Idea: Build Testing on the Holodeck

kovabomb

With all the different equipment that goes into a ground or space build, what would be an effective way to test a new build? Granted, there are some missions and events that work well in that regard, but it would be nice to have a controlled environment in which a player can experiment with a new build.

Then it hit me: Why not use the existing holodecks scattered around the existing maps? In Star Trek canon, the holodeck was the ideal place to simulate a scenario and test new ideas and tech. Perhaps the same thing can be applied to STO. At the moment, the in-game holodecks are little more than decorations and plot devices. There is so much more that they can be used for.

What comes to my mind is that a player enters a map holodeck (at Starfleet Academy for example) and a training or testing mission becomes available. The player can choose the parameters of the mission and run through a scenario to test their current build. At the end of the session, stats can be displayed regarding the player's performance.

What do you guys think?

seiberkageneko

You know, there's no reason we couldn't have a holodeck on our own ships. Crew deck or Engineering deck, either one. It could be set up as a training room, or, you could have a preset of choices to load into it, just small enviroment changes, nothing fancy.

Champions Online has a testing area in the Powerhouse, with testing dummys and even a live fire course. It wouldn't be hard to port the same concept over to STO. The concept is sound, it just needs to be coded and built.

beefydegree

I think its a very good idea, to be honest.:o Also, training mission for the people that DOESN"T KNOW HOW TO DO THE MISSION ON ELITE. They can try it there, and practice there as well.

mhall85

seiberkageneko wrote: »

You know, there's no reason we couldn't have a holodeck on our own ships.

LOL... because CODING! :P

We aren't getting holodecks on our ships. That would require a massive revamp of ship interiors, which (while would be cool) will likely never happen.

onerats

In Star Trek, they used holodecks for such purposes because it provided a measure of safety and the like. In Star Trek Online.. there's no point, as the entire universe is fake to begin with. Throw together a build, hop into ISA, and test it. If your ship pops, it's not like it's game over.

If you really have to roleplay testing something on the holodeck, there are plenty of foundry missions out there for that purpose.

kovabomb

onerats wrote: »

Throw together a build, hop into ISA, and test it. If your ship pops, it's not like it's game over.

If you really have to roleplay testing something on the holodeck, there are plenty of foundry missions out there for that purpose.

The trouble with testing a build in an STF is that you are sharing stats and kills with other players. There are those who wish to test a build all on their own against enemies of their choosing. Granted, there may be foundry missions that can be used like that, but it would still be nice to have a feature dedicated to testing new builds.

meimeitoo

I recentlly saw a vid by Bort, with several 'test-dummies' in it. I'd settle for *that*. Just stationary targets, with parameters you can specify, to test against. Would also make individual DPS-parsing a *lot* more realiable.

+1

apeinui

Testing what we have is good. But imagine if we could use these to test ANY ship or equipment we wanted? It could create interest in zen and lobi items. Bottom line: there HAS to be more to holodecks than just empty rooms.