For quite some time now, I've experienced some navigational issues whilst playing the game. Other than the 'A Rocky Start' campaign, there is no way to view the full map of the level you are currently on. Because of this, I have a hard time trying to navigate my way around due to not having any visual aids to help me except the minimap. However, the Navigation app that we currently have, compared to most games that are out today, is basic and is missing features that I feel should be integral and would help me with the problems I have. While I don't know the exact priorities and roadmap of the devs and I'm certain that there are better things to enhance in the game, I still feel like this should be addressed when the game is nearing completion and when the devs start focusing more on refining the gameplay aspect. So here are some of my suggestions to fix not only the minimap, but also the navigational issues that I have: Pause Menu Map This is similar to the map function seen in the 'A Rocky Start' Campaign and the Pause Menu map in most AAA games like GTA 5. By pressing the TAB button, the game will automatically pause and a full map of the level you're in will be displayed with the following functions (some of the functions I'm going to list are already in the game): 1. Showing your current location 2. The ability to put Point of Interest markers anywhere on the map. 3. The ability to put GPS waypoints anywhere and the quickest GPS route from your current location. 4. A key/legend and icons showing all missions currently available. Hovering over the icons should expand and give a brief description. For the future career mode, icons for garages, repair/customization shops, landmarks, etc. 5. The ability to filter which activities/icons to show on the map such as different mission types, waypoints and completed/failed missions. 6. Brief stats, like how much money you have, time of day, etc 7. If street and district names are implemented, the current street, district and level you are on. 8. Ability to zoom in/out. 9. Distance scale that adjusts as you zoom in/out. 10. and more. Now if you're on a mission, there are some additional icons and messages that would be displayed on the map: 1. The objective/goals you need to complete. 2. GPS route to the designated mission destination, represented as a yellow line and circle, respectively. 3. Checkpoints will still be used in scenarios and races. The current checkpoint that you would need to reach should be marked as a large yellow circle, and the checkpoint after that would be a small darkened yellow circle. 4. Icons for NPC vehicles. 5. For chase and fleeing (enemy) AI, race opponents, target vehicles, they should be marked as red arrowheads. 6. For vehicles that have no AI, AI with random mode on, bystanders like traffic vehicles, they should be marked as green arrowheads. 7. For vehicles like friends, allies, AI that need protecting, AI that are integral to the missions, etc, they should be marked as blue arrowheads. Minimap Functions that would be part of the minimap are: 1. Showing your current location 2. A compass indicating north. 3. The option to have the minimap in a fixed/static orientation and not rotate with the player, seen in Need for Speed games such as Most Wanted 2005. 4. The GPS route you are currently on. Also, there should be an option to turn off the GPS route displayed on the road and have the GPS route only be displayed on the minimap. 5. Icons showing waypoints, Point of Interests and nearby missions currently available. For the future career mode, icons for nearby garages, repair/customization shops, landmarks, etc. 6. Ability to zoom out minimap, as seen in GTA 4 and 5. Now if you're on a mission, there are some additional icons that would be displayed on the minimap: 1. GPS route to the designated mission destination, represented as a yellow line and circle, respectively. 2. Checkpoints will still be used in scenarios and races. The current checkpoint that you would need to reach should be marked as a large yellow circle, and the checkpoint after that would be a small darkened yellow circle. 3. Icons for NPC vehicles. 4. For chase and fleeing (enemy) AI, race opponents, target vehicles, they should be marked as red arrowheads. 5. For vehicles that have no AI, AI with random mode on, bystanders like traffic vehicles, they should be marked as green arrowheads. 6. For vehicles like friends, allies, AI that need protecting, AI that are integral to the missions, etc, they should be marked as blue arrowheads. If you have some suggestions that you think should be added, discuss below.
Quickmap, On-Screen Map This is a function that I found very helpful while playing the Midnight Club games and something I would like to see added. By holding or pressing a button, this opens up a fixed orientation and transparent version of the full map in real time. The game doesn't pause when the Quickmap is opened by the way. This is essentially an enlarged minimap and retains most of its functions. As its name implies, it's useful for quickly checking and looking at the full map such as where you are and the rough whereabouts of destinations, icons, waypoints, etc, without having to pause. If you have some suggestions that you think should be added, discuss below.
