DayZ developer Dean “Rocket” Hall has taken to the game's blog to explain why the standalone version of this ARMA2: Combined Ops mod isn't yet available, when it was due by the end of last year. As is often the case with these things, it all comes down to scope, with the original plan to simply smooth out the rough edges and package the thing up for sale blooming into a desire to remake much of the game.
And so, the development team is working on things like redeveloping the engine, most notably massively improving the inventory system. According to the blog, players will “scavenge for items now, as individual parts, picking up pieces rather than piles, looking for cans on shelves or under beds.” It all sounds very cool, opening up more realistic systems whereby items can have durability, can run on batteries, can be added to, and more. Hall offers an example in which a player might shoot another in the head so as to steal her night vision, only to find the night vision has been damaged as a result.
More simply, the inventory will also get a new look and feel. It'll look nicer, with 3D models instead of 2D images, and be easier to use. In general, the UI for the game will be “simple and effective”, apparently following the lead of Minecraft. It'll be prettier, too, with things like improved textures inside the buildings.
Given all that, are you happy to wait?
