TrueSpace for Sins, is a new method of map generation for both solo and multiplayer games. It is both a set of randomly-generated maps to use for games, and a standardized method by which people can create their own TrueSpace galaxies with little effort.

TrueSpace creates much more realistic galaxies than the default method that came with the game, and can be used with Sins Plus by Uzii for some pretty varied and amazing results. It uses a very specific and logical method to generate Star systems, what can be found in them (and where), and how the galaxy is laid out for players.

One of the fundamentals to TrueSpace is that each player starts in their own star system (much like Humans started in our own), and branch out into the galaxy to wage war and meet other races via interstellar travel.

Features that have been built into TrueSpace are:

• Planetary bodies found where you would expect them to be: Volcanic are close to the sun, Desert just beyond volcanic, Terran and other habitables are in the green belt, Ice are near the outer edges of the system, etc. TrueSpace uses a real "rings" system with the random generator for placing all planets.

• Realistic numbers of planets and planetary types in each system. You won't ever find a system with 100 planets, or one with 10 total of which five are Terran. Most systems have between 9 and 16 planets/asteroids/other.

• Balanced numbers of rare or valuable planets: even with Sins Plus, you only have a 50% chance of finding a Gas Giant (for example) in your system, and even then you would only see one.

• All player (and AI) starting Home planets are also in the system's green belt (middle ranges), not on the outside edges.

• The "starter planet" near the player's home Terran planet has been removed, due to disrupting the natural layout of a solar system. Each player (or AI) has a nearby asteroid to begin with, and has to explore or fight for the rest.

• All inhabited star systems are defensible, due to a low number of possible jumps from each star (1-3) on average.

• Dead star systems, with remnants of asteroids, asteroid belts, and other assorted junk. These can be total junkyards with hardly any metal, or be bountiful resources to fight over.

• Chaotic "portal" star systems, with plentiful plasma storms, magnetic clouds, and random Wormholes. The wormholes lead only to other portal systems, ensuring a tactical advantage to those who use them, not a surprise attack into another player's system.

• A slightly boosted level of both planetary bonuses (from 40% to 60%), and artifacts (from 15% to 25%).

• Pirates have been moved to where you would expect to find them: on the outskirts of each system. There is also a version of the maps with pirates disabled.

• Different versions of TrueSpace maps can have different planet densities to satisfy player tastes. There are low-density systems, normal-density systems, and high-density systems. Expect to find more or less planets in each type accordingly.

• TrueSpace maps can be used with both Single Player and Multiplayer games.

• Compatibility with Sins Plus from -Uzii- means more planetary types and bonuses throughout the galaxy.

• Works with any mod. If the mod adds more planetary types, they will have to be added to the galaxy (map) file by hand, unless the types are from Sins Plus.

I've been working with feedback from Uzii on the system/maps, and will be relasing the initial package with both vanilla Sins and Sins Plus versions. Questions/comments/feedback are welcome. I'll try to keep this post updated with new information as the project progresses. If people would like screenshots of some TrueSpace galaxies, star systems, etc I would be glad to post them, just drop a comment requesting it.

As a sidenote - I took the liberty of actually playing one of my early TrueSpace maps that had 5 other AI opponents set on Fast gameplay mode. It was a very enlightening experience that led to some tweaks and balances I wouldn't otherwise have considered. And it was a very challenging game which lasted longer than I would have expected due to the difficulty level involved with TrueSpace and the inherent logistics of multiple star systems.

I haven't set an ETA yet on the map files, or on a documented system of how to build your own TrueSpace galaxies, but I would guesstimate within a week or so I can have it ready for public use.