FLIR, Smoke & Operation Corridors
- Tom Belous (The Lanky Soldier)
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Episode 9: FLIR, Smoke & Operation Corridors
Released on September 6, 2015
Length: 1 hour & 29min
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Map Updates and Releases
Graveyard Shift (Night Zavod): Released for retail except for PlayStation EU; community reactions discussed.
Map Preferences: Zavid is a fan-favorite based on surveys; discussion on infantry vs vehicle-heavy maps.
Map Scaling: Zavod Night is the smallest and least demanding; fit for Gen 3 consoles.
Issues with Rush Mode: Rush gameplay less enjoyable on Zavod; compared unfavorably to BF3.
2. Summer Patch & Netcode Improvements
Summer Patch Deployment: Now in retail after long CTE testing.
Netcode Performance: 30Hz servers praised for best infantry netcode to date.
Platform Disparities: Xbox 360 reported worse issues; PS3 performance still passable.
Dusting Issue: Jet hit detection (dusting) is broken; hitboxes may be lagging behind visual models.
Client vs Server Theories: Hypotheses debated—issue may be on the server side; discussed patch cycles and server infrastructure.
3. Future Patch & Content Predictions
Autumn Patch: Expected to include the Community Map.
Dragon Valley: Possibly coming in holiday/Christmas patch.
Night Maps (Shanghai & Golmud): No confirmed release timeline; possibly staggered.
Content Strategy: Debate over whether releasing maps monthly would keep player base engaged amid AAA title competition.
Server Rotation Concerns: Worries about integration of new maps into vanilla rotation; potential issues with missing DLCs and server accessibility.
4. CTE Updates and Gameplay Modes
Rush on Community Map:
Reported as broken; attacker bias and spawn-related bugs (e.g., defenders instantly out-of-bounds).
Layout fails to provide balanced gameplay despite using community-suggested designs.
Chain Link Mode on Community Map:
Highly praised; flanking options and map flow make it enjoyable.
Provides new assignment opportunities for players struggling to find Chain Link servers.
Mini-map Enhancements from Hardline:
Vertical positioning indicators and visible cap zones added.
Squad leader replacement feature added (inactive leaders auto-demoted).
5. Gameplay Balance Debate: FLIR + Smoke Combo Controversy
Background: A YouTuber criticized the smoke and infrared (FLIR/IRNV) combo for being overpowered.
Nerf Details: FLIR/IRNV can now only see through smoke at close range (~20 meters).
Community Reaction:
Divided: Some support nerf due to perceived abuse on Metro and Locker; others defend tactical value.
Many argue it's a niche tactic being over-punished due to vocal minority.
Suggested balance alternatives: client-side visibility tweaks, limited grenade resupply, or server-based restrictions.
Critique of YouTube Influence: Frustration expressed over developers reacting to influencer complaints rather than broad community feedback.
Call for Custom Servers: Suggestion for players to join or create servers with restricted or unrestricted use of FLIR/smoke based on preference.
