Towing back to port

Draakjacht · Post by **Draakjacht** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 4:45 am

I don't think it's a time thing. Look at the most successful games on the market. WoW which is point and click. Guild Wars locks your target and auto-attacks. Wing Commander: Privateer offered you ITTS and auto-navigation. Freelancer just blows (or is that me?)

Point is that a lot of the games that make it big have at least one thing making it sooo easy. I can see the argument, but I think webring ads might balance it out.

Post by **Marvin** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:06 am

Where have I heard that before? Sounds a lot like "steep learning curve" and "limited appeal" ... which might be true ... and the reason guys who want realistic simulations end up having to create their own.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 12:45 pm

I'm a realism guy, a lot of Sci-Fi stuff is not though!, I think this game has the proper balance, you can make it as chalenging as you want or as easy as you want with its flexibility! And there is always room for good suggestions and improvement!;)

warsign · Post by **warsign** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 12:48 pm

Originally posted by Maarschalk
I'm a realism guy, a lot of Sci-Fi stuff is not though!, I think this game has the proper balance, you can make it as chalenging as you want or as easy as you want with its flexibility! And there is always room for good suggestions and improvement!;)

Well said Maars...

Draakjacht · Post by **Draakjacht** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:24 am

The issue is not realism persay. I could point out a dozen flaws off the top of my head. I think it's a matter of most people not wanting too much of a challenge when it comes to base gameplay. Even with this game, I see things like MDTS (or whatever the hell it is) being a symptom of that.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 12:11 pm

MDTS(Missile Detection and Targeting System)!;)

Ian2454 · Post by **Ian2454** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:44 pm

Technically it's the Multi-Directional Targeting System, but I digress.

Not that there is anything wrong with WoW (other than it steals your soul) but you can go pretty far pretty fast. And once you're on top that's about it. That sort of quick gratification just feels empty compared to fighting tooth-n-nail to beat an upperclassmen and perform a (in my case anyways) terrible Evil Laugh as you watch his/her broken ship explode. Sorta like fighting in RL, except without the bruises.

On a side note, I'm all for the flashlight.
And that super-extreme long range mantis drive suggestion.
And definitely about the mining beams. Maybe not stacking them, but at least being able to carry more than one.

I need to visit this forum more often...

[Edited on 4-29-2009 by Ian2454]

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:28 pm

Originally posted by Ian2454
Technically it's the Multi-Directional Targeting System.....
[Edited on 4-29-2009 by Ian2454]

I was wondering when some one was going to correct me!
Good catch!LOL:P:P:P

Draakjacht · Post by **Draakjacht** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:17 pm

Don't get me wrong, I like the game and anything that makes it more realistic would make it more fun. I'm just responding to the idea of why this game doesn't make more money. What inaccuracies there are work out in my favor. It's easier to refuel in a nebulae than near a star, but I would rather not travel to a distant empty spot for a nebulae.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:17 pm

I agree, I think I responded with a nother post about the Userfriendlyness of the game and I gues that is what you are talking about!

The userfriendlyness is something I think that can be improved and I believe Vice is always working on this when possible and when any one has a good suggestion for improvement!

nschafer · Post by **nschafer** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:43 pm

You certainly can't have a situation where a player gets lost and has to start over.

I agree with this statement. There should be some way (other than asking for help in MP) to recover from the mistake of getting lost and running out of fuel with a save point that doesn't allow them to get back.

One way around this is to alternate your save between a couple of profiles that way you can go back to a previous save.

But for those who don't use this method, it would be nice if the game provided some form of Auto Club for the ship. I live near the water and there is a local company that does quite a good business going out and towing in disabled vessels or taking them enough fuel to get back to port. I think this would need to be very expensive. So expensive in fact that you may end up having to sell your ship and get a smaller vessel to pay the charges.

So here's how I envision it: You're lost, deep in space, no fuel and you've just had to eat your science officer. You turn on a distress beacon and hope that someone answers before you have to start eating portions of the engineer. Along comes Astro-Tow (TM) (a divison of Astro-Salvage) (call for franchising opportunites). For a significant fee Astro-Tow will take you to the nearest port (non-hidden). Docking fees will be paid by Astro-Tow so no worries about them if you would normally have docking fees at that station. If you don't have enough money for this fee you will end up with negative credits. Since you are already out of fuel, you must sell something to make up the money. The fee would be based on the class of ship you are flying and the distance to the station.

