Customizing solider details (apperance, name, country, sex)

[TheColonel]

Callsign isn't a name.

Also, callsign is not displayed everywhere. (it sure would be nice if it were displayed over the soldier in tactical combat, like in JA2)

And also, a lot of my friends and family don't have any nicknames.

So how can I re-crete my frinds of family without it?

Sure, I can play pretend that that big black guy from 'murica is actually my friend Angela for Italy, but that's just not it.

And how else do we send soldiers named for our most hated enemies to scout point without any equipment?

[GoodGuyEddy]

There's a difference between it being hard-coded and being able to switch the portrait, name etc upon recruiting a soldier

Why would you give your soldiers a free sex change or a facelift? Don't they have better things to do? Like going to the gym to keep their physical performance in tip top shape?

[ElTee]

Why would you give your soldiers a free sex change or a facelift? Don't they have better things to do? Like going to the gym to keep their physical performance in tip top shape?

Huh? That isn't really a response to what I said so I don't know why you're quoting me.

It's a game. A lot of us want to customize our soldiers because it's fun to put people we know in the game. I'm surprised you'd make an argument like that since you've said something along the lines of "Fun>Realism" in the past.

[Gorlom]

Traditionally such things are described as first name "nickname" last name, you are interpreting things far too literally. Also I sincerely hope you are just playing devils advocate, your resistance has no clear logic and you simply espouse the creation of a self concocted fantasy to satisfy my desire for a feature that is either there or isn't. People will want the ability to name their soldiers, some wont care. Why are you so against it?

I must ask have you played the game so you see how the callsign name change works?

Also Shuichi Niwa is correct. I'm not against it. (I thought one of my previous post in this thread made that clear? )

If he supports nameable soldiers I am sure he will/would say as much. He hasn't though, and has suggested compromise. That gives the impression of a negative stance.

You've quoted me saying literally "I'm not asking because I'm against letting people change the "real name"." and "I think that their names should be editable."

Your comment about me not saying anything baffles me.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gorlom

[ElTee]

I don't think it's enough, partly because I'd rather reserve callsigns for nicknames/actual callsigns, and not being a proxy to have a soldier renamed. I'm well aware of what Callsigns do, but I don't think that's enough, and since this is a subjective matter, you're not going to change anyones mind.

[Gorlom]

I don't think it's enough, partly because I'd rather reserve callsigns for nicknames/actual callsigns, and not being a proxy to have a soldier renamed. I'm well aware of what Callsigns do, but I don't think that's enough, and since this is a subjective matter, you're not going to change anyone's mind.

Not trying to change your mind mate. I'm trying to understand why it's not enough. when your explanation why it isn't enough doesn't explain it to me, I challenge you so that you will elaborate in the hopes that I may understand it.

Trashman for example says that many of his friends and family doesn't have nicknames so he can't use he callsign for their real name instead. This just doesn't make sense to me. If they don't have nicknames why not use their real names the one place you can change?

Trashman: you said that the callsign isn't displayed "everywhere else" because it's not displayed above the character on the ground battle. Is the real name displayed there in it's place? I think you are talking about something completely different than I am.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gorlom

[Shuichi Niwa]

Wel, for me I don't want to have my name as the callsign and then saw the real name in the barracks. I would feel like such a poser and ruin my feelings.

And beside, having my name, and then a callsign too is way too cool to give up. Shuichi "Robocock" Niwa or something like that...

Oops I meant "Robocop" sorry typo ~

[TrashMan]

The game mostly displays their name, not the nickname. The after-action report? No nicknames.

This would be nice (I addd the nicknames in red)

And I said the nuickname over the soldier would be a nice ADDITION.

And like I said, name and nickname are not the same.

If I want to put my best friend Mark Ruffalo in my team, and hte game doesn't let me change anything other than a nickname..it's not him. Mark isn't named Kristoff Gtotenbecker. He doesn't have blond hair or facial hair. He's not from Norway.

It's just that dissconect - every time you see the solders full name and picture.

[Gorlom]

The game mostly displays their name, not the nickname. The after-action report? No nicknames.

This would be nice (I addd the nicknames in red)

And I said the nuickname over the soldier would be a nice ADDITION.

