-People are not asking for an actual LCARS recreation
All people want is for the current UI to look like LCARS. An actual starship control panel would be stupid.
-The in-game LCARS textures do not feel like Star Trek
This isn't only about the UI - the textures you see on consoles and on displays don't contribute to the Star Trek feel. I sometimes totally forget I'm supposed to be in a Federation interior sometimes because the immediately recognisable pastel displays aren't there. It's a little problem and there are more important things to focus on, but it's one of those small improvements that will have a vast global impact and help with capturing the 'more like Trek' idea.
-People are not asking for an actual LCARS recreation
All people want is for the current UI to look like LCARS. An actual starship control panel would be stupid.
-The in-game LCARS textures do not feel like Star Trek
This isn't only about the UI - the textures you see on consoles and on displays don't contribute to the Star Trek feel. I sometimes totally forget I'm supposed to be in a Federation interior sometimes because the immediately recognisable pastel displays aren't there. It's a little problem and there are more important things to focus on, but it's one of those small improvements that will have a vast global impact and help with capturing the 'more like Trek' idea.
well said! /agreed
one of the main improvements id like to see even before the colours, is the wasted space on the interface...even just reducing some of the bordering on many of the UI elements would be a good start
There are certain specific bridges that actually have some (isolated) non-blue-on-blue LCARS consoles. Though even on those, most of them are the blues. (I'm a bit fearful to actually mention them here -- they might realize they missed a few and go back and 'blue-wash' them.) But that seems to go against other colors having been 'outlawed' by CBS. Seems a strange idea. (Though corporate entities are not always known for their reason, I suppose.)
Thanks.
Good to know, that changes to the ui are planned.
ohhh jeeeha..
finaly someone "official" takes the task
i hope we can experiance a change to the UI (LCARS-Style) soon at the Tribble.
and give us the oputunity to sugenst changes to improofe the Star Trek Feeling of the game :cool:
honestly.. i cant wait to put my hands on a more trekish UI :eek:
greetings from the gamma quadrant
(Berlin/Germany)
Fun fact: That guy, Commander Thomas Marrone, is actually me. Craig offered to make me an NPC when Cryptic bought my minigame art last year and there was no way I could turn that down!
As part of that guy's background I thought it'd be fun to throw in a joke about the blue LCARS UI since I remember reading complaints about it.
At any rate, it's worth remembering that LCARS was designed to "look cool" and read well as a futuristic computer interface on TV. Its components are chunky and colorful because the camera was usually several feet away and people needed to be able to see what the characters were pointing to on screen in shots that ALSO included the characters' faces and bodies.
That said, Dan's mantra has lately been "Make it More Trek", and I've heard the UI brought up every now and then. I imagine there will be changes made, but I don't know if we'll ever get the level of LCARS emulation you saw in Bridge Commander.
Besides the graphical changes to the UI, would it be possible to make the "Action Bars" more consistent with other MMOs? For example instead of 2 x 10 Bars, allow the full 12 abilities per bar? Additionally, can you make it so that the "Bridge Officer Bar" and "Weapons Bar" is still visible when using the current 3 x 10 layout?
Besides the graphical changes to the UI, would it be possible to make the "Action Bars" more consistent with other MMOs? For example instead of 2 x 10 Bars, allow the full 12 abilities per bar? Additionally, can you make it so that the "Bridge Officer Bar" and "Weapons Bar" is still visible when using the current 3 x 10 layout?
Hi Darkhunter...
there is a / (slash command) u can enter to make the BO and WP bar visibla at te same time..
hmm.. cant remember where i saw this .. maybe just google it.. but its defenetly possible to make it happen...
the other thing is .. will cryptic "import" it as a "feature" u can toggle on and off ?!?!?!
btw.. there are so many "/..command" things u can do ingame..
things like .. attack the target of teammate (x) .. or heal teammate (y) ..
enter them just like /played <- for showing u 4 how long u played the char ur on with...
Besides the graphical changes to the UI, would it be possible to make the "Action Bars" more consistent with other MMOs? For example instead of 2 x 10 Bars, allow the full 12 abilities per bar? Additionally, can you make it so that the "Bridge Officer Bar" and "Weapons Bar" is still visible when using the current 3 x 10 layout?
I can't comment on any of that, as I'm not on the UI team and there's been no solid plans to work on this yet. I just wanted you guys to know that it has been discussed internally so it's possible there will be changes made down the road.
Cryptic's UI script language is quite simple, so it takes around 5 minutes to do it programatically. And this includes reading throught the news and checking your emails, too.
