Midian City :: View topic

Jade Steele · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject:

***MCS Version 2.0***

Scheduled for released April 6, 2007, 10:00 PM SLT

Over the past several weeks, a few of us have worked very hard on a new version of the MCS combat system. To put things bluntly, we have possibly revolutionized the way combat will happen in Second Life. Our system has eliminated nearly all the lag inherent in current combat systems, and has done so while actually enhancing the usability and accuracy of the system. While we're absolutely positive that the new MCS will enhance everyone's experience in Midian City, and frankly, perhaps change Second Life combat forever, a few problems initially surface with transition to the new system.

All problems surface from one event - the new MCS system will NOT be inherently compatible with current weapons on the market. Yes, we can hear you screaming, but please continue reading.

The incompatibility with weapons currently on the market actually SOLVES more problems than it creates, and with the correct initiation and integration of a new system, we believe everyone can be made happy in the end.

--Under our current system, we have no control over who bring what into our city, and many guns - even from major well known dealers - are poorly scripted and very laggy, as well as contain an extraordinary amount of prims â€“ all of which must be processed by the server running the sim as well as your video card.

--Lots of weapons are loaded with unnecessary features that, in addition to creating lag, can create other problems. Things like push guns, cagers, guns that cause gigantic explosions, wall-breakers and other such things commonly used for griefing initially come to mind. Additionally, customers end up paying for these features...spending empty, extra L$ for unused bells and whistles.

--The new system will add more realism, in that the amount of damage a weapon inflicts will be controlled. For example a baseball bat or knife would be designed so that they do not inflict the same amount of damage as a gun, etc. In addition, all guns used will be required to reload.

By releasing MCS compatibility under certain strict requirements, and to only a few trusted scriptors who are actively involved with Midian City themselves, we are able to:

--Maintain a level of quality in weaponry that provides for general balance and nearly lag-free use.

--Enjoy a hack-free system supported by persons intimately involved with our community, instead of an arms-race/hack-fest perpetrated by profit-seeking script kiddies (an "affectionate" term real programmers use for people who think they're great scriptors ... and aren't)

In order to help facilitate the transition from one system to another, we have decided to help residents of Midian City swallow the pain in the following ways:

--All previously purchased guns may continue to be used as "props"...though the removal of scripts will be highly encouraged in most cases (especially in the case of weapons with "public" listens).

--The initial update package will include a few basic starter weapons (we know it is a dangerous city)

--Numerous "free" weapons will be scattered and hidden throughout Midian City and may be "discovered" in a RP manner. Players will therefore have the ability to participate in a roleplay that warrants combat without having to purchase a new weapon.

--From time to time a limited number of special edition weapons will be hidden throughout the city. If you stumble across one of these, right click on it and pick â€œBuyâ€ for L$0. Although we ask that if you happened upon one of these weapons and donâ€™t think you would ever use it, please leave it for the next person.

--Requests for custom weapon designs/modifications will be considered during the transition period.

For those interested in something more than free weapons, MCS 2.0 will be compatible with weapons purchased through the following authorized designers:

- Twisted Desires
- Blackflag & Jezebel

Thank you for your understanding and patience through this transition. In the end, what we hope to achieve with this new, low lag, closed system, is a better role-playing community for all of us. Everyone is tired of laggy sims, and bad scripting is often one of the prime causes of such lag. By changing the way combat is done in Midian City and no longer supporting bad-scripts (remember, just because a script is popular, doesn't mean it's good), we taking a big step in creating a more stable, quality environment for our players.

MCS Design Team

MCS 2.0 additional notes and bug fixes:

- Target range increased to full body
- When injured/defeated one must still seek out and touch a med kit to have the health restored to the MCS, however, touching the med kit will only initiate the process. The health will not be instantaneously restored as it has in the past, rather it will slowly be added back over the course of an hour. In addition only one healing (touching the med kits) will be allowed per hour. Choose wisely the scenarios you feel warrant combat.
- Attempting to cheat by removing and putting back on the MCS will not reset health status
- Random bizarre blood spurting problem fixed