Lazer Tactical Action Game Message Board

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This site has been set up by a fan, for fans of the activity known as home style "lazertag". It's purpose is to highlight players, games, add-ons, modifications, etc., regardless of the system that they use, for the benefit of other fans.
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Integrated Sensors

Posted by Bazookafied on June 27, 2008, 5:27 pm

The OLCA uses Laser Challenge Systems and operates both ToyMaxx and Jakks Pacific gear.

Since we've started playing, we've come up with a number of rules for vests. Thanks to the advent of the Back Vest being more widely used with the OLCA, many of these rules are null and void. I myself have attempted to build a custom vest to make hitting it easier, but there are still instances where I "cannot be hit" because of my body's position. We will never be able to come up with a front and back sensor system that is completely fair, but our attempts to make things as fair as possible have had a good impact on play.

When we first introduced the Xtreme Target Pistol, the first LC-system based weapon to have a built-in sensor, the idea was that since the sensor would always be visible when the player is firing supported the idea that there would not need to be rules for it's use. However, because the sensor, like all, still has blind spots, we have started to change how we view Built-in Sensors on weapons.

I'm proposing an idea to possibly make rules for Built-in sensors to make them just as fair and easy to hit as the Vests are.

The main advantage gun-mounted vests have is that you can use the blind spot on the bottom side of the sensor as a shield. Moving the gun in a way that blocks hits from registering is already not allowed, though it has not been elaborated on.

Consider this:

A Player with an "all in one" gun (vest built in) is moving towards his enemy and firing. Like in normal combat, the players exchange fire. The opponent is wearing a front and back vest. The player with the "all in one" gun proceeds to take cover. As they are facing their opponent, watching their movements, they angle the gun upwards to prevent additional hits from registering.

The only way the opposing player with a vest could do this is by legitimately covering their vest, which is not allowed by the OLCA.

I think this instance, as well as many others in recent games has bit vest users in the ass more than once, but I'd like your opinion and your own thoughts on the matter.
'Zook

Response

Re: Integrated Sensors

Posted by LazerBait on June 27, 2008, 5:52 pm, in reply to "Integrated Sensors"

Well as we all know the first real rule is to show sensor while shooting. Sensors built into has this bit of fairness built into them so it makes it really hard to cheat. Now the chest wearing players can block a sensor without even knowing. And even when not shooting many players hold their taggers up to the chest. Not to cheat but rather it is a natural thing to do.

So let's look at it like this. Built in sensor has no chance of being blocked when shooting but can have the sensor blocked when not by tilting up or holding to chest.

The front back sensor wearing player will often block a sesnor while shooting BY ACCIDENT, but has the back but has the back sensor exposed and is more at risk for self hits. Also can cover the front sensor without knowing when not shooting.

I see this as sort of a balance all on its own. But I really do feel your pain on this. Back in the WoW days we would have to shout"SENSOR" when we felt it was being blocked. Sometimes things would get a little heated and we never did figure out a way to resolved it.

Have you thought of trying to make some head sensors?

Response

Re: Integrated Sensors

Posted by Bazookafied on June 28, 2008, 12:30 am, in reply to "Re: Integrated Sensors"

We've thought about it, but with 42 sets of gear, it'd be one hellofuh process to go through.

We have a rule for our vest-toting players that your vest must be as exposed as possible when you're advancing. Perhaps a Gun pointed straight/tilted downwards rule would be good to use in this situation for the "all in one" weapons?
'Zook

Response

Re: Integrated Sensors

Posted by John Falto (johnfalto) on June 28, 2008, 6:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Integrated Sensors"
Message modified by user johnfalto June 28, 2008, 6:39 pm

I love the idea of a gun mounted sensor as it stops players from taking blind shots (IE. having the gun fully exposed however having the sensor hidden by some natural obstruction). No matter how many rules you come up with, unless you are playing with honorable players or you have a judge at every point, "mistakes" will happen.

This is one of the reasons that I still favor the ESS system. Although the head mounted sensor could be tilted in such a way as to make it difficult to tag, I still favor it as it can accept hits from 360 degrees. With a gun mounted sensor, flanking your opponent is almost an extinct idea.

With the LC V2 front and rear sensor, I put the front sensor on tactical suspender system. The rear sensor still fell more or less in the upper central back area. It looks good and felt good, but the problem was that I was put at a disadvantage when facing an opponent that had the original set up. Most players will take a natural two handed position that puts the tagger just forward of the sensor with the arms, pretty much blocking the sides of the front sensor. My system had the front sensor sitting just below the left front shoulder, and therefor in the open.

The only thing that will balance out a game is everyone using the same system, following a simple set of basic rules and paying attention to the honor system.

"tagging with extreme prejudice"

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