Object markers for ground targets fading or disappearing

[sniperton]

 

This is not a bug, this is a feature.

 

 

It’s important to understand how markers work to spare you some headache if you try to rely on them when ground-pounding. My conclusions are based on limited observation, so please feel free to correct me if you have contradicting evidence.

 

 

Object markers are always placed above the target in a fixed size and at a fixed offset, where

 

 

A) “above” is always a vector relative to your head position, not to the ground; that is, if you bank your head/plane to 30, 60, 90, or 120 degrees, the object marker will move accordingly, that is, it will always display at an angle of 30, 60, 90, or 120 degrees relative to the ground.

 

 

B) a “fixed offset” means a set number of pixels on your screen, no matter how far you are from the target. The target’s size may grow or shrink on your screen as you get closer or farther, but the apparent distance between target and its marker will always be the same.

 

 

C) markers themselves are rendered as 3D objects in the virtual space of the game; they can be visible even if the view to the target is obstructed, but they can’t be seen when placed behind trees or buildings.

 

The combination of these three factors may have some unpleasant consequences for ground pounders.

 

 

Case #1:

Here the view to the target is blocked by some nearby object (tree or building). The target’s marker is still clearly visible, as the marker is placed above the target and its offset is bigger than the apparent size of the object blocking the view to the target. If you get closer to the target, however, the offset of the marker remains the same, but the relative size of the object (tree or building) grows as you approach, and voilá, at a certain distance the marker may partially or fully disappear behind the object blocking your view to the target.

 

Case #2:

Here you have unobstructed view to the target, but there are trees or buildings in the close vicinity. The marker is clearly visible as long as your head position is upright. If you bank your head or plane, however, the marker stays above the target relative to your head position, but changes vector and position relative to the ground. Consequently, as you bank your head, the marker moves sideward and downward, and may get behind one of the nearby objects, this way becoming partially or fully invisible.

 

In short, the closer you are to the target, the trickier markers behave, and you shouldn’t be surprised to be subjected to a hide-and-seek game with them.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 14, 2020 by sniperton

[jollyjack]

Yeah, trying to bomb or shoot a vehicle column in FC1 on a French tree lined road can a real sport.  The trees seem to be indestructible however; hurray for nature ...