This is a newbish question, but it's something that has been a minor but constant annoyance for me since I started playing the game and I figured I may as well ask if there is a fix for it.
When playing, is there a way to prevent the map from being hidden by every other interface widget that pops up? That is, if the map is displayed and I want to take a peak at the character's inventory or character sheet, they open up as though the map weren't open, usually hiding the map because they are in front of it. VERY annoying. What I would prefer is that the map has the same priority as the character sheet, inventory, journal, spellbooks, etc., so that it only gets hidden when there are no available spots on the screen (there are usually three positions - left, right, and middle - for these widgets).
Is there some utility or setting that allows this? It would really be nice not to have to re-open the map every time I open up one of the other windows. I know it may be a long shot, since this behavior is probably hard-coded into the game's GUI, and the game was designed to run in lower resolutions, and blah, blah, blah, but it's worth a try.
stop blocking the map ?
Débuté par
MrZork
, oct. 26 2010 03:54
Retour en haut
#2
Posté 26 octobre 2010 - 05:58
Eurypterid
-
- Members
- 4 668 messages
As far as I know it's hard coded.
#3
Posté 27 octobre 2010 - 02:49
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
Its been some time since i noticed, but doesnt the map stay in the corner while you are moving?
With that, when you open your inventory, you want the map on top or still visible? WOW! That is hard core multi-tasking! Thanks for making me aware of this, as i played for over 7 years and never once was concerned with the map location.
With that, when you open your inventory, you want the map on top or still visible? WOW! That is hard core multi-tasking! Thanks for making me aware of this, as i played for over 7 years and never once was concerned with the map location.
#4
Posté 27 octobre 2010 - 04:36
MrZork
-
- Members
- 940 messages
Moving doesn't hide the map, just opening other windows. Regardless of whether you make use of it or not, the game generally opens the non-modal windows in such a way that, if there is room for them, they open without covering up other windows. Except for the map. <_< In single-player modules, it's a minor annoyance, because it's no big deal to take a second and open the map again, even pausing the game if necessary. But, in multiplayer it can be somewhat frustrating to want the map open when there's some time pressure (like when running from a tough opponent) and to look up and see that it's not visible because I opened the inventory (for example) to get to some item that wasn't quick-slotted.
I'm sure some people don't want the map open most of the time. But I generally play with the display in standard WUXGA (1920x1200) mode and there is plenty of room for it. Anyway, I know it would be less of an issue if I were a better typist and I know some people consider even having a map to be "meta", but my keyboard skills aren't really getting much better and the game isn't going to change to make the map unavailable any time soon, so I just wish the map widget worked like the other ones.
I'm sure some people don't want the map open most of the time. But I generally play with the display in standard WUXGA (1920x1200) mode and there is plenty of room for it. Anyway, I know it would be less of an issue if I were a better typist and I know some people consider even having a map to be "meta", but my keyboard skills aren't really getting much better and the game isn't going to change to make the map unavailable any time soon, so I just wish the map widget worked like the other ones.
#5
Posté 27 octobre 2010 - 08:30
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
I ONLY played on multi and I never encountered what you refer too. Maybe I did, and just didnt notice?
And what are you doing RUNNING from a tough opponent? Stand and FIGHT! LOL
And what are you doing RUNNING from a tough opponent? Stand and FIGHT! LOL
#6
Posté 27 octobre 2010 - 09:18
HipMaestro
-
- Members
- 1 515 messages
I'm really having a hard time understanding what the problem is with the normal set-up for the OP.
Now, if you have your inventory open (akin to grabbing a canteen or searching for your lipstick in your purse) hopefully you are not trying to drive at the same time because that is when accidents happen, in-game or RL.
Now, if you are just standing there checking your loot and moving it around or reading the directions on the Mallox bottle, what possible use could you have for the the mini-map?
I mean, if it comes down to swapping equipment or drinking potions or reading scrolls, that's what the quick slots are for, no? Master setting them up and playing is so much easier.
Honestly, I can imagine no scenario where there would be an advantage to have the map superimposed over the character sheet or inventory screen, except perhaps if you want to see your party members running around on the map or soemthing. As far as I am concerned, the main annoyance is when I accidentally click on a container during combat and the dang inventory screen pops up. If THAT is the concern, then join the club of the eye-hand coordination-challenged where I have an honorary membership and can get you reduced prices for registration.
Now, if you have your inventory open (akin to grabbing a canteen or searching for your lipstick in your purse) hopefully you are not trying to drive at the same time because that is when accidents happen, in-game or RL.
