Is it resonable that its possible to spot lifeform eggs is that intended and if it is intended can we make it super obivious plz like minimap lifeform icons on vision like on aliens for the marines and on the field like on aliens.

http://www.ensl.org/topics/1812

Mega says

How to Spot Lifeform eggs on the Marine Side:

1) The Commander can spot it by Different HP values:
skulks eggs have 120, gorge 140, lerk 160, fade 180 onos 320-360ish
maybe starts at 120, but it's +20 per, I'm forgetful (c) kmacg

2) On the field - if you have structure hp numbers enabled by hp of the egg.

3) Of the Egg icon on the map its a different icon then other eggs, very distinct

4) Lifeform eggs can be spotted trough the Steam friendslist because of friendshighlight (can be enabled in the ns/ns2+ options.)

Bicsum says

Is there anyone else who thinks that this whole egg spotting mechanic isn't ideal? Like, you should be able to spot a lifeform egg straight away or not at all?

Bauerjankins says

no

Bicsum says

So it's a cool mechanic, that a steam friendship increases your chances of getting your egg killed?

Bauerjankins says

well yea THAT part and that part ALONE is really dumb

* to clarify what I meant with "spot a lifeform egg straight away". I don't mean that lifeforms egg models should flash with a "kill me"- sign, but that this whole mechanic should be move intuitiv, so that there wouldn't be a need for a guide.


LIKE FOR EXAMPLE:
- generally hide HP values of all eggs
- standardize the mini map icon
- life form eggs emit the "blub blub" evolve sound
- life form eggs do a different / faster animation (as if there is something evolving inside)

in a perfect world all i'd like to see changed is the "friends show in different color" mechanic
i doubt this would be an easy thing to do tho, maybe steel/deck/keats? can comment on this

it definitely doesnt need to be made EASIER for you to spot an egg, its already so easy and strong. if anything people need to learn the TIMING, not HOW to look for an egg
in any case it should come down to the commander looking for eggs anyway, as it's much easier for him to spot than for the fielder who might have to handle skulks while he's looking for an egg
at the same time i dont see a reason to make it harder to look for eggs (except the steam friends thing), there is no change needed on this because it happens so rarely to get a good egg pick in the first place
if an alien team gives the marines the opportunity to go for eggs it's their own fault

I agree that it shouldn't be easier nor harder, but it bugs me that it is currently only possible to spot eggs, because of some weird quirks.
It seems to me that this isn't properly thought through, and that no one cares about it or that it is considered "good enough", solely because it happens so rarely.

Respawn eggs and life form eggs don't have differing hp values to distinguish between them, but because of balance. Respawn eggs can't have too low hp, because that would make egg locking too easy, while life form eggs can't have too high hp, because it would be abusable to regain life when you're getting shot at.

So why not make this whole thing apparent right away? I don't see an issue. You said it yourself, that it is the aliens fault if they let the marines go for their eggs.