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Suggestion: Shuttle Functionality

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
Shuttles so far have not had an important part within the game. Only the Runabout is playable at this time, and there isn't anything useful you can do with it. The devs have mentioned the possibility of Runabout only PvP, but this is just one step in the right direction IMO. Here is my suggestion for a detailed shuttle system.

Goal
A system with multiple shuttle types that you can fly on shuttle exclusive missions.

Shuttle Tiers
Tier 1
Class F shuttlecraft
Type-15 shuttlepod

Suggested Stats
HP: 2500
Boff Slots: 1 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 1 Fore

Tier 2
Type-18 Shuttlepod
Type-6 shuttlecraft
Type-7 Shuttlecraft

Suggested Stats
HP: 3500
Boff Slots: 2 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 2 Fore

Tier 3
Type-8 shuttlecraft
Type 9 Shuttlecraft
Type-10 Shuttlecraft

Suggested Stats
HP: 4250
Boff Slots: 3 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 2 Fore

Tier 4
Danube Class
Aeroshuttle

Suggested Stats
HP: 5000
Boff Slots: 2 Universal Ensign, 1 Universal Lieutenant
Weapons Slots: 3 Fore

Tier 5
Type-11 Shuttlecraft
Delta Flyer
Federation Mission Scoutship
Federation Attack Fighter

Suggested Stats
HP: 7500
Boff Slots: 3 Universal Lieutenant
Weapons Slots: 3 Fore

Shuttle Missions
Shuttles were a crucial part of Star Trek. They were seen in many episodes, doing surveys, gathering fuel, and they were of course used as landing craft. However, shuttles have no function in STO. That is why I propose shuttle based missions. These missions would work like normal missions, except you would pilot a shuttle and fight similarly powered enemies (shuttles and fighters).

Shuttlebay
In order to easily switch to shuttles without traveling to space dock (like you currently have to for the Runabout), a shuttlebay interior would need to be added. Different sized shuttlebay variants would need to be made, based on the type of ship you are flying. A small bay for Escorts, a medium bay for Science Vessels, and a large bay for Cruisers. You would only be able to carry a certain number of types of shuttles on your ship, dependent upon the size of the shuttlebay. For instance:
  • Small Escort (Defiant, Saber, etc.) = 1 shuttles
  • Large Escort (Akira, Prometheus, etc.)= 2 shuttles
  • Small Science Vessel (Nova. etc.) = 2 shuttles
  • Medium Science (Intrepid, Olympic, etc.) = 3 shuttles
  • Large Science (Destiny, Luna, etc.) = 4 shuttles
  • Small Cruiser (Constitution, etc.) = 3 shuttles
  • Medium Cruiser (Cheyenne, etc.) = 4 shuttles
  • Large Cruiser (Galaxy, Sovereign) = 5 shuttles
You could switch out your shuttle load out at spacedock.
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
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  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Definatly agree, i was watching the nemisis movie yesterday and seeing how they went down with shuttle i really feel that we should have a similar ability ingame.

    sometime the large ship can't get thrue the debree or they cant beam down to the planet, thats where the shuttle comes in.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Another suggestion for shuttles... You board your shuttle to go somewhere while your actual ship remains behind. Once you are done where you were going, you can use the shuttle to fasttravel to your ship.

    Example:
    My ship is exploring the Arucanis Arm. For whatever reason, I decide I want to go to the Starbase at Sol. I launch my shuttle, and fly to Sol (possibly using Transwarp?). I do my business there and then relaunch. Now, instead of flying all the way back to the Arucanis Arm, I can warp directly to my ship.

    Just an idea....
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    I like these ideas.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Thanks for your support everyone.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    shuttle missions could be interesting, also to be able to use shuttles like pets to help in combat

    would be cool to see things from a shuttle perspective, and make all the enemy models ten times larger than they are now

    it could be a story mission were you are trying to board a neg'var cruiser or plant bombs along a dominion battleship from your tiny shuttle and you get to see the enemy ships looking as massive as they really are
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Keep the votes coming.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    In addition to regular shuttles, I want fighter shuttles and maybe low atmosphere combat missions. Hopefully we'll see shuttle functionality in the future.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    [*]Large Escort (Akira, Prometheus, etc.)= 2 shuttles

    From a Canon point of view (well from the designers view really), I'm sure the Akira could of held more then that, its got a straight though Shuttlebay deck, always found it weird that the Akira is only a Tier 3 ship yet its on the same league in power as the Defiant (Referances: Akira, Defiant)

    Sorry something thats bugged me in the game and I know game mechanics come first, but anyways I think its a great idea, would be something interesting if added.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Love this idea, add immersion AND variations in gameplay.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Yep, count me in! Shuttles should have been included at the git go! They are a staple of Starship inventory. Heck, just going planetside in a shuttle (no cut screen please) would be fun in itself! Then some problem or issue occurs.... standard Trek story device.

