If you knew that, then your post is mistitled, you want server control over flag effects independent of the actual flag. The current title makes it sound like the api is simply missing features.
I probably should have chosen a better title.
When the core isssue is the game itself doesn’t support the features you want.
It depends if there is support and development to add/enhance the features to the game.
Infinite variation does not make for a good experience..
I agree, too much variations lead to a bad experience, but if they are all contained in a single game mode, it can lead to more varied game play.
Several of our remaining developers agree that we should be trying to make the core game mechanics more consistent, not more varied.
I agree, but I'm thinking the consistency will come from making boxes/meshes/meshboxes/meshedboxes having consistent physics.
People should be able to drive on any of them and have the same feel, unless the map author decides to make changes.
I know this is heading away from the main point, but super flags alter the core game play mechanics.
I'm proposing a tool that plug-in authors could use to make new game modes and new flags, the responsibility comes from the plug-in author and map maker not to make maps which are unfair or unbalanced.
The worst that can happen here is that someone creates super combo flags, but I think I've seen that happen with several custom flags.
(Snake shots, Triple barrel, Death blossom, Airstrike, Grenade...etc)
Making superflags do things other than what they were intended for (such as allowing tanks with Seer to fly) will likely not be the direction we are going.
Yeah, I guess messing with the official super flags is not a good idea, but leaving it where custom flags can do this can lead to enhanced and new game modes.
A good example is MoFo, when several flags were rejected as official they were implemented as custom flags. This just takes it to the next level.
I have a few concepts of where it could lead either enhanced or new game play.
1. Campers using L or GM, we just give the ability of CL or ST for 2 seconds to reduce spawn killing.
2. Giving newbies some enhanced features, like quick turn with each flag.
3. Map altering, "use the control point to get across the bridge"... if it isn't controlled, anyone who goes into that zone gets "OO" effect.
4. Almost per-player values are possible, team flag grants high speed being given while speed drops to burrow if holding the enemy flag.
5. Flag effects per team become possible, a map with only useless flags could be made to give every team a different effect.(No server mod required.)
Quick question, if someone implements this, will it be merged to the official source?
-Zehra