And like I said, name and nickname are not the same.

If I want to put my best friend Mark Ruffalo in my team, and hte game doesn't let me change anything other than a nickname..it's not him. Mark isn't named Kristoff Gtotenbecker. He doesn't have blond hair or facial hair. He's not from Norway.

It's just that dissconect - every time you see the solders full name and picture.

Ah yes, the after action report shows "real name" (I thought you were talking about something else) which is rather confusing and makes it hard to know which soldier is which.

I have as mentioned assumed that this would be changed to show the callsign instead of the "real name" because that makes more sense to me. In the assignment tab and inside ground battles you only see the callsign so the real name doesn't make any sense in the After Action Report (at least not without the callsign as well).

[ElTee]

Not trying to change your mind mate. I'm trying to understand why it's not enough. when your explanation why it isn't enough doesn't explain it to me, I challenge you so that you will elaborate in the hopes that I may understand it.

Trashman for example says that many of his friends and family doesn't have nicknames so he can't use he callsign for their real name instead. This just doesn't make sense to me. If they don't have nicknames why not use their real names the one place you can change?

Trashman: you said that the callsign isn't displayed "everywhere else" because it's not displayed above the character on the ground battle. Is the real name displayed there in it's place? I think you are talking about something completely different than I am.

I already said why. Let me re-state it: I'd rather reserve callsigns for nicknames/actual callsigns, and not being a proxy to have a soldier renamed.

Getting rid of names showing...I don't get this line of reasoning at all. So you'd rather just get rid of names entirely? Names would just be the thing that'd show before you assign a callsign? That's really silly. At that point you don't really have 'callsigns' anymore since they'd be the names. Thus you advocate, in the practical sense, removing callsigns/nick names.

And like I said, it's pointless explaining why, let alone arguing against it. People want it because they do and they're not 'wrong' for wanting it.

Edited October 16, 2012 by ElTee

[Gorlom]

I already said why. Let me re-state it: I'd rather reserve callsigns for nicknames/actual callsigns, and not being a proxy to have a soldier renamed.[/Quote]

Too bad that is a rather elegant solution to the problem otherwise.

But you are free to do as you wish (assuming Chris allows it)

Getting rid of names showing...I don't get this line of reasoning at all. So you'd rather just get rid of names entirely? Names would just be the thing that'd show before you assign a callsign? At that point you don't really have 'callsigns' anymore since they'd be the names. Thus you advocate, in the practical sense, removing callsigns/nick names.

Yes

why would you need name and callsign to be truly separated? couldn't you just use the format (that I've seen a few times in this thread already) with the nickname interjected between the first and last name in the name/callsign field? Isn't that how you did it in the old game?

well each to his own I guess.

And like I said, it's pointless explaining why, let alone arguing against it. People want it because they do and they're not 'wrong' for wanting it.

I'm not arguing against it. I'm trying to come up with alternatives that might be satisfying for some people, and to have those that are not satisfied to properly explain the problem for those of us that doesn't understand what the deal is. Just because you think it is clear as day doesn't mean I see it. I've chosen to be a bit "provocative" in my approach by suggesting alternatives, instead of just repeating "can you elaborate further". which I expect would have been just as frustrating and not given me any answers.

I've never said they are wrong for wanting it, nor do I think it is pointless to explain why.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gorlom

[LesserAngel]

Well, I think it would be for the best if they did add the ability to change the soldier's name, unless it's not possible from a programming standpoint (for whatever reason). As for nicknames, just insert them into the name itself, I.E. Bob "Come on down!" Barker... Horrible example, I know. I just see no reason NOT to allow it.

[Gorlom]

Well, I think it would be for the best if they did add the ability to change the soldier's name, unless it's not possible from a programming standpoint (for whatever reason). As for nicknames, just insert them into the name itself, I.E. Bob "Come on down!" Barker... Horrible example, I know. I just see no reason NOT to allow it.

The ability to change the (nick)name is already in the game so it is possible.

[LesserAngel]

The ability to change the (nick)name is already in the game so it is possible.

