Laser Sensor/Remote Charge Defusing Overhaul
Instead of simply clicking to permanently delete a Laser Sensor, or Remote Charge, it may be better to use a QTE to both add a delay to defusing (thus adding value to sensors and charges) and provide an inherit risk to improperly defusing (both because defusing may accidentally trigger a sensor/charge and because you are vulnerable while defusing). This could be done with a specialized item (e.g., a wirecutter), but would do much better implemented as an implicit action.
As for the actual minigame itself, I can think of 4 possible outcomes, listed here in order from worst outcome to best:
- The defusing is failed and the sensor/charge triggers, signalling or detonating respectively.
- The defusing is failed, but the sensor/charge is not triggered. You may attempt defusing again.
- The defusing is successful, and the sensor/charge is permanently nonfunctional. The sensor/charge is either deleted (as is the case now) or replaced with a "fake" sensor/charge.
- The defusing is successful, and the sensor/charge is electrically disabled. The sensor/charge is given to the defusing player's inventory.
There are many possible implementations of a defusing QTE, however I believe the best method would be a simple time-based mechanic. I have 2 ideas:
- Hold down the defuse button. When you let go of the button, one of the outcomes is chosen based on time spent defusing. For example, if you release after only half a second, the charge or sensor would trigger, but if you release after 4 seconds, you would permanently destroy the charge/sensor.
- After pressing the defuse button, you have to press the defuse button again in a short time window, say after 1 second but before 1 and a half seconds. The minigame would occur a certain amount of times (e.g., 3) before defusing, and if you hit the defuse button too early or too late, the sensor/charge would trigger.
These would have the advantage of punishing you for ending defusing early. This allows situations where, say, an Intruder fails to ensure he is in the clear, and a Guard comes upon him while defusing. This causes him to accidentally trigger a charge, and thus he blows himself up.