Sit down and redesign this whole system and think about what the canonical name for each thing is. *Then* think about where you can contextually abbreviate it. *Then* think about how the synchronization between faction-in-this-game and player-persistent library content should work, *in context of already having canonical names* fully specified.
There should be zero (zero!!) points in time and sections of the UI where the user cannot see the full canonical name of a behavior or blueprint. You can show an abbreviated one sometimes, but in that case, hovering or clicking should show the full canonical name *including folders*.
(Following all that, a very good nice step could be making the same infocard that shows the full canonical name of a thing could show when it was last edited, and other hints like that (perhaps how many steps it has, for a behavior, etc). I won't propose full diff tools for behaviors, because I realize that's quite hard! But offering _some_ helpful metadata to help the user resolve any diffs and drifts between things will be very appreciated.)
I use copy paste often to build some kinds of facilities. I look to a nearby one, hit c, hit v, click, done. This can be much faster and more convenient than navigating my whole design library.
The neat thing about copy paste is that it copies all settings and registers as well as programs and equipment. The problem with copy paste is... sometimes I don't want that, because I want the new building to wait until I have a chance to configure it before it begins to act!
And we can't easy have a program that zeros its configuration on first launch, because changes to the program cause it to start again too.
So here, pictured in the screenshot, is my best workaround so far. I have a register with no purpose except to remember (across program restarts!) what the current unit is. On program start, if that persistent register *does not* match the *actual* current unit, then the program realizes it's been copy-pasted, and then proceeds to clear its configuration. This works, but wow, it's a lot of program.
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So the above suggestion is: consider giving optional different entry points for program first-time start and re-start. Or something to hook building completion (same thing).
But also, I would like to take this opportunity to note... if I wanted to take my program piece pictured, and turn it into a subroutine... it's very difficult to do so.
There are two reasons:
1. We can't make subroutines that offer a branch of output flow. That's a quite horrible limit ;)
2. A persistent register to store data across program restart is only available to the top-level routine (not subroutines) or if one uses the unit base parameters (which is quite limited).
Maybe challenge #2 there is quite understandable (not letting users create non-visible persistent state is probably wise!). But challenge #1 is super nasty. Please let us make subroutines that can branch flow after themselves!
Either that, or perhaps move back to something closer to the old system where a program can exist attached to a behavior controller, while not being in the library... but put large visual warnings on any unit with a controller in such a desync (! heh) state.
I expected it to just move the explorable- not give me ownership of the building and the (probably not supposed to be acessible) Human Factory **Internal** component.
XD
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:716][922]Error: Critical error while executing Main/ui/BuildView.lua:127: bad argument #2 to 'format' (number has no integer representation)
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: stack traceback:
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: [C]: in function 'string.format'
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: Main/ui/BuildView.lua:127: in local 'cb'
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: Main/ui/utilities.lua:86: in function 'ProcessUnlockedDefinitions'
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: Main/ui/BuildView.lua:96: in method 'RefreshList'
[2024.09.10-10.08.37:717][922]Error: Main/ui/BuildView.lua:87: in function <Main/ui/BuildView.lua:81>
undocking drones didnt help
btw: drone settings cant be copied either
You need tons of them. You wait and wait and wait and wait and wait
oh but build more.... it cost 250 energy.... you need them exactly to get access to power
From there on, it's on repeat because it's used as a standard material for many other products.... 10 seconds max, it takes way to long to build them, then use them, and now build again and again and again??? They create a death lock of wasting real life time wating for them or end up no power so you need to focuse on doing power, then repeat repeat repeat.
Please just reduce the time to 10 and half how much they are needed as ingredient.
Also, can you please let us pin some of thos notification so we can recheck them? Like when mutipla bugs attack from different location, I wish to check all of them, but once I do, I can't recheck where they where.
Lastly, please add a in game note. And as it's name it, we can add notes... best part is if you people are smart enogh to add to the notes the function the radar, beheviour and more have... aka can pint point the exact building, blueprints, signal, whatever we want. Even thoes notification we keep getting at loading.
