Nebulae - Like to See Them

Maybe with the editor...

from GalCiv2 Forums
I have a suggestion for an addition to this great game.

Nebulas.

Like un-pathable areas, where you can not fly through. IE: Pathing blockers.

Maybe an option on galaxy create to choose how many are randomly placed on a map.

I would mainly like to see them for use in the map editor (whenever it becomes available).
That way i could make "secure" sectors with "crunch" or "squeeze" points. One way in and one way out etc...

I think that would add yet another something thats positive to this awesome game.

Just my thoughts
8,298 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I also would like to see nabulas added to the game, but I do not want them impassable, I would prefer if they just affected things like shields and sensors. Asteriod fields would be cool as obstacles.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Hi Rogue,

Link

this is a thread I started a little while ago on exactly the same topic and some thoughts on it.
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The typical scifi game 'nebula' that jams shields or affects sensors is simply ridiculous. Nebulas are extremely diffuse and usually un-energetic - how they'd interfere with the technology of a starfaring civilisation is beyond me. Games like Armada, with their 'healing' nebulas and 'fast travel' nebulas are NOT a source for inspiration.

Wanting a game of galactic conquest with 'terrian' is counter-intuitive: space is a big open arena. Thats it: the shape of the terrain is determined by star placement and the location of resources, not clouds of diffuse gas.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Wouldn't nebulae thick enough block sensors? As in, wouldn't the photons from one side of a nebula be screwed up enough by the time they get to the other side to have rendered the information useless? Like trying to peice together an image that is half missing?

Or do nebulae generally not get thick enough to block enough light?

Still, it would be a nice feature, an extra dimension to tactics. Might also be fun to make it that planets/suns sensors.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The game provides you with real-time (well, real time-ish) updates on enemy ship movements. This would be impossible for light-based sensors, as it'd take years for the signal to travel both ways. I simply assumed they used some scifi-ish FTL sensor, thus removing the issue. Nebulae are extremely diffuse, and are only visible because they're often thousands of lightyears across.

I guess nebulae could be fudged to be some kind of 'rough terrain' if they were for some reason dangerous to enter. Having a large nebula - perhaps covering 15-20% of the map - would look nice (especially in 3D) but I'm not sure what role it would serve.
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Hi Pnakotus, I understand where your coming from, but I think sometimes realism should move to second spot relative to gameplay with features like this. Im not saying we should make up and incorporate things that are completely false or counter intuitive, but sometimees spicing up or exagerating phenomenon to add that little bit more depth I believe can be a good idea.

If you think about it other features (such as black holes possibly) can be added to the game to add another layer of strategy. If you ever watch some of the trekkies and other sci fi series, there are many concepts that arnt true and yet I think they add much more to the drama. Its entertainment after all..