That said, Dan's mantra has lately been "Make it More Trek"...
After seeing the new ESD, playing the Devidian series, then the Romulan series, and noticing that in earlier episodes, the Romulans have now all got the new brows/uniforms/hairdos as well as Rom. disruptors instead of 'plasma' weapons (among other so many other things!), I've been thinking that under dstahl's direction, STO's been feeling much more like, well... ...STAR TREK!
It's even nicer to know that it's pretty much his official policy, and makes me even more optimistic about the future of STO (and glad that I re-subbed, too!) - really appreciate this kind of thinking, so kudos, Mr. Stahl!
I think there is a lot of room to do non-combat / non-action LCARS screens.
From the mini-games to the player paperdoll and inventory. Updating that aspect would be a step in the right direction for sure.
As we get more systems' designed int he game, for deep-space or system exploration I can also see using LCARS overlays in a number of scenarios to "make it more trek".
Although, technically, Crpytic is going in the right direction with the blue LCARS. If I'm not mistaken, the LCARS in Nemesis is quite different from the ones in TNG or Voy for example.
http://skins20.wincustomize.com/34/17/3417558/1/7060/preview-1-7060.jpg
Not the best picture, but you can see the difference between the TNG and the Nemesis style LCARS. The STO LCARS would just need some of thoes blues swapped out for other colors and they would look more appropriate.
Maybe now that Touchable Holography has been in development/testing for the past couple of years it's time for Star Trek to go a little more futuristic? Rather than the colour of LCARS, maybe we should be looking at new interface types for our toons to use?
I quite liked that in the JJ film, the Narada had "throwable" holo-images etc. It just seemed the right way to go given todays real-life developments. Before the flames start: this isn't a "JJ" post. I'm simply pointing out that holography as a usable interface has been used in Star Trek recently.
I noticed that we already have glass panel interfaces on at least one bridge (an Intrepid variant if I remember correctly), so implementing holo-consoles shouldn't be too far off that. Just make the glass panel edges invisible. Although being able to walk through them (with the computer knowing the difference between that and pushing the self destruct button intentionally) would be mildly cool
Maybe now that Touchable Holography has been in development/testing for the past couple of years it's time for Star Trek to go a little more futuristic? Rather than the colour of LCARS, maybe we should be looking at new interface types for our toons to use?
I quite liked that in the JJ film, the Narada had "throwable" holo-images etc. It just seemed the right way to go given todays real-life developments. Before the flames start: this isn't a "JJ" post. I'm simply pointing out that holography as a usable interface has been used in Star Trek recently.
I noticed that we already have glass panel interfaces on at least one bridge (an Intrepid variant if I remember correctly), so implementing holo-consoles shouldn't be too far off that. Just make the glass panel edges invisible. Although being able to walk through them (with the computer knowing the difference between that and pushing the self destruct button intentionally) would be mildly cool
Holo Tech is already in Trek, you just don't see it much. DS9 had it for one episode. It was installed in the Defiant and as far as I know, was the only time used. And didn't Shinzon use similiar tech to talk to Picard in Nemisis.
Yap, that's what i thought too. I only don't understand, why a mmorpg star trek game is not getting the licens, while all other star trek games got it? Even a free to play browsergame
That is a good point, considering as well that the new browser game is also being licenced by CBS, why allow True LCARS for that and not for STO? Is it strictly timeline related (as that game will be DS9 era)?
Dosen't seem unreasonable that things would go down this way
I really noticed that in Nemesis. The use of lcd/plasma screens to display lcars everywhere really stood out, and it was something I didn't like.. but as for it being more blue, you are correct, yep.
-People are not asking for an actual LCARS recreation
All people want is for the current UI to look like LCARS. An actual starship control panel would be stupid.
-The in-game LCARS textures do not feel like Star Trek
This isn't only about the UI - the textures you see on consoles and on displays don't contribute to the Star Trek feel. I sometimes totally forget I'm supposed to be in a Federation interior sometimes because the immediately recognisable pastel displays aren't there. It's a little problem and there are more important things to focus on, but it's one of those small improvements that will have a vast global impact and help with capturing the 'more like Trek' idea.
Well said. I think that sums up the views of many people.
Although, technically, Crpytic is going in the right direction with the blue LCARS. If I'm not mistaken, the LCARS in Nemesis is quite different from the ones in TNG or Voy for example.
http://skins20.wincustomize.com/34/17/3417558/1/7060/preview-1-7060.jpg
Not the best picture, but you can see the difference between the TNG and the Nemesis style LCARS. The STO LCARS would just need some of thoes blues swapped out for other colors and they would look more appropriate.
