Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

New patch up - this has something MP_DAM really needs: intelligent ladder usage (or the start thereof anyhow ;)).

There are now 2 new node types:

NODE_LADDER_TOP = 1
NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM = 2

You MUST put these at the locations they are named for on a ladder, and the bot will go up and down them, instead of jumping down them.

I have some pics and info about some tests I did on MP_DAM I'm going to send to you guys that will give you some more info.

Cheers!

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Are those node flag values, like for NODE_LADDER_TOP would it be flag number 1?

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Yes.

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

New patch up!

In the last patch, I was working so hard to get bots to go DOWN ladders well, that I mistakenly broke their ability to go UP them! :P

This patch fixes that, and should also fix any and all issues bots have had with ladders up til now.

Now, ALL maps with ladders will have to be reworked to make this work.

EVERY node that is at the bottom of a ladder MUST have its flag set to NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM - this is important.

For short ladders that you just want the bots to jump down, set the top node to NODE_NORMAL. This signals to the bots to not worry about climbing down.

If its a long ladder you want the bot to climb down, then set the top node to NODE_LADDER_TOP. This lets them know to climb down this ladder. Placement of the top node is critical if its flag is set to NODE_LADDER_TOP - you'll have to experiment exactly what is the best origin and radius for it.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Last patch for the night - fixes 2 small issues.

Enjoy! :D

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Another patch.

This one is important to note simply because it has the bots walk (instead of running or sprinting) to a node if that node is a NODE_LADDER_TOP node. This way they don't go flying off the ledge and miss the ladder.

To make this work properly, you'll want to make sure that the node JUST before the node that is the NODE_LADDER_TOP node is fairly close to it, simply because you don't want the bot to walk for too long to reach its next node (hope that makes sense). They will not walk moving up or down the ladder, they will move at normal speed, they only walk when they're heading to a ladder top.

Below is a picture that shows what I'm talking about:

Node 247 is a NODE_NORMAL node.
Node 248 is a NODE_LADDER_TOP node.

The bots will only walk in that short distance between node 247 and node 248, safely getting onto the ladder, while at the same time not walking for too long.

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Well maps with long ladders anyway, as you said i think this would be a bit pointless to do with smaller ladders.

Excellent work cracking out support for ladders Mal, i'll let you know if i see any problems. :)

Oh and thanks btw, now i have to almost re-write section 3 of the tutorial just for this ladder stuff >:(:|:D Just Kidding. :P

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Yes, but you still have to make sure that the node that sits at the bottom of that short ladder is NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM - no matter how long or short the ladder is, no matter the map - no exceptions. 8)

The reason is because defining the NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM node helps with their code to prevent getting hung up on ladders, as well as move up/down them. ;)

If done, there shouldn't be any more problems on maps like wildwest, castle, beach, etc, etc where bots got caught on the edge of the ladder and wouldn't move properly, or just hung there for a time. :D

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

Okay, what about really long ladders that require a 3rd node to help with the 3.5 second rule?

Re: Denny, The Ghost, Crapshoot
 

The dam demo path I gave you was a good example of what I've found works for long ladders. Dam has one of the longest ladders you'll see on a wolf map, yet the bots get down it quickly and safely without timing out.

I don't think a 3rd node should be needed anymore with this code, especially if you handle long ladders like I did with dam.

Its perfectly alright to set the NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM node up the ladder a bit, as long as its flag is set - the bots will still take advantage of its ladder "getting unstuck" code. :)

TBH: its what humans, myself included do: I NEVER climb all the way down a ladder, I go as far down as I can until I figure its safe enough to jump down, without hurting myself. This means I get down the ladder faster, and onto the goal faster. The bots should be no different.

Attached below is a picture of my demo path on dam, and how its setup. Node 249 is a NODE_LADDER_BOTTOM node, and node 250 is a NODE_NORMAL.

They get up and down this ladder quickly and safely - just like a human, and NEVER time out! :D