Also the distress beacon should not work if you are involved in combat. You should be a sitting duck for a period of time to allow for a bit of realism.

Thoughts or ideas?

Neal.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:21 pm

Originally posted by nschafer
You certainly can't have a situation where a player gets lost and has to start over.
I agree with this statement. There should be some way (other than asking for help in MP) to recover from the mistake of getting lost and running out of fuel with a save point that doesn't allow them to get back.

One way around this is to alternate your save between a couple of profiles that way you can go back to a previous save.

But for those who don't use this method, it would be nice if the game provided some form of Auto Club for the ship. I live near the water and there is a local company that does quite a good business going out and towing in disabled vessels or taking them enough fuel to get back to port. I think this would need to be very expensive. So expensive in fact that you may end up having to sell your ship and get a smaller vessel to pay the charges.

So here's how I envision it: You're lost, deep in space, no fuel and you've just had to eat your science officer. You turn on a distress beacon and hope that someone answers before you have to start eating portions of the engineer. Along comes Astro-Tow (TM) (a divison of Astro-Salvage) (call for franchising opportunites). For a significant fee Astro-Tow will take you to the nearest port (non-hidden). Docking fees will be paid by Astro-Tow so no worries about them if you would normally have docking fees at that station. If you don't have enough money for this fee you will end up with negative credits. Since you are already out of fuel, you must sell something to make up the money. The fee would be based on the class of ship you are flying and the distance to the station.

Also the distress beacon should not work if you are involved in combat. You should be a sitting duck for a period of time to allow for a bit of realism.

Thoughts or ideas?

Neal.

I like this Idea of a Towing Service, Great suggestion!

About getting lost or stuck and having to start from scratch!

This is the case with most games if you get destroyed or lose all your lives, you will have to start from scratch and a lot of games do not have a save option or profile option.
This Game has more options then any game I played.
And more can still be added anytime wich is not the case with most other games!;)

[Edited on 4-30-2009 by Maarschalk]

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:04 pm

I agree as well. Player should be able to inititate a "distress beacon".
Some type of rescue ship should respond and depending on where you are, charge a hefty fee for refuel.
There are some games that already offer this type of help, notably, "Terminus".
On the other hand, the player can join MP and get help quick enough and I can't see a problem with that solution either.

Post by **Vice** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:15 pm

Yeah, multiplayer can be a great way to provide rescue. If a player ventures far out into deep space, an interstellar towing service may not be willing to offer assistance in the same way you'd have trouble getting a tow in the middle of the Sahara desert. It is an interesting line of discussion. If you could always be saved from such a situation, would that eliminate the challenge and risk? Should such a game include the possibility of getting into a 'lost' in deep space situation? Should careful planning and travel strategy be that important? Or should the few such risks be eliminated entirely by always having an 'out' option?

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:49 pm

Danger should be part of the game as it is a Space Sim and space IS dangerous. We do have the option of getting a rescue from a fellow pilot if possible. Just my two cents.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:54 pm

Maybe this should be an option if you do not want a repair system and use that slot for other equipment!
And then when you are damaged you can call the Tow service in the regular traffic areas! The danger of getting lost and stuck in the vastness of space should still exist! But still now a days we have GPS, and if you have one, rescue can always find you!. In space we can call it Galactical Positioning System! or use a rescue beacon!LOL:P:P:P

[Edited on 4-30-2009 by Maarschalk]

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:51 pm

I kinda' agree, but the problem is how far a repair ship should venture into how dangerous an area! Surely the fee charged for such services should be based on where you are and how difficult it is to survive there.
And what happens when the "repair ship" arrives and you don't have enough credits to pay for fuel?
To be honest, since the game provides for "MP" I can't see any problem with going on line and asking for help.
Granted, a player might not think he is ready for MP combat, surely he can ask for help on MP and on doing so, realize that there is a whole new world out there and many experienced players ready & willing to show the "newbie" around!
I concur, the present situ is the best.
If you're lost/out of fuel, then go on MP! Someone will come along to help!
Guaranteed!:)

