[Killer Whale]

[from parallel topic]
Wait, is this like in-game purchases? I kinda remember how much flak Mass Effect and other games had when they tried to pull stuff like this off.

Yeah, CIG will have to be very careful with how they proceed. It was a crowd funding campaign with rewards, currently it's like a preorder bonus, hopefully it doesn't turn into much more. Asking for money so they can make the game is one thing, if they continue as they are after release then it could go badly.

[MatthTheGeek]

What is your general idea, Matth?

Automated table conversion for all the easy stuff (am already coding a FS table parser for that), and simplistic barebone placeholder cockpits/interiors for ships, for which I'll need someone who can actually model.

We're not there yet though. I'm at least trying to get a solid headstart with the parser thing, and I'll start experimenting with global automated table conversion with Void Destroyer, if only as a proof-of-concept thing.

The idea being to get the easy-but-boring parts of conversion as automated, solid and foolproof as possible, so we can focus on the actually problematic parts.

Obviously my dream would be to make any TC just by pressing a button, but we're not exactly there.

Who knows, maybe if I have time I can also code a mission parser for automated mission porting. Don't get your hopes up though, I'm basically working blind out here since we have no idea what SC's moddable files will look like. Hopefully we'll be able to get a clearer idea when we get to the alpha.

[Luis Dias]

I'll tell you what, Matth, if you can pull that off I'll buy the game just to play your mod .

[Mikes]

I want "GTVA Citizen TC" now

[Luis Dias]

Damn now I am left with this bizarre wet dream of some crazy and competent developer taking the FS ip, licence the CryEngine and whatever Roberts has added to it and make a FS2 remake. Bah what are the odds.

[Deathsnake]

DING!

13 Million!

Frigate and Command & Control Center for the Constellation, Retaliator, Idris and bigger Capships - DONE!

[AtomicClucker]

I doubt gameplay would work at all without at least a working modelled cockpit that your character can go in and out of. Too many gameplay mechanics seem to rely on that. And this is already making ship conversion a whole larger pain in the ass than necessary.

Wouldn't we be able to slap a generic modelled cockpit on every new ship? Like when we import the same pilot model for FS strikecrafts?

I would argue this for Lore merits: it's easier to work from existing designs and adapting them to different models that eventually turn into new types of ship: i.e. Hornet and Superhornet. So a series of models could use a unified cockpit/UI layout while differentiating exterior designs but a similar layout for innards. In idiot speak, keep the innards the same and have twenty million paint jobs.

[MatthTheGeek]

Yeah, that doesn't really sound adapted to a smooth FS-to-SC conversion process.

[Mikes]

I doubt gameplay would work at all without at least a working modelled cockpit that your character can go in and out of. Too many gameplay mechanics seem to rely on that. And this is already making ship conversion a whole larger pain in the ass than necessary.

Wouldn't we be able to slap a generic modelled cockpit on every new ship? Like when we import the same pilot model for FS strikecrafts?

I would argue this for Lore merits: it's easier to work from existing designs and adapting them to different models that eventually turn into new types of ship: i.e. Hornet and Superhornet. So a series of models could use a unified cockpit/UI layout while differentiating exterior designs but a similar layout for innards. In idiot speak, keep the innards the same and have twenty million paint jobs.

Or you simply ignore the innards and go with the traditional HUD only approach ala Freespace, when you make a total conversion.

Don't take me wrong... I absolutely love the amount of detail and the ability to actually see the insides of your ships that SC offers.... but that doesn't mean every mod/total conversion has to adhere to it.

[Patriot]

The only reason to adhere to that is if you want your ship models to be an official part of the in-game universe.

an FS mod's aim would want to avert that, as FS and SC are not the same universe, as far as i've read into it anyways(which is not a whole lot, i admit)

[Luis Dias]

It would be really cool to see a swarm of Sathanases killing off everything in SC's universe, and everyone around was like "WTF?!??!"

[MatthTheGeek]

Well, if someone makes a server based around the FS2 events...

[Patriot]

 

https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/citizens/13163-Fan-Spotlight-Fan-Ship-Designs

Anyone seen this?
I really like the 4th ship, 2nd ship is pretty cool too

[MatthTheGeek]

Yes, I've seen this. If that's the best the RSI fans can do, they're gonna be blown out the water when we start converting some of the fan made stuff from here. This selection is pretty underwhelming...

[Dragon]

Get Steve-O to show them his stuff.

[Commander Zane]

If that's the best the RSI fans can do...

It isn't. Some models and concept drawings are very well done, particularly those made by Hazz and Henry H. Pashkov (Strannik). Evolution pulled off a pretty good transport as well.
Admittedly, the number of good fan-made works in the modding forum is extremely low when compared to the total number of threads.

[MatthTheGeek]

As a follow up to the conversation from there...

I very much feel like the persistent universe part of SC has been overselled somewhat. It makes sense, as it is what attracts most people.

However, a AAA-grade 50+ missions coop-capable SP campaign is nothing to be ashamed of. Obviously, as with everything regarding SC, this is assuming it lives up to expectations. Quantity doesn't necessarily mean quality.

If it ships with a good mission editor, this could however become very interesting...

[Nakura]

Discussing this on IRC right now, I will totally be donating to this when I'm not so strapped for cash!

[Spoon]

I'm calling it, the majority of the 50+ missions are going to be patrol missions.

[X3N0-Life-Form]

Don't forget the escort mission every 5 missions, and the assault mission every 8 missions.