[qzmufu]

Hi,

I am an old fan of Wing Commander, I played WC4 as a kid and was addicted to it. You cannot imagine how happy I was to discover this revival. Unfortunately my gaming-skills seem to have suffered over time, or it may simply be the fact that a Thinkpad TrackPoint cannot really replace a joystick. Fact is, I have not been able to destroy a single ship in the game. Once I reach the point when I can engage a ship, I get killed within a minute or so. So I would really enjoy having some aid for rookies.

The first thing that came to my mind would be a training mode. Seriously, it takes me about five minutes in the first mission to even get to enemies. I do not wish to know how many times I listened to the storyline. And the autopilot takes forever. It would thus be an idea to make storyline elements skippable. Another one would be to set up a combat training apart from the storyline.

Alternatively, one could introduce an invulnerability option, like in the old games.

However, I really like the game. Great work, ladies and gentlemen.

[Black Wolf]

Unfortunately my gaming-skills seem to have suffered over time, or it may simply be the fact that a Thinkpad TrackPoint cannot really replace a joystick.

I'd say it's probably the trackpoint, myself... Erm, just grab a mouse and use that - while it lacks the immersive feel of a joystick, it's much more precise I find, and much easier to come by - cheaper too. Sucks to have to keep picking it up and slamming it down to turn, but you get used to that.

[General Battuta]

If your keyboard has a keypad it's one of the best ways to fly; you can turn extremely well with minimal effort and with practice you'll be able to aim perfectly well. I have no trouble dogfighting with joystick or mouse users.

[Shade]

Yeah, definitely use the keyboard (no need for a keypad as such, as you can remap the controls) over trackpoint if those are the choices. In fact, keyboard for dogfighting + mouse for long distance shots is as effective as any joystick for those who have gotten used to it.

[qzmufu]

Got it figured out - though I'm still playing on super-easy real fun!