Proposal Discussion What if Elite: Dangerous was like this?

[fourty6to3]

Ahoy there, mateys.

So, a while ago I saw some footage of a game called Enemy Starfighter and thought its sound design was spectacular (muffled sounds and whatnot). Recently I got to thinking, what would Elite: Dangerous be like if we added some immersion enhancing elements like a helmet and self contained breathing apparatus? What about fogging up your visor?

Well here is a concept that I put together (1:28):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whDv5EHUqjc

So the question I pose is this:

How would you like it if Elite: Dangerous had elements such as the above? Perhaps the ship audio system could be damaged and you would hear muffled sounds, or maybe some of the smaller ships require you to wear your own breathing apparatus?

Edit:

To be clear, something like that already exists in Elite: Dangerous - which can be seen here:
http://youtu.be/h1j5372Gkbw?t=3m56s

The proposal is more for smaller fighter type ships that might not otherwise be big enough to have it's own integrated life support systems and atmosphere. One of the reasons for the proposal is, currently, the two ships that you can fly (Cobra and Sidewinder) feel exactly the same. Same UI, almost the same cockpit, etc.

 

[GMcA]

Sorry but I'd prefer ED craved it's own path, and didn't try to emulate someone elses ideas. If I want a game like Enemy Starfighter, I will play Enemy Starfighter... :S

 

[Jason S]

On the video it sort of looks cool, however we loose enough space view already with the cockpit and the breathing would annoy me after a while, so although an interesting idea, on balance I would say prefer not, or if it was done should be able to turn it off.

 

[Hellhawk666]

It's distracting for me rather than immersive, plus there is already a "helmet" in ED, you just don't see it normally as it doesn't activate unless the cockpit is breached. When it appears it is completely transparent apart from some "seams" at the side where it folds down. There is artwork for this in some of the older updates, I believe.

Nice mockup, however - good job

 

[Tarek]

It's distracting for me rather than immersive, plus there is already a "helmet" in ED, you just don't see it normally as it doesn't activate unless the cockpit is breached. When it appears it is completely transparent apart from some "seams" at the side where it folds down. There is artwork for this in some of the older updates, I believe.

Nice mockup, however - good job

Just turn the life system of your ship off.

 

[fireFly1000]

Why would you wear a helmet all the time when ship cockpit has a breathable atmosphere?
The breathing makes me think of Darth Vader.

 

[Daeron]

Why would you wear a helmet all the time when ship cockpit has a breathable atmosphere?
The breathing makes me think of Darth Vader.

Think I will hold my breath for an Emperor simulator instead. Hoods are more comfy.

 

[Kerrash]

Trust me, with the Rift on my face and the Remlok active; it already feels like this.

 

[Bob_H]

Enemy Starfighter is what it is. ED also is what it is. Trying to shoe-horn ideas from one game into the design of another is never a good plan. The screen fades are supposed to be G induced black outs, I presume. While very realistic it gets in the way of the gameplay. Exactly the same reasons why the default flight model is not full newtonian and there is a speed limit in ED.

If you're trying to see if this concept would work for your own current or future game design then that's great and I can see it adding immersion into a game where the UI is specifically designed around the use of a helmet in a VR environment. Unfortunately the ED UI is designed around a pseudo 3D cockpit environment for display on a 2D screen with a person sitting in that cockpit with VR compatibility to allow looking around the cockpit: as such, the two concepts are realistically incompatible.

Good demo, good idea but for another game.

Edit: I haven't voted as you missed out the 'I like the idea but not in Elite' option.

 

[Patrick_68000]

You work for Facebook ?

 

[Toumal]

Elite rationalizes sound in cockpit with a system that generates that sound. I dunno if you're in the Alpha, but if you're not: The cockpit canopy can actually be destroyed, causing the air to be sucked out and then all you hear is your breathing and some muffled noises. You wear an emergency space helmet that just inflates over your head when this happens. FD have posted concept art about this way back, and the gameplay mechanics and sound design are already implemented in ED.

And they are frigging amazing, let me tell you that. That canopy breaking the first time I wore the Oculus Rift... it was really a breathtaking experience for me

So in essence, I guess you could say that ED already has this, even though it's a bit different.

 

[Pyros]

Very good job OP!

But, as referred it wouldn't make much sense considering ED cockpit & ship design.

Not saying that EVA or some special ships (e.g. really small, cold ships with no hyperdrive or life support spcialized in stealth activities).

 

[KING5TON]

Just buy a cheap motorcycle helmet from a car boot sale. Play with that on and it'll be even more immersive

 

[fourty6to3]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm really surprised to see the result of the poll as negative as it is considering that if this were a FPS like Metro: Last Light the proposition would be heralded as a feature, making things more immersive and intense (there's even a button to wipe fog/goo off your mask).

I believe Star Citizen is also going to do something like the mock-up that I made, so it would be interesting to see FD's opinion on this and whether or not they have plans on taking it further than they already have, as described in the OP.

 

[GMcA]

considering that if this were a FPS like Metro: Last Light the proposition would be heralded as a feature,

It's not an FPS.

FD's opinion can be seen an the Alpha with the direction they are taking.

 

[fourty6to3]

It's not an FPS.

FD's opinion can be seen an the Alpha with the direction they are taking.

I take it you wont be getting the planetside, ship boarding, and eva expansion then? The current Alpha is not representative of the final game, we haven't seen 'nuthin yet.

 

[Globusdiablo]

I like your idea. But not for Elite. Can't really argue why for some reason... :S

 

[Globusdiablo]

Just buy a cheap motorcycle helmet from a car boot sale. Play with that on and it'll be even more immersive

Or maybe a diving mask and snorkel?.. Should help with that "Vader Vibe"...

Don't think fins will be necessary...

Maybe a wet suit for that pressure/restraint feeling?

 

[Stachel]

Nice ideas. Personally I think they should have just copied the Autosense concept from Phil Sibbering's 'really grim dark 40k' concepts: http://www.philipsibbering.com/wh40k/10-03-marine-tactical-gear.shtml I think the Autosense tech fits nicely with VR peripherals too ie. you become one with the machine when you put your headset on. Everything you see and hear is digital and 'artifical instinct', 'communion' and 'persistence of spirit' are way cool concepts and make a lot of sense from a far future tech pov.

The 'windows' in ships then would be far more easy to explain. Likewise the use of more advanced and expensive technology in more advanced and more recent iterations ie. mitigating g-forces by using fluid suspension etc.

 

[GMcA]

I take it you wont be getting the planetside, ship boarding, and eva expansion then? The current Alpha is not representative of the final game, we haven't seen 'nuthin yet.

Getting is one thing, using is another... if some people get there way it will be minecraft with ships.

But we will see...