[sigtau]

For Olympus Burning, I've been preceding each voice message with an appropriate "beeping" noise (much like that of FS1).  It's easy, simple, and adds effect.

Though FS2 didn't use them, my campaign is bringing them back, all of them will end up being custom.  I find that adding a beep before each message is sent tends to get my attention and have me listen more to the speaker in the midst of combat--so that if any details come up, it ensures that I get them on the first playthrough of each mission.

I use the FS1 "static" noise at the end of each message, because it's better than anything I could probably do in Audacity, and most genuine FreeSpace fans will recognize it.

What's you guys' opinion on using message beeps?  Do they add effect, or are they just an annoyance?

Additionally, do you guys think they should they be optional?

[Droid803]

Well, when there are no voice acting (and with voice synthesis turned off), the beeps are great as you can tell when a message is being sent.

With voice acting, I don't particularily mind.

[Mongoose]

The beeps add a nice bit of immersion to voice-acted lines, but I think they're even more invaluable when releasing a mod that doesn't have voice-acting.  Even for those of us who do all right at reading in-mission dialog, it's incredibly useful to have a little audio cue to glance at the top of the screen.

[Qent]

With voice acting, I expect FS2-style clips with no beep. Without acting, I need beeps or I'll miss important dialog and have to F4.

[Stormkeeper]

Beeps are necessary with no VA; with VA then I'm not so sure.

[General Battuta]

Beeps without VA.

With VA, ditch them. They're irritating as heck.

Also, no need to parade around a simple audio trick as if it's the second coming.

[Dilmah G]

Well I don't particularly mind, and I think it's a little more realistic with beeps on audio messages, even if they are voiced.

[Spoon]

After reading this thread I decided to throw in beeps as well
Alas, beeps messes up .ani's from playing correctly. Had to make a beep .wav that lasted 3 seconds to avoid that

[Goober5000]

You know, nobody complained about message beeps in ST:R...

[Dilmah G]

Message beeps have been a part of the FS1-esque environment, so it was more or less expected. And besides, I liked them.

[sigtau]

Also, no need to parade around a simple audio trick as if it's the second coming.

I'm not parading around; I was simply asking HLP's opinion on them.

If it appeared that I was parading, it wasn't intended that way.

[Goober5000]

If you think they'll enhance your game, go ahead and use them.  I used the Requiem for a Dream music for the Silent Threat: Reborn trailer despite what the likes of BlackDove said about it.

[General Battuta]

Well it did come off a bit stale.

[eliex]

The only thing that FS1 styled static beeps provide in a VA'ed message is an authenticity that messages are radioed.