Ah yes, my apologies, just tried it out myself, since it says 'Change Callsign' instead of 'change name' I was a little confused... So feel free to ignore me. >.>

EDIT: Though it doesn't allow quotation marks, which makes adding in nicknames a little bizarre looking. And the 20 character limit could end up being problematic as well (Poor Bob Barker can't use his nickname.)

So, the problem now is, that the original name stays in the soldiers combat record, which is a little bizzare if you want you soldiers named after certain people. It's not a huge deal, but it's still a little iffy.

Edited October 16, 2012 by LesserAngel
Additional information

[ElTee]

Too bad that is a rather elegant solution to the problem otherwise.

But you are free to do as you wish (assuming Chris allows it)

Yes

why would you need name and callsign to be truly separated? couldn't you just use the format (that I've seen a few times in this thread already) with the nickname interjected between the first and last name in the name/callsign field? Isn't that how you did it in the old game?

well each to his own I guess.

I'm not arguing against it. I'm trying to come up with alternatives that might be satisfying for some people, and to have those that are not satisfied to properly explain the problem for those of us that doesn't understand what the deal is. Just because you think it is clear as day doesn't mean I see it. I've chosen to be a bit "provocative" in my approach by suggesting alternatives, instead of just repeating "can you elaborate further". which I expect would have been just as frustrating and not given me any answers.

I've never said they are wrong for wanting it, nor do I think it is pointless to explain why.

There's actually a character limit to Callsigns. so you can't really have a First Name, Nickname and Surname using just Callsign.

I think we've all elaborated on why we prefer [X]. I said why at least twice and I do not want to repeat what other people said. It's really a matter of opinion. If you ask 'why?' enough it gets to the point of "I already said why" or "Because I just do".

[Gorlom]

There's actually a character limit to Callsigns. so you can't really have a First Name, Nickname and Surname using just Callsign.

I did not recall that limitation. we/me/someone should probably request an extension or something to the callsign then.

would it be a workable solution for you if the character limit was higher and the "real name" stopped being shown, or would you want the callsign and the name to be 2 separate fields?

I think we've all elaborated on why we prefer [X]. I said why at least twice and I do not want to repeat what other people said. By raising points where we'd have to defend our opinion or suggesting alternatives that some of us clearly don't want, you are arguing against us. It's really a matter of opinion. If you ask 'why?' enough it gets to the point of "I already said why" or "Because I just do".

Some things are unclear to me. such as what solutions are unwanted and what are simply oversights. (such as Lesser angel being unsure whether you can change anything at all). I keep asking until I get a clear picture. This is not to offend or belittle you in any way. Technically it would/should benefit you to state and defend your opinion and give an as clear explanation as possible should Chris read this thread. or am I mistaken in that part?

I'm not sure we have reached the point where "Because I just do" is the only answer yet. But if/when we have there is no point in continuing.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gorlom

[ElTee]

The limitation is definitely there. Before roles, I tried making the callsign "Designated Marksman", but it wouldn't fit. "Desig Marksman" did fit, however.

[TrashMan]

Too bad that is a rather elegant solution to the problem otherwise.

Eh? There's nothing elegant about it.

why would you need name and callsign to be truly separated? couldn't you just use the format (that I've seen a few times in this thread already) with the nickname interjected between the first and last name in the name/callsign field? Isn't that how you did it in the old game?

For smiplicity sake.

Long name + long nickname + long lastname? Hell no.

In JA2 you had all dispalayd like that in the Personell info pannel. Name "Nickname" Lastname.

In missions you just had a nickname for simplicity and UI sake.

EDIT:

Honestly Gorlom, you are really coming across as just utterly bored an nitpicking for nitpicks sake.

[HWP]

The limitation is definitely there. Before roles, I tried making the callsign "Designated Marksman", but it wouldn't fit. "Desig Marksman" did fit, however.

Well, you can make one-word callsigns.

For large squads use short names with role-based first letter.

E.g., marksmen - Mark, Matthew, Molly, or McAnything.

[ElTee]

I'd have to agree with Trashman about Gorlorm.

Well, you can make one-word callsigns.

For large squads use short names with role-based first letter.

E.g., marksmen - Mark, Matthew, Molly, or McAnything.

It's funny since the post you quoted showed I already knew that. How about I bold it out, since there's been five pages of people making posts like "Well you can use callsigns".

