I would seriously prefer if basic jump ranges where much less -- averaging around 6-12Ly and not exceeding 20Ly. But then make more use of enhancing individual jump ranges through game-play (such as jumponium and neutron stars).
Admittedly this is not going to happen either.
The reason I prefer this is that not only is space big, but if your normal jump range is more on the order of the separation between stars, then it also has "texture". You can't just plough a roughly straight line -- you have to zig zag, and we can have the concept of well travelled systems, key hubs in commerce and travel, strategic places, etc.
Go back to a basic Sidewinder and see how much fun it was navigating with a 4Ly range! Not to mention discovering planets without a scanner -- flying rings around the orbits looking for a wandering star...
Easier and simple is good in real life. Not sure if its good in a game -- it takes away "achievement".
Admittedly this is not going to happen either.
The reason I prefer this is that not only is space big, but if your normal jump range is more on the order of the separation between stars, then it also has "texture". You can't just plough a roughly straight line -- you have to zig zag, and we can have the concept of well travelled systems, key hubs in commerce and travel, strategic places, etc.
Go back to a basic Sidewinder and see how much fun it was navigating with a 4Ly range! Not to mention discovering planets without a scanner -- flying rings around the orbits looking for a wandering star...
Easier and simple is good in real life. Not sure if its good in a game -- it takes away "achievement".
