Currently, from my own experience, I found that turrets are actually quite awkward to control, and get information from.
All we know is that they're firing, but in most cases, we don't actually know what they're firing at, or the status of the target, unless it's the only target.
So, while I don't have an exact idea for a good UI, I was just gonna throw up some suggestions, and see what you think.
Idea 1)
Turret Cameras. (Suggested alot!)
Maybe PiPs(Picture in Picture), or full screen. Could be represented using the orange hologram system. Obviously some ships may have too many turrets to use this method.
Could be selectable via modules tab.
Idea 2)
Tactical Hologram.
Think I-Wars tactical camera, then think better! Semi Transparent Hologram centered on your ship, with all targets represented too.
Probably a full screen interface.
Maybe more in common with RTS style. Kinda like homeworld, only moving is still done using main control input. Zoom distance would be based on sensor range, and the only downsides are silent running ships wouldn't show up, and you wouldn't be able to see in front of you when looking any other way.
If you've not seen or played Infograms 1997 game, Independence War. Here's a link to a video of the gameplay. Around the 3min mark is the tactical mode.
https://youtu.be/e7BNFURTgGs
You should also look up the intro video, it's one of the best ones for a space game ever! And 15 minutes long. Lol
Idea 3)
Simple Text Based.
Simply have the name of the target under each turret on the HUD. With a symbol if they're firing chaffs, and maybe a very basic shield and hull readout.
Numbers could be assigned(or auto assigned) to turreted weapons, and then ships on the contact list and/or radar under fire from one of your turrets, would have the corresponding number tagged to them.
Thoughts?
Just some ideas to make big slow ships utilising turrets more involved than just staring in front of you waiting for stuff to [not] die.
Feel free to suggest more!
All we know is that they're firing, but in most cases, we don't actually know what they're firing at, or the status of the target, unless it's the only target.
So, while I don't have an exact idea for a good UI, I was just gonna throw up some suggestions, and see what you think.
Idea 1)
Turret Cameras. (Suggested alot!)
Maybe PiPs(Picture in Picture), or full screen. Could be represented using the orange hologram system. Obviously some ships may have too many turrets to use this method.
Could be selectable via modules tab.
Idea 2)
Tactical Hologram.
Think I-Wars tactical camera, then think better! Semi Transparent Hologram centered on your ship, with all targets represented too.
Probably a full screen interface.
Maybe more in common with RTS style. Kinda like homeworld, only moving is still done using main control input. Zoom distance would be based on sensor range, and the only downsides are silent running ships wouldn't show up, and you wouldn't be able to see in front of you when looking any other way.
If you've not seen or played Infograms 1997 game, Independence War. Here's a link to a video of the gameplay. Around the 3min mark is the tactical mode.
https://youtu.be/e7BNFURTgGs
You should also look up the intro video, it's one of the best ones for a space game ever! And 15 minutes long. Lol
Idea 3)
Simple Text Based.
Simply have the name of the target under each turret on the HUD. With a symbol if they're firing chaffs, and maybe a very basic shield and hull readout.
Numbers could be assigned(or auto assigned) to turreted weapons, and then ships on the contact list and/or radar under fire from one of your turrets, would have the corresponding number tagged to them.
Thoughts?
Just some ideas to make big slow ships utilising turrets more involved than just staring in front of you waiting for stuff to [not] die.
Feel free to suggest more!