This still doesn't change the fact some of us want to be able to have name, face and nation changes. Callsigns aren't enough and are not an adequate substitute for this. If you want to know why, start from page one of the thread.

Didn't mean to sound like an ass, but seriously. I don't want to have to repeat myself every time.

[Gorlom]

It's funny since the post you quoted showed I already knew that.

[...]

Didn't mean to sound like an ass, but seriously. I don't want to have to repeat myself every time.

o.0 where? where does your post indicate that you thought of using the call sign in such a manner as described by hwp? Eltee, maybe you should start repeating yourself. maybe then you can clue us (those of us that aren't mind readers) in on your entire trail of thought, because you seem to be skipping things at times.

If you want to know why, start from page one of the thread.

If you can't elaborate anymore that's fine and dandy. Your opinion isn't being attacked. I'm trying to understand it. and rereading what has already been posted doesn't help. It's not enough to let me see your point of view.

That you can't elaborate more doesn't mean that others can't. You could always let others answer instead of feeling forced to reply. It's possible that they don't have the same reasons as you or could be helped by a discussion.

Honestly Gorlom, you are really coming across as just utterly bored an nitpicking for nitpicks sake.

I'd have to agree with Trashman about Gorlorm.

I'm sorry to hear that but I assure you I'm doing this with the best of intention: trying to help people. I'm not saying or argueing that you shouldn't be allowed to change names, home country, pictures. If you think that you have misunderstood me.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Gorlom

[HWP]

It's funny since the post you quoted showed I already knew that. How about I bold it out, since there's been five pages of people making posts like "Well you can use callsigns".

That's not what I said. I said that an efficient way to designate multiple specialists on your roster is to give them short callsigns where the first letter marks their role.

This still doesn't change the fact some of us want to be able to have name, face and nation changes. Callsigns aren't enough and are not an adequate substitute for this. If you want to know why, start from page one of the thread.

I know why it's cool to be able to have these changes, and I've been lurking since page one. You didn't explain why it's necessary from a gameplay point of view, though. I'm not against this feature, I just think it's cosmetic.

[Chris]

The term "Callsign" is just put in the game because I didn't think it was particularly realistic to add an option to literally change the name of your soldiers. Seemed a bit immersion-breaking to me. To all purposes and effects, it should rename the soldier everywhere in the game except for the tiny writing above his stats on the Soldier Equip screen. If the Callsign doesn't overwrite the name somewhere, then it's a bug and should be reported as such.

There's no functionality for adding a nickname to your soldier, like James "Bond" Smith. We simply don't have the UI space to be dealing with that as well as the soldier name. Just call your soldier what you want him to be called using the Callsign function and problem solved.

As for changing the soldier portrait and genders etc - I'm not convinced it's a good idea. Really, you're meant to make do with what the game gives you; which is why it was a special Kickstarter tier to be able to have a soldier just like you appear in the game at will. I don't think we're going to change that. I'm not being difficult for financial reasons (though they'd also stop me saying yes), I've always thought that and that's why we charged a lot to let people break the immersion a little and get themselves in the game via Kickstarter.

I guess you can use the Force Soldier option to find people that look a bit like the people you want in your LP and you can make the game spawn them in the starting squad, though.

[ElTee]

Any chance of increasing the character limit, then? To say, 20ish? Lots of non-anglo names won't fit.

Actually. It seems that from V15.1 to V16 you did increase it. Seems like the character limit is fine, although I am curious if it can be increased

[Jean-Luc]

I don't understand why this warrants so much circular discussion. Personalizing your soldiers via naming them is a big part of X-Com and even if the callsign bar had enough room for a full name and last name (which it often doesn't), having some "other name" intrude on you looks awkward, breaks immersion and sullies the act of making the soldiers truly your own.

It has nothing to do with gameplay (why should it?) and it doesn't matter if the "other name" is only visible on the personnel screen (and the end mission screen) or wherever, it's a thorn in one's mind. You either end up with two names or an unchangeable name and a customizable nick and neither is very good.

I don't care about changing nationalities and such and I pretty much always stick with the randomly assigned names but it's obvious to me why one would have a problem with this.

Edit: Ah, ninja'd.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Jean-Luc