gruebel: I see a case where "a" toggleable radar mode would be useful, as for:

Fixing the range from a dynamic to a static mode (so the radar doesnt change "zoom level" all the time - most annoyingly if you pilot L/XL and have something smaller docked at your vessel, you are stuck in "close/short range" mode) for example.
Maybe even in 2-3 Levels like the actual Zoom you've implemented recently -> press once, fix to close range - twice, fix to mid - trice, fix to long. This way, the radar screen could actually utilize radial marks properly, instead of just being "fancy".

:| I don't use the current implementation as it gives even less visibility/ useful visual cues.

However, I am playing with Mouse and KB, so I appreciate the ability to click on the Icons on the Radar from time to time, just as a sidenote for a maybe overlooked feature.

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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by MegaJohnny »

I don't use it often, but there are some scenarios where it's really handy for me.

The default "perspective" radar is good at two use-cases:
  • getting an idea of objects in your field of view, even if they're far away and outside draw distance - a kind of "logical" view to complement the "physical" view you see through the cockpit glass
  • awareness of what's within a few kilometres of you, e.g. for dogfighting, or nearby station infrastructure
This suits me most of the time, but the "top down" radar is good for some other use-cases:
  • getting the "lay of the land" of the battlefield when combat is happening over a wide range, and finding my bearings within the battlefield, without opening the map
  • identifying which direction ships are approaching me from when I hear the "you've been targeted" honk (it's much easier to see the enemies' beeline on that radar)
  • keeping an eye on multiple objects at medium range which might demand my attention (e.g. the mining escort missions with three miners)
So, I have no complains :) I suppose here would be my suggested improvements:
  • Perspective radar: make the "flat plane" represent your ship's own "horizontal" plane, rather than the ecliptic, and add the vertical stalks (I know this is basically "make it more like X3", but I did find that version a bit more helpful for locating attackers)
  • Perspective radar: have enemy ships' icons flash (or some other visual feedback) when they hit you with a weapon
  • Top down radar: maybe add a third radar mode, which is just the top down radar, but more zoomed-in?
  • Maybe some way of showing the radar for a ship you're aboard, even if you're not piloting it?
By the way: do these radar modes have official names? :?
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by birdtable »

As Duncaroos stated .... Just pause and look at the map ... That possibility should not exist.. To be able to distance yourself from your surroundings and enter GOD mode to look around is not really satisfactory. The radar should be larger on screen and display what is in range with greater detail. To fly around in some form of out of body experience is a poor representation of reality ... Well in my opinion for what it is worth.... After all is it not an arcade game or is it ?.... Maybe the poll should not have said " I did not find it practical" but in reality found it pretty useless.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by Falcrack »

While on the topic of radar modes, I find the radar in Elite infinitely more useful for giving me an good situational awareness of where stuff is around me, compared to the X4 radar. X4 radar does not give a good idea at all of what is behind me. There are giant gaps in what I should be able to see in the X4 radar.

I also don't like how the X4 radar auto scales. I like how the radar in Elite is logarithmic in terms of displaying distances, so there is no need to scale the distances.

If a 3rd radar mode were introduced, modelled after the one used in Elite, that would make me happy.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by flywlyx »

S!rAssassin wrote: Thu, 21. Nov 24, 11:37 But, IMO, 3D close-range gravidar mode doesn't so intuitively understandable as X-Tension variant. Player ship must be used as reference point, not sector ecliptic.
I think the sector ecliptic concept is solid, but the issue lies in the player's lack of a proper HUD to gauge their alignment with it.
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This type of HUD information is essential for determining the player's position relative to the sector ecliptic. Without it, the small triangle on the radar doesn't provide much useful guidance.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by birdtable »

At the start of a new game we very much play the part of a hunter/gatherer, in a small fragile fighter (different in late game with battle tactics etc) and our only realistic contact with the world around us should be the radar. The radar should carry enough information that we do not lose immersion by departing the cockpit and experiencing a total over view of our surroundings. At present the current radar is just not really effective enough.,, Way back from the very origins of the X series I have continually had to have an out of body experience to see what was going on around me.... This should not be the case at the start of a game where immersion is so important.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by Scoob »

To be honest, I never touch the Radar modes myself. It's usually only during the very early-game that I'll be directly flying something myself - and I mean really flying as in dog fighting in S, or perhaps M-Class ships.

That said, I do go through phases where I like to capture any and all Pirate (and other enemies, depending how I'm aligned with the other Factions). During those I'm usually piloting a Corvette-class ship myself. However, during those operations I'm all about targetting surface elements, so I don't really think about radar modes much. Perhaps I should check them out more...
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by adeine »

I never touch the radar modes, and the radar itself is a lot less useful in X4 than in earlier iterations. It's hard to tell where ships are relative to you and the ecliptic, and the constant changing of zoom doesn't help.

In X4 I mainly just use the radar to quickly select enemies in combat without opening the map. Everything else I just open the map.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by alt3rn1ty »

adeine wrote: Sun, 24. Nov 24, 01:31 .. and the constant changing of zoom doesn't help.
Actually thats a good point.
If one thing could be changed about the radar, the auto-zooming does undermine its use sometimes.
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Re: X-TRA POLLS Round #16 | Have you ever used the toggle radar modes feature in X4: Foundations?

Post by euclid »

alt3rn1ty wrote: Sun, 24. Nov 24, 10:07
adeine wrote: Sun, 24. Nov 24, 01:31 .. and the constant changing of zoom doesn't help.
Actually thats a good point.
If one thing could be changed about the radar, the auto-zooming does undermine its use sometimes.
Agreed! I'm using it all the time but the auto-zoom is somewhat irritating. Also, as I've mentioned way back somewhere else, the ship's target crosshair does not fit the target in the radar map (hope that makes sense). ;-)

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