What features from the DDA would make release acceptable for you?

[FreeburnSage]

I'm relatively new here, and have been enjoying the game so far, even though I haven't been able to play it much between work and life and whatnot, but it's quite clear that this is not a finished product, and nowhere near it. After picking my jaw up off the floor after reading the DDA and what FD have planned for this game, and noticing the large amount of negativity floating around the forums, it's got me wondering just what people want from this game.

So my question is what the title states: Out of the DDA features that haven't been implemented yet, which would make the game "acceptable" for you at launch.

Personally, I'd have to say the persistent NPCs and the background simulation. It's quite clear that neither of these are in the game, as USSs are just random encounters only you see (I believe I read that somewhere), conflict zones are static, politics never change, etc, but with these two features in, the game will really open up, for me at least. To see my actions, and the actions of my fellow commanders, and even the actions of NPCs be felt through the galaxy and to watch the galaxy develop, and then even be able to communicate to some of the NPCs about it, would make this game complete to me. Everything else from there is just extra.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Toscaner]

we will get the dynamic events and background simulation with the release

i see the release as the point where the game fundament is good enough to have no more wipes and not the end of development

 

[Reject]

I hope Mr Toscaner is right; other than dynamic events and background simulation, I would hope that there is some kind of multiplayer feature available as well (co-op missions etc).

If they can only get that it for release, I think it will please most people. Else, the game is just a skeleton...

 

[Hamerstein]

Agree with Toscaner, the galaxy has to feel lived in. If things don't change (even if they need massive input to effect) then I'd feel disassociated, fortunately I'm of the opinion that this dynamic is in no danger of vanishing down the worm-hole.

 

[Jackie Silver]

Substantially complete ship list.
Substantially complete astronomical features and substantially open galaxy.
Background simulation including proper faction interactions.

Most importantly, though: heavy ongoing support and development. If ships and simulation are added over time and FD (heh) keep their promise to keep working on the game, I don't care if the official release becomes a drawn-out gamma.
I have no problem with following a game in extended development - Dwarf Fortress and Kerbal Space Program, for instance.

With my (bad) programmer's hat on, the faction interaction and mission stuff should be the easiest thing to develop over the long term as it's essentially a giant database.

 

[Toscaner]

Agree with Toscaner, the galaxy has to feel lived in. If things don't change (even if they need massive input to effect) then I'd feel disassociated, fortunately I'm of the opinion that this dynamic is in no danger of vanishing down the worm-hole.

i'm quite positive it will be the main feature to be presented on 22nd

Kerrash said in last weeks stream, they are holding back the dynamic event, because they make no sense in the limited beta-space (and i may add, also for marketing reasons)
and MB said, they dropped solo-offline, because of the dynamic galaxy, which is server-side
so i'd say it's pretty safe to assume - fingers crossed

and i agree, multiplayer features, especially one feature to find your friends in space (at USS or when interdicted) feels kinda necessary - i hope we get that too

 

[Lobstris]

I think for multiplayer the slaved drives and wings are a must otherwise all combat will be scrappy 1-v-1 affairs. Personally, I'd like to see crews and AI wingmen implemented sooner rather than later. And the pilot's log would be nice. As for the rest, more depth and systems complexity in everything (e.g. where are active vs. passive scanners? or fore and aft shield management on large ships? drones for scanning/mining?) can come in the long run.

*Edit* Oh forgot - Comms to NPCs & canned responses, plus systems-wide chat needs to be implemented sooner. (It's not as if spamming the chat window is intrusive at present, as it's usuallu completely out of my line of vision anyway...)

 

[Rubbernuke]

For me the dynamic universe is a given and I expect that on release. Aside from that, I want more detailed subsystems (or more tweaking options) and more polish on the UI as its a little inconsistent.

Plus I want a giant conflict between Eranin and the Feds to be the first 'event' with shifting alliances, blockades and attacks. If FD can do that at some point I would be very happy.

 

[MarkSC]

Pilot's Log!

 

[Zulu Romeo]

Most importantly, though: heavy ongoing support and development. If ships and simulation are added over time and FD (heh) keep their promise to keep working on the game, I don't care if the official release becomes a drawn-out gamma.
I have no problem with following a game in extended development - Dwarf Fortress and Kerbal Space Program, for instance.

This. I mean, even Minecraft keeps adding major new features, and feels like a completely different game compared to full release version 1.0.

 

[Jetman]

I'd be happy to take it as is at this point, with the universe opened up, as long as the connection issues are sorted out (i've been unable to play in open for the duration of Beta 3). Then just enjoy the updates and improvements of continuous development.

 

[Patrick_68000]

All the characteristics of the DDA

 

[WeirdWizard]

For me the absolute cannot live withouts are

NPC Interaction/persistence - In fact I don't think the DDA goes far enough but it would be a damn good start.

Background simulation - That I can actually detect and that interacts with me personally on a meaningful level. I don't want to get lost amongst the chaos of everyone else all the time.

External cams (okay I could live without but it would be a much less enjoyable experience and I have a feeling ED is going to need every little bit is can muster to keep me interested)

Comms - including pre-configured messages and all that player to NPC stuff.


The things I think should have been in before launch (even if that meant delaying launch) but don't expect now.

Crews

Passengers

Exploration - not just point and press.