The exploration system has the POTENTIAL to be one of the greatest parts of this game. Unfortunately there arent enough scenarios available for that potential to be realized. I dont know how long it takes to create a new exploration scenario, but I would think that at least half a dozen new mission types should be added every season(which seems to be about every 3 months). Why is this system just stagnating?
The exploration system has the POTENTIAL to be one of the greatest parts of this game. Unfortunately there arent enough scenarios available for that potential to be realized. I dont know how long it takes to create a new exploration scenario, but I would think that at least half a dozen new mission types should be added every season(which seems to be about every 3 months). Why is this system just stagnating?
Are the new first contact/anthropology missions partnof this?
Are the new first contact/anthropology missions partnof this?
From the Devs statements, the FDC seems to be a separate system. A cool one, mind you. But I would really like to see new scenarios added to the actual exploration system.
I've posted several times about this, to remarkable silence. My suggested system has three parts and includes two new interactions.
Obviously, part of this is that you shouldn't know what to expect. Exploration is about going into the unknown.
1. Randomly generate the terrain (ie. actual ground, trees; moons, asteroids, etc)
2. Randomly generate the objectives (ie. mineral deposits, plants, life forms; anomalies, etc.)
3. Randomly generate complications (eg. enemy ships, aliens, etc.)
Note that some of the random objectives and complications could be Hazards, which would entail the generation of a remedy to whatever the hazard does to you.
In space, you would be expected to chart the system by visiting all the landmarks.
The new interactions would include an observation system, in which you would watch life forms as they go about their business. You would basically just stand within a certain distance and would be credited each time they perform one of a number of random emotes (eating, sleeping, fighting, etc.).
You could alternatively place an away member in range to do the observing while you do other things, however, he isn't giong to move, so a hostile animal might wander close enough to attack.
The last thing would be a system for communicating with aliens (such as hostile warships), to make it possible to convnice them to leave you be, or more.
Essentially, you would select an objective, then communicate with them in one of three styles (aggresiive, passive or diplomatic). Depending on their race and your skills, they will become more or less hostile.
One thing about the "first contact" missions is that they're not first contacts. Obviously, someone else has already made first contact, we're going there on a diplomatic mission that has been prearranged.
Not that this is a bad thing, they're just pretty bland in general. I mean, I answer the same four or fve questions arranged in different combinations, so it's pretty limited. More variety is needed.
Also, it would be nice not to have aliens I have met many times before - and blown out of the sky. My last "first contact" was with the Strekkelan, whom I encounter frequently in many generic exploration missions.
One thing about the "first contact" missions is that they're not first contacts. Obviously, someone else has already made first contact, we're going there on a diplomatic mission that has been prearranged.
Not that this is a bad thing, they're just pretty bland in general. I mean, I answer the same four or fve questions arranged in different combinations, so it's pretty limited. More variety is needed.
Also, it would be nice not to have aliens I have met many times before - and blown out of the sky. My last "first contact" was with the Strekkelan, whom I encounter frequently in many generic exploration missions.
I agree. When I think about first contact, I think about the Vulcans landing on Earth and talking to Zephram Cochran. The missions in Season 2 are nothing close to first contact. I mean, their better than nothing. But dont call them something their not to try to get people more excited about them.
Also, it would be nice not to have aliens I have met many times before - and blown out of the sky. My last "first contact" was with the Strekkelan, whom I encounter frequently in many generic exploration missions.
Based on his experiences in the Alternate Reality known as 'Tribble', Captain B'rru (my Caitian Tactical captain) was honored to welcome aboard the U.S.S. River Skai the first Scoodian to serve in Starfleet: Ensign Deya Paro. Ensign Paro's excellent tactical skills and 'can do!' attitude have made her a welcome addition to the crew of the River Skai even if she did once reprogram the food synthesizers to produce nothing but mouse-flavored ice cream.
Comments
Are the new first contact/anthropology missions partnof this?
From the Devs statements, the FDC seems to be a separate system. A cool one, mind you. But I would really like to see new scenarios added to the actual exploration system.
Obviously, part of this is that you shouldn't know what to expect. Exploration is about going into the unknown.
1. Randomly generate the terrain (ie. actual ground, trees; moons, asteroids, etc)
2. Randomly generate the objectives (ie. mineral deposits, plants, life forms; anomalies, etc.)
3. Randomly generate complications (eg. enemy ships, aliens, etc.)
Note that some of the random objectives and complications could be Hazards, which would entail the generation of a remedy to whatever the hazard does to you.
In space, you would be expected to chart the system by visiting all the landmarks.
The new interactions would include an observation system, in which you would watch life forms as they go about their business. You would basically just stand within a certain distance and would be credited each time they perform one of a number of random emotes (eating, sleeping, fighting, etc.).
You could alternatively place an away member in range to do the observing while you do other things, however, he isn't giong to move, so a hostile animal might wander close enough to attack.
The last thing would be a system for communicating with aliens (such as hostile warships), to make it possible to convnice them to leave you be, or more.
Essentially, you would select an objective, then communicate with them in one of three styles (aggresiive, passive or diplomatic). Depending on their race and your skills, they will become more or less hostile.
I can provide more detail if you like.
Not that this is a bad thing, they're just pretty bland in general. I mean, I answer the same four or fve questions arranged in different combinations, so it's pretty limited. More variety is needed.
Also, it would be nice not to have aliens I have met many times before - and blown out of the sky. My last "first contact" was with the Strekkelan, whom I encounter frequently in many generic exploration missions.
I agree. When I think about first contact, I think about the Vulcans landing on Earth and talking to Zephram Cochran. The missions in Season 2 are nothing close to first contact. I mean, their better than nothing. But dont call them something their not to try to get people more excited about them.
Based on his experiences in the Alternate Reality known as 'Tribble', Captain B'rru (my Caitian Tactical captain) was honored to welcome aboard the U.S.S. River Skai the first Scoodian to serve in Starfleet: Ensign Deya Paro. Ensign Paro's excellent tactical skills and 'can do!' attitude have made her a welcome addition to the crew of the River Skai even if she did once reprogram the food synthesizers to produce nothing but mouse-flavored ice cream.