They look pretty and all, but I was just wondering if these ever served a purpose? Or if they've always just been there for aesthetics? When I first started playing I thought it must be some faster way of getting around, or an automated navigation system... or something... but didn't see any use for them.
If they are just for aesthetic purposes, how come they're so disjointed? Sometimes they connect with neighbouring sector blocks well, other times they ignore each other. Cardassian routes aren't centred on Cardassia and Romulan ones don't hook up at all. Basically, was this part of some early idea that got dropped after the first few seasons?
Random aside while looking at the map: and Delta V cluster, what on earth is unexplored space doing right next to Earth when TOS' Cestus 3 is so far away? I can imagine the Enterprise getting thrown far away by god-like aliens so often that exploration got very disjointed and they were to busy being forced by Apollo or Q to explore the far side of the galaxy that they never got round to looking on their own door step!
Comments
Now, you can just hit the "Disable Astrometrics" button on the bottom right to enjoy space.
Yes, I prefer it with it off, it is more Trek. We've never had a concept of designated corridors for space travel like SW et al, and even with transwarp conduits, that's never really been put in beyond the odd mention. Things like 'transwarp straight to DS9' is rather undermined by the lack of a visible portal there or the need for a portal at the starting end.
I wonder what alternative there is that is more Trek? Aside from just a blank starmap that many opt for?
I believe that the various transport ships and Sector Space Vendors follow some of these trade routes.
Get the Forums Enhancement Extension!
That is precisely what those lanes are. They are heavily traveled lanes civilian ships use when traveling from major system to major system. These lanes would be well patrolled and well maintained. Well maintained in terms of having all know space hazards marked or dealt with. Travel times would be well know. Help would not be too far away if an emergency comes up.
Me playing UT2k4 (red guy) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz0DnP7wXnU
I was hoping there was a logical explanation for it. I don't want to become one of those people that just whine at Cryptic over minor things... erm, so I'll just shut the hell up and blow up some Klingons. Badlands do look pretty, no?