    PS I have a Del Taco Shuttle, but how the heck to I even deploy it?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Yep, count me in! Shuttles should have been included at the git go! They are a staple of Starship inventory. Heck, just going planetside in a shuttle (no cut screen please) would be fun in itself! Then some problem or issue occurs.... standard Trek story device.

    PS I have a Del Taco Shuttle, but how the heck to I even deploy it?

    You put in in an Equipment Slot. It's just an aesthetic Pet that takes up an Equipment Slot. We need REAL shuttles Cryptic!!!!!!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    You put in in an Equipment Slot. It's just an aesthetic Pet that takes up an Equipment Slot. We need REAL shuttles Cryptic!!!!!!

    I agree, the Del Taco shuttle is cool, but it just makes me wish I had a use for my runabout. And it really makes me wish I could pilot a federation fighter for some missions.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    excellent idea!!!!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    I am pleasantly surprised with how popular this idea is. I hope the devs will see it and add it to the game.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    I love this idea.

    Also, often in the episodes it was necessary to use a shuttle to get to planet surfaces as atmospheric interference caused problems with the transporters. Shuttle Exploration missions are a must. Make it so.


    :cool:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    I want a shuttle!!! and a real replicator by my desk so I don't have to walk to the kitchen.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    In addition to regular shuttles, I want fighter shuttles and maybe low atmosphere combat missions. Hopefully we'll see shuttle functionality in the future.

    That would be awesome. I also think Cryptic could implement a shuttle minigame of sorts.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Keep on voting everyone.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Wow, this idea has caught up to the upcoming non-combat mission system in terms of votes on my popular ideas poll. Glad to see a lot of others want shuttles as well.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Wow, this idea has caught up to the upcoming non-combat mission system in terms of votes on my popular ideas poll. Glad to see a lot of others want shuttles as well.

    Love your work, can I get you to check your PMs please. I would like to speak with you.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Let's keep this at the top. We need to make sure Cryptic knows we want shuttle functionality.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    dstahl commented on this idea today in the engineering report thread.
    dstahl wrote: »
    Great ideas! We want to do more with shuttles in the game, but there is nothing on the immediate schedule. Being able to launch in your shuttle from your ship sounds like a lot of fun. Playing the game from your bridge has been discussed throughout the project, but there are many obstacles preventing this type of play. We are more focused on having ship interiors and then running missions on your ship interiors rather than having you play from your bridge.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Really awesome idea, although i recommend switching the Class two shuttle and the runabout as the class two is a newer make.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Cehus wrote: »
    Really awesome idea, although i recommend switching the Class two shuttle and the runabout as the class two is a newer make.

    The class 2/Type 9 may be newer than the Runabout, but the Runabout is actually a ship class called the Danube. It is faster, larger, and better equipped than the Type 9. For instance:

    Danube: Warp 5
    Type 9: Warp 4

    Danube: 4 phasers and a torpedo launcher
    Type 9: Unspecified number of phaser arrays and no stock launcher (though it could be modified to have one)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    I'd greatly appreciate more feedback. Let's make the devs recognize this idea!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Really fantastic idea, do you think maybe we could brainstorm possible shuttle only missions? LIke what would make you leave your ship for a shuttle apart from an asteroid cavern?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Really fantastic idea, do you think maybe we could brainstorm possible shuttle only missions? LIke what would make you leave your ship for a shuttle apart from an asteroid cavern?

    I was just thinking about doing that actually. Let's have at it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Well due to the square-cube law shuttles are naturally better at withstanding large pressures and easier to reenforce so maybe a water planet?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2010
    Well due to the square-cube law shuttles are naturally better at withstanding large pressures and easier to reenforce so maybe a water planet?

    Yeah, definitely need some missions that involve using a shuttlecraft in a location with too high a pressure for larger ships.

    Obviously, they could be used as landing craft for some missions where you can't use transporters due to interference, plasma storms, etc.

    Maybe use it in a personal mission where you take some time off to do something and get attacked.
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