It would be funny, but not quite realistic...we have the technology to make better space sims now (as indicated by the fact that we're playing one - or will be when it's finished!
), so why, in the future, would we suddenly have to revert to wire frame graphics and 8 bit sound?
Because it would be fun.
Additionally, since somebody already proposed having an option for Elite-like wireframe graphics, that would be catching two pigeons with one bean: we'd have an option for nostalgic gameplay
and a simulator for practicing without risk, both justified in-universe.
In my proposal I wouldn't go to such an extent that Wing Commander did, but I think the “simulated simulator” should be an inferior experience both for the retro/fun factor and to encourage the pilots to fly the “real” (i.e. simulated only once) thing.
The simulated ship should handle just like a Sidewinder (so that the training would be valuable), but the graphics should be flatter, have less lighting effects, perhaps a lower polygon count, the music should be more “gamish” and less epic, and a score system would be cool too, to complete the feel of a game within a game: that would possibly create an additional retro-styled level of competition (i.e. not just the Elite rating, but also the plain old high score).
Although I would like a training simulator mode too, at least for a tutorial, if nothing else. It would be nice if those of us who can't afford to join the alpha can practice the game by ourselves, and get the hang of the basics, before exposing our noobiness to the online world.
That's my main worry too: I like games that require skill, but I know that no matter how much skill I manage to acquire, someone out there is going to destroy me in seconds. The simulator would be a place both for practicing for having a chance of survival, and for playing with less psychological pressure.
On second thought, the in-universe tutorial/game could also reward the player with XP points or achievements for cool maneuvers, fast kills and the like, in order to give the pilot a sense of how good he's doing and ultimately his chances of survival in the Big Merciless Galaxy.