Now, if you are just standing there checking your loot and moving it around or reading the directions on the Mallox bottle, what possible use could you have for the the mini-map?
I mean, if it comes down to swapping equipment or drinking potions or reading scrolls, that's what the quick slots are for, no? Master setting them up and playing is so much easier.
Honestly, I can imagine no scenario where there would be an advantage to have the map superimposed over the character sheet or inventory screen, except perhaps if you want to see your party members running around on the map or soemthing. As far as I am concerned, the main annoyance is when I accidentally click on a container during combat and the dang inventory screen pops up. If THAT is the concern, then join the club of the eye-hand coordination-challenged where I have an honorary membership and can get you reduced prices for registration.
#7
Posté 30 octobre 2010 - 09:16
Eva_hop
-
- Members
- 44 messages
I never noticed this problem either. 
But I use the quickslots ALOT. You know you have two more quickslots if you hold shift of ctrl?
I woulnd't know how to fix it any other way.
But I use the quickslots ALOT. You know you have two more quickslots if you hold shift of ctrl?I woulnd't know how to fix it any other way.
#8
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 01:26
MrZork
-
- Members
- 940 messages
Guys, thanks for the responses.
In the interest of clarity: I don't think I ever said that I want the map to be superimposed over the inventory or character screens. For the record, I don't want that at all. What I want is for the map window widget to have the same display priority as the other windows, so that any other window that opens does so in an empty spot (one of the three) on the screen instead of opening over the map (hiding it), unless no empty spot is available.
Since it looks like I haven't expressed this clearly, I'll try to illustrate. Assume M is the map window, C is the character window, I is the inventory window, and J is the journal window. There are generally three positions on the game screen where a non-modal window can open
Let's say that I have the character sheet window open, my game looks something like
If I then open the inventory window, the game sees that the character window is open and it opens the inventory window in an available empty spot, like this
And, if I were then to open a third window (like the journal window), it would also respect the other two windows and open in the third empty spot, like this
It's not until all three spots are taken up that a window opens over where another window was already open. All is well.
Now, I normally explore an area while the map is open, so the game looks something like
But, if I open the inventory, the map is hidden behind it, so things look like
What I want in that case is for the inventory window to respect that the map is open and open in a new open spot, just as it did when the character window was open. Thus,
I hope that is more clear.
By the way,
* I play mostly wizards and the fact is that there are some opponents (especially when they are unexpected) where "stand and fight" is functionally the same as "get measured for a casket". ;-)
* Yes, I know about all 36 quickslots. I don't claim to be the world's most expert quickslotter, but I think I have them set up sensibly and there still aren't enough for a wizard to have all the spells that she might need to get to in a hurry; plus every combat-useful wand or item power (plus the item itself separately, if it's one that must be equipped to use); plus the scrolls and potions that one might need during combat; plus the buffs that one might not need in a hurry, but which are tedious to cast after every rest (or before every anticipated tough battle) without quickslotting them. I am not saying I always have my inventory open during combat, but I often do and I often make use of it. I have gotten pretty good at using the [ and ] keys to quickly page through the inventory!
Meanwhile, I can see how it might not bother some folks that the map gets hidden behind any other window you open. If it doesn't bother everyone or not everyone has even noticed it (?!?), then good on them. But, it does bother me, which is why I started this thread. It's okay if there's no alternative, but I thought I would at least ask.
In the interest of clarity: I don't think I ever said that I want the map to be superimposed over the inventory or character screens. For the record, I don't want that at all. What I want is for the map window widget to have the same display priority as the other windows, so that any other window that opens does so in an empty spot (one of the three) on the screen instead of opening over the map (hiding it), unless no empty spot is available.
Since it looks like I haven't expressed this clearly, I'll try to illustrate. Assume M is the map window, C is the character window, I is the inventory window, and J is the journal window. There are generally three positions on the game screen where a non-modal window can open
_________ | 1 3 2 | | | |_________|
Let's say that I have the character sheet window open, my game looks something like
_________ | C | | | |_________|
If I then open the inventory window, the game sees that the character window is open and it opens the inventory window in an available empty spot, like this
_________ | C I | | | |_________|
And, if I were then to open a third window (like the journal window), it would also respect the other two windows and open in the third empty spot, like this
_________ | C J I | | | |_________|
It's not until all three spots are taken up that a window opens over where another window was already open. All is well.
Now, I normally explore an area while the map is open, so the game looks something like
_________ | M | | | |_________|
But, if I open the inventory, the map is hidden behind it, so things look like
_________ | I | | | |_________|
What I want in that case is for the inventory window to respect that the map is open and open in a new open spot, just as it did when the character window was open. Thus,
_________ | M I | | | |_________|
I hope that is more clear.
