Procedurally generated ship variants (no, not no-mans sky level of derp)

[Snarfbuckle]

We have our ships like the Cobra MkIII and AspX but what I would love to see is local differences depending on manufacturing location or local preferences.

Like a local Cobra MkIII "Lave Raider" with slightly more armour but less jump range and only available in Lave, IF you manage to find that model of ship for sale at that time.

Now, slots and weapon mounts are not changed but rather small percentages on their basic stats.
Each increase in a stat would mean another stat would have to suffer and there would be limitations to what stats could be affected.

A change of 5% on one stat would have the other get a negative -5% stat. in the case or Maneuverability it would be +/-1 while the opposite is a flat 10%.

Stats would of course be limited in range and be perhaps 2-5% and in rare cases 5-10%

Speed / Boost: increase in either base speed or boost will have the other attribute suffer
Ship Mass / Maneuverability: A ship with increased maneuverability need better thruster output and will suffer heavier mass
Jump Range / Armour: An increased jump range means a sacrifice in armour plating
Shield Recovery / Shield Recharge: Faster shield recharge or recovery is a tactical tradeoff
Shield Strength / Recovery/Recharge: A more powerful shield will suffer recovery and recharge time
Armour / Hull Mass: More armour will weight more and make your ship heavier

 

[Robert Maynard]

Adding this, in addition to Engineers, would create another treasure hunt for players seeking the optimal build (for whatever purpose).

 

[CMDR Cosmic Spacehead]

Basically, varying models of the same line of ship?

We've talked about "faction edition" of ships before.
In theory, it should be easy to implement. No new models or textures required. (Though it would be nice to have faction colours, maybe they could come with a fixed kit set up?).

Then each faction can have a few random stats increased and decreased.
A clever system would be, that factions apply these stats to all ships brought from their stations.
So say, Sirius Corporation (I'm docked here!) Could apply a general buff to say, +5-10% jump range, and nerf to, I dunno, top speed, -5-10%, to any ship you buy from them.
But, because some people won't like it what they end up with, most factions just sell the default version.
You would have to hunt down to faction editions.

Or just have the entire system a bit random, and when you look at the shipyard, other variants show up, like
Python > Sirius Corp Python > Sirius Free Python, etc. Each with their own set of stats.

 

[samuelb]

I agree this game needs something to give people motivation in order to participate in the BGS in a meaningful way.

Whether it is faction specific ships with benefits or uber modules a la Powerplay.

Not sure ships are the answer, but we need something.

 

[VR StarLightPL]

Repped you somewhere else, OP. Have a virtual +1 from me.

It would be great if BGS influenced shipyards and other station services in a meaningful way, for example unlocking some modules or other local perks.

 

[Snarfbuckle]

Basically, varying models of the same line of ship?

We've talked about "faction edition" of ships before.
In theory, it should be easy to implement. No new models or textures required. (Though it would be nice to have faction colours, maybe they could come with a fixed kit set up?).

Then each faction can have a few random stats increased and decreased.
A clever system would be, that factions apply these stats to all ships brought from their stations.
So say, Sirius Corporation (I'm docked here!) Could apply a general buff to say, +5-10% jump range, and nerf to, I dunno, top speed, -5-10%, to any ship you buy from them.
But, because some people won't like it what they end up with, most factions just sell the default version.
You would have to hunt down to faction editions.

Or just have the entire system a bit random, and when you look at the shipyard, other variants show up, like
Python > Sirius Corp Python > Sirius Free Python, etc. Each with their own set of stats.

Yup, something like that.

It could even mean that we might actually need to have a reputation with some minor factions in order to gain access to their kind of ships.

And each kind of corporation and faction might specialize in different kind of ships and modules.

Sirius Corporation pulse lasers might have a 5% lower distributor draw on S3 power distributors.

Lave Mining inc. might have mining lasers having a lower heat generation than other corporations.

Basically creating BRANDS of manufacturers and MODELS.

Sure, Lakon might have created the Asp but the SOL manufactured Asp model "E" economy version might have a better fuel economy but suffer from lower max speed.