conditional planet descriptions: a atmosphere tool

ok, I though up some way of creating a bit more immersion for the game. it's purely for ambiance, not gameplay effects. how about a small window with a planet descriptom based on what happened to that planet during the game? at first I considered just randomly assigning descriptions based on planet characteristics, but then I though it would be much cooler if the description took the planets role, history and equipment into account. it's of course harder to do, maybe not even economical to do it, but it would rock I am certain. just a few examples below how such descriptions could look like.

home planet: 'epsilon prime has a long and proud history as the homeworld and centre of government for the arn consortium during its rise to galactic power. an old world, the terran planet boasts favourable living conditions and an accordingly high population density. it is also home to a series of orbital shipyards which produced the infamous TDN Behemond and TDN Peresov. Furthermore, a number or research stations has been set up to focus on the development of new weapons and defenses for the consortium. Militarily, the planet has seen little action, which is due to it's relatively guarded stratetic position inside the territorium and thus relies mostly on its mobile fleet for defense, sporting only limited fixed defenses.'

first asteroid: 'though durnheim may not only play a minor role in the arn consortium, it is still revered as the first colony set up during the government's expansionist campaign. a small, asteroidical world, durnheim is only home to few colonists, yet the world is know throughout the consortium for its civlian reserach institutes and trade centres. In the course of the colony's existance, a moderate defense grid has been set up which has been useful in thwarting the occasional attack by the forces of the verlin descendants, though the colony was never in any serious danger.'

some ice world: 'hoth is perhaps best know to the galctic residents as the battle ground for several conflicts between the arn consortium, the verlin descendents and the kor sul armada. in the last battle, the armada has managed to wrench control of hoth after a fierce battle with losses on both sides. since then, a extensive defense grid has been set up around the world, including a class 2 starbase. the planet's bloody history is mainly due to its strategic position between the three empires and its extensive crystal deposits and has continously ravaged civlian infrastructure so that the planet is currently only sparsely developed.'

and so on ... former enemy hw. has a story. backwater trade centre. another story. gas giant, can have a story, f.ex. battle over neutrals, etc.

as I said, maybe difficult to implement and relatively little gameplay value (you could argue that the history is useful in keep track of what is going on, but that's relatively marginal I think), but a great tool for creating atmosphere and maybe give the game some story.

5,235 views 8 replies
Reply #1 Top

I think that would be a great idea. and yes like you sead it would have little gameplay value, but i think it would give the planets a little character to them :thumbsup:  it would be a nice touch

Reply #2 Top

I think it is a good mood-setting idea!

Reply #3 Top

Nice idea, but since it's not directly gameplay relevant not top priority ;-)

I could definitely imagine it for the diplomacy addon, though. :-)

Reply #4 Top

doublepost

Reply #5 Top

:)  Very nice idea, and perhaps not too difficult to produce. I would like to see this in game.

As an add-on, it would be nice to see your "planet history" idea applied to "ships" as well.  :)

"CapitalShip 'Arkov BattleShip' has a long and proud history as the FlagShip of the homeworld fleet and the central capitalship of the government for the Arn Consortium during its first three primary battles against the Ahm Mahn Advent and Kree Ahl Vasari invasions as Arn sought to consolidate it resources in it's rise to galactic power.

An old warship by the turn of the millenium, when the consortium controlled 8 worlds, at level 10, the Arkov now leads a capital fleet of over 3 other capitals as well as 30 assorted support ships and frigates in monitoring colonization and battling back the remnants of the Advent, though the Kree Ahl continue to attack consortium worlds at an accelerating pace.

The Arkov boasts upgraded laser and missile weapons banks in addition to class 2 heavy shielding and reduced fighter buildtime capabilities. enhanced crew complement and expanded living quarters as well as activated planet razing abilities. it is also the home ship to the top rated fleet commander in the consortium with continuing weapons, engines and ability research across a series of attack and defense disciplines. Militarily, the Arkov has seen heavy action, which is due to it's relatively spearhead stratetic position for the consortium fleet. "

Just an idea,

:)

-Teal

 

 

Reply #6 Top

good point, it could include capships too and maybe also starbases. but then, that should be it, no extra story for frigates or research stations, that would be overkill.

thx for the nice feedback. seems like some people kinda like the idea. :)

Reply #7 Top

:)  i'm glad, very nice thinking Shadowhal, keep the ideas coming!!! :)

-Teal

 

Reply #8 Top

if we are already talking about atmosphere here, does anyone else feel the game shows too few faces, people? I mean, you never get to see who you actually kill or befriend except for those few static portraits. planet killing is also purely by numbers. I think you could do a lot in that direction to create more emotional impact. think of the quote 'a single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is just statistics'.

maybe somethink like in the blizzard games, where you have portraits of the units could help, and a little image of a city or so (maybe burning when under attack) if you select a planet.