By the way,
* I play mostly wizards and the fact is that there are some opponents (especially when they are unexpected) where "stand and fight" is functionally the same as "get measured for a casket". ;-)
* Yes, I know about all 36 quickslots. I don't claim to be the world's most expert quickslotter, but I think I have them set up sensibly and there still aren't enough for a wizard to have all the spells that she might need to get to in a hurry; plus every combat-useful wand or item power (plus the item itself separately, if it's one that must be equipped to use); plus the scrolls and potions that one might need during combat; plus the buffs that one might not need in a hurry, but which are tedious to cast after every rest (or before every anticipated tough battle) without quickslotting them. I am not saying I always have my inventory open during combat, but I often do and I often make use of it. I have gotten pretty good at using the [ and ] keys to quickly page through the inventory!
Meanwhile, I can see how it might not bother some folks that the map gets hidden behind any other window you open. If it doesn't bother everyone or not everyone has even noticed it (?!?), then good on them. But, it does bother me, which is why I started this thread. It's okay if there's no alternative, but I thought I would at least ask.
Modifié par MrZork, 31 octobre 2010 - 01:50 .
#9
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 03:37
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
You know, you could have just said, "Guys, I am one of those guys that must ALWAYS look at maps! Even when I brush my teeth, nevermind, checking through my back pack, sorting my spells, or reading a journal, if my MAP isnt there I FREAK OUT!" Then, maybe we would understand!
The problem i think is, this game is from 2002, when technology was young! I honestly cant say that there would be a mod for this as most of us do one task at a time! You MAY have to live with it, unless someone else like you comes by with the answer. Good luck
The problem i think is, this game is from 2002, when technology was young! I honestly cant say that there would be a mod for this as most of us do one task at a time! You MAY have to live with it, unless someone else like you comes by with the answer. Good luck
#10
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 06:13
MrZork
-
- Members
- 940 messages
Hahaha. I guess it does come across as an extreme thing. But, it is, just as I said originally, a minor annoyance that occurs quite often. I can get by okay as things are, but I thought, "Why not ask in case someone has a way to make it work the way I prefer?" Then, when a couple people seemed to assume I was wanting some bizarre behavior from the GUI, I figured I hadn't been clear when I asked originally, so I tried to be more explicit.
Meanwhile, I don't know where the 'multitasking' thing came from. Frankly, the desire for the map to behave like the other windows derives from the opposite. I leave the map up all the time, not because I check the map constantly, but because I am trying to avoid needing to do another thing on the occasions when I want to glance at the map. There is plenty of room for it on the screen without obstructing
gameplay, so why not? An analogous situation might be driving some car in which turning on the headlights hides the instrument panel: I don't spend much time looking at the speedometer, but I'd be annoyed if, when I did want to glance at it, it wasn't where it was when I last saw it.
Anyway, as I expected, it looks like there isn't a way to change the way other windows hide the map. That's fine.
Meanwhile, I don't know where the 'multitasking' thing came from. Frankly, the desire for the map to behave like the other windows derives from the opposite. I leave the map up all the time, not because I check the map constantly, but because I am trying to avoid needing to do another thing on the occasions when I want to glance at the map. There is plenty of room for it on the screen without obstructing
gameplay, so why not? An analogous situation might be driving some car in which turning on the headlights hides the instrument panel: I don't spend much time looking at the speedometer, but I'd be annoyed if, when I did want to glance at it, it wasn't where it was when I last saw it.
Anyway, as I expected, it looks like there isn't a way to change the way other windows hide the map. That's fine.
Modifié par MrZork, 31 octobre 2010 - 06:22 .
#11
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 08:48
Tyndrel
-
- Members
- 185 messages
Once you have your inventory open then click the map button and it will appear in one of the empty spaces though you will have to repeat this process if you open another window.
This is a minor annoyance as a player but it can a little tedious as a DM because the map is used to quickly move around and therefore becomes more important. The ability to drag maps (et al) to a location of your choice would be nice but, sadly, we're about eight years too late for that.
This is a minor annoyance as a player but it can a little tedious as a DM because the map is used to quickly move around and therefore becomes more important. The ability to drag maps (et al) to a location of your choice would be nice but, sadly, we're about eight years too late for that.
