Player is not prompted to unbutton to trigger a reload when using externally mounted machine-guns

[Colin Basnett]

Ideally, we could display a hint (one-time) that tells the player that externally mounted vehicle machine-guns require you to expose in order to reload.

Perhaps on top of that, have the reload button (R) expose them as well so that people who didn't read the prompt can hit the key that makes the most sense and accidentally discover what they actually need to do in order to reload.

[Matt Hands]

One time hints not a problem, probably on MG entry.

Good idea about the reload key. Easy to implement and triggered from client function, which hints need to be, where most of the reload stuff happens on the server so hints/messages become tricky.

Will push something in next few days. Got rid of some other stuff now.

[Matt Hands]

I've implemented this and I think it works pretty well (not committed yet). Problem is I've found a couple of bugs in the hint manager system - one minor, one pretty fundamental. Will log as separate issues. I've traced the whole hint manager system and believe I have full understanding of it, with both bugs solved. Am testing all this now before committing any hint fixes or MG reload hints. Just dropping in a quick update.

[Matt Hands]

Call me a prude, but Basnett's proposal of giving innocent DHPlayers hints to "expose themselves" if they want things in the game to work, just didn't sit comfortably with me ! :D

Also referred to externally mounted MGs rather than specifically to remote MGs. Same or very similar issue with external MG on early StuG.

[Matt Hands]

Implemented in commit 865c002.

Hint on entering remote MG on StuH or late StuG: "Remote controlled MG - This external machine gun is remote controlled from inside the vehicle. You can only fire it from inside the vehicle, but you must unbutton the hatch to reload".

Hint on entering external MG on early StuG: "Externally mounted MG - This machine gun is externally mounted and can only be fired or reloaded if you unbutton the hatch".

Hint on running out of ammo while firing remote MG: "Externally mounted MG reload - You need to unbutton the hatch to reload this externally mounted machine gun".

Hint on buttoning up in middle of reload on either StuG or StuH MG: "Externally mounted MG reload - you need to unbutton the hatch to continue reloading this externally mounted machine gun".

Red screen message on pressing reload key on either StuG or StuH when MG is out of ammo & player has to unbutton to start or resume reload: ""You must unbutton the hatch [MOUSEWHEEEL UP] to reload".