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:41 pm

Originally posted by MMaggio
I kinda' agree, but the problem is how far a repair ship should venture into how dangerous an area! Surely the fee charged for such services should be based on where you are and how difficult it is to survive there.
And what happens when the "repair ship" arrives and you don't have enough credits to pay for fuel?
To be honest, since the game provides for "MP" I can't see any problem with going on line and asking for help.
Granted, a player might not think he is ready for MP combat, surely he can ask for help on MP and on doing so, realize that there is a whole new world out there and many experienced players ready & willing to show the "newbie" around!
I concur, the present situ is the best.
If you're lost/out of fuel, then go on MP! Someone will come along to help!
Guaranteed!:)

There are players thou that do not like to ask other players for help or that do not like multiplayer and kinda want to do things on their own and have fun playing a game that has so many options and it would enhance their playing experience
if there was an option of a towing service or rescue party!;)

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Fri May 01, 2009 4:35 pm

I heartily agree again on that point! That's one of the reasons DS9 is still operational.
Surely no one thinks every purchaser joins the forum!
Given that consideration, I agree that some form of rescue, at considerable cost, might be implemented. The only other option is "self-destruct" and returning to last save.
That in itself might represent a considerable "penalty"!
Vice thought this out pretty carefully and considered every option. There is always a solution to any problem, even if it is self-destruct! I guarantee, if a pilot finds he is forced to creating a new pilot to continue, he won't run out of gas again.
On the other hand, a rescue ship could come in handy in SP.
It's up to our G.O.A.L!
[Grand Omnipotent Almighty Leader]

Post by **Marvin** » Fri May 01, 2009 7:57 pm

Not counting the MP chat option, do ships have long-range communications? You need to get pretty close to somebody to talk trade ... so how would you go about sending a tow request when far, far out in the boonies?

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:50 pm

Originally posted by Marvin
Not counting the MP chat option, do ships have long-range communications? You need to get pretty close to somebody to talk trade ... so how would you go about sending a tow request when far, far out in the boonies?

The suggestion was to have a distress call or a destress beacon, or a Galactical positioning system, or something so that there is someway to get help when needed. The distress signal could go to the nearest station or outpost emergency services! which would then dispatch a towing service or refueling tanker! But still you would be out of luck in enemy territory or high interference Nebulaes and far out in the boonies where there are now emergency services like getting stuck in the desert...etc. to keep some realism in the game!

[Edited on 5-1-2009 by Maarschalk]

Draakjacht · Post by **Draakjacht** » Fri May 01, 2009 10:59 pm

Actually, I almost got lost between Sirius and Sol and immediately thought of a solution. When you engage a trade window, you can transfer fuel. And on the nav menu there is a transmit position button. So ask for help, transmit, then get a little fuel. You can demand payment in the window and if short on creds, just use what little can to get a coasting flight.

If you get stranded in hostile space, you're probably screwed anyway.

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Sat May 02, 2009 2:44 am

Originally posted by Marvin
Not counting the MP chat option, do ships have long-range communications? You need to get pretty close to somebody to talk trade ... so how would you go about sending a tow request when far, far out in the boonies?

What? You never heard of, "OnStar" as installed in select GM cars? Well, by the time of Legends, everybody had "OnStar"

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Sat May 02, 2009 3:47 am

Originally posted by MMaggio
Originally posted by Marvin
Not counting the MP chat option, do ships have long-range communications? You need to get pretty close to somebody to talk trade ... so how would you go about sending a tow request when far, far out in the boonies?
What? You never heard of, "OnStar" as installed in select GM cars? Well, by the time of Legends, everybody had "OnStar"

Thanks MMaggio, That is what I'm talking about!LOL:P:P:P

Glock36 · Post by **Glock36** » Sat May 02, 2009 4:43 am

one of the guys on our server has created a tanker ship with his Leviathan and max fuel tanks. he will come and get you but you have to log onto our ventrilo server and talk to him if he is in game. If he is not in game, you have to PM him on our forums and make an appointment. He will go where you are regardless of how far he is but it may take hours. This is realism.

I know someone up there said Freelancer Blows and I'm tired of it myself after several years but the membership of Lancer's Reactor, the premier forum for Freelancer had 11 million members at one time and there were hundreds of servers. It may blow but it sold a lot.

I love this game, I was just commenting on commercial aspects. Also be aware that I am 54 years old. I work hard in life and I don't want to work hard when I'm trying to enjoy myself.

But I made it through to Sol and got my Leviathan and top class cannon and laser and then got back and learned a lot about the game along the way. I am no longer intimidated by the learning curve but I'm sure a lot of people are.

Just my personal feeling. I trust Vice to do what is best for the game and this really nice community.