However, I haven't got a clue where to start, or if this sort of thing would even be required or requested here. I have a few topics in mind that I think would be quite interesting/useful to document, for example:
Are there any topics that might be of interest? Or am I about to waste my time here? I do think that keeping my musings on skill development in one thread/document might benefit the community as a whole, rather than having notes spread out across the quite substantial forum index.For Technical Manual topics, Icarus wrote:
- System Knowledge {ver0.01}
- basic weapon types, and fundamental uses
- what is rank, how it affects gameplay, examples, and manipulation tricks
- basic scoring systems, and ideas for utilising them to best effect
- advanced manipulation concepts
- Bullet Pattern Studies
- basic pattern behavior, and how to spot them in all situations
- manipulation and control
- the concept of simplification, or "filtering out the noise in the most complex patterns"
- timing and telegraphed attacks: what to look out for, how to use them
- Stage Mastery
- threat recognition
- controlled destruction: using stalling, screenwipes, environmental hazards, and enemy quirks to your advantage
- things to know about endless and randomised games
- Skill Development
- best practices for viewing the playing area
- ways to develop motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination: in-game
- ways to develop motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination: out-of-game
- Practice Methods and Expert Mentality {ver0.20}
- best practices for setting attainable goals
- observe, hypothesise, experiment, refine
- breaking problems into pieces
- creativity
- recovery and improvisation
- breaking past "the wall" and staying motivated
- being competitive and cultivating competition
- thoughts on the need to develop a simple game plan
- Expanding Horizons
- playing games outside of your comfort zone: variety is the spice of life
- Examples of games I've played and used over the years to develop my own skills, and a little story of my own development
However, despite my reputation around here, I'm not exactly what you'd call an expert (I'll leave that to the many players that can score better than me in many, many games), but I have knowledge and experience in shooting games that I don't mind sharing if there's sufficient demand for it. Also, are there any peeps that might want to participate in the development of the manual?
Also, disclaimer: knowing how long it takes for me to put together an ST, this would be a very long work-in-progress. You have been warned. ^_-