[Mobius]

I was wondering if creating a special skybox for simulated missions would be a good idea. A skybox full of grids, at least at the center, to represent a briefing/FRED like effect, would be very nice and hopefully easy to create. Other than that, an animated map serving as background would be very nice. Overall, the effect should be a very good one.

Since it's fairly doable, is the FSU team going to consider the idea? 

[Galemp]

I wanna see this too! It's absurdly easy to do: just make a sphere, then make a black texture with a gray border, and UV map by face (with a 3x or 4x tiling factor.)

I've never used skyboxes before though so I've no idea how to actually use it in game.

[Droid803]

I was thinking more of...green grids.
Like what you see for Jump Nodes.
But yes, this would make simulations really look simulated.

[IceFire]

But when you are in training missions, you are in real space and using real weapons, so it doesn't make too much sense. For example, those drones you blow up are supposed to be real training materials. It is not a virtual simulation.

Why then at the beginning does it say Training Simulator Module TSM....blah blah blah

[Herra Tohtori]

But when you are in training missions, you are in real space and using real weapons, so it doesn't make too much sense. For example, those drones you blow up are supposed to be real training materials. It is not a virtual simulation.

 

Welcome to training simulator module TSM-103c, Class C qualification for the Myrmidon space superiority fighter. This module has been designed to acquaint pilots with basic targeting, throttle, and weapons systems.

TSM units are approved for use as part of the GTVA combat training program or as a review for qualified pilots. The TSM series is not intended as a substitute for actual field training.

...curses, too slow.

[SypheDMar]

Even if it is virtual reality, the point of that is to look like real space, making the gridlines pointless.

[Galemp]

Was it FS1 or FS2 that had the cargo container jump in by itself?

[ssmit132]

FS1. I know for a fact because I played the demo so much before I got it proper.

Now destroy C-01A.

[Mobius]

But when you are in training missions, you are in real space and using real weapons, so it doesn't make too much sense. For example, those drones you blow up are supposed to be real training materials. It is not a virtual simulation.

As the others said TSM modules are simulated missions. Although pure field training wouldn't require a simulated skybox TSM modules would. They'd be a very nice addition, IMO...

[SypheDMar]

FS1 takes place in real space. FS2 says that they take place in a simulation, but I'm sure a simulation is meant to look as real as possible. For example, in a Driver's Ed. class, when you're using a computer simulation, they make the environment look realistic. Imagine how useful (or more useless) the class would be if there was no weather, sunlight, and that off-road drives exactly the same as on-road. I'd assume the concept applies to FreeSpace as well. After all, [V] didn't change the background. I agree they'd could be nice outside of the main campaigns, but they don't really in it.

[Ziame]

Well, actually, the idea isn't bad, it would look cool... yet here we are at the boiling point:

REALISM
or
EYECANDY
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[Darklord42]

I vote eyecandy! 

Seriously there is nothing to say that It couldn't be in there and quite frankly  I feel it would certianly add to the overall atmosphere of the game.  Besides it would be nice effect to use in various other mods.

[SypheDMar]

quite frankly  I feel it would certainly add to the overall atmosphere of the game.

I would think that adding grid lines in a training simulation would kill the seriousness of the game. And grid lines making games look pretty sounds pretty paradoxical.

By the way, the question shouldn't even be about eye candy or realism. Make a new skybox if you want. Just don't put it in as an upgrade.

EDIT: I just realized that this is in the FSU board and not the Mod. If the point is to add the skybox in the mediavps, then I must object.

[Mobius]

I would think that adding grid lines in a training simulation would kill the seriousness of the game. And grid lines making games look pretty sounds pretty paradoxical.

By the way, the question shouldn't even be about eye candy or realism. Make a new skybox if you want. Just don't put it in as an upgrade.

So, according to you, FRED's grid is not pretty?

Please keep in mind that we're discussing a skybox here, not a whole new set of modified ships that should be used in simulated missions. All ships and effects will remain the same...it's the environment that will change. Also, I don't see why a simulated skybox wouldn't make use of nebulae, thus reducing the differences to the lack of stars(replaced by tech stuff of some sort) and the presence of a grid.


Also, if we really have to put it to a Eyecandy Vs. Realism issue, it's much more realistic to have the feeling of a simulation in a... simulation. would have liked the idea, I guess...

[Snail]

I'd like to see this also.

The grid could be used in terms of recording data or something. It could be used to help people analyze your simulation. Or some other technobabble.

[Mobius]

Well I consider the grid a good choice because it would remind briefings and command briefing anis(the ones showing parts of the starmap) for a more FS-ish effect...

[General Battuta]

I like the idea -- yes, the TSMs in FS2 are definitely in virtual reality -- but it should be restricted to mods.

Think about it. This is many new players' first exposure to Freespace graphics and atmosphere. We want it to be dazzling, and that means nebula/starfield backgrounds.

Also consider all the people using FSOpen for the first time after having played Freespace before who'd come rushing in to report 'background bugs' involving an odd green mesh.

[Mobius]

Quite frankly, I don't understand why the should react this way unless they completely miss the point in dealing with simulated missions.

When I first played simulated training missions and then moved to the real thing, I wondered what the differences really were in terms of environment. There are high tech levels in FS, high enough to have "perfect" simulated missions, but well... please bear in mind that even during the FS era drone AIs aren't smart enough to compete with human pilots, ergo the presence of a special skybox would be justified.

[General Battuta]

There are high tech levels in FS, high enough to have "perfect" simulated missions, but well...

...please bear in mind that even during the FS era drone AIs aren't smart enough to compete with human pilots, ergo the presence of a special skybox would be justified.

I don't see the connection.

Anyway, I think this is the kind of broad aesthetic alteration best left to mods. Dickering around with the retail campaigns is a dangerous business.

My first memory of Freespace is of being struck by the beauty of the nebulae during the training missions. I think it's a powerful sight and a statement of the game's aesthetic.

[Galemp]

NO! Launcher flags BAD.

IMO it's controversial enough that it could just be implemented in a separate VP, with the modified mission files, that can be dropped in to your MediaVPs directory if you want it. Like the radar icons.