- Joined
- Dec 24, 2014
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 5
Lately I have been seeing people bringing up the downsides of the game's current system of factories. These issues include the topic of the complexity and how to contributes to a higher learning curve, thereby scaring away new players. Whilst reading these complaints I happened upon an idea which not only reduces the complexity, but also accomplishes everything the current system does and more.
The new system I propose involves having one single factory computer/block, which can then be linked to a secondary factory block ( Two blocks: Factory Computer, Factory Block). This provides a basis from the already familiar system we used with weapons and utilities. The idea behind this new system is that, like cannons for instance, the more volume of the factory blocks linked to the factory computer, the better its performance.
Tiers of advanced blocks would be 'locked' behind certain volumes of factory blocks. So a simple 1:1 factory computer to factory blocks ratio would be the most simple and least effective factory, and would produce the equivalent to basic factories at a really low rate (1 product per tick) Where a factory computer linked to several blocks would still produce basic tier items, but would produce more per tick (Effectively replacing the factory enhancer blocks). Once you get past a certain threshold of blocks to computer, you will have access to standard tier production. Once you get to this threshold, you can still produce basic in addition to standard, and the amount modifier would reset back to 1 product per tick. The process then repeats until you have an advanced capable factory which then can be built on infinitely to maximize the modifier to the player's liking. Of course power consumption increases with each added block.
This same system can replace the refineries as well.
The Current System:
Pros:
- Progression (Better items locked behind better factories)
- Customizable (Your factories can be as complex and advanced, or as simple as your needs require)
Cons:
- Progression circumventable (It doesn't take long at all to get to advanced, most players build advanced as soon as they build basic)
- Harder to learn for new players (What factory has what block, difficulty getting minor ingredients together for advanced products)
- Adds unnecessary hindrance to large orders and construct processes.
New System:
Pros:
- Progression
- Customizable
- Less complexity
Cons:
- Limits the production modifier (Product per tick) for all 'tiers' lower than advanced (Advanced can be built on to have optimal modifier)
This isn't a take it or leave it suggestion, if you guys like some aspects of this and not others (for example, maybe let's not do away with enhancers) or if perhaps you have ideas to make it even better, we can discuss how to change this system to make it perfect for starmade!
The new system I propose involves having one single factory computer/block, which can then be linked to a secondary factory block ( Two blocks: Factory Computer, Factory Block). This provides a basis from the already familiar system we used with weapons and utilities. The idea behind this new system is that, like cannons for instance, the more volume of the factory blocks linked to the factory computer, the better its performance.
Tiers of advanced blocks would be 'locked' behind certain volumes of factory blocks. So a simple 1:1 factory computer to factory blocks ratio would be the most simple and least effective factory, and would produce the equivalent to basic factories at a really low rate (1 product per tick) Where a factory computer linked to several blocks would still produce basic tier items, but would produce more per tick (Effectively replacing the factory enhancer blocks). Once you get past a certain threshold of blocks to computer, you will have access to standard tier production. Once you get to this threshold, you can still produce basic in addition to standard, and the amount modifier would reset back to 1 product per tick. The process then repeats until you have an advanced capable factory which then can be built on infinitely to maximize the modifier to the player's liking. Of course power consumption increases with each added block.
This same system can replace the refineries as well.
The Current System:
Pros:
- Progression (Better items locked behind better factories)
- Customizable (Your factories can be as complex and advanced, or as simple as your needs require)
Cons:
- Progression circumventable (It doesn't take long at all to get to advanced, most players build advanced as soon as they build basic)
- Harder to learn for new players (What factory has what block, difficulty getting minor ingredients together for advanced products)
- Adds unnecessary hindrance to large orders and construct processes.
New System:
Pros:
- Progression
- Customizable
- Less complexity
Cons:
- Limits the production modifier (Product per tick) for all 'tiers' lower than advanced (Advanced can be built on to have optimal modifier)
This isn't a take it or leave it suggestion, if you guys like some aspects of this and not others (for example, maybe let's not do away with enhancers) or if perhaps you have ideas to make it even better, we can discuss how to change this system to make it perfect for starmade!