#12
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 09:02
HipMaestro
-
- Members
- 1 515 messages
Another thing you might try to eliminate the need for panic fumbling is to just do better recon. Use Imp Invis (or Greater Sanctuary if you were clever enough to multi with cleric or a UMD class), scout the turf, determine what's needed and then come back to a safe spot and fumble to your heart's content in total safety. BTW, thanks for the ASCII art. We don't get to see much of that anymore on these high-tech forums nowadays! 
#13
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 06:09
BelgarathMTH
-
- Members
- 1 008 messages
I just realized after reading this that I have encountered the same annoyance without ever remarking on it. The problem is that the map window closes itself after it gets overriden, and you have to push the little button over on the right or "m" to get it open again.
It's not that I look at it all the time, but if I am needing to retreat in a hurry and I all of a sudden realize that the map isn't there, or if I'm treading a long distance back through cleared territory (come on game-writers and dm's, providing courtesy teleports at the ends of dungeons does NOT break player immersion), it does get annoying to have to go hunting for that button and re-clicking it all the time.
It's not that I look at it all the time, but if I am needing to retreat in a hurry and I all of a sudden realize that the map isn't there, or if I'm treading a long distance back through cleared territory (come on game-writers and dm's, providing courtesy teleports at the ends of dungeons does NOT break player immersion), it does get annoying to have to go hunting for that button and re-clicking it all the time.
#14
Posté 31 octobre 2010 - 10:10
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
BelgarathMTH wrote...
... but if I am needing to retreat in a hurry and I all of a sudden realize that the map isn't there, or if I'm treading a long distance back through cleared territory (come on game-writers and dm's, providing courtesy teleports at the ends of dungeons does NOT break player immersion), it does get annoying to have to go hunting for that button and re-clicking it all the time.
Again, your problem is RUNNING from a tough fight. And play pw's where the "cleared" areas respawn. And to locate the "M" key, really? Take a typing course of the internet! LOL I am getting the feeling that mods are the worst thing for developing a player it seems. All I read is that you guys have WAY to much time on your hands to worry about the parts of the game that those who actually play the game have no time for cuz they are too busy playing!
The very first things you learn (if you are on a good server) is, DONT go into a place too fast UNLESS you know the area or have a guide cuz it can get ugly fast. The second thing you learn is, if you do get over your head, DIE like a man! Running is for real life, not for a respawning (reloading) game (esp in sp with pausing).
Now, lets get on to talking about some real tragic flaws in nwn, like why did they change Divine power to work like it does now, when it was better than perfect in 1.67? OR How can we play a Bard/Dwarf defender/arcane archer on ANY pw? Stuff like that!
#15
Posté 01 novembre 2010 - 12:59
BelgarathMTH
-
- Members
- 1 008 messages
<raises eyebrow, places tongue in cheek, and smiles at avado> It's just a little thing about the map, dear friend. Let people have their pet peeves.
I think you have a great sense of humor. But I laughed the hardest at Mr. Zork's comment about us spellcaster types occasionally running into situations where "standing and fighting" is equivalent to "getting measured for a coffin". <chuckles again at Mr. Zork's zinger>
I think you have a great sense of humor. But I laughed the hardest at Mr. Zork's comment about us spellcaster types occasionally running into situations where "standing and fighting" is equivalent to "getting measured for a coffin". <chuckles again at Mr. Zork's zinger>
#16
Posté 01 novembre 2010 - 02:20
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
ROFLMAO! It is because you think I am joking that you "run" from tough fights! My advice was dead on. There is so much truth to having the mindset of NEVER backing an inch. It is what separates, literally, the man from the boys.
Oh, and ask around. I dont have much of a sense of humor
Oh, and ask around. I dont have much of a sense of humor
#17
Posté 01 novembre 2010 - 04:45
HipMaestro
-
- Members
- 1 515 messages
Yes. I will vouch for that... the operative word being "sense".
#18
Posté 01 novembre 2010 - 03:23
Shia Luck
-
- Members
- 953 messages
*laughing* ... Seconded
Actually Mr Zork and BelgarathMTH, you aren't alone. I wish the silly map would not require me to press m everytime I open my inventory as well. Even with a sorcerer's spell selection, you don't have quickslots to spare for items etc, so the inventory does have to be opened in fights sometimes.
Oh, and I've never crashed into a wall yet. Sorting your inventory while running just isn't as dangerous as in real life. If you have an auto follow tool then even better. (of course using the auto follow tool means opening the inventory etc etc, and if you want to know where you're going, the map'd be nice about now. )
In Good vs Evil III, which I play quite a bit, the map pins are shrines you need to control and hovering over them tells you which army controls which shrine, so you need it open most of the time for a strategic view.
It is a small thing, but it'd be nice to have. Unfortunately, I;ve never heard of anything like it.