You know I rather like the LCARS Fusion image (top left) in that image you linked. It is a pity that CBS, if it is still the case, is against the orange/tan bars in places now, as it makes blues stand out more to me in many ways.
As regards to holotechnology, I would love if we ditched consoles and went a more Final Fantasy: Spirits Within approach to our consoles and imagery. (And that was all one color of few shades of yellow/orange!)
Comments
signed. absolutely correct.
well said! /agreed
one of the main improvements id like to see even before the colours, is the wasted space on the interface...even just reducing some of the bordering on many of the UI elements would be a good start
ohhh jeeeha..
finaly someone "official" takes the task
i hope we can experiance a change to the UI (LCARS-Style) soon at the Tribble.
and give us the oputunity to sugenst changes to improofe the Star Trek Feeling of the game :cool:
honestly.. i cant wait to put my hands on a more trekish UI :eek:
greetings from the gamma quadrant
(Berlin/Germany)
Besides the graphical changes to the UI, would it be possible to make the "Action Bars" more consistent with other MMOs? For example instead of 2 x 10 Bars, allow the full 12 abilities per bar? Additionally, can you make it so that the "Bridge Officer Bar" and "Weapons Bar" is still visible when using the current 3 x 10 layout?
Hi Darkhunter...
there is a / (slash command) u can enter to make the BO and WP bar visibla at te same time..
hmm.. cant remember where i saw this .. maybe just google it.. but its defenetly possible to make it happen...
the other thing is .. will cryptic "import" it as a "feature" u can toggle on and off ?!?!?!
btw.. there are so many "/..command" things u can do ingame..
things like .. attack the target of teammate (x) .. or heal teammate (y) ..
enter them just like /played <- for showing u 4 how long u played the char ur on with...
a lill confused? me 2
I can't comment on any of that, as I'm not on the UI team and there's been no solid plans to work on this yet. I just wanted you guys to know that it has been discussed internally so it's possible there will be changes made down the road.
After seeing the new ESD, playing the Devidian series, then the Romulan series, and noticing that in earlier episodes, the Romulans have now all got the new brows/uniforms/hairdos as well as Rom. disruptors instead of 'plasma' weapons (among other so many other things!), I've been thinking that under dstahl's direction, STO's been feeling much more like, well... ...STAR TREK!
It's even nicer to know that it's pretty much his official policy, and makes me even more optimistic about the future of STO (and glad that I re-subbed, too!) - really appreciate this kind of thinking, so kudos, Mr. Stahl!
From the mini-games to the player paperdoll and inventory. Updating that aspect would be a step in the right direction for sure.
As we get more systems' designed int he game, for deep-space or system exploration I can also see using LCARS overlays in a number of scenarios to "make it more trek".
http://skins20.wincustomize.com/34/17/3417558/1/7060/preview-1-7060.jpg
Not the best picture, but you can see the difference between the TNG and the Nemesis style LCARS. The STO LCARS would just need some of thoes blues swapped out for other colors and they would look more appropriate.
I quite liked that in the JJ film, the Narada had "throwable" holo-images etc. It just seemed the right way to go given todays real-life developments. Before the flames start: this isn't a "JJ" post. I'm simply pointing out that holography as a usable interface has been used in Star Trek recently.
I noticed that we already have glass panel interfaces on at least one bridge (an Intrepid variant if I remember correctly), so implementing holo-consoles shouldn't be too far off that. Just make the glass panel edges invisible. Although being able to walk through them (with the computer knowing the difference between that and pushing the self destruct button intentionally) would be mildly cool
Holo Tech is already in Trek, you just don't see it much. DS9 had it for one episode. It was installed in the Defiant and as far as I know, was the only time used. And didn't Shinzon use similiar tech to talk to Picard in Nemisis.
That is a good point, considering as well that the new browser game is also being licenced by CBS, why allow True LCARS for that and not for STO? Is it strictly timeline related (as that game will be DS9 era)?
I really noticed that in Nemesis. The use of lcd/plasma screens to display lcars everywhere really stood out, and it was something I didn't like.. but as for it being more blue, you are correct, yep.
Well said. I think that sums up the views of many people.
You know I rather like the LCARS Fusion image (top left) in that image you linked. It is a pity that CBS, if it is still the case, is against the orange/tan bars in places now, as it makes blues stand out more to me in many ways.
As regards to holotechnology, I would love if we ditched consoles and went a more Final Fantasy: Spirits Within approach to our consoles and imagery. (And that was all one color of few shades of yellow/orange!)