The smart part comes from auto complition if conditions are meet.
Notification if condition stops/drops in amount (aka global beheviour vs unit specific)
Any kind of self mile stone.
And of course, the best of all, this will keep track of everything we did, everything we still need to do, and allow us to even come back to a save file from who know when and check what we had and what not... Aka mods installed, mod uninstalled. Before certain update. And who know what else you will plan for later and can be added.
And of course, unless tutorials, there are no hints no nothing, people really need to learn how to play the game.
Things to strongly consider. In the tutorial, use some of the items we get later in the game. They are vastly superior to any of the early games. As far as I can tell, many people don't even realise the real potential of the game and might even stop playing the game entirely
This will ultimately help people to never end up in a position where they had enough of the behaviour. Something that I do experience. Like I get that a behaviour reach it limit... but have no clue why... because when I start it... no issue... no issue... no issue for an hour or 2.... and again it reached limit for no reason why....
And if possible, add the tutorial, as well as some of the challenges, as a Demo, so people can test how the game is without needing to buy it. Because if someone buy the game, even EA, they will keep it under 2 hours so they can ask for a refund from Steam... I'm sorry to say, but in this game you can't do anything under 2 hours that makes you realise it's amazing... So a Demo, even now, when the game is still EA, would extremely help because people (who will actually play this game), will need more then 2 hours to learn and see just how much this game has to offer, since even if they see some of the later technology, they will know there will be others in the full game.
As an exemple, add X0Y0, or is it Y0X0? I do Not have time to figure out what in the word is used when I am completly focused on setting up a beheviour. And guess, what, Due +Y being up, I wake up that the building I set to automatically construct goes in a different direction... this is very tiering since you need to magically remeber every last of the beheviours you try to test to see how to automatise... but then need to do stop and check what is what regarding coordanace
Just like how thoes unpassable areas are without research, just limite the map. And who knows, maybe via an update, dlc, expansion, whatever, said areas can bee further access since new expansion = new research = new ways. And then said area can be further limited by next level.
Reason for saying this:
The furtur you go the more rich minerals are... well what if right at the end of the map, there is 1 single, 1 sqare, Infinite chunck?
And such chunck exist all around the map.
aka if the map is massive, extremly difficult to access, let alone transport them.
However, this will ensure we will never run out of resourses even without "limitless" map.
Plus, exactly because it's just 1 single chunck, it dosen't make sens to focuse to get there, someone create a base around it, when there are tons of enemies (and whatever else you can add, aka you need to be end game. Like lock with like the ruins). and there are tons and tons of (non infinite) rich mineral from where you started and where you might find such resourse.
Again, if the map is Massive (aka bigger then huge, absolutly massive), limitless map is not needed. Infinite chuncks will ensure we don't run out, it being a single chunck, will ensure people don't start a culture to go end map (aka rush true research, enemies, whatever, just to get there like an obsesion), and due to the "locked" areas, you can create 1 region, where we can't pass, but enemies sitll can. This is so that enemies still attack for people who want them for whatever reason.... of course, they could always just not destory the bug nest but whatever.
Also, please update the scanners. The infinite chunck will be detected, so of course this hinders search. Also, a "found target" -> DO NOT find it again, would also help to improve the beheviour.
also, please add a way to play thoes floor as long as they are on the network
Also, please add teraforming, water, plateaus? please let us remove anything and EVERYTHING that could be a "can't construct here", just like how you can destroy the ruines and infinite resourses, let us destroy the plateau, create an artificial ramp, destroy (evaporate?) laser or cover it with the artificial ground (yes, I forgot what it's called and don't wish to check in case this messege will be gone).
Speaking of that artificial ground I don't remeber plus automatically laying them....could you please create a second one, that, anything on it, IS network? (aka electricity and everything get's passed).
