The problem with making the starting ships out of craftable blocks is that people could then deconstruct their ship, leaving them without a means of personal conveyance. Especially for new players, this might happen when they are just fidgeting around with the controls. That would stink. Also, what happens if you build a wing on to your ship that has no floor and you fall through the floor? Do you fall into space? Do you just hit the bottom of an empty blank screen? There are logistical problems with allowing customization of the ship screen, though I agree Chucklefish ought to find a means of rectifying these difficulties because customization goes hand in hand with procedurally generated game worlds. I suggested something along these lines directly to Tiy. Hopefully it didn't really cheese him off...I worded it in a professional 5-paragraph format (or at least my idea of professional, anyway) instead of just my random thoughts on how to do his game. Well, either he'll add it or he won't. I agree though, this is the way to go: it allows for the smoother, more refined look of the ship that the devs are going for while also allowing players to customize. Edit: In before customized Millennium Falcon ships, amirite?
Honestly, I like the look of ships now and I think I kind of prefer having prebuilt add ons. Customization is awesome, but I don't like the blocky look on ships. Perhaps the base part of the ship should be uneditable? And maybe it can only be edited ON planets and can't be used if there are holes.
I think it would be cool if when you build onto your ship by say adding another engine you could go farther or travel faster. For instance if you get three engines on your ship you can travel to worlds that are extreamly dangerous, but have alot of rare minerals or items. Also if you could add room to your ship you should be able bring npcs up so the space would be useful instead of just there.
maybe if you make hull blocks that have the same features as the stairs do so that way they look like some of the corners of the ship maybe? idk but either way it sounds like fun.
Suggestion: make custom sections require a specific, hard-to-craft item before they can be built. That way most players will use the nice prebuilt ship, but those players who really want a custom hull can pursue it.
I agree with someone that the base model should be uneditable but you add sections onto it. Like adding new wings to a house.
I would have to agree that the pre-made ship and the blocky expansion is not working. Hull blocks sound pretty nifty though~! Or perhaps just ship upgrades?
That's what I was thinking, if block building doesn't work, I'd settle for simple upgrades and/or pre-fab,pre-drawn rooms you can add on any way you please.
Yo Tiy, have you considered the possibility of the player being able to build the whole spaceship from the ground up. That way they are much more personal, which is rather important, as it's like a second home and something you return to often. And you won't have to worry about a style gap between pre-made ships and added parts. Personally, I think this would be great, although I can see some complications, like people not fulfilling the requirements for a spaceship, but that could also be fixed, by giving the player a pre-built ship to start off with. Please take this into consideration, I'd love being able to fully customize my spaceship, just like I'd be able to fully customize my own house.
I agree that the mismatch isn't particularly attractive right now, but I like the general idea. Hull-specific blocks would be the best solution - maintain the style, but allow for customization. Alternatively, ships could be customized using a modular approach, so each module could be a large section of the ship, with a more cohesive art style. Less customization, but more coherence. Also, campsites look really neat. I really can't wait to get my hands on the game!
the idea is great, but it really doesn't look good, yet! and i'm happy that you aren't happy with how it looks in the screenshot and the camps are awesome as well as the fact that we can take a rest there by the way, it would be awesome if the campfire extincts if you forget to put in new wood, or if it rains too heavy !
There's already a ton of messages so I'm sure devs won't see this but might as well try. I really hope you keep the ship building yourself thing in. Even if it looks ugly, it's always really really nice to have the option. Plus, you never know, I'm sure there will be someway people can do this to make it look legit and look good. Maybe you can just never upgrade your ship past the first part, and keep adding blocks forever and ever to everything?
Everything looks great -- but the only thing I really dislike about this game is the not-so-good-looking transition between block textures. Perhaps you aren't done with it? I really hope you change it or add a blurry type of texture between blocks.
Why not leave the blocks the same and have an item that smooths out the bricks to look like the rest of it?
As others stated, perhaps the original shape of the ship has anti-grief measurements similar to a home planet; except there is no owner in this case, making it undeformable. To make a new room though, maybe doors would be allowed to be placed but only when leading to an entirely enclosed area? I think being able to build attachments to your ship would be a great feature to go along with release of derelicts if that becomes a thing I have no idea really. Then, when you ran across an abandoned ship floating in space you could deconstruct for parts. In fact, perhaps there could be unique pieces such as cool looking engines, new walls, hulls, windows, teleport pads or even new ship schematics? Anyways, I like the idea of being able to further customize the ship that, more often than not, you'll be spending a lot of time in.
Honestly I think a good idea for ship expansion would just be using in game currency and buy the expansions. I know this lacks the customization but it may be easier AND allow the ships to look the way the designers/developers wish them to look even fully expanded.
Hull Blocks! I would love to design my own SHIP!!!!!! Ships have the most beautiful backgrounds, windows, and the rounded dome on the Glitch ship would look fantastic in a home of mine!!!
The small progress update makes everyday a little brighter. That and seeing tangible evidence that the game is growing leaps and bounds keeps me hooked. Thanks Chucklefish for all you do!
