Linedef Action 53 - Floor Start Moving Up and Down

[40oz]

Is there any way to control this action? I was hoping to create some kind of jumping puzzle with it so I created a test map, but it seems every time I cross the line that starts the action, the floors have different behavior every time i run the map. Some times the floors start moving down immediately, others it waits a second, then starts. Is there anything I can do about that or is that just the way the game works?

I'm using boom format btw

[RjY]

The initial direction in which to move is chosen randomly when the line is activated; unfortunately there is no way to control it as far as I am aware.

[Gez]

      case perpetualRaise:
        plat->speed = PLATSPEED;
        plat->low = P_FindLowestFloorSurrounding(sec);

        if (plat->low > sec->floorheight)
          plat->low = sec->floorheight;

        plat->high = P_FindHighestFloorSurrounding(sec);

        if (plat->high < sec->floorheight)
          plat->high = sec->floorheight;

        plat->wait = 35*PLATWAIT;
        plat->status = P_Random(pr_plats)&1;

        S_StartSound((mobj_t *)&sec->soundorg,sfx_pstart);
        break;

The relevant line being "plat->status = P_Random(pr_plats)&1;", which means that it is indeed completely random.

[Use]

Looks like it's voodoo dolls and dummy sectors for you!

[Phobus]

Could even step outside your comfort zone and learn a little ACS to make the process easier :)

[printz]

which means that it is indeed completely random.

Completely random? Does it mean that it can be used for some voodoo engineering of randomness?

[esselfortium]

printz said:

Completely random? Does it mean that it can be used for some voodoo engineering of randomness?

I guess you might be able to do something with looping walkover triggers to start and stop them to make them pick a random direction again, but I'm not sure how usable such slow movement would be for voodoo doll logic.

[Memfis]

printz said:

Completely random? Does it mean that it can be used for some voodoo engineering of randomness?

Yes. Check out grid32.wad map04: there is 4 red keys but only one is accessible, and it might be any of them.

[traversd]

I recall in another something about there really only being 255 intervals internally for said random calculations correct? Does this apply here too?

Also re: random and voodoo dolls. Search for a thread by Earthquake regarding random teleports. He ended up with a really good example I thought. The same logic can be applied to do other things such as (seemingly) random linedef actions or to place items in different locations in a map with each play-though*

*may incite violence from fellow doomers.

[Phml]

or to place items in different locations in a map with each play-though*

Hmm, you know, done with caution that could be pretty interesting. I could see slightly moving weapon/ammo/health position, or even a select few monsters, making each playthrough a bit different. Thanks.