Have fun
Actually Mr Zork and BelgarathMTH, you aren't alone. I wish the silly map would not require me to press m everytime I open my inventory as well. Even with a sorcerer's spell selection, you don't have quickslots to spare for items etc, so the inventory does have to be opened in fights sometimes.
Oh, and I've never crashed into a wall yet. Sorting your inventory while running just isn't as dangerous as in real life. If you have an auto follow tool then even better. (of course using the auto follow tool means opening the inventory etc etc, and if you want to know where you're going, the map'd be nice about now.
)In Good vs Evil III, which I play quite a bit, the map pins are shrines you need to control and hovering over them tells you which army controls which shrine, so you need it open most of the time for a strategic view.
It is a small thing, but it'd be nice to have. Unfortunately, I;ve never heard of anything like it.
Have fun
#19
Posté 02 novembre 2010 - 03:49
HipMaestro
-
- Members
- 1 515 messages
Shia Luck wrote...
Sorting your inventory while running just isn't as dangerous as in real life.
Oh yeah? I'm betting you've checked your eyeliner in that little mirror behind the sunvisor more than once while in traffic.
0 :-)
Modifié par HipMaestro, 02 novembre 2010 - 03:49 .
#20
Posté 02 novembre 2010 - 07:35
Skildron
-
- Members
- 231 messages
HipMaestro wrote...
Shia Luck wrote...
Sorting your inventory while running just isn't as dangerous as in real life.
Oh yeah? I'm betting you've checked your eyeliner in that little mirror behind the sunvisor more than once while in traffic.
0 :-)
Is there even a mirror behind the sunvisor on the drivers side? I'm from Germany and I don't know any car sold here that has one of those. That little mirror is only on the passengers side, probably to avoid the temptation of checking ones eyeliner or such while driving.
And regarding the blocked map: I find that annoying, too, but as I mostly play SP, I can live with using the spacebar every now and then to pause the game and reorder everything I need.
Greetings
Skildron
Modifié par Skildron, 02 novembre 2010 - 07:38 .
#21
Posté 02 novembre 2010 - 07:20
avado
-
- Members
- 211 messages
You cant listen to Hip or Shia about my "sense"...
Now, on to important business!!
I call to order the FIRST official meeting of "Let's whine about facing TOUGH monsters and running from them" fellowship. Im the one sitting in the corner praying that you all come to your senses!
(and people think I just like clerics... I dont. I dont even like nwn. its just a calling )
Now, on to important business!!
I call to order the FIRST official meeting of "Let's whine about facing TOUGH monsters and running from them" fellowship. Im the one sitting in the corner praying that you all come to your senses!
(and people think I just like clerics... I dont. I dont even like nwn. its just a calling
)
#22
Posté 02 novembre 2010 - 08:23
BelgarathMTH
-
- Members
- 1 008 messages
Actually, I think we were discussing whether it is possible to make the map window stay open in the interface. The short answer, it turns out, is no.
Then I chimed in and said, more or less, "oh yeah, I wouldn't mind having that map window stay open." I guess I chose bad examples to go with my opinion. I was really just trying to agree with the OP and have a bit of a sense of humor about it. I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers.
BTW, to the OP, I think the way you used the enter key and just a few keys on your keyboard to create those concise, clear diagrams to illustrate and clarify your question was quite creative. That was a really cool use of the keyboard.
Then I chimed in and said, more or less, "oh yeah, I wouldn't mind having that map window stay open." I guess I chose bad examples to go with my opinion. I was really just trying to agree with the OP and have a bit of a sense of humor about it. I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers.
BTW, to the OP, I think the way you used the enter key and just a few keys on your keyboard to create those concise, clear diagrams to illustrate and clarify your question was quite creative. That was a really cool use of the keyboard.
#23
Posté 06 novembre 2010 - 03:56
Shia Luck
-
- Members
- 953 messages
Skildron wrote...
Is there even a mirror behind the sunvisor on the drivers side? I'm from Germany and I don't know any car sold here that has one of those. That little mirror is only on the passengers side,...HipMaestro wrote...
Shia Luck wrote...
Sorting your inventory while running just isn't as dangerous as in real life.
Oh yeah? I'm betting you've checked your eyeliner in that little mirror behind the sunvisor more than once while in traffic.
0 :-)
No they don't have mirrors on driver sunvisors anywhere I've been in Europe, but why do you need one? That's what the big mirror in the middle of the car is for, no? :innocent:
Have fun
Modifié par Shia Luck, 06 novembre 2010 - 03:58 .
