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Thruster Update or Revamp
My suggestion is to convert Thuster systems and mechanics to operate like that of a weapon. In particular, the cannon.
This would require having thrust or thruster computers that have groups of thrusters linked the same way we link weapons modules.
You could even use the same directional control built into cannons, where you rotate the computer appropriately.
However, I would prefer the module to control orientation, than the computer so that you can place the computer into your ship interior however you want.
On that note, an animated texture for the computer screen would be cool. Either simple animation or one that has active feedback on system status, function and current operation.
The existing thruster block would then become a thrust or thruster module.
This thrust module would perform like or similar to a cannon module where the pulse causes a recoil that ultimately provides momentum or movement.
Naturally, the thrust projectile or partical(s) would have a shorter life and calculated distance than a cannon projectile, but a higher recoil than a cannon.
Perhaps have the thruster partical(s) trajectory be a focal point relating to adjacent thruster modules, so you get a type of plumage and difusion point. What I mean by defusion point is, where the particals life/timeout begins so it fades out.
The focal point could change depending on the radius or total number of thrust modules in the group, so you can have larger and longer trails or plumes.
Something else to note is, using the weapons mechanic would turn the thruster exhaust/plume into something lethal and damaging.
So, thought would be required when building landing platforms, hangers, taking off and flying.
Not to mention, standing behind a thruster would be lethal to an astronaught, flora or forna. So care must be taking.
Thrusters could be used as a simple weapon in this instance, as would a real thruster should that be all you have.
Take the toasting of the hybrid in "The Expanse".
Differentiation between Main and Manauvering thrusters could now be possible.
Where you could activate/deactivate thrust group computers with logic or key combos, so you can switch between manauvering and flat out propulsion.
For this to work I suggest Thruster Groups be assigned to the existing directional controls somehow, e.g. W-S forward/reverse, A-D strafe left/right, etc. This is so the appropriate thrust modules only, fire when those directional controls are activated or used. Set at the computer perhaps, like we do with the BobbyAI.
Example, if I press 'W' key, only the thrusters used for forward momentum activate. All other thrusters stay dead/inactive.
The caveat is, you will now require reverse thrusters. Which is logical, and to rapidly reverse thrust you would need to rotate the ship to use the main thrusters.
This control mechanism would also allow for thrusters to continue being used for decoration and not kill crew should they be used internally.
I believe this conversion should not be too difficult now that weapons have a recoil, because we are simply making a new kind of cannon with a modified recoil, projectile TTL distance and focal point. I don't know how difficult engineering the new computer and controls would be though. So I apologise for making any undue assumptions.
My suggestion is to convert Thuster systems and mechanics to operate like that of a weapon. In particular, the cannon.
This would require having thrust or thruster computers that have groups of thrusters linked the same way we link weapons modules.
You could even use the same directional control built into cannons, where you rotate the computer appropriately.
However, I would prefer the module to control orientation, than the computer so that you can place the computer into your ship interior however you want.
On that note, an animated texture for the computer screen would be cool. Either simple animation or one that has active feedback on system status, function and current operation.
The existing thruster block would then become a thrust or thruster module.
This thrust module would perform like or similar to a cannon module where the pulse causes a recoil that ultimately provides momentum or movement.
Naturally, the thrust projectile or partical(s) would have a shorter life and calculated distance than a cannon projectile, but a higher recoil than a cannon.
Perhaps have the thruster partical(s) trajectory be a focal point relating to adjacent thruster modules, so you get a type of plumage and difusion point. What I mean by defusion point is, where the particals life/timeout begins so it fades out.
The focal point could change depending on the radius or total number of thrust modules in the group, so you can have larger and longer trails or plumes.
Something else to note is, using the weapons mechanic would turn the thruster exhaust/plume into something lethal and damaging.
So, thought would be required when building landing platforms, hangers, taking off and flying.
Not to mention, standing behind a thruster would be lethal to an astronaught, flora or forna. So care must be taking.
Thrusters could be used as a simple weapon in this instance, as would a real thruster should that be all you have.
Take the toasting of the hybrid in "The Expanse".
Differentiation between Main and Manauvering thrusters could now be possible.
Where you could activate/deactivate thrust group computers with logic or key combos, so you can switch between manauvering and flat out propulsion.
For this to work I suggest Thruster Groups be assigned to the existing directional controls somehow, e.g. W-S forward/reverse, A-D strafe left/right, etc. This is so the appropriate thrust modules only, fire when those directional controls are activated or used. Set at the computer perhaps, like we do with the BobbyAI.
Example, if I press 'W' key, only the thrusters used for forward momentum activate. All other thrusters stay dead/inactive.
The caveat is, you will now require reverse thrusters. Which is logical, and to rapidly reverse thrust you would need to rotate the ship to use the main thrusters.
This control mechanism would also allow for thrusters to continue being used for decoration and not kill crew should they be used internally.
I believe this conversion should not be too difficult now that weapons have a recoil, because we are simply making a new kind of cannon with a modified recoil, projectile TTL distance and focal point. I don't know how difficult engineering the new computer and controls would be though. So I apologise for making any undue assumptions.