Lastly, Please create a radar (ADD IT TO THE COMMAND CENTER AS DEFAULT) that will scan all of the network. This is to help with any drop item, any unit that it's damage, so stuff that need regully maintanace and you can't do it via "radar signal match whatever it's called". Such network radar, only 1 is needed, and this will ensure the command center is special.... Seriosly, do you even use the command center for anything? I place it at exactly 0 . 0 as center of the map... and that's it.... due to the research and everything else, other building mid game are better used... This is why I said to make it a default for the comand center. Since like this, this really will be the center of comand, especially if people learn how to use the beheviour to change what to search for etc etc <- And i forgot... the reason why I said all of this: If I deconstruct something, or unit needs healing, I use the signal match thing, however, this can only be done if a radar finds it... aka I need to construct tons of radar. How many tons and tons and tons of such structures will I need until I will experience FPS drop? (yes, I played to much Factorio so I am not able to help it).
And lastly, Please do NOT dismiss ideeas because someone might not agree with them. Do NOT forget, you have added custom where you can add infinite minerals, no enemies, so on and on. Anything that it not "balanced" or not enjoyable for some, DESPITE being a good ideea, please just add it via custom so it's not even a default one.
Also, Thank you a lot for this game!
My suggestion is to use a hidden blueprint function just for deployer memory that stores equipment and inventory, completely restoring the building as is. Or the drones could be assigned a dummy drone port they can't dock with on the deployer with the building stored.
Aka if I set something Black 0, Black 1, and Black 2.
I set a behevoir for loop mach signal, Black with the value of 0 -> this signal to be send to "deconstruction" target. So said bot will only destroy buildings with Black 0.
This is to further create an infinite variety without needing to add tons of different icons.
Also
Can you please add a function to scan the WHOLE network? It's so annoying when I destroy something, and I need to call the bot to collect them OR need to give radar to every building (as much as I need to cover the whole area) in case I destroy somthing or the bugs do it.
This "whole of network" can also be helpfull to create build thoes concret stuff so bot can move faster.
Lastly: Please add an option to disable the animation of the resourses. I need to close them or endure them jumping. The arrows are more then enogh.
Anything that is "cheat" like, unbalanced, whatever. Please, just add in the custom section like you did with the Infinite resource, No night, No bugs.
Please add as many quality of life features because this is what will make this game stand out vs other games. And my fear is: Some suggestion to be ignored since it might not be ok with some people.... <- just give them option to not have them on. This will be a win win for everyone. And like this, once the game comes out from beta, and many people will try it for the 1st time, they will see there is a lot of freedom to play however they want.
And just to finish with a suggestion: Please add some of the workshops. Like the "Clear" land. Aka, the infinite resource on, the chunk minerals are just in the way. Due to infinity, there is no sens to waste time mining them, attacking and destroying them also get annoying after a while.
The transfer device: having a range of 6 (again, just add in customise) = You can fully automate the whole thing, especially if you add behaviour, without even needing bots for transporting resources (of course this excludes new construction, and exploration)
Again with the change in custom. Sorry, do you know how annoying it is to construct and construct a new range network? No, that means you are a lucky one since you don't get annoying. I wonder how many are in the same boat... Yes, please add an option to have a far greater reach. And I wonder how many people do like I do, and created a fully automation bot that, when active, it will automatically build this building..... <- Did you ever play Start craft 2? The Zerg's have a unit called Queen, it has an ability to create Creep Tumor. This allow the spreed of the creep. The creep is similar to the network, as in zerg go slow if going off, and building can't be constructed if no creep. But the idea of the creep tumour, is that you can create 1, and only 1, other creep. Then the old one can't. However, the new on, can also create another one, and only 1. This is essentially infinite. And of course, the Zerg Queen can build additional, so you never run out. Idea why I mention: if you do something similar with the network (and please add it to basic research) as an equipment. Buildings, including the one having radar, can essentially clone themselves automatically. Just like how you set values when crafting, to set how many copies (Mind you, the idea is that THIS equipment, will be transferred from the oldest one to the last build one), and if you add behaviour to add coordanace, distance, even type and more, you can essentially create an automation almost completly. Like if storage are full, to create automatically more. And of course, this essentially allow for a much more easier behevoir set up to automate creating more networks.
