Recommended Crystalline Conflict changes after a month of observation

[Mahimahi]

I will always favor clarity over "well you just have to learn how to overcome this dumb, pointless missing UI thing." UT and Quake didn't suddenly become less skillful because there was an announcer counting down the last ten seconds. Neither would this mode.

Like I said: people being made aware of the countdown *increases* tactical options because there's now a much higher chance of everyone noticing and being aware of it and positioning themselves accordingly. Even moreso if we revamp OT to not require teams to camp on the point and instead make it a flat duration, or some other similar overhaul that expands options.

I still disagree. My point was that some mechanics are designed to catch you off guard unless you are careful about it. As I implied previously, once the timer hits zero new rules on how to win the match suddenly come into play. You're expected to know these rules, either by reading the official CC guide or the in-game help. If the timer is counting down and your opponent was clever enough to push/lure you off the crystal, they deserve the victory. A blaring horn that warns that 10 seconds is left completely ruins that surprise- a tactic that you yourself should already be ready for regardless, if you call yourself a PvP veteran. So instead of 'increasing tactical options' as you stated, it will have the opposite effect of making players even more guarded- prolonging a stalemate.

To put it another way, Quake players don't become more skillful just because there is an announcer in that game. It's hardly relevant compared to the body of skills they have to learn in order to be competent at Quake. And just so, to be good, even excellent at Crystalline Conflict you must learn to take advantage of its mechanics- and that includes taking advantage of any inattentive player not watching the timers.

[Gserpent]

I still disagree. My point was that some mechanics are designed to catch you off guard unless you are careful about it. As I implied previously, once the timer hits zero new rules on how to win the match suddenly come into play. You're expected to know these rules, either by reading the official CC guide or the in-game help. If the timer is counting down and your opponent was clever enough to push/lure you off the crystal, they deserve the victory. A blaring horn that warns that 10 seconds is left completely ruins that surprise- a tactic that you yourself should already be ready for regardless, if you call yourself a PvP veteran. So instead of 'increasing tactical options' as you stated, it will have the opposite effect of making players even more guarded- prolonging a stalemate.

To put it another way, Quake players don't become more skillful just because there is an announcer in that game. It's hardly relevant compared to the body of skills they have to learn in order to be competent at Quake. And just so, to be good, even excellent at Crystalline Conflict you must learn to take advantage of its mechanics- and that includes taking advantage of any inattentive player not watching the timers.

And you can't take advantage of an inattentive teammate not watching timers or not listening to quickchat macros. Hence the importance of an announcer.

There are a lot of very good reasons most competently made games contain an announcer for the timer.