Immersion improvement (Not sure what else to call it)

[Benji]

I really like that, when i spot a group in the distant, it's only small dots and I have no idea if they are hostile or friendly. Unfortunetly, I only have to move the cursor over them to find that out.

I think it would help if that knowledge was restricted to a pretty close distance. And would create more tension in the early game.

[TheVagabond]

Benji,

Consider this a Vagabond Certified seal of approval*.

Cheers,
Michael

*: Not applicable in all fifty states. Subject to denial in territories. Liable for prosecution on foreign soil.

[Tolwrath]

I also approve of the limited IFF range. And it could also lead to groups carrying around binoculars, a small telescope, or some steampunk/post apoc vision enhancement implements.

Finally, the goggles might do something!

[marches58]

Bravo, Benji. Bravo. Your idea goes right along with the concept that the player is not special. If I'm not special, then why can I see the health, faction and skills/stats of everyone within a mile of me, but those Dust Bandits a quarter mile out with clear line of sight to me don't seem to care that I have a loaded backpack, no sword, and a broken leg?

I only recommend changing the title of the post to something more recognizable by the forum heads, because this needs to be recognized. Might have to repost.

This could lead to the visual range equipment like Tolwrath was talking about and the research of better versions of them. Being able to see the enemy before they see you would be pretty handy. If they're wearing identifying uniforms/markings, then faction would be seen at a pretty good range. Closer would be worn gear/weapons and basic health. You might not know skills stats until you engage. Maybe if you're a skilled warrior, you can "tell by the way the carry themselves" and see their skills at 50 feet out or something. A visual magnification item would just multiply all the ranges. Except for stat/skill knowledge, maybe.

This idea could also go along with a fog of war implementation.