Also, I wish to report a bug. I set up for bot to create a bulding at every 13 steps (I skip the details), ideea is, the build function, I used the "can't build" -> Show notification and "Exit".... but when the bot was next to a mineral, it just constructed the building 12 steps (insted of stoping since not 13) and afterward it moved on constructing every 13 steps... ending me needing to destroy a lot of buildings due to OCD....
Speaking of OCD: please let us remove any "red" tiles in a way or other. This includes water. And again, please add this in basic, later is to late. You essentially want us to play the whole game just to access stuff that allow us to finally be able to create the base how we want? Thoes are in the way from the start, and it's not fun. And yes, I do restart New Game, explore area, if I like, I stay, otherwise, restart.
Even if it's NOT removing it like in factorio, ad least add "ramp".
As a building/program, what I am asking: Make it so that 100% of the terran can be build on.
Also, if this is unlocked later in game. OASFNOFIDNMEWOINM WIPOMQWOPIWEMJ THis is how iritating it is!
Game is endless yet it's suffucating because of this platform!!
Or you know what? Just add NO plateaus. I chose few, yet they ARE IN MY WAY.
I set up the Range of network to cover exactly everything, guess what happens? THe perfect plan is ruined because of a small tile is in the way so now I need to build around it......
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Please add trains to the game.
The difference is that trains will only move when wagon is full. Wagon can bee as much as possible.
Trains to be powered via crystal.
Lower tier consume more crystal.
End game to be able to use via different source that dosen't consume crystal??? or any reason not to?
Trains are perfect exactly because you can use them to add units in it, Aka trains to have thir own network + Radar.
Train scanned area, robot go out and collect resourse.
Why trains and not trucks? Good luck, there are tons of train fans, look how in Factorio people are obsested with trains, yet no one ask for trucks. Also, trains need rails, aka will give you stability. And the best part: faster and faster train, exactly because of railways, the path is clear, meaning you can make them faster and faster without issues due to obstacles (since both won't touch rails), no "path blocked", unless you seriosly don't add little lights to control flow. And the best part, can be longer and longer, assuming enogh power (reason why I said to consume crystals the more it needs). Aka you can have a wagon with just it's own bots, said bots, when trains stop near a resours, bot will go and collect (aka this to be automated without any other beheviour), collect everything until train's rader can't find anything. Of course, if train radar shows enemy, all bots come back and back to base (or maybe atacking one will come out?) And once done, go back to base, said bots to come out again to unload, and repeat. This is also perfect to transport mass amout of materials, as well as storage. Because quess what, constructing tons of storage unit isen't enjoyable, but it's a neccety.
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Thoes thing you place on the groud to make the bots go faster.... can you please add a simple equipment, that works like a radar, to scan all the area IN the network, and automatically lay said piece if not present, or destroyed due to enemy attack?
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I do not know if it's unlocked later, but for haven't sake, please add a way to reconstruct AUTOMATICALLY anything that got destroyed by enemies. Even if it's just buildings.
In factorio, I hate when I did not unlock bot because if the enemy destroys one of my structures, I won't even see a blueprit what was there.
Here is the same. But I still don't see anythign indicating I can have this feature.
But a lot of work is still needed here. You need to decide what the expectation is with folders -- keeping those paths set up twice in my faction and in My Blueprints is wild. It's still VERY easy to edit the faction one and not the My Blueprints one, or vice versa, with nearly zero visual cue, and that's bad.
The green text about how many units will be affected by a change is a GREAT step in the right direction. Do more stuff like that! Give me text like that for whether a similarly-named thing exists in whichever library I'm not editing right now, and whether it's in sync or how far off! Stuff like that will help a lot.