Add button for zoom

[fr1tz]

Because the mouse wheel still doesn't work in the Linux version, Linux-users are unable to zoom, putting them at a disadvantage. Adding the option to activate zoom by holding a keyboard or mouse button could help lessening that disadvantage until it's completely gone by way of issue #24 having been fixed.

[poVoq]

would be better if the zoom is toggled, i.e. one button press activates the zoom, another for deactivating it. Having to press the button all the time makes it difficult to move or aim.

[fr1tz]

Ideally both options should be available IMHO.

[ghost]

An approach with less control but more usability would be to make the sniper gun automatically zoom during its loading phase.

[fr1tz]

There are many situation where you don't want to be zoomed in when using the sniper rifle, so I seriously doubt that approach would increase useability ;)

[ghost]

You'd still be in control of the zoom state. It should just be coupled to "loading up" the gun.

We shouldn't generally be afraid to trim the number of choices when there is a benefit exceeding the restriction. The reasons think it might be the case here is:

• Using one less button/wheel during a fight frees up your mind and fingers for other things that might be more important or more fun.
• the gun is easier to handle for beginners
• the restriction to almost not be able to sniper at close range save less skilled players from skilled/low ping snipers

[fr1tz]

Well... skill is kind of a big thing for TOL ;) Implicit in your points is the idea of restricting zooming to the sniper rifle, correct?

[poVoq]

Is there really a usecase for (strong) zoom with other weapons? They even seem to be even range limited judging by the rendered impact marks at a certain distance in the air.

P.S.: How about using left ctrl for various class specific skills? e.g. etherboard for the assault class (1) (renaming them would be cool btw), something yet to be determined for the artillery support (2), special vision enhanced zoom for the sniper class (3), and something yet to be determined for the defender class (4).