Cycrow wrote: ↑Sat, 28. Aug 21, 22:07
some ships in FL do use the docking computer and many use the Jumpdrive. Carriers with Carrier Command Software and Managed ships will make use of the docking computer
Ah, didn't know that. Thanks.
however, allowing all ships to use jumpdrives comes with numerous issues
if all the traders to just jump everywhere, they will be able to move goods much more efficiently, this reduces the chance of the player to be able to trade, as there wont be any trade opportunities, also ships will less likely be killed, which acts as a resource sink. This will limit the ability for the player to sell large production from their factories.
This will also limit piracy for the player, as finding ships flying around, especially in border/pirate sectors will be very limited.
jumpdrives will actually increase the number of docking procedures, because ships will be trying to dock much more often, this will result in more CPU time being taken up.
Too many ships docking from a distance will end up beating the player to any trades that are available.
using both will eliminate the trading game completely
No doubt you've thought about this way too many times that I have, and one of the reasons why this game is so close to my heart is your amazing work. Consider this as my ignorant opinion, and tip of the hat for that to you too, sir:)
That said, maybe it's not the right thread, but it always ends up with balancing or game mechanics issues. I liked an idea, way way back maybe a decade ago, that jumpdrives were XXL size in some of the major mods (like only M1/M2 ships could have used it and required a huge amount of energy) which limits its use and changed the dynamic of the gameplay. The whole gameplay tactics have to be changed as a result of this. Also, maybe jumdrives should be almost prohibitively expensive? But, if the ship has it, it should be able to use it. As for docking computers, I understood the issues that arise, but at least our ship should be able to use it. It's a long time since I've played it, but I think XRM enables the use of docking computers for our ships.
I'm fully aware that this "instantaneous travel" thingy (be that jumpgates, jump beacons, teleportation devices, docking computers) must be hell from a balancing standpoint (not to even mention "suspension of disbelief" issues), but those are the starting premises from the first X game iirc. But, then again, the whole idea of factories all around sectors has no rational sense also (maybe "Expanse" TV series is the latest example of what humans think is "real" in the future). But, we still like it:)
So sorry if I've maybe derailed the thread, just my 2c about all things X, eagerly waiting for this mod;)